Wind jackets: 13 models for men and women put to the test

The jackets have never been more varied than in our current test. This applies to the price as well as the equipment details or the sometimes very different cuts of our 26 test models. The Giara model from Sportful costs 170 euros, while the women's jacket from Van Rysel, the house brand of sports article discounter Decathlon, costs just 29 euros. Theoretically, you could buy six French jackets for the price of one Italian. There are tight and short-cut jackets that you could also wear in a race, but also longer, wider-cut jackets that sit comfortably on the upper body.

Cycling wind jackets: Mixed test field

The Maap or Castelli jackets are among the tight-fitting models for decidedly wiry types, while the Specialized or Sportful overcoats appeal to those cyclists who don't like it quite so close to the body. Although we don't rate the cut and fit, as the differences between cyclists in posture and stature on the bike are too great, both aspects have an indirect influence on the evaluation of the jackets. Either way, the cut should be adapted to the cyclist's posture and the jacket should fit as tightly as possible so that it does not flap in the wind. The front of the jacket should be short enough so that the fabric does not crease in front of the chest, while the back must be long enough to cover the kidney area and buttocks. In short: the better the jacket fits, the better it works.

The same applies to handling. Zips that are easy to operate with both hands when standing in front of the mirror and run smoothly in both directions can sometimes prove stubborn on the bike because the jacket sits too loosely on the body and offers the zip so little support that the zip cannot be moved with one hand at all. Wide or short collars and cuffs may leave (too) much room around the neck or wrists in the stretched-out racing position and are then a gateway for draughts; kidneys and back can get cold if the elasticated waistband can barely contain the material, as is the case with the Specialized jacket, for example.

The models from Maap or POC are convincing in this respect, as they fit well all round, provide airtight protection for the neck and wrists and protect the back and bottom well. In the jackets from Cube, Shimano or Specialized, our testers felt very comfortable when standing, which is mainly due to the fact that high collars, long sleeves and extended backs promise a lot of protection. However, the initial feeling of well-being is relativised when the jackets flutter and rustle in the wind on the racer. The quietest of the three is the Shimano jacket, whose elasticated material fits best.

Useful details

As far as visibility in road traffic is concerned, a jacket in a striking colour, equipped with sensible and sufficiently placed reflective material, is the best choice. Jackets from Scott or Shimano are convincing here. Useful details such as backed zips and zip garages prevent scratching on the neck and promote comfort. Small zip pockets are practical and particularly clever when the jacket can be rolled up compactly to stow it in the jersey pocket, as demonstrated by Castelli or Van Rysel.

Cycling wind jackets: short and sweet

The range of wind jackets for men and women is more diverse than ever. We tested 26 models, starting at 29 euros for the Van Rysel (women's jacket) and 170 euros for the most expensive model in the test from Sportful. The range in terms of function and quality is wide, with the test winner being Maap, followed by Castelli and POC. With the thin and light jackets, it depends very much on the cut whether you will be happy with them - trying them on is a must. If the jacket fits badly, its function suffers.

The lightest wind jacket (70 grams): Scott RC Team WB Jacket (women's model)

The cheapest windbreaker (29 euros): Van Rysel cycling jacket Ultralight ladies

>> A windbreaker is not enough on cold days. We have tested softshell combinations (jackets and trousers) for men and women.

These are the 13 wind jackets for men and women

Wind jackets from Agu

Men's model: Essential men's windbreaker

• Price: 70 Euro
• Country of production / sizes: China / S-XXXL
• Weight / volume (size L): 95 grams / 450 cc
• Equipment: Backed two-way zip, mesh material on the back and sides, zip pocket, reflective material

TOUR rating

• Weather protection (30%): 5 from 8 | Grade: 2.5
• Wearing comfort (20%): 6 from 8 | Grade: 2.2
• Handling (20%): 7 from 8 | Grade: 1.3
• Weight/pack size (20 %): 6 from 8 | Grade: 1.3
• Equipment (10%): 5 from 8 | Grade: 2.1

Overall grade (100%): 1.9

Conclusion

Normal to comfortable fit, low protection against splashing water and draughts on the sides and back due to mesh material, very small pack size, many colours.

