![]() This feather-weight item weighs in at a scant 91g (3.2 oz), the lightest jacket of this review.īreathability in this jacket wasn’t our favorite on the climbs, but it made up for that on the downhills, with an excellent warmth to weight ratio when the temps dropped and the wind picked up. It features an “eco-friendly” C6 DWR coating, an under-the-helmet hood, a two-way YKK front zipper, a single interior envelope style stuff pocket, and elastic cuffs. The Women’s Summit Shell Jacket is Pearl Izumi’s take on a lightweight, windproof, packable jacket for wind and drizzle protection. Pearl Izumi Women's Summit Shell Jacket - $100 USD It has a fitted, yet stylish mountain bike look and feel, and easily compresses enough to fit in just about any small capacity pack or pocket. ![]() It was the fifth lightest out of the eight jackets, coming in just 36g (a dozen pennies) heavier than the ultralight Pearl Izumi option. It ticked all the boxes as far as fit, weight, style, and price point. Overall, I really really liked this jacket. When zipped all the way up, the collar was comfortable, and for those who like under-the-helmet hoods, it is nice to have that extra protection when spring storms roll in. On the downhills, it retained heat well and kept the wind chill at bay. The jacket (91% nylon, 9% spandex) has a full zipper, abrasion panels on the backsides of both sleeves from the elbows down, an under-the-helmet integrated hood, and elastic waist and cuffs.ĭuring test rides, the Trail SWAT was exceptionally breathable on the uphill climbs–there were absolutely zero clammy interior or sweat issues. The Specialized Trail SWAT Jacket is a slim-fitting, breathable, wind-resistant lightweight jacket that includes a DWR water repellent coating, and single SWAT compatible built-in pocket that doubles as a stuff sack. For that reason, occasionally reapplying a DWR to your jacket will maintain breathability as well as continue to help ward off the occasional drizzle. Additionally, most of these jackets also have a DWR to prevent the fabric from saturating with moisture because once the fabric “wets out” the spaces between the threads in the fabric weave become too clogged to allow easy vapor transmission. There are so many variables at play-base layer, humidity, exertion level, not to mention weave type, fabric thickness, and fabric blend-that determining breathability basically boils down to a perception or impression while in use. (Note: most of these options have minimal features as the goal is stuffability and weight savings.)īreathability for this type of lightweight, compressible “just in case” jacket is not something that can easily be determined outside of a lab. Below you will find eight lightweight, stuffable riding jackets (for men and women) that have been tested with a focus on price, weight, fit, and style along with personal impressions on breathability. More importantly, I’ve narrowed down exactly what I find mission-critical when it comes to this stuffable piece of gear that so often comes to the rescue when the mosquitos attack, the winds unexpectedly howl, or it starts hailing. ![]() Because of that, I am very specific about what I have in my pack. But even as the thermometer starts touching the 70s, my ever-expanding wisdom tells me to never leave the house without a lightweight jacket stuffed in my riding pack.Īs the years of riding have ticked by, I’ve found my rides getting longer and further away from civilization. It’s the time of year when I cautiously pack away the Gore-Tex and pull out my short sleeve riding jerseys and shorts. Hello, spring! With the rising temps the winter’s snow has (mostly) melted from all but the higher elevations, opening up trails here in the PNW that have been unrideable since late November. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |