2017 buyer’s guide: Rain jackets

Sportful Hot Pack 5 $130

Constructed with Schoeller’s NanoSphere fabric, the Sportful Hot Pack 5 offers excellent wind and water resistance without compromising the breathability you need during longer rides. Sportful has also added ventilation ports on the rear panel for even greater breathability and comfort throughout a wide range of conditions. The addition of thumb-hole cuffs helps you prevent drafts; an extra-long tail panel offers shielding against bone-chilling tire spray. The Hot Pack 5 is surprisingly light and compact and fits easily into an internal stuff sack. (mvc46.eu)

Castelli Riparo $190

The Riparo is a lightweight and highly compressible jacket that offers complete rain protection at an extremely accessible price. The jacket’s 2.5 layer fabric consists of a highly durable shell that’s coated with a polyurethane membrane and fully seam-sealed for total waterproofness. This construction results in a jacket that avoids the bulk, weight and cost of traditional waterproof breathable garments. While the jacket does give up some performance when it comes to breathability, it more than makes up for this compromise by what it gains in compressibility and convenience; the jacket can easily be tucked into a jersey pocket and deployed if the weather takes a turn for the worse. (mvc46.eu)

POC Fondo Splash $190

Built with a wind- and water-resistant four-way stretch fabric, the Fondo Splash jacket is a great option for extended rides in changing weather conditions. The jacket has a trim fit, but thanks to the stretchy fabric and sophisticated shoulder patterns, it never feels binding or restrictive. While the fabric offers a surprising level of breathability, POC has also added ventilation holes under the arms for additional heat management during hard efforts. Form-fitting Lycra wrist cuffs and a zippered rear pocket round out the features on this well-made and versatile cycling jacket. (pocsports.com)

Biemme Jampa $189

Constructed from a lightweight and body-hugging waterproof and breathable fabric, the Jampa is a great option for cyclists who want to avoid the flapping of conventional rainwear without sacrificing weather protection. Biemme adds a high collar to seal out drafts and adds mesh in the bottom of the three rear pockets for water drainage. A lowprofile elastic hem ensures that the Jampa stays put even during hard sprints. Cyclists seeking a minimalist approach to weather protection will be impressed. (logicasport.com)

Pearl Izumi Pro Aero WxB $275

The Pro Aero WxB jacket is Pearl Izumi’s lightest and most body-hugging waterproof and breathable rain jacket. As such, it is supremely suitable for competitive riders who want weather protection without fabric flap in the wind. Yet even with the spartan construction approach, Pearl Izumi manages to include a number of functional features, such as a waterproof zipper, superior fitting, patented sleeve construction and an extended tail section for extra protection from tire spray. That the jacket is still compact enough to stuff into a jersey pocket is a testament to Pearl Izumi’s  thoughtful construction and purpose-driven design process. (pearlizumi.com)

Louis Garneau Granfondo 2 $100

With cycling garments hitting stratospheric price points, it’s nice to see that riders can still buy functional cycling jackets without having to take out a second mortgage. For $100, the Granfondo 2 delivers solid wind and waterproofness without sacrificing the fit and esthetics that many road cyclists demand. In wet conditions, comfort is enhanced thanks to the Granfondo 2’s rear vent construction that helps move excess heat and perspiration out. Louis Garneau specs a long back panel for protection from tire spray while the waterproof front zip shields your front torso from rain. This jacketdelivers exceptional value and performance. (garneau.com)

MEC Women’s Alpine Ally $250

While the Alpine Ally isn’t a cycling-specific garment, it does have features that will serve you well on the trail. This highly compressible and low-bulk waterproof and breathable shell is ideal for any backcountry cycling adventure where there’s a greater emphasis on versatile weather protection over pure pedalling-related performance – think daylong shoulder season rides in the woods. The jacket offers a highly articulated fit for easy movement both on and off the bike and the threeway adjustable hood easily fits over a helmet for exceptional protection against heavy rain or even snow. MEC adds pit zips for venting without exposing your torso to bone-chilling temperatures. This is a great outdoor jacket that can easily transition between epic off-road rides and other outdoor activities. (mec.ca)