Softshell jackets are designed to protect mountain bikers from cooling down on cold days. They combine the properties of several items of clothing in one layer. The hard-wearing outer material repels splash water or mist. On the inside, soft velour or fleece keeps you warm, while a membrane blocks the cold wind in between.we tested twelve MTB winter jackets, each available as a men's and women's model. As we had to choose one model in the magazine article, this article provides an overview of all men's and women's models. We have also included thermographic images for evaluation purposes, which were taken with the help of a professional thermal imaging camera in the climate chamber at Vaude.
How to read the thermal images of the softshell jackets
The different colour zones of the thermographic image show where the greatest heat exchange takes place between the jacket and its surroundings. Dark, blue areas indicate a low heat exchange - i.e. a good insulating effect of the jacket. In contrast, the jacket allows a lot of body heat to escape in lighter, yellow or red zones.
The insulation properties were determined using a professional thermography system from Infratec in Dresden. The temperature in the climate chamber was minus five degrees, and a fan also simulated a headwind of around 20 kilometres per hour. The evaluation was later carried out using software. For this purpose, the body was divided into measurement zones - shoulders, arms, chest/abdomen and kidneys.
In addition to the laboratory measurements, the practical test also contributes 50 per cent to the insulation rating. The jackets were assessed by a total of six testers in terms of insulation, weather protection, fit and features.
The results at a glance
The following tables show an overview of the overall results of the BIKE test. We have separated the ratings for men and women for a better overview. On the following pages you will then find the individual evaluations, as well as the most important information and the respective conclusion on the jackets, sorted by manufacturer.
The ladies' models at a glance
The men's models at a glance
On the following pages you will find all test results sorted by manufacturer.
BBB Triguard
Price / Info
99.95 Euro / bbbcycling.com
Weight / Sizes / Made in...
340 g (men) / 287 g (women) / S-XXXL / S-XXL / China
Special features
Double backed zip; underarm ventilation
CONCLUSION
BBB sends its lightweight Triguard into the race without an inner lining, but with large, ventilated areas. It quickly gets draughty and cold below five degrees. The simple jacket comes without elaborate details, but with a sporty, comfortable cut. The sleeves and cuffs in particular are very well cut, but the rear could be a little longer. The vapour-permeable back offers little protection against splashing water.
BBB sends its lightweight Triguard into the race without an inner lining, but with large, ventilated areas. Below five degrees it quickly becomes draughty and cold. The simple jacket comes without elaborate details, but with a sporty, comfortable cut. The sleeves and cuffs in particular are very well cut, but the rear could be a little longer. The vapour-permeable back offers little protection against splashing water.
BIKE JUDGEMENT
good / 42 points
good / 43 points
Biehler Syndicate softshell jacket
Price / Info
190 Euro / biehler-cycling.com
Weight / Sizes / Made in...
425 g (men) / 365 g (women) / XS-XXXL / Germany
Special features
Large back zip pocket
CONCLUSION
With Biehler, just putting them on replaces the warm-up programme. The sleeves in particular have an extremely sporty fit, almost like a wetsuit. The cuffs extend well over the gloves, but the rear slides up. The shoulders are taut in the cycling position. Despite the light lining, the Syndicate is only moderately warm. The skin-tight fit draws cold wind under the arms up to the shoulders and back. The zipped back pocket is difficult to use.
The Biehler women's jacket is completely identical to the men's model. Here, too, it is difficult to slip into the very tight sleeves. These are also the weak point in the cold. You quickly start to freeze here. The chimney on the upper back provides additional ventilation and further increases the feeling of cold. The Biehler Syndicate Softshell is a jacket that works well for very sporty riders in the clear plus range.
BIKE JUDGEMENT
good / 45 points
good / 47 points
Bontrager Velocis S2 Softshell Jacket / Meraj S2 Softshell Jacket
Price / Info
199.99 Euro / trekbikes.com
Weight / Sizes / Made in...
423 g (men) / 329 g (women) / XS-XXL / S-XL / China
Special features
Thumb loops; 2 zip pockets, taped shoulder seams
CONCLUSION
The Bontrager Velocis just misses the super mark. It has a sporty, comfortable cut and keeps you warm even on cold days. The manufacturer has put a lot of effort into the details: Thumb loops keep the wind out, taped shoulders protect against light rain and a collar that flatters the neck. What more could you want? The jacket only bulges slightly at the stomach and chest.
The Bontrager is our absolute tip for women. It warms well, fits perfectly and is equipped with many useful details. The collar closes high and comfortably. Thumb loops on the long sleeves prevent the wind from blowing into the jacket, and the five pockets are easily accessible. Despite its sporty cut, a second jersey fits underneath on cold days. The men's version is also recommended.
