The Icebreaker Men’s Commute Jacket is built for pure performance. Merino wool is lightweight and extremely breathable, and it manages moisture and odor ridiculously well. The slim cut of the Commute makes layering easy and won’t restrict movement.

Features

• Main Fabric – 380 g/m², 83% Merino Wool, 11% Nylon, 6% Spandex
• Slim Fit
• 2 zippered front pockets
• 1 zippered chest pocket
• 1 zippered back pocket
• Full-length front zip
• Interior zipper guard
• Set in sleeves
• Gripper elastic at bottom back hem
• Reflective sleeve trim
• Drop tail hem
• Measured size medium
  • Weight – 630 g (22.2 oz)
  • Center back – 72 cm (28.3 in)
  • Pit to pit – 54.4 cm (21.4 in)
  • Sleeve length – 90.5 cm (35.6 in)
• Retail – $230

YMMV Review

If you are not familiar with Icebreaker. They are a company that specializes in garment made of New Zealand Merino Wool. The company makes clothing that is a combination of performance and style. I have now reviewed several items from them and continue to love wool. The Commute Zip was one of two items I tested over the winter and spring. One for running and the other for cycling.

Front View

Testing

I tested the Commute Jacket on my commutes to work and home. I have a 16 mile each way commute and since it can get rather cold here in Central Oregon in the winter, it was a perfect time to test this jacket. I did not have to ride through much more than a sprinkle or stray snow shower this winter, so I will not be able to touch on that much. The temperatures ranged from 15 degrees up to 45 degrees.

Design 3.6 out of 5 stars

Appearance (25%) 4 out of 5 stars

Construction (35%) 3.5 out of 5 stars

Pockets (20%) 3.5 out of 5 stars

Sustainability (10%) 4 out of 5 stars

Weight (10%) 2.5 out of 5 stars

Over the last year Icebreaker has started to make clothing for cyclists. In the Fall of 2011, they released their first clothing for commuters, this being the warmest of the items. The Commute Jacket is made of 380 gram per meter wool blend that is 83% merino wool, 11% nylon, and 6% spandex. This gives the jacket all the properties of wool while adding to the durability, stretch, and shape retention with the synthetic fibers. If you would like to learn more about wool, click on the banner below to check out the knowledge base article.

The Commute Jacket is trim fitting but is made to have a good range of motion for riding the bike. It runs a bit shorter in the front with a drop tail hem in the back.  At the bottom of the back hem, there is an elastic gripper to keep it in place.

Back View

The jacket has a full length front zipper with a full length protective draft flap behind it. There is a total of four main pockets on the jacket. You can also use the fabric of the handwarmer pockets to be used as drop in pockets but they are not official ones. The main pockets are the two handwarmer pockets, a zippered chest pocket with an audio cord out, and a small zippered pocket in the back. Since this is for bike riding, Icebreaker has put in reflective piping that extends from the back of the neck and down the arms.

Icebreaker is big on their ethics. Starting from where their wool is sourced all the way to you, they keep track of the wool and make sure it is up to their standards. Icebreaker wool is Zque certified. This certification makes sure the animals are treated ethically, the farmers are treated fairly, the business is ethical, and the workers are treated fairly. If you want to learn more about Icebreaker, their website does a great job explaining their business.

As with all Icebreaker products, my Tracer jacket came with a unique BaaCode. This Baa Code can be entered into the Icebreaker website and will track my jacket back to the sheep stations it came from in New Zealand. This whole process is pretty amazing, check it out.

Zipper Guard

Fit 3 out of 5 stars

Arm Length (20%) 3.5 out of 5 stars

Comfort Next to Skin (20%) 3 out of 5 stars

Cuff (15%) 1.5 out of 5 stars

Ease of Movement (25%) 3.5 out of 5 stars

Torso sizing (20%) 3 out of 5 stars

The Icebreaker Commute Jacket is the warmest of the commuting series of clothing from Icebreaker. It is the heaviest piece of clothing I have from Icebreaker at 380 g/m². I tested the medium in this jacket and might have been able to go with a small. I felt like the jacket ran slightly on the large side. The sleeves are definitely longer, but this was a good thing as they did not slide up my arms when I reached out. I do find the cuffs to be a bit sloppy. They are a bit on the wide side and do not hug my wrists at all. This allows them to flap around in the wind and lets cold breezes come up the sleeve. The fit through the torso and bottom hem are much better. Trim fit but not body hugging. I often layered a bodyfit baselayer underneath without and issues. As with all Icebreaker products I have worn, the wool is comfortable to the skin. I really appreciated the zipper guard. Not only is it behind the full-length zipper but also comes over the top to protect the chin.

