Gore Bike Wear Race PacLite £160
www.gorebikewear.de (for those who speak German)

We’ve had this jacket since spring but unlike us it’s still looking and performing like new.

Gore Bike Wear are (surprise, surprise) the bike wear arm of the great breathable fabric meisters WL Gore of (second big surprise) Gore Tex fame. Not much of a shock that this is made of Gore’s latest PacLite fabric then.

Comfortably baggy for a fleecy layer (or even body armour) underneath. The multi panel cut certainly doesn’t restrict movement but there are drawcords at collar and hem to snug things down and an elastic and Velcro cuff that just nicely swallows winter gloves for a wind tight seal, but is on the narrow side for rolling up.

Gore Tex may have lightened their PacLite fabric as much as possible but it still passes their extreme weather tests. Add in high collar (though no cosy fleece) plus double storm flap on the main zip and the PacLite does a fine job of keeping the outside out. There’s an optional Velcro on hood too.

This is where it really differs to Karrimor’s PacLite, thanks to two zipped hand pockets, and a big rear pocket which will swallow the rest of the jacket and turn into an elasticated bum bag. Always a useful ice breaker at slow moving parties.

Gore claim that PacLite is 15% more breathable than their 3 layer Gore Tex (which we’d rate as medium breathable). What this means is in practical terms is that you’ll still steam up on climbs but you’ll dry out noticeably more quickly as soon as you stop sweating, which definitely helps reduce wind chill on downhills and ridge tops. This breathability is also helped by three yoke vents which help a bit unless you’re a Camelbak or similar backpack user.

Reflective piping is unobtrusive enough for streetwear, but still illuminating on the bike. The bum bag uses a ‘Y’ strap format that helps reduce bouncing which is a nice touch.

Expensive but excellent, lightweight, stowaway storm proofing performance. Pockets add versatility compared to the minimalist Karrimor version.