The Ultimate Riding Jacket?

The uniqlo stuff is surprisingly good for the money. Easy to go and try on before you buy too.

Great, will do.

Where from?

2 years ago .. cant remember .. washed so many times, its like it was on day 1. Dries quick too.

https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/men/outerwear/ultra-light-down

Heiko is in stock at Alpkit, best colour too. Jaffa orange.

The Ultimate Riding Jacket?

Stuffed down ur neck inside the jersey

You star! They must have updated stock overnight.

A down jacket is not what you want to keep warm on descents. You want a rain jacket and gloves; to cut the wind. A down jacket can only insulate if the wind is kept out. So down must be under a rain jacket to work.

Half price shake dry in medium.

https://www.bergzeit.de/loeffler-concept-gtx-active-jacke-black-50/?utm_source=psm&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=ps_idealo

Got the Gore Element Paclite jacket. I needed something urgently, it was on sale, I was just coming out of a bad relationship.... The general verdict is: meh.

Waterproofing is good, at least when new. Breathability is fine (considering the price), not as good as eVent, but much better than bog standard gore tex. Fine for my 20 min commute, but would not be OK for all out physical effort on a weekend ride.

Fit is pretty terrible. I know it's marketed as a MTB so I am OK with it being looser than race fit, but overall it is just really badly proportioned. I should have sent it back immediately, but wrongly assumed that the awkward fit straight out of the bag would improve with use. Although the Gore is made for cycling you'd better off getting a normal outdoor jacket and use any adjustable straps to make it work on the bike.

Ordered an AliExpress special for about £25 so let's see if it is any good.

https://m.aliexpress.com/item/32823573977.html?spm=a2g0n.orderList.0.0.425cfbc8lyQ1KK

ARSUXEO 2017 Thermal Fleece Cycling Jacket Winter Warm Up Bike Clothing Windproof Waterproof Sports Coat MTB Bike Jersey 16W
US $30.00

Good find, what size did you order?

Size XL but they sent Chinese XL so US /UK Large

It arrived a few weeks ago and is too small for my bulky frame

If anyone is interested in it let me know as sending it back is too much of a faff. Should have ordered two sizes. Delivery is too long for me to order a new one so need funds for Rapha/Gore etc

Just got a Swrve Milwaukee, about 5 years after I first heard of them on here. Don't know how I ever managed without it. Looks nice, and is just so beautifully toasty and warm and dry. My commute today in abysmal weather was a delight. Might be too hot for serious road riding unless it's freezing out but for city riding it is the absolute best.

Anyone got a Haglofs Essen mimic or Essen III? Considering either the jacket or gilet.

Any general comments for which is more flexible or practical?

I have a haglofs rain jacket from 2010 ... it's seriously the best jacket I ever bought. not sure about their insulated stuff.

Neither look particularly suitable for riding in: they're not cut for it (high front, low back).

And unless you run cold and/or will be riding quite slowly, I'd think they'd be too warm.

Not vented either, so you could get pretty sweaty.

Yeah I appreciate that.
Just looking for something that is as multi purpose as possible.

Agreed, for the price, it's quite comfortable.
I would just say that is doesn't breathe too well. It can get a little steamy when outside temp is above 6 to 8°c I find.
Under that it's perfect: properly waterproof so far (ahd it for a year now) and quite warm when windy.

I think you'd find a non-cycling jacket quite a compromise: on vs off-bike are different intensities and postures.

It depends on which you prioritise, or will be doing more of, but a cycling jacket that you can wear off the bike might be a better approach.

Fair point. I wondered if a microlight down might be ok in cold dry conditions was part of my thinking.

I've used my Uniqlo one quite a bit on the bike, and its surprisingly flexible/breathable. Should be fine if you don't use a bag too often

i'd strongly disagree with this, unless you are riding in a super aero position normal clothing is fine, often better performing, and significantly cheaper than riding-marketed stuff.

@GoatandTricycle that jacket with hood would be great for sitting around at camp, or during lunch, but yeah you'd get too warm riding it. if I'm going touring I normally take a similar jacket for just that, it's really nice to sit out making dinner in comfort.

if you're looking for something to ride in, a thin fleece, 100-weight, is fine, any brand is good, decathlon and charity shop performs just as well as expensive ones. it's light, breathes well, doesn't go cold in the rain, and lightweight fleeces pack small enough easily.

My Rab hoodless waterproof has been amazing. So I do think sometimes looking at other areas you can buy stuff that crosses over well. Climbing being something I've had a lot of success with, gloves, buffs, helmet caps.

Maybe I'll get the gilet and see how I go.
I've got lots of riding stuff but figure this might add something which could be handy offhand on the bike.