Red Accents, Audio Out of Chest Pocket

Performance 3.2 out of 5 stars

Breathability (25%) 3 out of 5 stars

Durability (20%) 3.5 out of 5 stars

Reflectivity (15%) 2.5 out of 5 stars

Warmth (25%) 3.5 out of 5 stars

Weather Resistance (15%) 3 out of 5 stars

The Commute Jacket does not have any laminates or wind blocking properties. It breathes well, and the tight knit keeps you surprisingly warm when riding. This tight knit seems to resist some wind and with a baselayer underneath, I could barely feel any getting through. The wool with be able to take a light shower but anything substantial will seep through and get you wet. Fortunately, wool still insulates when wet so if this was to happen you will still be warm, or at least warmer than with some other materials.

Reflective Stripe on Arm

Over all my commutes and wearing this around work I never had any durability issues. The thick wool feels durable and ready to take on anything. It is nice that Icebreaker added the reflective stripes to this jacket. They are long, thin, and viewable front just about any angle. I still did not rely solely on these for my visibility, but they are better than nothing. I really liked to use the pockets, especially the chest pocket. I could put my phone in there and use the internal port and route my headphones up under the jacket which is much better than going up the outside. I tended to use the handwarmer pockets a fair amount as well but not the back pocket.

Overall 3.1 out of 5 stars

The Icebreaker Commute Jacket is enough to keep you warm on the way to work and then is sharp enough to get you through the day if you choose. Like other Icebreaker products the commute zip is well-made and I have not had any durability issues. I found it to be warm enough to below freezing and even deeper if paired with a baselayer. The great thing about wool is you can wear it to ride to work and not have to worry about it stinking. I really liked how many pockets were on the jacket, no reason not to have enough room for almost everything. The only drawback I had was the arms and wrists ran a little large for me. I wish they were a bit snugger, and then this would have been about perfect. The Commute Jacket retails for $230. As always, your mileage may vary.

High Quality Zippers

Pros

• Warm 380 g/m² wool
• Plenty of pockets
• Good looks off the bike
• Good fit in the torso
• Good ease of movement

Cons

• Loose Arms and Wrist
• A bit heavy

The H-Wall was named for a steep, mogul strewn black diamond ski run in Tahoe, that was nearly impossible to see when the late afternoon sun dropped behind the mountain. After a quick switch to a contrast maximizing yellow Ski lens, the run, and its deeply carved moguls, became quickly visible again. H-Wall’s face-form chassis and 8-base lenses prevent light leakage. Vented nose pads enhance airflow to minimize lens fogging. The temples are anatomically shaped and encased in rubber to ensure a secure and comfortable fit, whether you’re carving through moguls or running hard on a cross- country trail.

Features

• Magnetic Interchange Face Form Chassis
• 8-Base Lenses
• 1 pair of Polarized True Color Grey lenses
• 1 pair of Low-light Rose Amber Lenses
• Lens Pod
• Microfiber Cleaning Pouch
• Vented nose pads
• Anatomic Temples
• Temples are encased in rubber
• Best Fits: Medium to Large
• Measured weight – 25 g (0.9 oz)
• Retail – $180

YMMV Review

Switch Eyewear started from finding a solution to clumsy interchangeable sunglasses. Back in February I was contacted by Switch eyewear. Up to that point, I had never heard of the brand but was curious to what they were about when I realized they had a magnetic based lens interchange system. I had never seen this built into a pair of sunglasses, so I worked out a review of the H-Wall.

Testing

I tested these sunglasses, mainly on my runs. I did use them on a couple bike rides and one hike for variety. Here in the high desert we definitely need sunglasses as the sun is bright and there is a lot of glare.

