All-weather jersey without or softshell jacket with membrane? What works better for training in bad weather?

The characteristics of all-weather jerseys

The all-weather jerseys are characterised by their tightly woven fabric and jersey-like cut. Their outer skin has a more or less permanent water-repellent impregnation that repels raindrops so that the material does not soak up water and there is a risk of cooling down due to the wind chill effect. Depending on the amount of material, an all-weather jersey weighs 250 to 350 grams and is therefore around three times heavier than an average summer jersey.

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The characteristics of weather jackets

The alternative is the weather jacket made in laminate construction, in which a wind and water-repellent membrane is placed between the outer shell and the lining. Depending on the material used, these jackets weigh around 100 grams more than the all-weather jerseys and are completely windproof thanks to the membrane. It also serves as a second water barrier under the outer skin, which is also impregnated. Compared to the very elasticated jerseys, the wearing comfort of jackets is somewhat lower, but they are roughly on a par in terms of price and features.

These are the differences

The biggest difference between all-weather jerseys and jackets is their different vapour permeability. A jacket with a membrane offers more resistance. This means that sweat in the form of water vapour is transported more slowly from the skin to the outside, and the feeling of stewing in your own juices develops correspondingly faster. As this barrier is missing from the all-weather jersey, the microclimate responsible for well-being during hard training sessions remains pleasant for longer. Accordingly, the all-weather jersey without a membrane is the better training partner when things get hot, literally.

In terms of weather protection, the jacket with a membrane is ahead of the all-weather jerseys: cold wind is effectively blocked and does not reach the body and raindrops can hardly pass through this barrier or not at all if the jacket has the "waterproof" seal. How quickly the cyclist gets too cool in the jacket also depends on how well the water-repellent treatment (DWR treatment) of the outer skin works. As this is a treatment with substances that are sometimes harmful to the environment and whose effect wears off with every wash, it can soak up water faster and faster with increasing use.

All-weather jerseys vs. softshell jackets: Conclusion on the comparison

That's the bottom line. The membrane-free and comfortable all-weather jerseys are the first choice for intensive winter training, provided it stays dry or only drizzles lightly. If you take a more leisurely approach, are a little sensitive to the cold and often sit on your racer in sleet or rain, you should opt for a jacket with a membrane.