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In addition to the jackets shown here, we also tested a Cube model in our BIKE 11/23 print issue. This was a pre-production sample, which showed qualitative defects and is therefore no longer listed in this article. Here is the official statement from Cube:
The rain jacket model we provided for testing was a pre-production sample. In contrast to the original publication of this text, there was no recall of this article. Any quality defects identified have already been addressed and corrected in the final series production. We thank you for your understanding and are available to answer any questions you may have.
We have tested these rain jackets
- Gore Endure Jacket >> available here
- Jack Wolfskin Morobbia 3L JKT >> available here
- Löffler Bike Jacket with Hood CF WPM Pocket >> available here
- Norrona Fjora >> available here
- Poc Motion Rain Jacket >> available here
- Protective P-New Age CB >> available here
- Scott Explorair Light Dryo 3L >> available here
- Specialised Trail Neoshell Rain >> available here
- Vaude Moab rain jacket >> available here
Wet on the outside, dry on the inside. This is the marketing myth of rainwear manufacturers. Vapour permeability is still praised as the saviour for sweat-free riding fun in the rain. However, determining the "breathability" of rain jackets is little more than grey theory, and in many models you sweat just sitting down. As a rule, vapour permeability is measured using the MVTR value, the full pronunciation of which almost causes a knot in the tongue. The Moisture Vapour Transmission Rate indicates the amount of water vapour that passes through one square metre of membrane surface in 24 hours. The higher the MVTR value, the more breathable. The best values here are around 40,000 g/m²/24h, and Protective even claims a record value of 60,000 g/m²/24h for its jacket. It is not clear to the customer whether the bare membrane was measured or whether the water vapour had to work its way through the two to three layers of the laminate.
Sweat transport: often only a theoretical value
What's more, tough everyday outdoor life usually has little in common with standardised laboratory conditions. Sweat transport only works if there is a temperature difference of at least 15 degrees Celsius between the inside and outside. In summer, Gore-Tex and the like may protect you from the rain, but you still get wet - from the inside. As soon as the waterproofing wears off, moisture transport also comes to a standstill. A closed film of water then forms on the outside - known as "wetting out" - and the passage of vapour is blocked. Blocked pores have the same effect. However, regular washing and refreshing of the waterproofing maintains the function of the raincoat. But even with the best care, none of the membranes can cope with intensive climbs without sweating.
Ventilation options - essential for a good climate
Cleverly placed ventilation openings have proven to be much more effective for a pleasant climate. Two-way zips at the front improve freedom of movement and ensure a draught. Long zips under the armpits or large pockets with air-permeable mesh lining have the same effect when open. Sleeves that can be pushed up to the elbows also contribute to a better body climate.
But the more crucial question is: are the jackets really waterproof? According to the EU standard, a textile only has to withstand a water column of 1300 millimetres to be considered waterproof. All the laminates in the test achieved this. Just like the 3000 millimetres we set significantly higher. The sticking points, however, are the taped seams and seam knots. Several jackets did not withstand the pressure here.
Tightness is also a question of the cut!
Whether you stay dry in a jacket or not depends not only on the material but also to a large extent on its construction. If the cuffs are too short and wide, water will run down the inside of the jacket like a gutter. A protruding collar also sends heavy rain directly inside - brrrrr. And a hood only provides protection if it can be optimally adjusted to the head or helmet. So you can't recognise a good rain jacket by the theoretical promises made by the manufacturer. Unfortunately, a jacket in which you don't sweat during exertion still belongs to the realm of myths.
The rain jackets in the test
Gore Endure Jacket
- Price 249,95 Euro >> available here
- Weight / pack size / size¹ 305 grams / 1.35 litres / M
- Material Gore Paclite Plus; 2L; PFC-free waterproofing
- Equipment 2-way adjustable hood; slit pockets with pouch function; Velcro cuffs; drawstring; reflective
- Fit Long sleeves; slim, sporty cut
Conclusion: The Gore Endure Jacket in the test
The Endure is a lightweight jacket with a sporty cut and no frills. Its fit is close to ideal: perfectly fitting sleeves, a sufficiently long rear and a hood that fits comfortably over the helmet. The workmanship is impeccable, all seams are tight and the zips run smoothly. Despite the reasonable vapour permeability, a ventilation option would be desirable. Otherwise, the jacket is simple, packable, waterproof and highly recommended.
