ALTURA CLASSIC
£99.99 Super-lightweight and packable with some fit issues
With its patterned grey finish, when it comes to safety the Classic really shines. Quite literally
SIZES S – XXL COLOURS Black, teal, grey WEIGHT 115g WATERPROOFING 15,000mm BREATHABILITY 15,000g/m
The lightest jacket on test at a featherweight 115g, the Altura Classic is supremely packable and fits into its interior rear pocket. It’s a pity this pocket isn’t on the outside, though, where you can access it while on the bike. The Classic has a waterproof rating of 15,000mm, which is good for the price, and taped seams throughout. As a rain barrier the Classic works well. Altura gives a breathability figure of 15,000g/m , but I did endure damp buildup inside the jacket once the pace picked up.
The lightweight nylon material has a papery, crinkly feel, and is noisy when you move. It feels delicate, but I had no durability issues during testing. Altura describes
the Classic as “semi-fitted”, but if you’re slim you’ll likely find the cut to be on the large side. It’s ideal for layering without feeling overly baggy. My issue was the sleeves – the length is fine, especially with the shaped cuff, but the width is bigger than most. There’s a softshell stretch insert at the inner cuff but, even with this, the cuff circumference was too wide for this slim-wristed tester. As a consequence, the sleeves tended to ride up and the material flapped noisily. Wearing thick winter gloves under the
cuffs eliminated this issue, but you won’t be wanting to wear these all year-round. Likewise, the elastic hem might not be tight enough to hold the body in place for slimmer riders.
A small-toothed, reverse-style zip with an inner flap does a good job of keeping both cold and wet out, and the tall collar has the obligatory zip guard. When it comes to safety the Classic really shines. Quite literally. The patterned grey finish with reflective detailing does a top job of keeping you seen in low light.