Posted in Cycle and tagged outdoor, cycle, winter jacket

If you’re a cyclist, runner, or triathlete searching for rain jackets or all-weather layers, you may be feeling a little wet behind the ears given the current deluge of baffling jargon accompanying modern activewear products.

Today’s weatherproof performance-wear is flooded with sophisticated fabrics and new-fangled features, each with a specific purpose. That means understanding what these features are for and how they'll perform in different situations is increasingly important before you buy.

So, to help you wring the most out of your purchase, we’ll be breaking down the windbreakers and disentangling the drawstrings of modern weatherproofing.

By the end of this guide, you’ll be equipped with all the necessary knowledge to stay warm and dry in horizontal rains and vertical winds, ensuring you can keep training when all others sit it out on the sofa.


What are the advantages of innovative fabrics?

Cyclists in the winter wearing dhb

What makes today's breed of innovative fabrics so special is that they overcome the longstanding drawbacks of traditional materials. 

In the past, materials like sheep's wool, polyester, or even plastic, offered basic protection against cold, wind, or water. The problem is that the very same properties which make traditional fabrics effective in one area also makes them poor in others. Sheep's wool is warm because its pores trap lots of air, but terrible in the rain because of it. Plastic is waterproof because it is non-porous, which also makes it non-breathable.

Recent innovations have meant these limitations have now been overcome, ushering in a new wave of activewear. 


What are the main types of weatherproof fabrics?

There are hundreds of branded fabric types with different weights and materials. However, when it comes to serious all-weather activewear, you should be paying attention to three main names: Polartec®, PrimaLoft®, and GORE-TEX®.

Polartec®: This synthetic fleece was named one of the 20th century’s greatest inventions by Time Magazine. Invented in the mid-90s, today it’s found in military clothing along with quality hiking and cycling wear.

Shop Polartec products at Wiggle


Primaloft®: This is a patented synthetic microfiber, thermal insulation material developed for the United States Army in the 1980s. Its aim was to replicate the benefits of goose down but without the cost.

Shop Primaloft products at Wiggle


GORE-TEX®: Invented in 1969 by scientist Bob Gore, the fascinating material GORE-TEX has a very special property – it can repel water while allowing vapour from perspiration to pass through. It is composed of stretched polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), commonly known as Teflon.

Shop Gore products at Wiggle


Which weatherproof fabric is right for me?

Female cyclist wearing dhb in the winter

Variations and combinations of these revolutionary fabrics and others provide a dynamic range of protective properties. These properties can be tailored for specific environments, giving you a bespoke solution for the conditions you face.

Each variation is also often given a specific name to help wearers differentiate the specific purpose, so – for example – GORE-TEX Shakedry™ is a variation of the standard GORE-TEX material that provides a water-repelling layer.

Below we’ve broken down some of the leading subcategories of Polartec, Primaloft, and GORE-TEX, and illustrated these with some of the best examples of activewear at Wiggle.

This should help you decipher the jargon and find the right material for your needs.


Polartec® Alpha:

Polartec Alpha is a new technology with active insulation, regulating core body temperatures whether you’re on the move or relatively static. Its patented low-density fibres fit between air-permeable woven layers to regulate heat and transfer moisture. Adjusting or completely shedding layers to release excess heat and moisture vapour is not always a viable option while pit-zips and vents leave surface areas exposed. Polartec Alpha overcomes these drawbacks.

Main properties:

  • Breathable
  • Warm without weight
  • Packable
  • Fast drying

Best suited to:

  • Variable temperatures 

Used by: 

  • All-weather cyclists or off-season runners.

dhb Aeron Women's Alpha Direct Gilet

dhb Aeron Women's Polartec Alpha Gilet

The bulky, sweat-boxes that were classic thermal gilets are a thing of the past with the inclusion of Polartec Alpha in this dhb Aeron Alpha Direct garment. Small enough to fit in your middle jersey pocket, this is the ideal gilet for carrying that nimble riding feeling into the colder months.

Shop men's

Shop women's


dhb Aeron Lab All Winter Polartec Jacketdhb Aeron Lab All Winter Polartec Jacket

Providing incredible warmth with minimal bulk, the dhb Aeron all winter jacket combines three advanced Polartec® fabrics to form the perfect winter softshell. This jacket offers the perfect balance of water, wind, and cold weather protection you need when out riding.

 

 


dhb Aeron Women's Rain Defence Polartec Jacket

Powered by advanced Polartec® Power Shield® Pro fabric, this is a close-fitting and versatile layer that balances protection from the elements with breathability.

 

 

 


Shop Polartec Alpha at Wiggle


PrimaLoft®

PrimaLoft® insulation is used inside garments for its warmth, compressibility, and soft comfort. Its patented microfiber structure forms a tight collection of air pockets trapping heat and keeping the cold out, providing an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio. There are two main types of PrimaLoft® insulation: Gold and Silver. 

Gold uses microfibers to mimic the softness and packability of down. It’s compressible, breathable, and offers water repellency so you remain dry, warm and comfortable even in extreme conditions.

PrimaLoft® Silver is built with two different sizes of fibres, giving high thermal values and incredible loft. It’s comfortable, durable, and retains 85% of its insulation even when wet. Millions of air pockets trap body heat in extreme conditions while the lack of bulk means freedom of movement for any activity.

Main properties:
  • Packable
  • High insulation
  • Lightweight

Best for:

  • Extremely cold temperatures

Used by: 

Those adventure biking in subzero conditions or hiking in bitter temperatures.


