Mid Weight Waterproof Bikepacking Jackets

[Richard G]

Another one of those posts soliciting suggestions...

Can anyone point me in the way of waterproof jackets that aren't quite as heavy / hardcore as the MT500, but are better than say an Altura Pocket Rocket or Endura Pakjak.

I don't really fancy carrying around all the weight / bulk of the MT500 when there's a reasonable chance I'll only see a few hours of rain... but part of the problem is that it could very well be a few hours of biblical rain.

Edit - This one looks promising.

Endura MTR Shell

Though if I'm spending about £100 am I better going crazy and getting one of the new fancy Gore jackets for a chunk more?

[Bearbonesnorm]

Just buy an Outdry jacket. I'm not sure whether they fit into the middle-weight band but they'll keep the elements out, even on those hour plus alpine descents and mine isn't what I'd call heavy.

[Scattamah]

I'm trying the Outdry Eco at the moment...roughly the same weight in hand as Goretex Oxygen. Haven't waved it at a set of scales yet. One thing I've noticed about the Outdry is if you don't fold it cleanly, it's bulky...very bulky. But I'm liking the front "pockets" which are working well as pit zips.

Greetz

S.

[Richard G]

Hmm... there seem to be a lot of different options for those Outdry jackets.

This type any good?
https://www.columbiasportswear.co.uk/me ... nColor=010

Or maybe this?
https://www.columbiasportswear.co.uk/me ... nColor=302

Annoyingly, neither seems to list a weight, or breathability / waterproof stats.

[Scattamah]

Good length tail, but keep in mind the arm length on the Outdry isn't cut for cyclists. The medium I'm trying is right on the edge for covering the wrists. The Oxygen has it in spades in this dept. and if the wrist pieces from the Oxygen were added to the Outdry, it could be quite something.

Greetz

S.

[Bearbonesnorm]

My experience of the Outdry is that it is absolutely waterproof. Breathability is good if not fantastic but I'll take keeping the rain outside for a little clamminess.

Doesn't really feel any heavier than my other jackets and I find it packs okay especially if rolled / folded.

Mine's the EX Gold version in medium and the sleeve length seems fine ... nice that you can cinch them down or open them right up too.

Would you like me to weigh it for you?

[Cheeky Monkey]

There's some Montane stuff on Sportpursuits at mo', including the Minimus. However, it's a pretty lightweight / thin thing and I doubt it'd survive a tumble or much in the way of brambles / snags etc.

I'd agree with Stu and Scott that an Outdry is a good option. You're right about the confusing range but I'd try to get one of the following (as I believe they're the lighter ones - whether that's achieved by a lighter material or fewer bits&bobs I don't know):

https://www.sportpursuit.com/catalog/pr ... 9zIjo0fQ==

or

https://www.sportpursuit.com/catalog/pr ... 9zIjo0fQ==

or

https://www.sportpursuit.com/catalog/pr ... 9zIjoxMH0=

You are right, weights are a bit of a mystery. Careful googling may get more info but I also have one of the above so happy to weigh, too. Let me know.

I would also Google because I have seen quite a few places doing various versions at good prices. I've just linked to SP stuff for ease. Given this I also wonder whether the lines have been a success and whether Columbia is dumping old stock to discounters before dropping it. Would be shame.

Anyone tried the Stretch version as it piques my interest as am broad and dislike being constrained.

Finally, on size, they can come up quite big compared to UK sizes and are a boxy rather than athletic cut (though some of the above and other models are for trail-running etc and marginally more "slim" cut).

[Richard G]

Would you like me to weigh it for you?

I sense sarcasm... but I wouldn't mind.

Is this the EX Gold you have?

https://www.columbiasportswear.co.uk/me ... ts&start=0

[Cheeky Monkey]

As Stu says, packs best if rolled or folded, no so great to just ram in a bag like a regular cag. Perfectly tolerable compromise IME.

Waterproof and breathabilty - again, Stu has it, pretty much totally proof but the interior has a funny feel compared to a regular fabric (not a deal breaker IME) and it is probably not as breathable as some other cags / fabrics. However, for the joy of not having a cag that I will wear the DWR off of in a few weeks / months (and then it wet-out and breathability plummet) I am happy to sacrifice some absolute (lab derived) breathability. Plus, I am a sweaty bagstard so beat almost anything so will always be a bit wet inside

Does it come across that I quite like them

[Scattamah]

278g for the medium Ex Eco Tech.

Greetz

S.

[Bearbonesnorm]

Is this the EX Gold you have?

Yep but in a grey kind of colour.

Weight without sarcasm is 341g.

[Richard G]

Cheers all.

[fatbikerbill]

I've just acquired the ex gold in medium.

I'm a skinny ish 6'1" and the sleeves are about 2" too short but the large has sleeves only 1" longer so stuck with the M.

Comfort, feel appears OK after 2 short warm damp commutes.

[Richard G]

I'm thinking I might order one and send it back if the sleeves are too short. Can't be dealing with always trying to pull them down.

[Richard G]

So the outdry (Ex Gold) arrived... I must admit I'm quite unsure about it. Sleeve length is fine, arse coverage is just about acceptable, but it's a really strange feeling jacket. It's not particularly flexible, so it's a bit like wearing a box.

I have a different option turning up to compare it against, so will just have to see how that one goes.

[Bearbonesnorm]

Richard, don't be put off by the feel of the thing no matter how odd. When it's lashing down for hours on end, you'll be glad to have it, trust me.

[jay91]

I've been waiting for the reviews
Just wondering if I'll be a medium or large ?.

[Richard G]

The medium I've got is definitely on the big side for a medium, but I'd say if you've got any sort of arse / hips on you then you'll probably end up sizing up.

Just do what I do, order both and return one. :)

[jay91]

The medium I've got is definitely on the big side for a medium, but I'd say if you've got any sort of arse / hips on you then you'll probably end up sizing up.

Just do what I do, order both and return one. :)

Medium is it then

[jay91]

Also will the hood fit over a helmet? Because it's always a bouns

[Ray Young]

Just ordered an ex gold on the strength of this thread, .

[ScotRoutes]

Also will the hood fit over a helmet? Because it's always a bouns

Pretty much

[rudedog]

Those Ex Golds are on Sports Pursuit for £55 at the moment

[ton]

tried a outdry jacket on today. horrible feeling thing. it would be like riding in a big rubber johnny. imho

i bought a more sensible inner limits omni dry jacket. half price too.

[benp1]

I have the same exact jacket as Colin and so far like it. Haven’t worn it in the bike but wore it in some pretty solid rain and was nicely dry. Wasn’t sweating though so can’t comment on breathability. Certainly doesn't feel like any other jacket I have

The pit zips are a big draw, I find they make a noticeable difference. Sleeve length could be more for me, but i’ll settle for the jacket as is. The other jackets I’ve been wearing for bikepacking (apart from my paramo) are now all knackered. The idea of being able to hose the jacket down after a muddy ride and also be able to wear a pack is great. I wanted to get a new style gore one jacket but they’re not robust enough

Mine weighs 316g which is pretty good I think

Haven't tried hood with a helmet on but wouldn't work with a light on. Could put it under the lid as the peak isn't wired