Women's model: Wind jacket II Essential Ladies

• Price: 70 Euro
• Country of production / sizes: 70 Euro / China / S-XL
• Weight / volume (size M): 85 grams / 450 cc
• Equipment: Backed two-way zip, mesh material on the back and sides, zip pocket, reflective material

TOUR rating

• Weather protection (30%): 5 from 8 | Grade: 2.5
• Wearing comfort (20%): 5 from 8 | Grade: 2.7
• Handling (20%): 7 from 8 | Grade: 1.6
• Weight/pack size (20 %): 7 from 8 | Grade: 1.3
• Equipment (10%): 6 from 8 | Grade: 2.1

Overall grade (100%): 2.1

Conclusion

The women's cut is barely defined, limited protection against splash water and draughts due to mesh material, great features, small pack size, many colours.

Wind jackets from Castelli

Men's model: Aria Shell Jacket Men

• Price: 125 Euro >> available here
• Country of production / sizes: Italy / XS-XXXL
• Weight / volume (size L): 100 gram / 450 ccm
• Equipment: High collar, reflective material, air-permeable stretch inserts under the arms and at the sides, back zip, pouch, extended back section

TOUR rating

• Weather protection (30%): 6 from 8 | Grade: 1.8
• Wearing comfort (20%): 6 from 8 | Grade: 1.8
• Handling (20%): 6 from 8 | Grade: 2.0
• Weight/pack size (20 %): 7 from 8 | Grade: 1.3
• Equipment (10%): 4 from 8 | Grade: 2.8

Overall grade (100%): 1.8

Conclusion

Racing cut, the sleeves are not made for sprinters, anticipates the racing bike position well, good weather and splash protection, small pack size.

Women's model: Aria Shell Jacket Women

• Price: 125 Euro >> available here
• Country of production / sizes: Bosnia-Herzegovina / XS-XL
• Weight / volume (size M): 85 grams / 450 cc
• Equipment: High collar, reflective material, air-permeable stretch inserts under the arms and at the sides, back zip, pouch, extended back section

TOUR rating

• Weather protection (30%): 6 from 8 | Grade: 1.8
• Wearing comfort (20%): 5 from 8 | Grade: 2.3
• Handling (20%): 6 from 8 | Grade: 2.0
• Weight/pack size (20 %): 7 from 8 | Grade: 1.3
• Equipment (10%): 4 from 8 | Grade: 2.8

Overall grade (100%): 1.9

Conclusion

Racing cut, the sleeves and chest area are tight, anticipates the racing bike position well, good weather and splash protection, small pack size.

Wind jackets from Cube

Men's model: Teamline windbreaker

• Price: 90 Euro >> available here
• Country of production / sizes: China / XS-XXXL
• Weight / volume (size L): 100 grams / 550 cc
• Equipment: Back zip, lined collar, rubberised stretch waistband, reflective material, ventilation zone on the upper back

TOUR rating

• Weather protection (30%): 7 from 8 | Grade: 1.7
• Wearing comfort (20%): 5 from 8 | Grade: 2.7
• Handling (20%): 4 from 8 | Grade: 2.8
• Weight/pack size (20 %): 7 from 8 | Grade: 1.5
• Equipment (10%): 5 from 8 | Grade: 2.3

Overall grade (100%): 2.1

Conclusion

The testers liked the feel of the fabric less than the female testers; the zip is comparatively heavy, good weather and splash protection.

Women's model: Teamline WS wind jacket

• Price: 90 Euro >> available here
• Country of production / sizes: China / XS-XXXL
• Weight / volume (size M): 95 grams / 500 ccm
• Equipment: Back zip, lined collar, rubberised stretch waistband, reflective material, ventilation zone under the armpits, back pocket

TOUR rating

• Weather protection (30%): 7 from 8 | Grade: 1.7
• Wearing comfort (20%): 6 from 8 | Grade: 2.1
• Handling (20%): 4 from 8 | Grade: 2.8
• Weight/pack size (20 %): 7 from 8 | Grade: 1.3
• Equipment (10%): 5 from 8 | Grade: 2.3

Overall grade (100%): 2.0

Conclusion

The female testers like the feel of the fabric better than the male testers; the zip is comparatively heavy, good weather and splash protection.

Wind jackets from Dynamics

Men's model: Vento windbreaker unisex

• Price: 40 Euro
• Country of production / sizes: China / M-XXXL
• Weight / volume (size L): 95 grams / 450 cc
• Equipment: Stretch waistband, reflective material, back zip with zip garage, ventilation chimney in the shoulder area

TOUR rating

• Weather protection (30%): 5 from 8 | Grade: 2.5
• Wearing comfort (20%): 5 from 8 | Grade: 2.5
• Handling (20%): 3 from 8 | Grade: 3.3
• Weight/pack size (20 %): 7 from 8 | Grade: 1.3
• Equipment (10%): 4 from 8 | Grade: 2.9

Overall grade (100%): 2.4

Conclusion

Very comfortable unisex cut, long and wide sleeves, high collar, fits men better than women, buy a size smaller, zip is heavy, small pack size.