Endura Pro SL PrimaLoft® Gilet II

To keep the body insulated and warm the Endura Pro SL Primaloft® Gilet II uses windproof panels with high-quality PrimaLoft® Gold insulation. This combination effectively seals in body heat and blocks out chill winds for cosy comfort.

Shop men's

Shop women's

Endura's MTR Primaloft® Jacket makes use of lightweight windproof panels with Primaloft® Gold Activeinsulation to give you excellent insulation against the cold. The fit is athletic when on the bike but generous enough to not look out of place when off.

 

 


Male cyclist in the winter wearing Castelli

GORE-TEX Infinium™ garments offer comfort and performance for days when rain is not an issue but you still need protection from the elements. The unique properties of Infinium™ provide a combination of weather protection and breathability, allowing you to maintain your performance even in tough conditions.

GORE-TEX Infinium™ can be found with the following technologies:

  • Persistent Beading technology provides water repellency.
  • Windstopper® gives you total protection from the wind

Best for:

  • Windy conditions

Used for:

Endurance road cyclists and MTB riders or hikers


Gore Wear Phantom Gore-Tex Infinium JacketGore Wear Phantom Gore-Tex Infinium Jacket

On those chilly rides when light showers are a possibility, this cosy soft-lined jacket will let you play out for longer. Featuring Gore-Tex Infinium, this is a highly versatile road cycling jacket with zip-off sleeves.

 

 


Gore Wear C7 Long Distance Bib Shorts+

The Gore Wear C7 Long Distance Bib Shorts+ are surprisingly light for the windchill and rain guarding they provide. The patented technology keeps cool breezes at bay while resisting rain and spray. 

 

 


Castelli Alpha ROS 2 Jacket

The Alpha RoS 2 Jacket makes it far easier to dress for a wide range of conditions. The Rain or Shine system utilises Gore® INFINIUM™ Windstopper® 150 fabric for wind protection and the high breathability and effective protection required to ride in the rain.

 

 


Shop Gore Tex Windstopper at Wiggle


GORE-TEX® Shakedry™

GORE-TEX Shakedry™ is a revolution in terms of wet weather performance clothing. Traditionally, cyclists had to contend with either sodden clothing or non-breathable layers, leaving the rider to choose between rainwater or sweat. This meant serious discomfort on long rides, ruling out wet weather riding for many. Shakedry's unique outer membrane prevents water from penetrating, forcing it to bead on the surface and run off, achieving the elusive combination of waterproofing and breathability. 

Main properties

  • Lightweight
  • Breathable
  • Waterproof
  • Windproof
  • Stretch
  • Aerodynamic race fitting
  • Warmth (see Gore-Tex Shakedry Insulated)

Best for:

  • Rainy conditions

Typical users:

Created for fast rides in wet weather, the Gore Wear Race Shakedry Cycling Jacket makes use of revolutionary SHAKEDRY™ fabric to give incredible waterproof protection with minimal weight. It also features stretch panels for a race-focused fit.

 

 


Castelli Idro 2 Jacket

Castelli Idro 2 Cycling Jacket

The minimalist Castelli Idro 2 Jacket is the ultimate in lightweight emergency rain protection. Thanks to Gore-Tex Shakedry technology it weighs just 107 grams, fits easily into a pocket, but remains fully waterproof and highly breathable.

Shop men's

Shop women's


Shop Gore Tex Shakedry at Wiggle


Performance insulation from Assos

Assos uses in-house garment technology to create its high-performance cycling kit.

They design all of their products to work in harmony with each other as part of an Advanced Layering System (ALS). This means you can fine-tune your outfit according to the weather, terrain and the effort you expect to put in.

Taking the stress out of deciding what to wear on those cold, wet winter rides, this race-ready aero jacket offers the perfect combination of insulation and breathability.

NEOS Medium fabric, a softshell 3-layer thermal material, provides an effective barrier against icy winds, while the NEOS light on the shoulders, outer arms and back provides insulation with a higher level of breathability so you don't overheat.

 


Assos MILLE GT Clima Jacket evo

This clever lightweight jacket has been constructed from a fabric infused with highly reflective glass micro-beads, making it perfect for darker days. 

The lightweight 2-layer windproof and water-repellent fabric helps to regulate body temperature in changing conditions. Then, when things brighten up, it easily fits into a jersey pocket.

 


dhb embrace technical fabrics

dhb recently created a partnership with Polartec along with other technical fabrics like Schoeller®, and incorporate these technologies into their popular activewear (see the Aeron Alpha Gilet above). 

Both Polartec and Schoeller are used in a number of dhb Aeron and Aeron Lab products, adding protection, warmth, and aerodynamic features to this high-performance range. 

dhb Aeron Rain Defence Bib Tight

dhb Aeron Rain Defence Bib Tight

Using Schoeller's innovative  PU foam waterproof and windproof fabric, and its Nanosphere® water repellent treatment, the Aeron Rain Defence Bib Tight typifies the technical approach from dhb latest range, offering flexible weatherproofing and keeping you dry and comfortable.

Shop men's

Shop women's


dhb Aeron Lab Equinox Jersey

For riders who don't like wearing bulky winter jackets, the Aeron LAB Equinox jersey is the answer. A lightweight, insulated jersey, combining advanced Polartec® Power Shield® Pro and Flash by Schoeller® for balanced protection and breathability in winter conditions.


 

About the author

Damien Whinnery's picture
Damien Whinnery
Published on: 05 Feb 2021

Fascinated by fitness, serious about sport, and joyous about the gym