...for running and bikepacking. I've seen the Alpkit Arro in their sale (Shaf, look away ) but was wondering if there's any good / better alternatives to look for.

Polaris? Maybe too "budget"? Got two of their lightweight cycling windproofs (sleeved and gilet) and they're basic but great. Not sure the fit would work for running or if they do a non-cycling version.

Define budget

PaulB2 wrote: ↑Wed Mar 24, 2021 5:56 pm ...for running and bikepacking. I've seen the Alpkit Arro in their sale (Shaf, look away ) but was wondering if there's any good / better alternatives to look for.

Decathlon normally have good stuff that's workmanship it appears is above the budget they're sold at...

rudedog wrote: ↑Wed Mar 24, 2021 6:11 pm Define budget

roughly 40 is what I had in mind, while an omm kamleika would be a tad over budget.

I'm still using a Montane Velo. Pretty much perfect. I think they stopped making them a few years ago but there is a "Featherlite Trail Jacket" available now.

I use an OMM Sonic Smock. Some careful considerate shopping might produce one for the budget.

I have a Rab Vital and it is definitely windproof. Two hand pockets and packs away into a separate fist-sized stuff pocket.

Have a look at berghaus Paul , I’ve had a wind proof jacket off them for years , colour totally faded but still my favourite bit of kit , scrunches up into a little bag the size of a apple , some kind of cotton material

ScotRoutes wrote: ↑Wed Mar 24, 2021 6:22 pm I'm still using a Montane Velo. Pretty much perfect. I think they stopped making them a few years ago but there is a "Featherlite Trail Jacket" available now.

Me too. I can’t understand why they stopped making it, As you say it would be hard to improve on.

I do have an Alpkit Morphasis smock which is really good but it has a bit of fleece in it and doesn’t pack down as small. I like it though.

I've an Inov8 AT/C FZ Windshell I don't use

It's been in my pack a couple of times but only worn once

Mens XL in red (they're snug fitting so this suits my usual L over a fleece etc)

Pertex Quantum
Thumb loop cuffs
Full zip
Hood

I think it was around 112g when I weighed it

https://www.wiggle.co.uk/inov-8-atc-windshell-fz

I'd do £42 posted if it's any use to you?

Something from decathlon?

I've had an Alpkit Arro for a few years. Good points, cheapish, decent quality, does what a windproof should do, packs very small. Bad points the zip is very fine and mine has stopped working at the bottom meaning I now have to use it like a smock (and leave it zipped up part way all the time), not enough reflective stuff on it imho, pocket is very limited in usefulness (other than for packing the jacket in).
Overall I think it's decent and I'd buy it again (but would be more careful with the zip next time).

It's not strictly a windproof (as it's showerproof too) but I really like my Alpkit squalline. I think the current equivalent is the cirrus.

There's also the Galibier Gino Pro wind jacket at £48.

I've had a Montane Featherlite smock for about 10 years but I also have the newer version as a jacket which I've had for 4 years. Brought the jacket version as a smock is a pain to put on when biking as you have to take your helmet off. Both great jackets but a bit pricey.

Last year I bought a Rab Vital Hoody for walking and that's a great jacket and better value. The Vital Windshell (no hood) is only £40. They both have a little tab/strap on the inside near the top of the zip with a popper. When the zip is partially open for venting this can be attached across the top to stop the jacket flapping about, one of the best features I've seen on any jacket and I wouldn't buy another windproof without this as it's so useful.

Sportspursuit usually has something in its sales. Some kilpi gear can be quite good and theres another brand (Swedish or Spanish, iirc). Might be worth a hunt.

Sportshoes.com also often have lots of stuff reduced. Their own brand (More Miles) stuff often v cheap and seems well made. Personally overwhelm its breathability but that's something I can do in almost any item of clothing.

Current favorite is a Howies. Sorry I forget the name (Boyle / Brodie, something painfully on trend I'm sure) but it's a cracking bit of kit, light, compact, effective, sufficient pockets etc. Amout of reflectives seems crap and colours are road-ninja black and some gold / brown shade.

Shewie wrote: ↑Wed Mar 24, 2021 11:28 pm I'd do £42 posted if it's any use to you?

I thought I'd already replied to this but can't see it now. Thanks for the offer but I'm a S/M depending on the cut.

Thanks for all the ideas, gives me plenty to look out for.

If you fit a small the RAB is on special

https://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk ... cket-p8648

The Howies thing was this:



https://howies.co.uk/collections/mens-j ... 5243076675

The "Doyle" apparently

It's come up in sales several times for 50% or less of the listed price and their stuff also sometimes appears on SportsPursuit. I'd not pay £99 for it

PaulB2 wrote: ↑Thu Mar 25, 2021 10:21 am

Shewie wrote: ↑Wed Mar 24, 2021 11:28 pm I'd do £42 posted if it's any use to you?

I thought I'd already replied to this but can't see it now. Thanks for the offer but I'm a S/M depending on the cut.

No probs Paul, I think it would be a bit flappy for a S/M
It can stay hanging in the wardrobe for a bit longer

The "Doyle" apparently

Please tell me they do 'Bodies' too.

gives "cover me..." another meaning....