Me with the Sunglasses On

Design 2.8 out of 5 stars

Appearance (30%) 3 out of 5 stars

Construction (40%) 3.5 out of 5 stars

Sustainability (10%) 0 out of 5 stars

Weight (20%) 2.5 out of 5 stars

The H-Wall Sunglasses are made to do it all. They are a half framed glasses that come with several lenses to be able to adjust to the conditions. The ones I tested are the dark bronze color and came with Polarized Grey and Rose-Amber lenses. They also come with a lens pod and microfiber lens cleaning pouch. The lens pod is magnetic and is made to carry the extra lens. It is contoured with magnets to hold the lens in place and a separator to protect them. Switch lenses are made with lightweight, optical grade, shatterproof polycarbonate and are coated with TriGuard. TriGuard is a patented, thin-film coating that withstands rough handling, causes water to bead up and run off, and is easy to clean. The reflection mirrors, and lens substrates have the tested color balances and light transmission for the varying light conditions encountered in different sports. In fact, there are up to 14 lenses available from Switch Vision. The Polarized True Color Grey Lens that came with the H-Wall is for extreme glare and intense sun. They block 90% of visual light and 100% of UV. The Rose Amber Lens is for haze, as well as moderate, low, and changeable light. They pump up the light by removing a high percentage of blue light. The Rose Amber Lens block 72% of visual light.

See the Magnets in There?

The frames are made with a tough, thermoplastic nylon to be durable and long lasting. Embedded into the frames are the high-energy magnets that have a strong attraction with the lenses. These magnets allow the user to quickly and easily swap out the lenses as light conditions and activities change. Switch lens will literally jump into place when brought close to the frame, but will stay put once the lenses have snapped into position. They have been designed not to pop out for drops up to six feet or the constant jarring of skiing, snowboarding, running, or cycling.

The nose pads have been designed to enable air flow into the eye chamber and therefore, minimize fogging. For fit and security, the contact surfaces of the temple and bridge have specially formulated TPR rubber to increase the grip. I was not able to locate any information on the sustainability of the materials used in the sunglasses, and I do know they are made overseas. For that reason, I gave them a zero in sustainability. As a new company it takes some time to get off the ground before some of these aspects can be addressed.

Vented Nose Pads

Fit 2.8 out of 5 stars

Adjustability (15%) 2 out of 5 stars

Comfort Next to Skin (25%) 3.5 out of 5 stars

Eye Coverage (30%) 2.5 out of 5 stars

Head Sizing (30%) 3 out of 5 stars

The H-Wall Wrap Sunglasses are medium size. I have a smaller head, so I have always preferred smaller sunglasses as the big ones just don’t look right on me. After talking with Switch, we landed on this pair, and they are a good size for my face. I have a picture of them on so you can make that judgment for yourself. The rubber material that they used on these glasses in nice and comfortable on the skin. The sunglasses seem to have a good balance to them making them more stable and exhibiting even pressure at all points of contact. The nose pads are also very comfortable. The soft rubber type material is much better than the plastic that some other manufacturers use. The eye coverage is good but I wish they did not have the dip in the front over the nose. This slight dip brings the frame down into my vision slightly. It is much more noticeable when on the bike as compared to running. If I want to, I can actually look over the frame.  The other thing I notice is missing from the sunglasses is the ability to make any personal adjustments to the fit. The nose pads and temples are both not adjustable. Fortunately, I did not need to change anything up.

Lens Pod

Performance 3.3 out of 5 stars

Breathability (15%) 3 out of 5 stars

Clarity (30%) 3 out of 5 stars

Durability (15%) 3.5 out of 5 stars

Ease of Lens Change (20%) 4 out of 5 stars

Versatility (20%) 3 out of 5 stars

The Switch Vision H-Wall Sunglasses have been a fun test. The magnets do make the lens really easy to switch out. They are so attracted to the other magnets that the lenses snap into place with ease. On occasion, you may need to wiggle the lens to get it into the proper spot. On my running and rides, I have not had any issues with the lens falling out. I dropped them over a dozen times on the hard carpets of my work and only once did one of the lenses pop out, and that was when it bounced off the arm of a chair first. The drawback I have noticed with the magnets is the frame seems to be somewhat thicker than others, especially between the eyes. I wish this section could be slightly thinner for me, but others may disagree. While I found the nose pads to be very comfortable, it was tough to tell if they kept the fogging down. It is really dry here in Bend so fogging is not normally an issue.

