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I had the first generation Hooded Rain Jacket, and while it looks great, it didn't perform well. The hood was designed for helmet clearance, and the cords didn't hold it tight without - they just slipped every few minutes. Also there was no rigid brim, so it just dripped on my forehead in anything other than light rain.
It's a GoreTex Paclite type material - which isn't very durable.
I don't know if any of this got fixed in the second generation, but I switched to a Patagonia Torrentshell for commuting (after trying and returning the Commuter jacket). Not as breathable, but 1/3 of the price and probably will last longer.
Still love my Softshell though, but only gets a few outings a year when it's cold enough.
scraplab-
Still love my Softshell though, but only gets a few outings a year when it's cold enough.
The Softshell is such a great, iconic jacket. I hope at some point Rapha do a re-issue, would love to have a spanky new one.
I am leaning away from Rapha, don't seem to have the jecket that fits my requirements and don't want to spend the money in that case.
Jimmy_Fingers
Ok I think it is time to retire my old softshell. Can't complain, I got 10 years out of it. The inside seam on the arms has worn through in multiple places. Still I am going to get it repaired.
Now I would buy another in a heartbeat but they don't do it. I also had the Rapha rain jacket which lasted maybe two years before falling to bits. IIRC I paid £140 for that.
So looking at the website I take it the winter coat @ £260 is the inheritor of the classic softshell? The hooded rain jacket @ £230 also looks very decent.
And then there is a commuter jacket for £100. I am guessing that is a glorified rain coat. £200 + is much more than I would like to pay but then if I get another ten years out of it then its worth it.
And lastly another other suggestions? I have the Swrve softshell but I hate its cavernous rear pocket and really bulky sleeves and cuff. Its also gets too toasty unless it is proper cold.