BIKE JUDGEMENT
very good / 52 points
super / 56 points
Castelli Alpha RoS Jacket / Alpha RoS W Jacket
Price / Info
299.95 / 279.95 Euro / castelli-cycling.com
Weight / Sizes / Made in...
512 g (men) / 415 g (women) / S-3XL / XS-XL / Moldova
Special features
Zipped belly pocket; sewn-in waistcoat; taped shoulder seams
CONCLUSION
More race is not possible. The elaborately made Castelli fits sporty riders like a glove. Pockets and ventilation inserts are well positioned, the double collar closes comfortably and is draught-proof. A waistcoat is incorporated in the front area to provide additional warmth. And that's a good thing, because the Alpha RoS only keeps you warm when riding at a sporty pace. The material provides good protection against wind and weather.
In terms of fit, the men's model is the reference in the test, while the women's jacket is less flexible and somewhat constricting for larger chests. Otherwise, both jackets perform impeccably in all categories, provide good protection against wind and drizzle, are medium-warm and allow a very flexible climate balance thanks to the integrated inner jacket.
BIKE JUDGEMENT
super / 56 points
very good / 53 points
Craft Verve Glow Jacket / Belle Glow Jacket
Price / Info
149.95 Euro / craft-sports.com
Weight / Sizes / Made in...
467 g (men) / 361 g (women) / S-XXL / XS-XXL / China
Special features
Highly reflective; good visibility; underarm ventilation
CONCLUSION
The affordable Craft is a good all-rounder and works just as well off-road as it does on the road. Thanks to plenty of reflective and neon colours, it stands out like a neon sign. The sporty cut is very successful, but feels slightly twisted at the shoulders. The lining is soft and fluffy and keeps you warm even on cold days. However, the Verve gets sweaty at high intensity. There are no cooling areas. The surface absorbs splash water too quickly.
The women's version of the Craft jacket fits a little better and anticipates the bike position well. For the low price, the Belle is an attractive jacket for colder conditions. Craft leaves nothing to be desired in terms of features, but doesn't add anything special either. Even in the women's version, the waterproofing wears off after the first few washes and the outer material absorbs moisture quickly.
BIKE JUDGEMENT
very good / 46 points
very good / 47 points
Gonso Diorite / Lucite
Price / Info
99.95 Euro / gonso.com
Weight / Sizes / Made in...
433 g (men) / 353 g (women) / S-6XL / 34-52 / n.a.
Special features
2 zipped back pockets; also available in large sizes
CONCLUSION
More of a multisport jacket than a specific cycling jacket. The cut of the Gonso is poorly adapted to the posture on the bike. It bulges out at the stomach and rides up at the back. At least the soft material is comfortable to wear, but absorbs water quickly. Due to the many climate zones, the Diorit is only moderately warm. The zip backing folds to the side when closed and the wind whistles into the jacket at the cuffs.
Although the women's version has a different name, it is otherwise identical to the men's model. The Lucite also has plenty of material on the stomach and chest, which gets in the way when riding. The outer material quickly absorbs water spray. Nevertheless, both jackets are still relatively warm and well equipped. The price is still acceptable for the performance.
BIKE JUDGEMENT
good / 39 points
good / 39 points
Gore C5 Gore Softshell Thermo Jacket / C5 Women Gore Softshell Thermo Jacket
Price / Info
169.95 Euro / gorewear.com
Weight / Sizes / Made in...
485 g (men) / 377 g (women) / S-XXL / 34-42 / Myanmar
Special features
Extended rear; full-length softshell material Softshell material, double collar
CONCLUSION
Bikers can't go wrong with the fluffy Gore jacket, even on cold days. Although there are hardly any extras, the membrane giant has achieved a very good fit, from the sleeves and collar to the extended back section. The full-length softshell material provides plenty of warmth without getting sweaty. The back pockets are easily accessible. The men's model performs slightly better than the women's version.
The women's version of the Gore Thermo Jacket was one of our favourites in the test. Thanks to its cosy teddy lining, the C5 is very comfortable to wear. The full-length softshell material keeps you warm even on cooler days. If necessary, there is also room for a second layer under the jacket. Gore has also achieved a very good fit here. The jersey pockets on the back are easy to use.
BIKE JUDGEMENT
very good / 50 points
very good / 47 points
Löffler Hr. / Da. Bike Zip-Off Jacket San Remo WS Softshell Light
Price / Info
219.99 Euro / loeffler.at
Weight / Sizes / Made in...
416 g (men) / 305 g (women) / 46-60 / 36-46 / Austria
Special features
Zip-off sleeves; zip pocket at the back; extended back
CONCLUSION
The fact that the Löffler is made in Austria alone is worth mentioning. It has an elaborate cut, is perfectly finished and the climate zones on the sleeves and back are strategically placed. The cuffs and collar fit perfectly. Although the inside is not lined, the Löffler is still surprisingly warm. Despite the sporty cut, there is still room for a second layer underneath. A nice detail: the zip-off sleeves.
