The Ultimate Riding Jacket?

@B0N0R

Gore Alp-X. It's good that budget isn't that much of an issue...

Not specifically tried the current 2.0 version, I have one from ~10 years ago that's still going strong. Needs reproofing every year or so but that's a couple of quid on Nikwax TechWash and Direct-TX.

@B0N0R maybe something arcteryx?.. Cant fault my softshell or atom lt hoody, have a look at snow and rock often have them on sale

Gore Path? Mine still going after 3 years with backpack use and couple of crashes .. You can get patch kit. Mine is patched at three places. Still waterproof and breathable. They go about £80 on ebay new. You can attach a Gore hood to it.

If I was in market today I'd go for Gore Oxygen for the cut. Same fabric just road fit rather than casual/MTB.

I've got a Gore Goretex Paclite shell which is still going strong after 6 years of solid abuse - has out-survived expensive Rapha, Castelli and Assos offerings, still has all it's seams in tact and as long as you NikWax wash/proof it once a year it's as waterproof as almost anything. Packs down to nothing too.

It's always a bit of a toss up - it's not as breathable as my wind jacket, and not as ridiculously waterproof as the hardshell I had, but a decent mix of both and harder wearing than a softshell would be.

i would suggest something that uses gore-tex, the stronger fabric, not the "paclite" as the friction with backpack straps will get water inside quicker.
Millet typically have mountaineering jackets with re-enforced shoulders.
the tougher the less breathable, but a lot of them have large zips under the armpits, etc.
you can find quite a lot of goretex licensed jackets directly on the goretex website for instance.

I don't think Paclite exists anymore anyway. I think their new lightweight fabric is "Active Shell" - I have a Summit Series NF which uses it. It's very good and I think it would probably stand up to a backpack fine.

just accept that waterproof isn't breathable and you'll save yourself a load of hassle.
for a waterproof, look for a balance of the best fitting, most waterproof, lightest jacket you can afford and use it in tandem with whatever breathable jacket/ jersey suits your needs.

yeah, two is better than one really.

A shell and a thin softshell will get you through everything.

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This is what i do.

No really the ultimate riding jacket, but I thought I'd recommend the Marmot Precip as a general jacket just because I've been so impressed with its great design at a low pricepoint. Lots of little features that shows its been well thought out.

So if anyone wants a simple alround water and windproof jacket that can pack into its own pocket definitely check then out.

in the mountaneering scene arc'teryx alpha sv is considered to be the best and most resilient gore tex jacket. Really really pricy though.

its probably in this thread somewhere but has any one used the Chrome Storm jacket? looking for something a bit more casual, seems like a good option.

Ultimate riding jacket means different Things to different users I Guess.

I wanted an solid weather barrier, With a stretchy aggressive fit, and no unneeded features. That I could roll up and chuck in a jersey Pocket if Things cleared up.

I recently recieved a Rapha PT Race Cape. Many have given it poor reviews. But so far I love it.

What poor reviews has it got SF? I'm looking to pick one up as soon as my size comes back in to stock / colour

in the mountaneering scene arc'teryx alpha sv is considered to be the best and most resilient gore tex jacket. Really really pricy though.

Is pricey but is also great. Love mine.

Anyone got the SAS Riding Jacket?

Looking for a replacement for my current wapha one.

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if your winter is rainy you might want a hood in your jacket.

if it's cold and snowy then it might no be necessary.

Have been thinking of a insulating jacket, Giro do a 'shirt' and looks like Howies have released a new one, any others out there?!

This morning was the first since last winter I used the Rapha Softshell (3:55am depart). Still think it's the best thing around. Saying that, I have a 2pm commute home and am worried about overheating.

Just bought a Haglofs last season Gore Tex jacket from their Intense range at a huge discount. £250 down to £85

From them direct or another seller?

From Cotswold Outdoors!