Valuation
Weather protection (35 %)
10 out of 10 points
Body climate (25 %)
8 out of 10 points
Weight¹ / pack size (20 %)
8 out of 10 points
Equipment / function (20 %)
8 out of 10 points
Jack Wolfskin Morobbia 3L JKT
- Price 319,95 Euro >> available here
- Weight / pack size / size¹ 432 grams / 1.7 litres / M
- Material Texapore Ecosphere Pro; 3L; PFC-free waterproofing
- Equipment Two chest pockets; hood with drawstring; underarm ventilation; Velcro sleeve cuffs; reflective
- Fit Long sleeves, extended rear, voluminous cut at the chest and stomach
Conclusion: The Jack Wolfskin Morobbia rain jacket in the test
The membrane of this outdoor giant is 100% recycled and keeps absolutely waterproof. Only the waterproofing wears off quickly and the outer shell becomes saturated. The Morobbia has a bike-specific but rather wide cut and also works well as a multi-sport jacket. Its sleeves with a small flap can be easily adjusted and pushed up, and ventilation zips further improve the already good climate. Great hood for over the helmet.
Valuation
Weather protection (35 %)
8 out of 10 points
Body climate (25 %)
8 out of 10 points
Weight¹ / pack size (20 %)
6 out of 10 points
Equipment / function (20 %)
9 out of 10 points
Löffler Bike Jacket with Hood CF WPM Pocket
- Price 219.99 Euro >> available here
- Weight / pack size / size¹ 183 grams / 0.85 litres / M
- Material Polyurethane; 2.5L; PFC-free impregnation
- Equipment Hood with adjustment and stowage option; drawstring at the waist; stretch cuffs; slit pockets; reflective
- Fit Mid-length sleeves; rather wide torso; slightly elongated rear; easy to move in
Conclusion: The Löffler Bike Jacket in the test
With its minimal pack size and low weight, the Löffler is a real emergency jacket for the rucksack. The membrane is the most vapour permeable in the test, but quickly feels sweaty on the inside. The outer material absorbs a lot of water, so the Löffler feels damp even though it is waterproof. There are no ventilation openings or a two-way zip. The thin hood is easy to wear under a helmet and can be rolled up when not in use.
Valuation
Weather protection (35 %)
7 out of 10 points
Body climate (25 %)
7 out of 10 points
Weight¹ / pack size (20 %)
10 out of 10 points
Equipment / function (20 %)
6 out of 10 points
Norrona Fjora
- Price 649 Euro >> available here
- Weight / pack size / size¹ 411 grams / 1.85 litres / L
- Material Gore Tex Pro; 3L;
- Equipment Chest pocket; inside pocket with cleaning cloth; front and underarm ventilation; hood with drawstring and retaining clip; long flap on sleeve; reflective; hook & loop fastener
- Fit Slim and long cut; reaches over the buttocks
Conclusion: The Norrona Fjora rain jacket in the test
Norrona equips the Fjora with Gore's Top membrane. It is absolutely waterproof and has a solid impregnation. Together with the neatly adjustable hood (over the helmet) and large flaps over the hands, you stay dry for a long time. The good vapour permeability is supported by underarm vents and an additional zip at the front. The jacket is extremely expensive, but also robust and suitable for multi-sports. Annoying: the flaps slip out of the sleeves when you put them on.
Valuation
Weather protection (35 %)
10 out of 10 points
Body climate (25 %)
9 out of 10 points
Weight¹ / pack size (20 %)
6 out of 10 points
Equipment / function (20 %)
9 out of 10 points
Poc Motion Rain Jacket
- Price: 250 Euro >> available here
- Weight / pack size / size¹ 414 grams / 1.65 litres / M
- Material Polyester; 3L; PFC-free waterproofing
- Equipment Chest pocket; 2 slash pockets; hood (under helmet); stretch cuffs; reflective; 2-way zip
- Fit slim, movement-friendly cut; short sleeves
Conclusion: The Poc Motion Rain Jacket in the test
The Poc shines with a comfortable fit and good vapour permeability. The stretchy material also offers plenty of flexibility. The hood fits well under the helmet even without adjustment, but rustles loudly. The cut is not very bike-specific and could be longer at the rear. The sleeves are also a little short. Apart from one seam knot, the jacket is waterproof, but absorbs a lot of water on the outside after three washes. Simply equipped.