Spare Lens in the Pod

I liked both lenses that came with the sunglasses. They both were very clear and through all my testing, neither got scratched nor showed signs of being vulnerable. The sunglasses seem well-made and sturdy. They do not feel flimsy in any way, on the contrary, they feel quite solid. I also like the fact that Switch Vision has a variety of other lenses that you can buy separately depending on the sport or conditions you need them for. The Lens pod is really cool. There are magnets inside it to hold the spare lens in place, and you do not have to worry about them getting scratches as the pod is hard plastic. It is small enough to stuff into any pocket if you need to. My only drawback with it is when I want to store the sunglasses and pod in the enclosed pouch. I am afraid the pod is going to scratch them up there, but I do not like to store them separately when I am not using them because they can be separated. Maybe if the pouch had two pockets, this would solve this dilemma, just an idea.

Rubber Coated Arms

Overall 2.8 out of 5 stars

Overall, I liked the H-Wall Sunglasses. I would love to try on a couple of the other styles to possibly find one that fit my face a little better as the dip in the top of the frame was something I would have noticed if I had tried them on before testing them. This aside, the magnet technology really did work. The lenses are very easy and quick to swap out. Since you do not have to bend or mess with the frame to get them out I imagine that there will not be any loss of performance over time like there is occasionally with my other glasses. Changing lenses on my other glasses has been known to weaken parts of the frame over time or the lens will not want to stay in as well. With the magnet system, they should not have this problem. Switch Vision sunglasses may be new are a bit difficult to find, but they are worth a look if you are in the market for adjustable lens sunglasses. The H-Wall Wrap retails for $180, which puts them up there with some of the higher-end brands. As always, your mileage may vary.

Included Microfiber Bag

Pros

• Easy & fast lens swap
• Lots of lenses available
• Comfortable fit
• Stay in place while running & cycling
• Lens pod protects extra lens

Cons

• Not able to adjust contact points
• Top of frame dips into my vision
• Slightly wide frame between the eyes

For men who are serious about hiking, Hi-Tec offers a fantastic range of leather and fabric boots to ensure you and your feet can deal with the most strenuous requirements. Whether for a demanding day hike or a multi-day adventure, the Hiking Collection features advanced technologies, including ion-mask waterproofing and Vibram rubber soles for grip.

Features

• Waterproof nubuck and mesh upper
• Waterproof membrane
• V-Lite design and build technology
• Anti-odor, anti-microbial Ortholite footbed/midsole
• Vibram outsole for durability & traction
• Ion Mask Technology
• Rustproof metal hardware
• 3d Counter Balance
• TPU support shank with ESS protection
• Measured size 9
  • Weight – 569 g (20.1 oz)
  • Forefoot Width – 101.9 mm (4.0 in)
• Retail – $180

YMMV Review

Hi-Tec was originally founded in 1974, but the name and logo came about in 1982. Founded in England, Hi-Tec originally made shoes for Squash. The Hi-Tec Squash shoes are still one of the most sold sports shoes in history. Hi-Tec now is a large company with over 500 styles in over 80 countries worldwide. Their brand manifesto does a good job explaining who they are: “We are driven by our restless desire to ensure people make the most of life. Our products are developed for the needs of the consumers in mind, and innovations will be driven by our desire to understand how they’re used. We are a real brand, with real products, for real people.”

With Black Laces

I had worked with Hi-Tec previously on a jacket that Melissa did a review on. At the OR Show last January I stopped by their booth and was intrigued by several products they have been working on. A couple that will be reviewed later.  These boots which were released this spring are an updated version of one of Hi-Tec’s first light hiker which was released in 1978.

Testing

I tested these boots hiking the trails of Smith Rock State Park and the Deschutes River Trail. Since most of the backcountry trails around here have been covered by snow, pickings were a little slim. I also wore them around town a little and up in some snow. We had a fairly dry winter and spring, so I did not get to truly test them in mud.

Design 2.8 out of 5 stars

Appearance (20%) 3 out of 5 stars

Construction (40%) 3 out of 5 stars

Lacing (10%) 3 out of 5 stars

Sustainability (10%) 1 out of 5 stars

Weight (20%) 3 out of 5 stars

The Sierra Lite boots are a light hiker. They are made for hiking without a pack or carrying up to moderate loads. The boots have an upper made of mesh and waterproof Nubuck. The upper has been treated with Ion-Mask Technology. This treatment is a breakthrough in surface enhancement. It works at a molecular level, binding invisibly to the surface of the upper, giving it the ability to repel most liquids. The uppers are already waterproof, but the Ion-Mask helps prevent liquids from seeping into the boots and therefore, makes them lighter when it is wet out. The Ion-Mask technology will also keep dirt from building up on the outside as well.

