Rated 5 out of
5
by
tuatara2 from
If the weather's terrible, this is your jacket
I've had this jacket for just under a week aiming to complete the Rapha Festive 500 (outdoors in the UK). I've encountered cold (-2 up to +5degC), rain, wind, sleet and snow. The jacket's been great and does exactly what it says it should. It is really windproof and as waterproof as you could wish for. With appropriate layers (long-sleeve base layer, long-sleeve top +/- thin fleecy gilet) I've never been cold whilst riding even on one wet ride of more than 4 hours (fingers and toes excepting). The bright orange colour and good reflectivity mean I have felt visible whatever the light conditions. The storage pockets (two rear, two front) are more practical than I've come across in any other jacket. The double-cuff design is excellent too. Pricey, but worth it.
Date published: 2020-12-29
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Edward Daly from
Highly recommended winter riding jacket.
Excellent winter riding jacket, great fit, nice long arms and cuffs interlock with my winter riding gloves really well - no gaps. Neither feel too warm or too cold whether it's -5 or +5 degrees - I find 1 x long sleeve base layer works really well with this jacket. Highly recommended for very comfortable winter riding. Bulletproof performance.
Date published: 2021-12-12
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Piotr O from
Very good choice for wet winter weather
Really good jacket. I was riding a few times above 2h in rain and stayed dry and warm. May be not warm enough for winter weather (below zero) with jersey alone, but perfect as isolating outer layer. Good wind isolation. Back pockets are large. I have orange jacket for increased visibility during dark days and it works nice.
Date published: 2020-12-28
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Colin in Upstate from
Great in the Wind & Rain
Bought this jacket because I signed up for a long gravel ride in Iceland, which likely means a long day in wind and rain. Today I got a good chance to test it out; 50s, drizzling rain, and strong winds. This jacket worked like a champ. Even on a fast descent (30+ mph) after getting sweaty on a Cat 3 climb on gravel I still didn't get cold or feel the wind at all. It is pricey, but proved itself a great value today. I like having the option of front zip pockets, and no issues getting gels out of the back pockets.
Date published: 2022-11-12
Rated 5 out of
5
by
thebigcafeteria from
Very warm, rainproof.
Definitely rain-proof and runs quite warm when fully zipped. The front vents do come in handy to help moderate body temperature. This Classic cut seems to run a little lean where an XL was comfortable and I'd normally be in an L. If they made this same jacket with a hood it'd be a slam dunk.
Date published: 2022-01-31
Rated 5 out of
5
by
cscotty from
Great jacket for many uses
Have only had this jacket for a short time so no experience with extreme conditions yet. The fit and feel are excellent. I wear a medium tall in many shirts and the sleeves on this work well. Very good at repelling in light rain and cold wind. It has been worn a few times as a shell over a dress shirt and light vest during a commute and performed well. The cuffs and snug fit do a wonderful job of keeping out cold air and there is no flapping material. The orange color is as advertised and quite visible.
Date published: 2023-02-07
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Nick Meszaros from
Unexpected Warmth
I expected some insulation in the lining and was concerned to see there was none but the facing on the interior. My concerns were alleviated on my first ride. The jacket keeps the warm inside where it belongs. Wind is powerless against the fabric. I'm finding that my winter kit selection is now drastically changed. My go to winter kit is now either Deep Winter Base Layer or LS wool base layer + Explore Long Sleeve Pullover + this jacket and I'm good to go at 30 deg F. as long as I keep moving!
Date published: 2023-01-19
Rated 4 out of
5
by
ErikBe from
A very good winter jacket with minor limitations
I bought this jacket to ride in fall/winter. So far I used some cold days with temperatures between 0 to 2° celsius - with the appropriate base layers - and it did the job very well. Even if not advertized as a rain jacket you can also use it during rainy days as well. On the less positive side, the pockets (Only 2) at the back are limited in size and I wished the arms were a bit more protective against cold. I use this jacket a lot and I like it. A few details to improve and it would be perfect.
Date published: 2021-11-17
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Mike K S from
A top tier winter jacket
A really high quality piece of kit. I buy often from Rapha, but rarely write reviews. Big exception for this jacket.
I had this on my wishlist for a long time but was waiting for the right colourway for me. The red is exactly what I was hoping for (bright, not muted), as the reflective patches were also dark, so I took the plunge and been thrilled with it.
Temp Coverage - I run a little hotter than most. In a 3 layer setup, I am too hot in this jacket above 5 degrees (c), so it really is a proper winter jacket. In the low single digits (c) you will likely be unzipping this frequently or running the chest vents open, depending on your layering of course. It would be an all-winter go-to jacket for Norway, Finland, Sweden for example. If you are regularly adventuring between -10 and -20, you will be so happy for this jacket. I am constantly wishing for temps to drop into the negatives.