Valuation
Weather protection (35 %)
6 out of 10 points
Body climate (25 %)
8 out of 10 points
Weight¹ / pack size (20 %)
6 out of 10 points
Equipment / function (20 %)
7 out of 10 points
Protective P-New Age CB
- Price 279,95 Euro >> available here
- Weight / pack size / size¹ 346 grams / 1.4 litres / L
- Material PU membrane; 3L; PFC-free waterproofing
- Equipment Two-way adjustable and roll-up hood; slit pockets; Velcro sleeve cuffs; waistband with drawstring; reflective
- Fit Long sleeves; straight cut with plenty of room at the chest and stomach; runs rather small
Conclusion: How the Protective P-New Age CB performs in the test
A neatly finished jacket with a comfortable feel. Despite the 3-layer construction, the weight and pack size remain within reasonable limits. The vapour permeability is good, although not as high as the manufacturer claims. Only the sleeves can be pushed up for ventilation, there are no ventilation zips. The hood only fits under the helmet and is quite loud; it can be rolled up but then covers the soft fleece in the neck.
Valuation
Weather protection (35 %)
9 out of 10 points
Body climate (25 %)
7 out of 10 points
Weight¹ / pack size (20 %)
8 out of 10 points
Equipment / function (20 %)
8 out of 10 points
Scott Explorair Light Dryo 3L
- Price 219,95 Euro >> available here
- Weight / pack size / size¹ 380 grams / 1.55 litres / M
- Material Drysphere; 3L; PFC-free impregnation; 50 % recycled
- Equipment Adjustable hood; drawstring; Velcro fastening; slit pockets
- Fit Slim fit; mid-length sleeves; slightly short rear; not very flexible
Conclusion: The Scott Explorair Light Dryo 3L in the test
When it comes to rain protection, the stylish Scott leaves nothing to be desired - it is absolutely waterproof and durably impregnated. The cut is sporty, but not particularly bike-specific. The material could do with more stretch and the sleeves could be a little longer. The hood fits very well without a helmet, but rustles loudly under a helmet. Top: The collar reaches far up and closes well. Unfortunately, there is no ventilation function and the other features are very limited.
Valuation
Weather protection (35 %)
9 out of 10 points
Body climate (25 %)
6 out of 10 points
Weight¹ / pack size (20 %)
6 out of 10 points
Equipment / function (20 %)
6 out of 10 points
Specialised Trail Neoshell Rain
- Price 320 Euro >> available here
- Weight / pack size / size¹ 577 grams / 2.1 litres / L
- Material Polartec Neoshell; 3L
- Equipment Hood with adjustment; slit pockets; side ventilation zip
- Fit Short sleeves; long, narrow torso; good freedom of movement
Conclusion: How the Specialized Trail Neoshell Rain performs in the test
The stretchy neoshell feels almost like softshell material and flatters the skin. Together with the good ventilation options, this ensures a good climate. Due to the short sleeves, it is better to choose a size larger, but then the jacket is wide and very long at the front. Water drips easily into the sleeves and the wide collar offers little protection. The hood over the helmet restricts mobility somewhat.
Valuation
Weather protection (35 %)
8 out of 10 points
Body climate (25 %)
8 out of 10 points
Weight¹ / pack size (20 %)
3 out of 10 points
Equipment / function (20 %)
6 out of 10 points
Vaude Moab rain jacket
- Price 190 Euro >> available here
- Weight / pack size / size¹ 360 grams / 1.4 litres / M
- Material Ceplex; 2.5L; PFC-free waterproofing; recycled polyester
- Equipment Velcro and stretch sleeves; drawstring; slit pockets; adjustable and stowable hood; underarm ventilation
- Fit Mid-length sleeves; slim torso, extended rear
Conclusion: The Vaude Moab rain jacket in the BIKE test
The Moab immediately appeals with its bike-specific, but not too tight fit. The sleeve and back length are great and the sleeves fit perfectly. All zips and drawstrings are easy to operate. The hood fits snugly on the head and doesn't rustle too much. The membrane is only average when it comes to vapour permeability, and it quickly feels sticky on bare skin. Nevertheless, one of the best jackets in the test.
Valuation
Weather protection (35 %)
9 out of 10 points
Body climate (25 %)
6 out of 10 points
Weight¹ / pack size (20 %)
7 out of 10 points
Equipment / function (20 %)
9 out of 10 points
Overview of all rain jackets in the BIKE test
Stefan Frey
Editor
