This jacket took us on a bit of an expedition.

We wanted to make the perfect shell jacket for what Michael Fish calls ‘changeable’ weather.
You know the kind, one minute it’s raining, dull and cloudy with a chilly wind, next minute the sun is out and you’re getting baked. It can spoil your ride if you’re not wearing the correct kit for it.

This jacket needed to be lightweight, highly waterproof, yet highly breathable all at the same time. A tall order really.

So first we looked at 2-Layer shell fabrics. They had the water resistance we were looking for, but they felt a bit like sticky plastic next to the skin.
Then we looked at 3-Layer shell fabrics. That extra lining helped stop the jacket feeling clammy, but it really affected the fabric’s ventilation. We also found them a bit too bulky.

We needed to find a balance.
Then we discovered this 2.5-Layer fabric. It uses an extra coating on the inner surface of the fabric instead of a lining. This nifty little coating increases air circulation and ventilation without affecting the breathability, so it helps channel moisture away from the skin so it can evaporate.

And we have designed the jacket to maximise ventilation. It comes with long welded pockets on either side that go into mesh body pockets.
And a 3M reflective print on the chest means you are visible at night too.

Another great thing is that it’s got a 5000mm hydrostatic head that will keep out even the heaviest of downpours, plus all seams are taped so you know you’re going to stay dry all day long.

It’s lighter, less bulky and quicker to dry than both 2 and 3-Layer constructions too.

So you see, it’s that little 0.5 of a difference that makes all the difference in the end.