Fit - The 'Classic' title might put some off if they are looking for an aero fit. Honestly, if you get the right size, it's right up against you and I wouldn't ask for closer. It feels pretty aero to me. To contrast, I have 2x of the Trail Infinium Jackets, and those are a very very relaxed fit compared.
I am 195cm, athletic/slender, and size M is a precise fit (no flapping on the arms/shoulders or hanging in the chest or stomach). I have a relatively small chest, small waist but broad shoulders. I am a size M in Brevet/Classic, and Size L in Pro Team. I have longer-than-normal wingspan for my height, and the arms on this feel like a good length for me. Great length in the tail; no flapping. For my size, the ideal layering approach to avoid feeling cramped is a base layer, a well fitted thin second layer (e.g. Pro Team Long Sleeve Thermal), then this jacket. Neck starts to get too tight to zip up for me comfortably using this 3 layer system, but luckily if you have an excellent and warm base layer, you can probably run a 2 layer setup and be good down to and past -10.
Surprises - Happy surprise; the stitched-in cuff is a genius touch. It means that the jacket is not 'tight' on your wrists and forearms in order to reduce wind up the arms. The cuff covers your gloves, or fits into them, and you feel totally wrapped in the jacket.
Improvement opportunities - 2 way zip would have been excellent, but I feel like there must be some kind of trade-off as many jackets of this type lack it.
Date published: 2024-02-10
Rated 5 out of
5
by
JW in Boulder from
Great jacket!
Love this jacket!! Definitely blocks the wind/cold, yet relatively lightweight. Color/visibility is great. Same sizing/fit as Rapha "club" jerseys...I am 5'10' and 175 lbs and XL was perfect.
Date published: 2020-12-01
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Amwaj_Rich from
Does the job but remember to layer up
Good top, fits well. However, it has to be used as part of a layering system. The jacket on its own doesn't provide much / any warmth. This is mentioned in the description, to be fair
Date published: 2021-01-02
Rated 3 out of
5
by
JordanR from
Too fitted and not warm for winter
It’s tighter than I expected on the arms and chest = you can’t wear thick warm clothes underneath - classic rapha…not a good commuter jacket given how much you have to think about what layers to wear
Date published: 2021-12-17
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Lennox from
BRILLIANT
Bought this for my husband- he loves it. Kept him completely dry (we live in the West of Scotland!) great buy. Smart and practical
Date published: 2024-05-21
Rated 4 out of
5
by
CarstenFJensen from
Does the job
Good fit and room for both base layer and Long/short sleeved jersey underneath. Keeps wind and rain at bay, but not as warm as expected. From 5 degrees C- to 10 degrees C is it perfect and you are able to breathe and get sweat away. If very hot, use the chest vents. I am 182 cm, 85 kg and L fits perfectly. Bought on sale (50%) which is the right price. Full price is overkill.
Date published: 2024-01-28
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Immortal from
Comfy and effective
Superb jacket. I have the brown colour. Great fit. Super comfortable. Quality and performance fantastic.
Date published: 2021-04-19
Rated 3 out of
5
by
CINO from
Good design and quality but size to be revieved
Good quality and design but size to be more in line with the other Rapha jersey and jacket
Date published: 2022-01-21
Rated 5 out of
5
by
ANGUS CYCLIST from
Winter jacket
A good jacket for cold,wet days with long sleeve thermal and fleece inner jersey.
Date published: 2024-03-14
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Anonymous from
Top vest
Perfect fit, thin, not to heavy, perfect for windy and cold conditions
Date published: 2020-12-11
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Roderick of cheshire from
Top draw
Excellent design and fit , takes on the the elements admirably.
Date published: 2024-01-18
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Doug_H from
Awesome jacket
Awesome winter jacket. Super lightweight but incredibly warm!
Date published: 2021-01-01
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Mike in Richland from
Buy it when/if you can, you won't be sorry.
Very versatile, good for winter and fall and spring.
Date published: 2021-03-29
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Ries from
Probably my best winter jacket ever...
A jacket that is warm, water and windproof often has very poor ventilation but this one manages very well. It's comfortable and the orange color looks great and makes me very visible on the road which is really important for me this time of the year. I also have the previous Classic Winter Jacket. Ventilation of the new Gore-Tex jacket is better.
Date published: 2020-12-09
Rated 5 out of
5
by
S J L from
Excellent winter jacket
This is my fourth Rapha winter jacket and they just get better, this one being bright for winter mornings rising into Regents pk for loops, warm down to freezing and windproof. Arms are a good length, nice easy zip and well fitting. Only two rear pockets when i would prefer three but middle one sacrificed for a reflective strip so cant complain. All in all a fantastic piece of kit for an all year cyclist. Looking forward to using it for the F500
Date published: 2022-12-21
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Tommo7567 from
Expensive but worth it
I bought this jacket to fill the gap between my Rapha Brevet Insulated jacket and my Rapha classic rain jacket. I wanted a all round winter jacket that would be both warm enough and waterproof for the cold and wet winter days we seem to experience now, rather than dry cold conditions we used to have in the UK.