The Sierra Lite Boots use the Hi-Tec V-Lite vertical build concept that strips away as much weight as possible without sacrificing performance or durability.

With Bright Laces

This concept is not one concept by itself but rather a collection of materials and construction methods. V-Lite is composed of a lightweight upper material and rust proof lightweight metallic hardware to save weight. The footbed and midsole are made by Ortholite. They are essentially the same unit as there is no cushioning if you remove the unit. The Ortholite unit is a mix of PU and EVA for cushioning and durability. In the heel, there is a 3D Counter Balance of firmer foam to prevent the heel from rolling inward.  The boots have a Stabila Flex Plus Lasting Board. This is a multi density, contoured lasting board ensures torsional rigidity and delivers essential forefoot flex. The boots use a Vibram outsole with multidirectional lugs for traction and durability.

The lacing system is fairly straight forward. There are four hardware loops with a webbing loop at the base of the ankle, and two open hardware hooks up on the ankle. Hi-Tec also throws in two different lace colors so you can create the look you want. I took pictures of both colors. Over the toe of the boots is a protective overlay to add some protection for your toes. The upper cuffs of the boots are higher at the front and have been cut out in the heel to provide relieve for the Achilles tendon.

I was not able to find out much information on the sustainability of the materials or any company initiatives. Only thing I learned was the Ion-Mask treatment is not bad for the environment. For this reason, I gave the boots a one in sustainability. Hi-Tec, on the other hand, does make a conceited effort to get people outside and active; I wanted to make sure to give props where it is due.

Inside with Insole Removed

Fit 3.3 out of 5 stars

Comfort Next to Skin (15%) 3 out of 5 stars

Foot Length (20%) 3.5 out of 5 stars

Foot Volume (20%) 3 out of 5 stars

Heel Width (15%) 3 out of 5 stars

Midfoot Width (15%) 3.5 out of 5 stars

Toe Box Width (15%) 3.5 out of 5 stars

I normally wear a size 9 in my boots but have occasionally gone with a 9.5. In these boots, I tested a size 9 and have plenty of room. There is quite a bit of volume inside the boots. For me, it was enough that the boots still had some room even with a thicker sock. I felt like the boots fit well in the heel and the midfoot, but the toe area was a little sloppy feeling if I was wearing a thin sock. I have a medium width foot but am used to wearing wider forefoot shoes with my barefoot running. These boots felt like they had even more volume than some of my barefoot shoes I have tested.

Ortholite Footbed Top

The construction on the inside of the boots is skillfully done. If you remove the Ortholite cushioning, you can see how well the inner liner is connected to the last with minimal seams. The upper portion of the interior around the ankle is a smooth fake leather material which adds to the comfort. I never had any discomfort when testing out these boots. I was impressed as they had a good amount of flex while still feeling stable.

Performance 3.3 out of 5 stars

Breathability (15%) 2.5 out of 5 stars

Cushioning (10%) 3 out of 5 stars

Durability (20%) 3 out of 5 stars

Support (15%) 3.5 out of 5 stars

Traction (10%) 3 out of 5 stars

Versatility (15%) 3.5 out of 5 stars

Water Resistance (15%) 4.5 out of 5 stars

The Sierra Lite Boots have been a good boot for light hiking. I have used these boots on several hikes with packs up to 25 pounds and felt like these were plenty supportive for these trips. The boots feel very stable when hiking and have a good amount of flex in the forefoot and ankle. The lacing at the flex point is done with webbing to help allow the boots to flex better. The shank is a good compromise between adding stiffness but also allowing the foot to flex when walking. Since the upper is waterproof the boots do not breathe as well as a mesh upper would, but it was as expected. With the proper socks, I had no issues but did not get to test them in really hot weather.

Vibram Sole

The cushioning system is interesting as it can be totally removed. If you wanted to use a different insole, you could, but you would probably not have nearly as much cushioning as the included Ortholite insole. Using your own insole would also create excess volume inside the boot unless your feet are really high volume. The Ortholite 3D Heel Counter is not really noticeable to me, but it probably does help. The concept is sound; it was just hard to distinguish. The Ion-Mask technology is really cool. Water just beads right up and rolls off. I did not get to test these in extended wet weather but the little water and snow I used them in was no match. I never had any wet feet. The dirt also seems to stay off better than expected; the boots still look new after taking them out on the trail and town more times than I can count.

