Ok Rapha fans, we’ve got a bunch of new gear from your favourite clothing and accessory brand to show you today. First, we’ll check out a new collection of high-end bikepacking gear from Rapha and Snow Peak, which includes some titanium goodies. On the clothing side Rapha has new threads for everyone, adding a few pieces to the men’s Explore series and releasing a whole new Nomad collection for women.
Rapha x Snow Peak Collection
Rapha and Snow Peak (a Japanese company specializing in high-end outdoor equipment) recently announced a limited edition collection of lightweight bikepacking accessories aimed at enthusiastic multi-day riders. This initial collection includes a few key pieces for eating and drinking, but Rapha says this is just the beginning – we can expect to see further collaborations between these two brands.
The first limited edition collection includes a titanium spork, a ti mug and a stainless steel insulated bottle. Each piece displays the words ‘Seems Appropriate’ which Rapha says conveys the contrasts of being comfortable at home versus out in the wilderness amidst an adventure. These premium pieces were built to be lightweight, but strong enough for the long haul.
The Kanpai Bottle is a vacuum-sealed, double walled stainless steel bottle that will keep cold drinks cold or hot drinks hot. The bottle has a 18.3oz capacity and comes with three different lids; two insulated lids for hot/cold beverages, and one that’s easy to drink from while you ride. The bottle weighs 12.5oz, and its MSRP is $135.
The Single Walled Mug is made entirely from lightweight and durable Japanese titanium. The mug follows a classic camp-style design with a foldable double handle, and it can be placed directly over a heat source for cooking or preparing hot drinks. The mug is also dishwasher safe for easy post-trip cleaning. Its capacity is 15.2oz, and it weighs in at just 2.4oz. The Single Walled Mug retails for $42.50.
Last but definitely not least is the amazing spork! The Rapha x Snow Peak Spork is made from 100% titanium, which we cyclists know is very lightweight (16g) and durable. The ti spork is suitable for cooking needs and eating, and is dishwasher safe. It measures 6.5” long and 1.6” wide, and they sell for $15.
New Explore Men’s Clothing
Coinciding with the Snow Peak collaboration, Rapha has added a few new clothing items to their men’s Explore collection. This collection is designed and trail-tested for off-road riding and bikepacking trips, and a new gilet, jacket and jersey have just joined the lineup.
Made from 25gsm fabric, the new Explore Lightweight Gilet is one of Rapha’s lightest outer layers. The gilet will block wind, but also breathes well to keep your body temperature regulated through changing conditions. A DWR treatment provides water resistance for damp rides.
This gilet was kept simple to keep weight and bulk down, so it has a small front zipper placket and Rapha has forgone the usual cord pullers at the hem. The gilet packs into its own side pocket, and once packed up, the pocket has external pull loops for easy attachment to your bike or backpack. Rapha has also included a hanger loop on the back of the gilet for quick drying, and reflective logos on the front and back.
The Explore Lightweight Gilet comes in Mustard or Navy colors, and sizes range from XS-XXL. It follow’s Rapha’s ‘regular’ fit, so it offers a slightly relaxed cut. MSRP is $115.
The Explore Jacket is a great option for those who prefer sleeves on their outer layers. Aside from the sleeves the jacket is quite similar to the gilet: It’s made from a 25gsm 100% Nylon fabric that’s light and packable, it has a water-repellent DWR finish, and it simultaneously blocks wind and breathes to vent body heat.
Like the vest the jacket packs up into its own side pocket with attachment loops, and Rapha has kept things simple with small zipper plackets and hems with no cord pullers. The jacket also gets a hanger loop on the back and reflective logos.
The Explore Jacket is offered in Terracotta or Navy colors, and provides a ‘regular’ fit. Sizes go from XS-XXL, and it sells for $135.
Rapha’s Explore Merino Tee takes advantage of merino wool’s natural wicking and odor-resisting abilities to offer a soft, versatile t-shirt style jersey. Rapha uses ReRapt Technology to create a durable fabric blend of 52% merino/48% Nylon, which not only provides snag and abrasion resistance, it also helps keep the garment from losing its shape.