Women's model: Vento windbreaker unisex

• Price 40 Euro
• Country of production / sizes: China / M-XXXL
• Weight / volume (size M): 90 grams / 450 cc
• Equipment: Stretch waistband, reflective material, back zip with zip garage, ventilation chimney in the shoulder area

TOUR rating

• Weather protection (30%): 5 from 8 | Grade: 2.5
• Wearing comfort (20%): 5 from 8 | Grade: 2.8
• Handling (20%): 3 from 8 | Grade: 3.3
• Weight/pack size (20 %): 7 from 8 | Grade: 1.3
• Equipment (10%): 3 from 8 | Grade: 3.4

Overall grade (100%): 2.5

Conclusion

Very comfortable unisex cut, long and wide sleeves, high collar, fits men better than women, buy a size smaller, zip is heavy, small pack size.

Wind jackets from Maap (TOUR test winner)

Men's model: Draft Team Jacket Men

• Price: 150 Euro >> available here
• Country of production / sizes: Vietnam / XS-XXL
• Weight / volume (size L): 135 grams / 600 cc
• Equipment: Backed two-way zip, zip garage, extended back with silicone print, back pocket, pannier, laser cuts on forearm and shoulder area

TOUR rating

• Weather protection (30%): 7 from 8 | Grade: 1.3
• Wearing comfort (20%): 6 from 8 | Grade: 2.2
• Handling (20%): 7 from 8 | Grade: 1.5
• Weight/pack size (20 %): 5 from 8 | Grade: 2.3
• Equipment (10%): 8 from 8 | Grade: 1.2

Overall grade (100%): 1.7

Conclusion

Racing cut, fits slim cyclists perfectly if the upper body is not too long, top weather protection and features.

Women's model: Draft Team Jacket Women

• Price: 150 Euro
• Country of production / sizes: Vietnam / XXS-XL
• Weight / volume (size M): 120 grams / 500 ccm
• Equipment: Backed two-way zip, zip garage, extended back with silicone print, back pocket, pannier, laser cuts on forearm and shoulder area

TOUR rating

• Weather protection (30%): 7 from 8 | Grade: 1.3
• Wearing comfort (20%): 5 from 8 | Grade: 1.9
• Handling (20%): 7 from 8 | Grade: 1.4
• Weight/pack size (20 %): 6 from 8 | Grade: 1.5
• Equipment (10%): 8 from 8 | Grade: 1.2

Overall grade (100%): 1.5

Conclusion

Racing cut, fits slim female cyclists if the upper body is not too long, top weather protection and features.

Wind jackets from Maloja

Men's model: MaxM. Jacket

• Price 140 Euro >> available here
• Country of production / sizes: China / S-XL
• Weight / volume (size L): 120 grams / 500 ccm
• Equipment: Stretch waistband with silicone print, back zip with zip garage, pouch, laser cuts under the armpits, reflective material

TOUR rating

• Weather protection (30%): 6 from 8 | Grade: 2.0
• Wearing comfort (20%): 6 from 8 | Grade: 1.8
• Handling (20%): 5 from 8 | Grade: 2.3
• Weight/pack size (20 %): 7 from 8 | Grade: 1.5
• Equipment (10%): 5 from 8 | Grade: 2.4

Overall grade (100%): 1.9

Conclusion

Normal fit, long sleeves, long back, all testers praise the good wind protection; sometimes the zip gets caught in the fabric, small pack size, low ventilation.

Women's model: SeisM. Jacket

• Price 135 Euro >> available here
• Country of production / sizes China / S-XL
• Weight / volume (size M): 110 grams / 500 ccm
• Equipment: Stretch waistband with silicone print, back zip with zip garage, pouch, laser cuts under the armpits, reflective material

TOUR rating

• Weather protection (30%): 6 from 8 | Grade: 2.0
• Wearing comfort (20%): 6 from 8 | Grade: 2.2
• Handling (20%): 5 from 8 | Grade: 2.4
• Weight/pack size (20 %): 7 from 8 | Grade: 1.3
• Equipment (10%): 5 from 8 | Grade: 2.4

Overall grade (100%): 2.0

Conclusion

Normal fit, long sleeves, long back, all testers praise the good wind protection; sometimes the zip gets caught in the fabric, small pack size, low ventilation.

