RAPHA TRAIL LIGHTWEIGHT
£130
SPECIFICATION Weight: 167g • Sizes: XS-XXL • Colours: Yellow, purple, black, grey, blue • Women’s version: Yes • Contact: rapha.cc
This year, Rapha has expanded out of the road cycling market to include MTB (and gravel). This is its only item of mountain bike-specific outerwear, and as such it is designed to be lightweight, packable and windproof rather than rain proof. Having said that, Rapha has applied a DWR to the ripstop nylon fabric, so it does have some resistance to light rain.
Rapha has certainly delivered on its promise of light weight – it’s the second lightest jacket on test. Equally, it packs down to the size of a Devon pasty (top crimp) measuring 18cm x 9cm x 8cm, so it can realistically be stored in a back pocket, hip pack or attached to your frame with the supplied strap.
The cut is on the slim side, but definitely not tight, and there’s room for layering up underneath. Although there’s very little stretch to the fabric, it allows plenty of dynamic movement when you’re riding.
As you’d expect considering the sub-200g weight, the Trail jacket is pared back in terms of features. There’s the chest pocket that doubles as a stash bag, a smooth-running YKK zip, simple elasticated cuffs and a hood that just about pulls up over a helmet. This does lift the collar up around your nose though, so it’s not that comfortable. Rapha has added drawcords at the hood and the drop hem to let you seal out the wind should you wish.
Despite the DWR, the Trail Lightweight let in lots of water during our test. Much more than its closest competitors in fact – the Specialized SWAT and the Troy Lee Designs
Shuttle. It’s unfair to criticise Rapha for this, since it doesn’t promote the Trail Lightweight as waterproof, but it’s worth knowing. And in terms of breathability it was nothing special – we found the sleeves in particular got quite clammy when climbing.
As a back-up jacket the Rapha Trail Lightweight is a decent option. We like the cut, low weight and packability, but for £30 more you could have a proper waterproof like the
Endura GV500, or for
£20 less the lighter, more packable
Specialized SWAT.