4 Weise Splash Vision £59.99 (jacket), £34.99 (Stratus trousers)
A sturdy jacket but budget-feeling trousers
www.weiseclothing.com
The Splash Vision feels more substantial than a simple throw-over waterproof – and touches like lots of pockets, a hood and reflective shoulders make it stand out. However, it is bulky to fold up and lacks a storage bag, making it less suited to use as a ‘just in case’ jacket.
The budget-feeling Stratus trousers are lighter but lack features. With no lining they are sticky on your boots, but the ankle flaps are large so once you get your feet near them all is well.
The Vision is easier to don but the hood – which can be removed – has two pull adjuster straps that get caught in the main zip flap’s Velcro. And although the jacket’s arms are long, the cuffs are narrow, making fitting gloves underneath them hard work. A bit of elastic would help here to go alongside the well-positioned adjuster.
On the bike, the Vision is warmer than most waterproofs, doesn’t flap around and has a nice, high collar. However, the Stratus trousers could do with being longer as they ride up and feel thin. As the jacket is a tight fit, most of the draughts are kept out by the cuffs – and the arms’ extra length means the gloves won’t easily pop out from underneath.
During the waterproof test, the jacket only had a very small leak from its collar but the trousers leaked in both knee areas, letting the combination down. Buy the jacket, not the trousers.
VERDICT
A jacket you put on as you set off if it’s chilly or damp and leave on, rather than pack for emergencies. Avoid trousers.
‘Jacket more substantial than a simple throw-over’