Wind jackets from POC

Men's model: Pure Light Splash Jacket

• Price 130 Euro >> available here
• Country of production / sizes: Vietnam / XS-XXL
• Weight / volume (size L): 120 grams / 550 cc
• Equipment: Extended back, stretch cuffs, zip pocket, pack pouch; zip garage, underarm ventilation, lined collar

TOUR rating

• Weather protection (30%): 7 from 8 | Grade: 1.7
• Wearing comfort (20%): 6 from 8 | Grade: 1.8
• Handling (20%): 6 from 8 | Grade: 1.9
• Weight/pack size (20 %): 6 from 8 | Grade: 1.8
• Equipment (10%): 6 from 8 | Grade: 1.9

Overall grade (100%): 1.8

Conclusion

Fits normal to race-like, anticipates the racing bike position very well, back section slightly longer than Maap, top weather and splash protection, good features.

Women's model: Essential Splash jacket

• Price 130 Euro >> available here
• Country of production / sizes: Vietnam / XS-XL
• Weight / volume (size M): 110 grams / 550 cc
• Equipment: Rear zip with zip garage, lined collar, extended back with wide silicone band, reflective material, zipped back pocket, underarm ventilation

TOUR rating

• Weather protection (30%): 7 from 8 | Grade: 1.7
• Wearing comfort (20%): 7 from 8 | Grade: 1.7
• Handling (20%): 6 from 8 | Grade: 1.9
• Weight/pack size (20 %): 6 from 8 | Grade: 1.8
• Equipment (10%): 6 from 8 | Grade: 1.9

Overall grade (100%): 1.8

Conclusion

Fits normal to race-like, anticipates the racing bike position very well, back section slightly longer than Maap, top weather and splash protection, good features.

Wind jackets from Scott

Men's model: RC Team WB Jacket Men

• Price 90 Euro
• Country of production / sizes: Romania / XS-XXL
• Weight / volume (size L): 80 grams / 450 cc
• Equipment: Stretch cuffs, extended back with stretch waistband, side ventilation at the back

TOUR rating

• Weather protection (30%): 6 from 8 | Grade: 2.0
• Wearing comfort (20%): 4 from 8 | Grade: 2.9
• Handling (20%): 4 from 8 | Grade: 3.1
• Weight/pack size (20 %): 8 from 8 | Grade: 1.0
• Equipment (10%): 4 from 8 | Grade: 3.1

Overall grade (100%): 2.3

Conclusion

Extremely light, lined collar, but short; zip is a little heavy, good weather and splash protection, good ventilation, no reflective material on the sides and back.

Women's model: RC Team WB Jacket Women

• Price 90 Euro
• Country of production / sizes: Romania / XS-XL
• Weight / volume (size M): 70 grams / 450 cc
• Equipment: Stretch cuffs, extended back with stretch waistband, side ventilation at the back

TOUR rating

• Weather protection (30%): 6 from 8 | Grade: 2.0
• Wearing comfort (20%): 5 from 8 | Grade: 2.3
• Handling (20%): 4 from 8 | Grade: 2.8
• Weight/pack size (20 %): 8 from 8 | Grade: 1.0
• Equipment (10%): 3 from 8 | Grade: 3.3

Overall grade (100%): 2.1

Conclusion

Extremely light, lined collar, but short; zip is a little heavy, good weather and splash protection, good ventilation, no reflective material on the sides and back.

Wind jackets from Shimano

Men's model: Beaufort Windbreaker Light

• Price 100 Euro >> available here
• Country of production / sizes: Romania / XS-XXL
• Weight / volume (size L): 105 grams / 500 ccm
• Equipment: Stretch waistband with reflective tape, back zip, side ventilation, pannier pocket

TOUR rating

• Weather protection (30%): 4 from 8 | Grade: 3.2
• Wearing comfort (20%): 5 from 8 | Grade: 2.3
• Handling (20%): 6 from 8 | Grade: 1.9
• Weight/pack size (20 %): 7 from 8 | Grade: 1.3
• Equipment (10%): 6 from 8 | Grade: 2.1

Overall grade (100%): 2.2

Conclusion

Sleeves relatively short, material slightly sticky on the skin; water does not run off well, top ventilation, zip runs easily, small pack size, lots of reflective material.

