VAN RYSEL RCR ULTRALIGHT PACKABLE SHOWERPROOF
£44.99 A good-value jacket to protect against short showers
SIZES S – XXL COLOURS Black, white WEIGHT 125g WATERPROOFING 2000mm BREATHABILITY 20,000g/m
Van Rysel is part of Decathlon’s performance range, and the RCR Ultralight Packable Showerproof (not to be confused with the RCR Ultralight Packable Windproof, £29.99) focuses on being lightweight and packing down small without breaking the bank. It also looks more expensive than the price tag suggests. Decathlon says this jacket will: “Protect you from scattered showers.” This tallies because the fabric has a waterproof rating of just 2000mm, which is fine for a couple of hours’ riding in showery weather, but not intended to withstand prolonged or heavy rain.
Breathability is impressive, even when working hard. Decathlon gives it a breathability rating of 6 RET – equivalent to 20,000g/ m2 – which is classified as a ‘good’ level. The Ultralight lives up to this. Breathability is aided by vents at the back and armpits.
The RCR has a semi-fitted cut and fits true to size. It’s tailored from a semitransparent polyamide fabric (with a polyurethane membrane) that has a little stretch, which helps with the fit. Plus, there are no issues with excess material being flappy or noisy. The front of the jacket is cut high and the rear is dropped. This isn’t as long as some (see the Gore and Endura) but has a wide elastic hem that keeps it in place, and it does a reasonable job of combating road spray. The wrists are sealed with soft, elasticated material.
The simple collar has no lining but there is a zip garage. A reverse front zip (sealed on the outside, rather than the inside) with an inner flap slows rain penetration. The zip can be fiddly to use with gloved hands, though. I did appreciate the small side pocket – fine for keys and cards but not a phone – as well as the generous yet subtle reflective details.
It’s fine for a couple of hours’ showery ride, but no good for heavy or prolonged rain