This jersey features a new cut from Rapha, the Explore Fit, which moves the sleeves a bit forward and adds a gusseted underarm panel to ensure all-day comfort on and off the bike. Color options for the Explore Merino Tee are Brick or Dark Navy, sizes range from XS-XXL, and its retail price is $90.
Women’s Nomad Collection
Rapha’s Nomad collection was inspired by the ‘golden era’ of the 1970’s when cycling was rapidly gaining popularity in The United States. The 1976 Bikecentennial event took racers over 4000 miles from Oregon to Virginia, and it’s that spirit of adventure that Rapha aims to evoke with their Nomad women’s clothing. As the global popularity of cycling is surging once again, the Nomad collection’s nod to the past fits just right in 2021.
Rapha says the Nomad women’s clothing line was “Made for discovery, not speed,” so they utilize performance fabrics but include practical features rather than favouring ultralight, aero construction.
The Nomad Wind Jacket is a quarter-zip windproof pullover with a soft inner fabric to ensure comfort regardless of what you’re wearing underneath. To keep the elements out, the jacket has an elasticized hood (that fits over a helmet) and an adjustable hem.
A large chest pocket with mesh dividers carries small items, and the jacket packs up into an integrated stuff sack. The eye-catching geological print features reflective logos and details, and is positioned differently for each Nomad Wind Jacket so every buyer gets a unique piece (and Rapha gets to reduce wasted material).
The Nomad Wind Jacket retails for $190, and sizes range from XXS-XL.
Rapha’s Nomad Cargo Bibshort offers ample storage with two mesh leg pockets and two rear pockets. Rapha says the pockets were tested to ensure their stretch openings will keep your items secure, and they’re positioned to sit above the waist of Rapha’s Cotton and Randonee baggy shorts.
The Nomad bibs’ lightweight fabrics and perforated chamois make them suitable for summer temperatures, and the shorts dry quickly so they can be laundered overnight during a multi-day ride. Despite the light fabrics, these bibs provide a stretchy, supportive fit.
MSRP for the Nomad Cargo Bibshorts is $270. XXS-XL sizes are available, and they come in one color with one-off patterned uppers.
As for base layers, the Nomad series includes a Technical T-Shirt and Long Sleeve shirt. The shirts are made from the same micro-mesh as Rapha’s Flyweight jerseys, and they use a gradient knit structure to wick sweat away from your body and dry very quickly. The shirts’ textured fabric and loose fit also ensure cooling airflow.
If you’re pedalling at night, you can turn up the sleeves of the short sleeve tee to reveal reflective strips (a clever addition to aid with hand-signalling). The Nomad Long Sleeve shirt sells for $100 and the short sleeve costs $90. Both come in sizes XXS-XL, and only in the colors/graphics seen above.
Rapha also includes a relaxed fit Cotton T-shirt in the Nomad collection. It sells for $55, in sizes XXS-XL.
For those ladies who like head-to-toe coordination, Rapha offers the Women’s Nomad Cap and Nomad socks. The cap is made from a fast-drying, breathable and water resistant fabric. The brim is lined with a moisture-wicking, anti-bacterial tape with an elastic fastener for a snug fit. The cap fits under helmets and folds up into your pocket when it’s not needed. The Nomad Cap retails for $40. S/M and M/L sizes are available.
Rapha has created two special edition graphics for their Explore socks to match the Nomad collection. The Explore socks are made from a lightweight Nylon blend, and are ideal for anything but cold weather rides. They feature reinforced heel cups and toe boxes, and the same fit as Rapha’s Pro Team sock.
The Nomad and Nomad Graphic socks both sell for $20. Sizes go from S-XL.
Finally, the Nomad Bar Bag is the one piece of gear included in this collection. In addition to its main pocket the Nomad Bar Bag has a zippered pouch on the front for quick-access items. The main pocket has a bright pink lining and internal mesh pockets to divvy up your stuff.
Quick-release buckles allow for easy removal of the bag, and the handlebar straps slide to work around lights, bells, etc. A side strap means you can also use the Nomad as a frame bag, looped to the top tube and seat mast. A hidden shoulder strap allows you to easily carry the bag off-the-bike, and the reflective webbing on the front can host a clip-on headlight for night riding. The Nomad Bar Bag costs $75.
The Rapha x Snow Peak collection, new Explore pieces and Nomad women’s collection are all now available via Rapha’s website.