This jacket does the job pretty well. It is a hardshell although not in the traditional sense as the material has some stretch and a degree of flexibility.
I cant comment on its waterproofing as I havent been out in heavy rain so far. It has however worked very well during constant drizzle over four hours. It is certainly an excellent windproof and is rare to have all the zips fully closed.
The chest zips do vent well despite the unusual nature and I was dubiuos as to whether the would work as well as armpit vents but so far so good. The zips are small and can be tricky to handle in gloves but a small point.
The collar is lined and comfy with just the right height under the chin to keep out draughts.
The sleeves work well, with the inner cuff giving a great seal over the wrist and gloves.
I wear this jacket when I need to layer up. Ive found a short sleeve baselayer, long sleeve Rapha Classic Jersey with the jacket outer layer is perfect for damp cold conditions from 8 degrees and below. I wouldnt wear it any warmer as I run warm anyway and prefer to be cooler.
The only thing I'd change would be to have a longer tail. I run mudguards on my winter bike so spray is not an issue but it would be nice to help keep the heat in the glutes.
Overall very pleased with my jacket. Bit disappointed to find Rapha are releasing the Pro Team Insulated Waterproof jacket after I bought the Classic Winter as I may have gone for the more tailored fit instead. But, I love the orange colour of the classic jacket and this may have swung the blaance in favour if I had the two to choose from.
Date published: 2022-01-15
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Banjax from
Sublime bit of kit
My first Rapha purchase and won’t be my last. What a wonderful bit of kit. You can see the quality in the hems and the finishing, the Goretex lining is worth it’s weight in gold, and some lovely little touches like the breast pockets that double as vents. Have worn it in 2C rides, with a long base layer and jersey. Have worn it in 12C rain with a base layer vest. So versatile. Absolutely love it. Can’t recommend enough. Genius.
Date published: 2022-03-16
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Anonymous from
Rapha's excellent Winter Jacket!
This is the perfect Winter Jacket for the climate here in the San Francisco Bay Area. As advertised, it is breathable which is sweet when climbing hills on cool days and the excellent fit makes it even more effective against the wind. Especially when dealing with the blustery conditions riding across the Golden Gate Bridge. Haven't worn this jacket in the rain, so this review is a bit premature. So far, so good!
Date published: 2023-02-03
Rated 5 out of
5
by
K Young from
A must have for winter riding
I live in Portland Maine and ride outside year round. Last week it was 24F with a wind chill of 16F for 3.5 hours with just a mid weight winter base layer. I was plenty warm. The chest vent pockets are great for preventing over heating and holding food, it’s hard with thick winter gloves to carry food in back pockets.
The quality is typical great Rapha design and construction. A must have in freezing weather.
Date published: 2021-12-29
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Lee Hewett from
Expensive, but hard to fault
Straight out of the packaging, it’s immediately obvious that this is a high quality piece of kit. It’s light, but feels stiff and durable, with some nice design touches around the front pockets and the white reflective strip on the back.
It’s extremely comfortable to wear with a generous cut, so it’s not too tight when wearing a winter jersey or something thicker underneath. It performs well and is excellent at wind stopping.
The neck line is soft and it doesn’t chafe. The front pockets are functional and save having to reach to the back ones all the time - especially good if you’re commuting and carrying a rucksack.
The arm cuffs are snug; good for keeping out the wet and drafts but they don’t always fit over your gloves, or it takes some work to do so. I’d have preferred a zip.
Overall, it’s hard to fault and (although expensive) it will perform day after day and last for years.
Date published: 2024-01-14
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Rugby build cyclist from
Great winter jacket
I really love this jacket and can tell it will be a winter staple for years to come. It is more versatile than I thought it would be. I got it as a jacket for downpours but it is surprisingly warm and comfortable on very cold, dry days as well. Great quality and fit is relaxed and good for those who do not want to wear skin tight race fit cycling clothes. I am 6ft and 92kg and got the XL.
Date published: 2024-01-14
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Hok O from
Yes confirmed… best winterjacket
Wow best winterjacket! Used it twice now in Dutch rainy weather around 0 degrees.
With only a winter longsleeve baselayer and it was never too warm or never too. Even at home cleaning the bike in de garden the jacket hold the temperature. It breaths and is waterresistant. Yes probably true the only winterjacket you need.
And the new blue is awesome for the winter instead of black.
Date published: 2021-12-05