While the times are getting longer and temperatures are rising – within the northern hemisphere a minimum of – we aren’t out of the woods but in relation to needing to throw on among the finest waterproof biking jackets when the heavens open as they usually do in spring.
For years the cream of the crop for staying dry whereas exerting oneself on the bike was something utilising Gore-Tex Shakedry, however in recent times a de-facto world ban on using PFAS, or so-called ‘without end chemical compounds’ has meant that Shakedry, and different Gore-Tex membranes utilizing expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membranes, are being phased out and changed.
Rapha has utilised Gore-Tex into its waterproof jackets and different moist climate gear for years, and so it’s no shock to see that the storied British model has determined to stay with Gore-Tex for its newest iteration of its Lightweight Gore-Tex Jacket, the substitute for its now-discontinued (however nonetheless fortunately in my wardrobe) Pro Team Lightweight Gore-Tex Shakedry Jacket.
The newest model could be very completely different, with a brand new three-layer development, versus two layers for the Shakedry, however regardless of this, the PFAS-free mannequin ideas the scales at an extremely feathery 128g for a measurement medium.
What do you get in a water-resistant jacket that weighs so little? Well, you get absolutely taped seams, a water-resistant, double-ended zip with an inner storm flap too. There’s a half-elastic cuff, matching the design of the marginally costlier Rapha Gore-Tex Rain Jacket, which was launched final yr.
Unlike the model’s non-lightweight jacket you aren’t getting any adjustment anyplace. (Image credit score: Rapha)
It forgoes any form of adjustment although. There isn’t any drawcord hem as there may be on the non-Lightweight jacket, as an alternative it opts for a easy elastic scenario on the rear, and a plain hem on the entrance panels. Unlike the previous Shakedry there may be additionally no stuff sack bonded into the within, with Rapha presuming that realistically it’s both going to be worn, or stuffed right into a jersey/handed to a domestique or workforce automobile.
Of the brand new Pro Team Lightweight Gore-Tex Jacket, Anne Wier, Rapha’s supplies developer had the next to say:
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“In 2021, our supplies workforce began exploring new applied sciences that might match our efficiency expectations with out using PFAS chemical compounds that may hurt the setting.”
It should be mentioned that Rapha states in its advertising and marketing that the jackets are made “with out deliberately added per- and poly-fluorinated substances”, however that they “might include hint quantities”.
Weir goes onto to state that:
“After years of world put on testing and refinements, Rapha launched our first PFAS-free GORE-TEX jacket final Autumn. Now, we’re proud to introduce this durably waterproof innovation to our Pro Team vary. The result’s the last word rain jacket for giving your greatest within the worst racing and coaching situations.”
The new Pro Team Lightweight Gore-Tex Jacket will set you again £295 / 335€ / $390 and is on sale now. No figures for hydrostatic head (i.e. how waterproof it’s) or breathability have been given right now.
I do, nevertheless, have the jacket in my possession and testing will begin as soon as the meteorological situations permit.
You do get a double-ended waterproof zip and a storm flap too although. (Image credit score: Rapha)
