Altura All Roads Lightweight
Castelli Emergency 2
£165 Sizes XS-XL Colours Brilliant Yellow; Light Black; Military Green; Brilliant Pink
With a looser fit than some and a slightly dropped hem at the back, the Castelli Emergency 2 is a fully taped waterproof shell (10,000mm rating) that’s easily stashed into a jersey pocket. An elasticated hem keeps the jacket snug around the hips and cuffs, while there’s a little stretch in the main fabric too. There are four colourways, some brighter than others, but each adorned with hi-vis detailing that’s been thoughtfully integrated into the design. Pitted against the worst of Dartmoor weather, the Castelli Emergency 2 battled off the rain to keep my layers underneath totally dry, while simultaneously protecting me from the keen wind. The waterproof full zip is easy to pull down on warmer climbs, and breathability is aided by a mesh vent below a flap at the top of the back. At £165, it’s an investment but, from the construction to wet-weather performance, this jacket oozes quality.
Verdict Quality stashable waterproof shell with added visibility and a loose cut
Santini Guard Nimbus
£149 Sizes XS-XXL Colours Turquoise; Black; Bright Coral
Firstly, the fit of this jacket with heat-welded seams is great: figure-hugging around the torso and a little looser on the upper arms to accommodate movement and a jersey underneath. The collar is fairly high, and the rear hem is dropped for extra coverage. Although the 5,000mm-rated material is very thin, it yields a good level of stretch and sheds road spray and rain with ease. As with many other similar jackets, you’ll find a single, phone-sized zipped pocket to the rear, which it also packs down into. The full front zip has an oversized pull, which is handy when opening the jacket with gloves on. The cuffs are unusual but work well: long and fitted close to the wrist with a PVC-like material to help keep out the elements. With safety in mind, I love the bright turquoise blue with reflective pattern and branding, but there are also stealthy black and bright coral options on offer.
Verdict Bright, close-fitting and packable layer for warmer wet rides
Stolen Goat Kiko Waterproof
£140 Sizes XS-XXXL Colours Navy; Pink
The Kiko is a minimalist outer shell with impressive 15,000mm waterproofing and 29,000g/m2 breathability ratings from the British brand. The cycling-specific fit has a short front and elasticated dropped rear hem, as well as being snug around the shoulders, which works well when leaning forwards on the bike. A high, fleece-lined neck collar helps keep the chill off. Fully taped seams an