Women's model: Sumire Windbreaker Light

• Price 100 Euro >> available here
• Country of production / sizes: Romania / XS-XXL
• Weight / volume (size M): 95 grams / 500 ccm
• Equipment: Stretch waistband with reflective tape, side ventilation, back zip, pannier pocket

TOUR rating

• Weather protection (30%): 4 from 8 | Grade: 3.2
• Wearing comfort (20%): 6 from 8 | Grade: 1.9
• Handling (20%): 6 from 8 | Grade: 1.8
• Weight/pack size (20 %): 7 from 8 | Grade: 1.3
• Equipment (10%): 6 from 8 | Grade: 2.1

Overall grade (100%): 2.1

Conclusion

Sleeves relatively short, material slightly sticky on the skin; water does not run off well, top ventilation, zip runs easily, small pack size, lots of reflective material.

Wind jackets from Sportful

Men's model: Giara Packable Jacket

• Price 170 Euro
• Country of production / sizes: Italy / S-3XL
• Weight / volume (size L): 140 grams / 600 cc
• Equipment: Wide stretch cuffs, extended back, high collar, back zip, front zip pocket, three back pockets

TOUR rating

• Weather protection (30%): 4 from 8 | Grade: 3.0
• Wearing comfort (20%): 6 from 8 | Grade: 2.2
• Handling (20%): 6 from 8 | Grade: 1.8
• Weight/pack size (20 %): 5 from 8 | Grade: 2.3
• Equipment (10%): 6 from 8 | Grade: 2.2

Overall grade (100%): 2.4

Conclusion

Fits comfortably and long, many pockets, top cuffs and collar, lots of fabric at the front; no reflective material, moderate ventilation, water droplets roll off poorly.

Women's model: Giara W Packable Jacket

• Price 170 Euro
• Country of production / sizes: Italy / XS-XXL
• Weight / volume (size M): 115 grams / 550 cc
• Equipment: Wide stretch cuffs, extended back, high collar, back zip, front zip pocket, 3 back pockets

TOUR rating

• Weather protection (30%): 4 from 8 | Grade: 3.0
• Wearing comfort (20%): 6 from 8 | Grade: 2.0
• Handling (20%): 6 from 8 | Grade: 1.9
• Weight/pack size (20 %): 6 from 8 | Grade: 1.8
• Equipment (10%): 6 from 8 | Grade: 2.2

Overall grade (100%): 2.2

Conclusion

Fits comfortably and long, many pockets, top cuffs and collar, lots of fabric at the front; no reflective material, moderate ventilation, water droplets roll off poorly.

Wind jackets from Van Rysel (TOUR tip: value for money)

Men's model: Wind jacket long sleeve racing bike Racer Ultralight

• Price 35 Euro >> available here
• Country of production / sizes: China / S-XXL
• Weight / volume (size L): 130 grams / 550 cc
• Equipment: Stretch cuffs, reflective material, back zip with zip garage, access to jersey pockets, pouch, soft collar, mesh back

TOUR rating

• Weather protection (30%): 4 from 8 | Grade: 2.8
• Wearing comfort (20%): 7 from 8 | Grade: 2.0
• Handling (20%): 5 from 8 | Grade: 2.4
• Weight/pack size (20 %): 6 from 8 | Grade: 1.8
• Equipment (10%): 6 from 8 | Grade: 2.0

Overall grade (100%): 2.1

Conclusion

Cheapest men's jacket in the test, normal fit, collar a little tight, little splash protection at the back, very well ventilated, has an opening for the jersey pockets.

Women's model: Women's Ultralight cycling jacket

• Price 29 Euro
• Country of production / sizes: China / XS-XXL
• Weight / volume (size M): 95 grams / 450 cc
• Equipment: Stretch cuffs, reflective material, back zip with zip garage, access to jersey pockets, pouch, soft collar

TOUR rating

• Weather protection (30%): 6 from 8 | Grade: 2.0
• Wearing comfort (20%): 6 from 8 | Grade: 2.1
• Handling (20%): 7 from 8 | Grade: 2.3
• Weight/pack size (20 %): 7 from 8 | Grade: 1.3
• Equipment (10%): 6 from 8 | Grade: 1.9

Overall grade (100%): 1.9

Conclusion

Price-performance winner, long length, hardly any ventilation, lined collar, soft cuffs, has a pass-through for the jersey pockets, very small pannier.

