The Ultimate Riding Jacket?

Mine was great for just over a year of near non-stop use, the eVent material was awesome, after that the zips failed and seams started to fall apart. Was still pretty happy with it.

don't size down too much. especially if the difference between S and M is as great as M and L.
it doesn't have traditional shoulder seams. broader shoulders eat in to sleeve length, if that makes sense.

I had a DHB 'Wickham' eVent waterproof jacket nicked out of my parriers a few years ago. Does anyone have one they want rid of (Small) or can suggest something very similar? It was light, packable and really comfy due to the lack of inner-mesh or any pockets/hood.

http://road.cc/content/review/2878-dhb-wickham-event-waterproof-jacket

@Pifko

The Castelli murr isnt much more and will be better quality andis eVent

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/castelli-muur-waterproof-jacket/

Or endura flyte is 3layer
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/endura-flyte-jacket/rp-prod17968

or bontrager storm shell.

@skinny Thanks for the recommendations!

Gore Phantom 2.0 is now my favourite soft shell. I really really rate it.

Went to Sports Direct to try the Karrimor alpiniste (?) e-vent jacket. Online it's £80, which is good value but in-store it was still £149, which aint so great. Sizing – Small was just acceptable in the torso (still looser than ideal) and the arms were still too flappy but short. Also some of the seam taping separated as I took the jacket off. Maybe the newer version/stock is not as good as the last?

I'm still considering it as a jacket to have stashed in the bag on wet days but with brands like Arcteryx you're really paying (a lot) for fit and attention to detail.

Anyone recommending a "cycling"jacket with a hood needs to have a word with themselves

I've got the Altura Vapour - it's super light, seems impervious to any quantity of rain (so far), and has a nice fitted cut for skinny blokes like me.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/altura-vapour-waterproof-jacket/

Re: Karrimor Alpiniste. I've had mine for just over a year, it's seen some pretty rough use when I'm working and isn't showing any signs of fatigue yet. I'm tall and skinny and find the fit (L) ok esp with the velcro at the cuffs that allows you to taper the sleeves quite a lot. Also the hood is helmet compatible (not that I've ever worn it over a helmet) and rolls down giving a nice high collar.

I've got a Rapha wind jacket, which I think really could be the ultimate riding jacket as far as it's comfortable temperature range, waterproofing and fit goes but when the weather is really shitty I take the Karrimor and I'm glad to have it.

Having seen it in sports direct i've got a feeling that the karrimor alpiniste is a rebranded version of the rab bergen (i've got one) and montane ascent so pretty good for £80

@dubtap I prefer commuting in a non cycling specific rain shell, as you can continue wearing it off the bike without looking like a gimp. don't find the hood gets in the way too much, Also if its really bad the hood is big enough to go over my helmet.

Does it not then get in the way when shoulder-checking?

I just wash and go.

They have a new Softshell up as well. Voidcycling.com

Looking to HTFU this winter and actually get out riding rather than just my short commute.

What are people's recommendations for both a soft shell and a packable water proof jacket? I'm thinking teamed with a baselayer and jersey this should cover all eventualities.

Any opinions on the Cadence Pinehurst Wind Jacket? Looks smart but haven't read any reviews. In the sale at the moment with 31% off

http://shop.cadencecollection.com/products/pinehurst-wind-jacket

I have a shimano windbreaker that I really love. Back is not waterproof and only a chest pocket, but not really a con if you commute with a backpack.
60 quid now at CRC, would recommend

that is laaaarvely

Looks great, but was the logo an afterthought?

http://www.merlincycles.com/etxeondo-competition-waterproof-jacket-68987.html?utm_source=Merlin+Cycles&utm_campaign=29c99203f3-MC_Week_3_January_Sale1_13_2015&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_efec82f678-29c99203f3-260798773&mc_cid=29c99203f3&mc_eid=533e284cf0

I've not seen one of these in the flesh yet, but they look amazing... as does pretty much all the Cadence kit

POC Raceday Stretch Lt Rain Jacket.

Nice.

But pricey.

Recently picked up a Vulpine Utility waterproof for £160 at Victor and Liberty. Bargain price, so thought I'd have a go....is great quality really nice kit but typical, it hasn't bloody rained since I got it.

Sounds / looks like a bog-standard shell. Also a rip-off. Also black. Much better options out there.