The outsole is made by Vibram and had good traction in the drier conditions here in Central Oregon. In the little wet conditions we had I did not have any problems but would be curious how others have done in the mud. The lugs on the bottom are average sized and even gripped well in the snow. I really did not have much ice to test them on but expect them to handle like most other lightweight boots. Over all my testing, I found that the boots have held up well. I have not had any issues with durability.

Bottom of the Footbed

Overall 3.3 out of 5 stars

Overall, I have been happy with the Sierra Lite Boots. They have been comfortable to wear around and feel like they are lower to the ground than some of my other boots are. I am not sure if this truly is the case because I am not able to get an accurate measurement with my calipers. The boots do feel very well when walking in them, which have made them one of the more comfortable boots I have tested. I am really impressed by the Ion-Mask technology as it truly works. While the boots are about average in weight when compared to other light hikers. In the rain or snow, they will not add weight like the other boots as the Ion-Mark treatment will repel the water. The boots come in several colors so you can be as bold as you want to be. Retailing at $180, they are right up there with other boots in the category. They do pack a good amount of technology in there. As always, your mileage may vary.

Pros

• Ion-Mask technology repels water and dirt
• Wide forefoot
• Good traction
• Excellent flex in the boot

Cons

• Cannot change the insole without drastically changing the boot fit
• Toe area can feel sloppy with thin socks

The Winter Jersey has been developed to keep you cycling through the worst winter conditions. Made from a heavy duty merino-blend, the jersey features windproof panels, a reworked pocket layout and reflective materials for greater visibility.

Features

• Fabric – Sportwool (25% merino wool, 61% polyester, 14% elastane)
• Excellent moisture transfer
• Windproof front and shoulder panels
• Shaped collar
• Zipped, mesh-lined vents
• Improved pocket configuration
• Measured size medium
  • Weight – 538 g (19 oz)
  • Center Back – 69.1 cm (27.2 in)
  • Pit to pit – 51.7 cm (20.4 in)
  • Sleeve length – 86.8 cm (34.2 in)
• Retail – $230

YMMV Review

Rapha strives to create the finest clothing and accessories in the world. They design without compromise for the most discerning rider. Their products blend style with performance. They have a passion for road cycling that goes beyond just selling products. They sponsor events and teams around the world. Rapha also creates publications that try to bring the sport to life. Rapha was started back in 2004, which make it relatively new to the cycling scene. They have come a long way in less than a decade.

Rapha Kit from the Front

I personally had heard of Rapha and their high prices but did not have any experience with their products. I know that with some of the outdoor brands I love (see Arc’Teryx), the higher prices are often justified by the higher-quality product. I was interested to find this out first hand and set up a review of the Winter Jersey and 3/4 Bib Shorts.

Testing

I tested the Rapha Winter Jersey with the 3/4 Bib Shorts almost exclusively. I also had a Rapha Merino Base Layer that I used on occasion when it was especially cold. I used this on road rides and commutes from 15 – 40 miles during the winter and spring. Temperatures ranged from 20 – 55 degrees.

Rapha Kit from the Back

Design 3.5 out of 5 stars

Appearance (20%) 4.5 out of 5 stars

Construction (30%) 4 out of 5 stars

Features (15%) 3.5 out of 5 stars

Pockets (15%) 4 out of 5 stars

Sustainability (10%) 1.5 out of 5 stars

Weight (10%) 2.5 out of 5 stars

The Rapha Winter Jersey is made for cold weather riding. It nearly is a jacket by weight and feel. The jersey is made of a Merino wool, polyester, and elastane mix called Sportwool. The really is a lot going on with this jersey. On the inside of the jersey there are windproof panels over the torso and shoulders to keep you warm in colder conditions. The rest of the interior is either mesh or brushed merino wool. This creates little air pockets to keep the rider warm. On both sides of the chest, there are zippers that open up mesh vents. These vents are nearly invisible when not opened. The front of the jersey has a full-length zipper with a draft flap behind it. This flap is pink colored to add some style and accent the jersey.

Reflective Arm Band

The bottom hem has a pink bungee cord adjustment system. There are adjustment points on both sides to alter the fit in the back 2/3 of the jersey. The cords do not continue across the front of the jersey. The bottom hem has a drop tail for more coverage in the back. There is a total of four pockets in the back: one large ballast pocket, two drop in pockets, and a small zippered valuable pocket. At the bottom of the pockets, there is a reflective stripe for visibility. There is also a large reflective stripe on the left arm. The collar on the jersey is shaped for better coverage on the bike. One thing I did notice with this jersey is unlike the bib shorts I tested; the seams on this were not flatlocked. It did not change the comfort of the jersey but just was an observation.

