[stumblemumble]

Thoughts? Looking for:
Compactable
Reflective/visible
Waterproof
Breathable
Some have that nifty button up/down tail
Most of all: Windproof

 

[JAGI410]

I just got an older Louis Garneau jacket that has almost everything you listed. Its not highly compactable, but it has pit zips! Found it on ebay for $30! Works like a champ.

 

[limba]

Expensive but nice.

http://www.rapha.cc/wind-jacket/

 

[stumblemumble]

^^^And I just shaved my 'stache too.

 

[tanen]

Nashbar Essential Jacket $30.
http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_167042_-1_202287_10000_202487

Has everything you need and is cheap as well. I've been using mine for a couple of years now and am happy with it.

 

[abmtnbkr]

Great suggestion by tanen but I use and highly recommend Performance's Illuminite Commuter jacket. I scooped it up for 70.00 and it's been worth every penny. It came in red, blue and Hi-Vis yellow. I don't see it on the website right now so hopefully they haven't discontinued it.

 

[stumblemumble]

I've been somewhat shocked to see that many of these jackets at REI average over $100, even the REI branded one. I'd assume that in order to get the breathability factor that jump must be made: from a $30 jacket to a $100 one?

 

[abmtnbkr]

You sir, are correct in your observations. However, if you really dig around the internet sites like Ebay, you could score a very nice jacket without paying the retail price. Jag410's find is good testament.

 

[woodway]

Here in the wet northwest, Showers Pass is a popular choice. I like the Double Century because it's lightweight, but at the same time it has good waterproof and breathability characteristics. If you ever go to a randonneur event, you'll see Showers Pass jackets everywhere. Expensive, but if you ride a lot, worth it. I've got three years and hundreds of rides on my Double Century and it's still going strong.

www.showerspass.com

 

[JAGI410]

You sir, are correct in your observations. However, if you really dig around the internet sites like Ebay, you could score a very nice jacket without paying the retail price. Jag410's find is good testament.

Mine still had the tags with it, it was a $120 jacket when new. There are plenty of cycling jackets on ebay, but also check craigslist, local bike swaps, and various bike forums. Chainlove and bonktown have deals too.

 

[jmkimmel]

Here in the not-quite-super-wet Northeast, I love my Gore Cross jacket. The Paclite material is fantastically wind and waterproof, but without zips is not terribly breathable. As its name suggests, it packs down so small that I leave it in my pannier literally every day - rain/sun/etc. I'll opt for a windproof/breathable jacket or vest most of the time, but on days when it's raining and <45f, I loooove this jacket.

That said, I don't wear a rain jacket every day - so in the last year of ownership, I've only worn it maybe 30 or 40 days. Durability seems good, but no can say.

I also owned an older Nashbar Premium Rain jacket - it fit like a trash bag, and felt like some seriously old technology - like a CB sports ski jacket from the 70's, or the team-issued warmup jackets from my high school track team. The mesh netting on the inside catches on your hands/jersey when you put it on...ugh. I bought one and wore it roughly ZERO times before sending it back.