Right, I've had a few jackets over the years either Spool or Dri Rider. Currently I have a Dri Rider Rally.
All have had drawbacks but principally I hated the lack of ventilation/breathability in summer with the Spool which was a Cordurer shell with a thermal liner. With the Dri Riders when it's wet they do keep the rain out reasonably well but don't breath so I end up drenched from sweat due to the rubberised rain liner which doesn't let moisture in or out. I wear moisture wicking base layers and merino mid layers etc. The Rally is great in summer when it can have both liners removed and then really keeps cool, but if it rains the rubber liner needs to go back in and then its a sauna. Using a rain proof over jacket is no better - keeps the water out and the perspiration in. I don't like the Rally's two liner approach. The waterproof liner means the outer shell and everything stored in it is absolutely soaked through and the jacket is heavy with water when wet.
So what I'd like is something thats well ventilated for summer riding but that I can use all year, wind proof and water proof but breathable. Sounds like a $mega Gore-Tex jacket of some type. I've had a gander at a few in the shops and online and just getting myself confused. Don't want to spend good coin on something that's not going to do the job.
What are you using? What's good about your jacket choice? And what's not?
Thanks.
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