MTB wind jacket testGorewear Lupra - robust all-weather jacket for trail bikers

Stefan Frey

 · 28.02.2024

MTB wind jacket test: Gorewear Lupra - robust all-weather jacket for trail bikers

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After wet comes cold, especially when cycling. During breaks or long descents, a sweaty bike jersey makes you freeze faster. A wind jacket protects us from the wind chill effect. We tested 12 models, from super light to extra weatherproof. In this article, we present the Gorewear Lupra, a robust all-weather jacket for trail bikers.

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The Lupra from Gorewear is half wind and half rain jacket
Photo: Georg Grieshaber

Resting sweaty on a draughty summit? Or cooling down on the long descent of a marathon? A wind jacket has saved the day for many a biker. Whether super light or with extra weather protection - we tested twelve models. The Gorewear Lupra is a robust jacket for trail bikers with increased rain protection.

Gorewear Lupra windbreaker - Features/ Pack size

The Lupra windbreaker is a kind of hybrid. It is partly waterproof with taped seams (upper arms, shoulders, chest) and partly made of wind-repellent but more breathable material. The rest of the features are also impressive. A hood that fits over a helmet and can be adjusted extensively is on board, as are long sleeves with small flaps. Two slit pockets keep your hands warm and reflective zones increase visibility in the dark. The waistband is cut slightly longer at the back and can also be adjusted with a drawstring. The slit pockets are made of mesh for better ventilation.

Taped seams and a waterproof membrane make the upper part of the Lupra waterproofPhoto: Georg GrieshaberTaped seams and a waterproof membrane make the upper part of the Lupra waterproof

Weather protection

The Lupra should not be seen as a real rain jacket. Although it keeps the front of the upper body pleasantly dry, the forearms and back are quickly soaked in a heavy downpour. It is therefore not the right choice for tours with a thunderstorm option or rain forecast. On the other hand, it provides particularly good protection on cold, windy days, keeps you dry in light drizzle and still doesn't let you stew in your own juices.

The slit pockets are lined with mesh and provide some ventilationPhoto: Georg GrieshaberThe slit pockets are lined with mesh and provide some ventilation
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Wearing comfort

The cut of the Lupra wind jacket is very well adapted to your position on the bike. The sleeves are slightly pre-shaped and sufficiently long. The cuffs fit comfortably around the wrist. Even when fully stretched, they stay in place and do not leave a gap to the glove. The rear is long enough to reach over the waistband. This makes the Lupra a great companion on trail rides, offering plenty of freedom of movement and a high level of comfort. Despite the 2.5-layer construction, the jacket doesn't feel too sweaty. Top: the collar pulls up around the neck and is clean, even when the hood is not on. To prevent it from flapping too much in the wind, it can be tightened with a drawstring.

The hood fits perfectly over the helmet and is comfortable to wearPhoto: Georg GrieshaberThe hood fits perfectly over the helmet and is comfortable to wearA silicone strap prevents the hood from slipping off the helmetPhoto: Georg GrieshaberA silicone strap prevents the hood from slipping off the helmet

Handling

The zip on the Lupra is difficult to operate with one hand and sometimes snags a little. However, putting on and taking off the jacket, operating the hood and adjusting the waistband are easy. A pocket that serves as a pannier would be a nice gimmick. The Lupra does take up quite a lot of space in the rucksack.

The Lupra is only waterproof up to the elbow. You'll quickly get wet underneath in the rainPhoto: Georg GrieshaberThe Lupra is only waterproof up to the elbow. You'll quickly get wet underneath in the rain

Gorewear Lupra windbreaker - Price and info

  • Price 189,95 Euro >> available here at a reduced price
  • Weight / Sizes 306.1 g / S-XXL
  • Pack size 1150 cc
  • Manufactured in China
  • Equipment Partially waterproof; reflective; adjustable hood; 2 slit pockets; extended back

Valuation

Impressive weather protection and a great fitPhoto: Georg GrieshaberImpressive weather protection and a great fitGreat jacket for trail and touring bikers with added weather protectionPhoto: Georg GrieshaberGreat jacket for trail and touring bikers with added weather protection

Conclusion on the Gorewear Lupra windbreaker in the test

Gorewear's hybrid jacket is a top choice for touring bikers looking for a higher level of weather protection. It is waterproof on the shoulders, chest and upper arms, but otherwise windproof. The fit is very good, offering a high degree of freedom of movement and a hood for over the helmet. Its slit pockets can be used for ventilation. The robust design ensures a high weight and large pack size. The Lupra is available in an identical Version also available for women*.

Stefan Frey is from Lower Bavaria and loves the mossy, loamy trails of the Bavarian Forest as much as the rugged rock of the Dolomites. For technical descents, he is prepared to tackle almost any ascent - under his own steam. As an accessories specialist, he is the first port of call for questions about equipment and add-on parts, while as head of copywriting he sweeps the language crumbs from the pages of the BIKE print editions.

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