Long known for their outdoor/mountaineering clothing Rab have recently introduced a range of cycling specific garments, some of which I was lucky enough to review HERE
They have added to the line up by introducing a Vapour Rise Wind resistent cycling jacket which I was able to get my hands on and try out over the last couple of months.
The jacket has what I’ll describe as “fluffy” panels internally in all the areas that face the wind, so on the front and on the leading edge of the arms. The cuffs are elasticated to stop air blowing up but not so tight that you can’t access a watch, useful if using a smart watch to navigate. The jacket has a one way front zip closure, two “pit zips” either side under the arms that allow extra ventilation and a rear pocket. There is no hood and the jacket is treated with a durable water resistant (DWR) coating.
It’s interesting that Rab describe the jacket as wind resistent rather than windproof maybe this is just a Rab specific term but throughout the test I didn’t notice anything about the jacket that would stop me calling it a windproof.
One thing that does set it apart from other windproof jackets though is the fluffy panels, this is the “vapour Rise” system of lofted (i think fluffy is better) whch Rab say helps move moisture away from the body to the outer fabric which is made of “Pertex Quantum Air”. Ok enough of the jargon and science, dos it actually work in the real world?
In a word, yes. The outer shell of the jacket does a great job of protecting you from the outside air. Its great on long descents after a lengthy climb as it stops windchill very effectively. When the wind is howling (see embdded video for evidence) that lofted inner suface does do a good job of staving off the cold. I paired the jacket most times on the test rides with a long sleeve baselayer for when temps were around 10 degrees and layered up underneath when it was colder.
On that long climb the jacket was pretty effective at stopping me from over heating, no jacket is perfect at this and we all heat up and perspirate at different rates but i didn’t feel uncomfortabe or like I was going to over heat. The pit zips add another way to vent some moisture too. I would really like the jacket to have a double zip though so it would be possible to open the jacket from the bottom for ultimate heat dumping.
The fit is very real world. I usually take an XL in most jackets and I have a Rab Cinder waterproof that is XL and it is just a little too large. I ordered a Large this time and it’s pretty much spot on, even the arm length is good for a cycling position. I’ve got room to move and if i want to layer up underneath I can. this jacket will fit “normal” people. It does flap very slightly on the top of the arm for me but the body is perfect, but I’m not one for full aero skin tight jackets, maybe size down again if you want that restricted feeling.
Talking of feeling, I must mention the material. it almost feels natural to the touch, the outside feels soft and has non of the plastic feeling that you get on many windproofs. I’d be happy to wear this with bare arms as it doesn’t feel at all cold and clammy.
The jacket does not have a hood which to my mind is a good thing, they tend to just act like a windbrake and if you can roll them into the neck it always feels too restrictive to me. The jacket also has a rear zipped pocket to stash stuff while riding. The DWR coating was effective in rain showers I got caught in but note this is in no way a waterproof jacket! it will shrug off light showers and spray only.
The vapour rise system is this jacket’s main feature but also also its drawback depending on how you want to use it. That fluffy lofting makes the jacket bulkier that most wind resistant jackets, although it does feel feather light. that volume means it’s not really a jacket to roll up and stick in your jersey pocket for emergency use of if you are still riding later in the day. it is perfect though if you have a bike packing or bar bag on your bike, it’ll fit easily in there. It’s more of a jacket to put on for the whole ride and it’s insulating and breathable properties mean you can do this.
I think Rab under sell their Cinder Vapour Rise Jacket as merely being a wind resistant garment, it is a lot more than that. For cold autumn, frosty but dry winter and spring riding it could be the most versatile jacket you buy. if they could add a two way zip it would be perfect.
Check out the video review below, filmed during storm Debi, just for wind protecting testing!
UK GRAVEL COLLECTIVE 