Any suggestions for a lightweight, highly wind-resistant, water-resistant jacket? I'll use it for early morning rides or late afternoon rides. (Usually when the sun either comes up or goes down.) I wanted to keep it less than $70 if possible.
Here is what I am looking for:
-super lightweight, and packs down really small
-close fit. I'm only using this for cycling.
-wind flap behind zipper. what's the point if the wind cuts right through the middle?
-breathable (pvc is out)
Here is not what I'm looking for:
-Waterproof. I already have a Gore-tex riding jacket
-Shower curtain plastic jackets, y'know, those clear PVC ones. I don't like the way they feel.
-Hood
-Fleece lined or insulated - I already have a Marmot Windshirt. However, the wife uses it most of the time, so I'm looking for something even thinner
-vest. It has to have arms.
Nice, but not necessary:
-back/cycling pockets
-pocket to stuff the whole thing down into
-vent zips
-reflective patches
I've done a little research (even here!). I got one from REI which is almost perfect. It's superlight, packs into its own pocket, and even has vent zips BUT it doesn't have a wind flap behind the zipper so the wind cuts right into it. I'm returning it as soon as I can find it in my car
I went to Performance last night, and they have the PI Zephrr, which I probably will get, unless there are others you think I should try. However, does anyone know the difference between the Zephrr and the Zephrr 2? The shop I went to last night had the Z2, and it looks like the Z has reflective dots on the arms. Is one more current than the other? Do they fit differently?
I had a really old Zephrr (from about 6 years ago) but I gave it to a friend. Should have kept it! It was absolutely perfect, but I ripped a hole in it, and the friend didn't mind, so took it. I also own another older PI Zephrr jacket which has it's own stuffing pocket, a waist strap and a vent flap on the back. Only problem is that it's big and flaps around like the crazy, (but I did get it from Marshall's for ~$15). My bro usually snags that one from me.
I also tried another one that Francois loaned me on a trip to SF a couple of years ago. However, it was one of those "team" jackets and had logos all over it. I have no idea what it was. Maybe I'll shoot him an e-mail.
Ones that look interesting but I haven't tried are the Castelli Teseo and the Voler Wind Jacket. I can't find a shop that carries them (Wash DC area). Anyone own one and really dig it?
I'll check others from non-cycling companies like Mountain Hardwear, Patagonia, and North Face, but they usually don't pack down as well as cycling-specific onesand are usually a little looser.
Any other suggestions for jackets that fit my requirements?
Big thanks for all the help.
Here is what I am looking for:
-super lightweight, and packs down really small
-close fit. I'm only using this for cycling.
-wind flap behind zipper. what's the point if the wind cuts right through the middle?
-breathable (pvc is out)
Here is not what I'm looking for:
-Waterproof. I already have a Gore-tex riding jacket
-Shower curtain plastic jackets, y'know, those clear PVC ones. I don't like the way they feel.
-Hood
-Fleece lined or insulated - I already have a Marmot Windshirt. However, the wife uses it most of the time, so I'm looking for something even thinner
-vest. It has to have arms.
Nice, but not necessary:
-back/cycling pockets
-pocket to stuff the whole thing down into
-vent zips
-reflective patches
I've done a little research (even here!). I got one from REI which is almost perfect. It's superlight, packs into its own pocket, and even has vent zips BUT it doesn't have a wind flap behind the zipper so the wind cuts right into it. I'm returning it as soon as I can find it in my car
I went to Performance last night, and they have the PI Zephrr, which I probably will get, unless there are others you think I should try. However, does anyone know the difference between the Zephrr and the Zephrr 2? The shop I went to last night had the Z2, and it looks like the Z has reflective dots on the arms. Is one more current than the other? Do they fit differently?
I had a really old Zephrr (from about 6 years ago) but I gave it to a friend. Should have kept it!
It was absolutely perfect, but I ripped a hole in it, and the friend didn't mind, so took it. I also own another older PI Zephrr jacket which has it's own stuffing pocket, a waist strap and a vent flap on the back. Only problem is that it's big and flaps around like the crazy, (but I did get it from Marshall's for ~$15). My bro usually snags that one from me.I also tried another one that Francois loaned me on a trip to SF a couple of years ago. However, it was one of those "team" jackets and had logos all over it. I have no idea what it was. Maybe I'll shoot him an e-mail.
Ones that look interesting but I haven't tried are the Castelli Teseo and the Voler Wind Jacket. I can't find a shop that carries them (Wash DC area). Anyone own one and really dig it?
I'll check others from non-cycling companies like Mountain Hardwear, Patagonia, and North Face, but they usually don't pack down as well as cycling-specific onesand are usually a little looser.
Any other suggestions for jackets that fit my requirements?
Big thanks for all the help.