Wind jackets from Vaude

Men's model: Me Kuro Air jacket

• Price 120 Euro >> available here
• Country of production / sizes: Vietnam / 40-56
• Weight / volume (size L): 200 grams / 850 cc
• Equipment: Rear zip with zip garage, chest pocket, slit pockets, wide stretch cuffs, ventilation at the back of the sleeves and at the back, high collar, reflective material

TOUR rating

• Weather protection (30%): 5 from 8 | Grade: 2.7
• Wearing comfort (20%): 6 from 8 | Grade: 1.9
• Handling (20%): 6 from 8 | Grade: 2.0
• Weight/pack size (20 %): 3 from 8 | Grade: 3.5
• Equipment (10%): 7 from 8 | Grade: 1.3

Overall grade (100%): 2.4

Conclusion

Anticipates the racing bike position well, wears like a very light softshell jacket, many features, relatively heavy and comparatively large pack size.

Women's model: Wo Kuro Air jacket

• Price 120 Euro >> available here
• Country of production / sizes: Vietnam / 36-44
• Weight / volume (size M): 160 gram / 750 cc
• Equipment: Rear zip with zip garage, chest pocket, slit pockets, wide stretch cuffs, ventilation at the back of the sleeves and at the back, high collar, reflective material

TOUR rating

• Weather protection (30%): 5 from 8 | Grade: 2.7
• Wearing comfort (20%): 7 from 8 | Grade: 1.3
• Handling (20%): 6 from 8 | Grade: 1.8
• Weight/pack size (20 %): 3 from 8 | Grade: 3.3
• Equipment (10%): 7 from 8 | Grade: 1.3

Overall grade (100%): 2.2

Conclusion

Anticipates the racing bike position well, wears like a very light softshell jacket, many features, relatively heavy and comparatively large pack size.

Wind jackets from Specialised

Men's model: SL Pro Wind Jacket Men

• Price 90 Euro >> available here
• Country of production / sizes: China / XS-XXL
• Weight / volume (size L): 115 g / 500 ccm
• Equipment: Two-way zip with zip garage, stretch cuffs, ventilation in the back area and on the forearms, reflective material

TOUR rating

• Weather protection (30%): 5 from 8 | Grade: 2.5
• Wearing comfort (20%): 4 from 8 | Grade: 2.8
• Handling (20%): 3 from 8 | Grade: 3.5
• Weight/pack size (20 %): 7 from 8 | Grade: 1.5
• Equipment (10%): 5 from 8 | Grade: 2.3

Overall grade (100%): 2.5

Conclusion

Rather comfortable fit, long sleeves; jacket slides up easily at the back; very well ventilated, hardly any splash protection, small pack size, zip runs heavily, well-placed reflective material.

Women's model: SL Pro Wind Jacket Women

• Price 90 Euro >> available here*
• Country of production / sizes: China / XS-XXL
• Weight / volume (size M): 110 grams / 500 ccm
• Equipment: Two-way zip with zip garage, stretch cuffs, ventilation in the back area and on the forearms, reflective material

TOUR rating

• Weather protection (30%): 5 from 8 | Grade: 2.5
• Wearing comfort (20%): 6 from 8 | Grade: 2.0
• Handling (20%): 4 from 8 | Grade: 3.0
• Weight/pack size (20 %): 7 from 8 | Grade: 1.5
• Equipment (10%): 5 from 8 | Grade: 2.3

Overall grade (100%): 2.3

Conclusion

Rather comfortable fit, long sleeves; jacket slides up easily at the back; very well ventilated, hardly any splash protection, small pack size, zip runs heavily, well-placed reflective material.

How TOUR tests

The overall score is made up of five criteria, which are weighted according to their relevance. The overall scores for the male and female variants may differ.

Weather protection (30 per cent)

We use the spray test (DIN-EN-ISO 4920) to determine how water droplets roll off the (washed) material. Optimum is when they run off without leaving any residue; poor is when the fabric becomes soaked. We have devalued open-pored mesh on the back.

Wearing comfort (20 per cent)

Testers assess the feel of the fabric on the skin, flapping noises, heat regulation and the sensation of moisture when temperatures rise. Different scores for men's and women's models.

Handling (20 per cent)

Criteria: Operation of the front zips (two-handed, one-handed, while riding); also the elasticity of the cuffs, which determines how the jacket can be put on and taken off.

Weight/pack size (20 per cent)

The lighter a jacket is, the smaller it can be stowed. Jackets that weigh less than 100 grams and fit into small jersey pockets get the best rating.

Equipment (10 per cent)

Details such as pockets with zips, covers for zips and fabric covers for their sliders, the fit of the jacket waistband or sleeve cuffs, the number and placement of reflective elements, integrated or supplied panniers are evaluated.