A windproof and
waterproof product that can easily be taken into a pocket as this reflective
jacket is wrapped around itself. A product intended for outings where
the weather is uncertain but also to face the fresh descent of mountain passes,
without being too crowded.
The ideal
complement to the Sportful R & D Ultra-light jersey, which is very light
and airy but which could prove to be just right when the temperature drops,
even if its price seems slightly excessive.
By taking out this
jacket from its packaging, one is immediately surprised by its lightness. No wonder,
Sportful only advertises 50g. My copy, in size L, weighs only 55g, thanks to
the use of a fabric of only 7 deniers (1 000 m of wire weigh less than one
gram). Laser perforations are present in the back to ensure good ventilation.
Around the back pocket, a reflective material edge allows to be better seen. As you can
see on the pictures, if the photos of presentation reveal an opaque cloth,
realized, the jacket is almost transparent. So that will not hide your
swimsuit.
The cut is close
to the body, which does not cause too much noise at high speed in descents and
therefore does not slow down. Windproof, but also water-resistant thanks to a
water-repellent DWR finish. Thanks to its water-repellent finish, rain is
pearled without being absorbed, and anti-wrinkle treatment prevents wrinkles
from forming. Not enough to face a big storm, but at least not to return soaked
in case of drizzle or road simply wet.
The elastic cuffs
prevent the wind from entering the jacket and act as a parachute. Same as the
waist, an elastic allows the jacket to perfectly fit the body.
The collar (lined)
raises high on the neck, so as not to get cold at the throat.
The big advantage
of this jacket is its compactness. It is possible to fold it on itself in its
pocket.
In the end, you
get a small "pack" that stays in place and that measures only 14cm x
9cm. What to easily take place in a pocket next to energy bars.
On the road。 As always with Sportful, this
product is very close to the body. You do not feel like you have a garbage bag
on your back that yawns in the wind.
The windbreaker
aspect is present. After sweating in the climb of a pass, you can quickly put
on it so as not to catch cold in the descent. On the other hand, with the bare
arms, these will tend to stick to the fabric, which will make the removal of
this jacket rather delicate.
Against the rain,
the Ultra-light Hot Pack is surprisingly effective. Not enough to face a big
storm, but a temporary rain or the drizzle often present at the summits will be
stopped. The breathable reflective fabric avoids too much
sweat and keeps the windbreaker on the back for a long time.
An excellent
product remains the detail that annoys the price. For more than 120 € (a
sleeveless version exists at 110 € but seems to me less useful), it is
relatively expensive in my opinion for that does not have a frequent utility.
A perfectly
designed product, but would probably be better placed at 80/90 €.
