![]() The fact that the jacket features both recycled and bluesign ®-approved materials is also noteworthy because choosing items with sustainable attributes sometimes requires us to be willing to pay a little more to aid the cause.Ĭoverage on the Junction jacket includes waterproof zippers throughout (with rain flaps), a longer cut in the rear and on the back of the cuffs, and a hood that adjusts to fit over a helmet. It’s rare to find that level of weather technology at this price, which makes the REI Co-op Junction Cycling Rain Jacket an impressive buy. Headwinds happen, but then so do rain showers, which is why some rides call for full-blown waterproof/breathable protection. The sleeves attach with snaps rather than zippers, which are easier to attach with cold fingers, according to Larisa Castille, a sales specialist at the REI Co-op store in Encinitas, Calif., who wore the previous version through years of bike commuting.įor both, customer reviewers offer a consistent fit tip: The sizing runs a bit small, so if you’re between sizes, go bigger. The women’s Quest Barrier Convertible Jacket differs from the men’s in one small but important detail. BioViz delivers day and night visibility with a range of tactics, like the way this jacket pairs super-fluorescent colors with reflective trims that pop when headlights hit them. In 1990, the brand developed its iconic screaming-yellow color (available in both the men’s and women’s styles of this jacket), which is up to 300% brighter than the brightest whites. The brand has always been at the forefront of visibility research. One feature that makes this jacket stand out in both the men’s and women’s styles is PEARL iZUMi’s BioViz ® technology. When rolling in 70-degree temps, I simply unzipped the sleeves and enjoyed the cooling breeze against my arms.” One Southern California customer recounts a ride that took full advantage of that adaptability: “The jacket provided protection against strong ocean headwinds and temps in the low 50's. Now you have a wind vest rather than a full-blown wind jacket. When the weather hits that tweener stage where core wind protection is precisely what you need-and nothing more-you can zip off the Quest Convertible’s sleeves and stash them in the zippered back pocket. Fully put together, the Quest Barrier Convertible Jacket offers water- and wind-resistant coverage in sizes that run to XXXL. The large back pocket doubles as a storage pouch to hold snacks or other essentials, and two mesh-lined hand pockets double as vents if the need arises.Ĭonvertible jackets like this one offer an alternative strategy for cool and potentially misty conditions. ![]() The Cloudburst fits that niche perfectly, and it’s exactly the right weight and cost for me.“Ĭloudburst has other noteworthy performance touches, including an aerodynamic fit, fully taped seams, a rain flap covering the front zip, a drawcord hem and reflective accents. “I want something that’s light, windproof and rainproof, and I can easily throw in my back pocket. Product Specialist Chris Cook of the co-op’s Seattle-area sales and customer service team says, “The biggest selling point for the Cloudburst is how breathable it is compared to other high-performance rain jackets.” The secret breathability sauce is the brand’s proprietary eliteAIR™ fabric, which Cook says offers another key trait: “This fabric’s 4-way stretch is rare among performance rainwear materials, so the Cloudburst is one of the most comfortable jackets you can get.”Ĭycling Specialist Dave Delo in the Tacoma, Washington, REI store has owned several Showers Pass jackets and has his eye on the Cloudburst for his next purchase. There’s more to the Cloudburst, though, than its outstanding packability. Because it weighs less than 10 ounces and packs up into its own pocket, you’ll never hesitate to bring it along for weather protection. This relatively new piece from venerated outerwear brand Showers Pass is a worthy contender for many performance categories ranging from best packable jacket to best all-around rainwear.
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