Wind jackets are an often overlooked when it comes to developing new tech. I’ve seen a lot of nicely designed jackets to battle the harshest elements, and some really great packable vests that offer a bit of protection for early morning starts. But for longer rides in cool weather or even more for those really long rides in the mountains where the temperatures can drop quickly and where long descents can suck all of the warmth out of you a nice packable wind jacket is key.
Developed based on the demands of Rapha’s pro sponsorship with Team Sky the new Pro Team Lightweight Wind Jacket should close that gap between vest and proper jacket in something that can easily stuff in a jersey pocket, but vent well enough to still wear on those cooler climbs…
The Pro Team Wind Jacket combines a front that completely blocks out the wind with a breathable mesh back. That makes it less a jacket for when the storms roll in and you’ll need to stay dry, but will take the bite out of the wind for riding in cool weather, at elevation, and on long downhills. At just 136g it packs down small, and shouldn’t take up even a full pocket in most jerseys.
An ultra-light windproof polyester makes up the front of the body, and covers both the tops of the shoulders and all of the arms. From mid-shoulder blade down to the hem, the back is made of an open polyester mesh with a bit of stretch that is breathable and wicks any sweat up and away from your jersey underneath. That stretch gives the jacket a snug fit, and with an elastic hem with a gentle gripper on the hem, it shouldn’t flap in the wind.
The $175/140€/£120 jacket only comes in black, but does get reflective accents on the armband, sleeves, collar, and back.