In the women's version, the Austrians skimp a little on the features. Instead of two back pockets and one zip pocket each on the chest and back, the ladies have to make do with one large zip pocket on the back. Fine, then the man has to carry the equipment. However, the cut doesn't fit quite as well as the men's jacket. The women's jacket also comes almost unlined and is therefore more suitable for milder winter days.
BIKE JUDGEMENT
VERY GOOD / 49 POINTS
VERY GOOD / 46 POINTS
Maloja PugelM. WB Jacket NOS / FopetaM. NOS
Price / Info
270 Euro / maloja.com
Weight / Sizes / Made in...
378 g (men) / 310 g (women) / XS-XL / Bulgaria
Special features
Zipped bum pocket; underarm ventilation
CONCLUSION
It's hard to believe that the PugelM. Maloja's model for the winter. It is barely thicker than a windbreaker and is not lined on the inside. The climate zones under the arms and on the back mean you cool down quickly. The sleeves fit really well. The rest of the jacket seems to be optimised for standing and walking. In the cycling position, the shoulders are high, the stomach bulges out and the back slides way up despite the silicone band.
The Maloja fits much better on the female testers than on the men. The cut is quite good here. The waterproofing also works well after the first few washes. Unfortunately, the FopetaM. also provides little warmth due to its very thin construction. Even at plus temperatures it gets chilly. For the price, the Maloja is poorly equipped and disappointingly simple.
BIKE JUDGEMENT
good / 38 points
good / 43 points
Pearl Izumi Elite Pursuit Amfib Jacket / W Elite Pursuit Amfib Jacket
Price / Info
159.95 Euro / paul-lange.de
Weight / Sizes / Made in...
304 g (men) / 243 g (women) / S-XXL / S-XL / Vietnam
Special features
Easy-grip zip; extended back
CONCLUSION
Both the men's and women's versions of the Pearl Izumi are an absolute recommendation for milder days. Apart from a small crease on the stomach, the lightweight Elite is perfectly cut. The long sleeves extend well over the glove, the extended rear protects against splashing water and the soft collar stands high up to protect against draughts. There are hardly any extras, but the price is also very reasonable.
The Pearl Izumi is one of those jackets in which you feel comfortable straight away. The very light softshell material hugs the body and fits really well in the cycling position. Due to its lightweight construction, however, it is more suitable for mild days or intensive riding. Although there are few extras in terms of features, the cut is very good and the price-performance ratio is balanced.
BIKE JUDGEMENT
very good / 48 points
very good / 47 points
Sportful Tempo WS Jacket / Tempo W's Jacket
Price / Info
159.95 / 149.95 Euro / sportful.com
Weight / Sizes / Made in...
366 g (men) / 331 g (women) / XS-3XL / XS-XXL / Bulgaria
Special features
Underarm ventilation
CONCLUSION
Typical Italian cut. The inexpensive Sportful fits sporty riders perfectly. Although it fits close to the body, it does not restrict mobility on the bike. The features are solid for the price, but you won't find any luxurious extras. Permeable inserts under the arms and on the back ensure a good climate, but the Tempo only keeps you moderately warm. There is no room for a second jersey.
Although the two jackets are identical in construction, women have to pay ten euros less. However, they don't get less jacket in return. The features and fit of both versions are at the same high level and they also perform solidly in terms of insulation and weather protection. Like the Pearl Izumi, the Sportful is a sporty jacket with a good price-performance ratio for milder temperatures.
BIKE JUDGEMENT
very good / 46 points
very good / 46 points
Vaude Me Posta Softshell Jacket V / Wo Resca Softshell Jacket II
Price / Info
120 / 150 Euro / vaude.com
Weight / Sizes / Made in...
519 g (men) / 418 g (women) / S-XXXL / 36-44 / Vietnam
Special features
Softshell throughout, large zipped back pocket, zipped ventilation on the men's jacket
CONCLUSION
The Vaude is the only model in the test with a different final score for men and women. This is mainly due to the cut, which doesn't really suit the men. The rear is quite short, there is clearly too much material on the stomach and chest and the sleeves are very short. This results in a cold bridge with some gloves. In terms of features, however, the men's model is again slightly ahead.
Warm, soft and comfortably cut: Despite its casual cut, the environmentally friendly Resca has a figure-hugging fit and is well adapted to the cycling position. Windproof at the front and permeable at the back, the Vaude not only provides good protection from the cold and wind, but also keeps the climate pleasant. On cold days, there is enough space for a second jersey under the jacket. Nice detail: large zip pocket on the back.
BIKE JUDGEMENT
good / 45 points
very good / 49 points
Stefan Frey
Editor