The one drawback with the Winter Jersey is its sustainability. Wool is a sustainable fabric, but none of the other elements are sustainable or green to my knowledge. I scoured the Rapha website to find more information and was not able to find anything. For this reason, I gave it a 1.5 for sustainability.

Pink Hem Adjustment Cords

Fit 3.4 out of 5 stars

Adjustability (10%) 2.5 out of 5 stars

Arm Length (15%) 4 out of 5 stars

Comfort Next to Skin (25%) 3 out of 5 stars

Cuffs (10%) 3.5 out of 5 stars

Ease of Movement (20%) 3 out of 5 stars

Torso Sizing (20%) 4 out of 5 stars

The Rapha Winter Jersey fits snug like a jersey should. I am usually a size medium, and that is what I tested in this jersey. It fits me nice and snug all the way through like a tailored sweater. It is definitely shorter in the front than the back which can seem a bit strange when walking around, but when on the bike, it all comes together. I did not have to adjust the bottom hem at all. The sleeves are nice and long. When reaching for the bars they do not inch up, which is important if you are out on a cold day. Less air directly to the skin is appreciated.

4 Pockets in the Back

The brushed merino wool interior is comfortable to the skin. As is the polyester material that is used to block the wind. This polyester barrier does not stretch, but the rest of the jersey does. It moves well with me on the bike. The materials are on the thicker side for warmth and weather resistance. I have layered this jersey over a Rapha Merion Long Sleeve Base Layer on colder days but would not wear anything thicker than that underneath. In the back under the pockets is a mesh material to improve moisture transport. This material is not as soft as the other materials, but if you wear bibs, you will not feel it against the skin.

Performance 3.3 out of 5 stars

Breathability (15%) 3 out of 5 stars

Durability (15%) 3 out of 5 stars

Reflective (15%) 3 out of 5 stars

Versatility (10%) 2.5 out of 5 stars

Warmth (25%) 4 out of 5 stars

Wind Resistance (20%) 3.5 out of 5 stars

The Winter Jersey is warm! The merino wool paired with the windproof panels kept me warm down to below freezing. If I added a baselayer underneath it could comfortably take the jersey down to 20 degrees. The jersey is so warm that depending on the person; I would not recommend it over 45 degrees. I tend to be on the warm side when I ride so if you are not like me, you may be able to stretch that upward a bit. The vents do help add some airflow, I even had them open on some 35 degree days.

Draft Flap with Pink Accents

The arms and back are breathable but not as so much to make you cold. They too have a bit of wind resistance to them. The Winter Jersey is not made for the rain but would do just fine in misty or light rain conditions. The wool will maintain warmth no matter the condition, and the jersey should keep you dry unless it gets too ugly out. Here in Central Oregon there were a couple of occasions where I got caught in some hail and snow, and the jersey had no problems with that. In those cases, I appreciated the high collar and snug fit as it kept the amount of snow coming down my neck to a minimum.

The reflective stripe on the left arm is not only great for being seen, but it looks awesome too. The added strip in the back also helps you be seen. I really liked the front vents as I thought they were a great touch. My only issue with them is the zipper pull is really small and hard to find with gloves on. In most cases, you will be wearing full gloves with this jersey, and it takes some practice and even both hands to find the zippers easily. The main zipper and the ballast pocket zipper are much easier to use. The ballast pocket zipper has a large O-ring to make it easier to use. This pocket is also mesh lined so you can open it up to help breath when there is nothing in it. With this pocket and the two drop in pockets, there is plenty of room to carry whatever you need to. The valuables’ pocket is a nice touch and keeps stuff concealed. I wish it was a moisture resistant pocket as my cell phone got really sweaty on one ride when I overheated a bit.

Chest Vent Opened Up

Overall 4 out of 5 stars

Overall, the Rapha Winter jersey is just that, a cold-weather jersey which borders on being a jacket. What differentiates it from a jacket is the fit. It is snug and does not have lots of extra room to layer over anything else. For me, a thin baselayer was the most I could or for that matter wanted to layer under this jersey. There are lots of great features built into this jacket to make it be very functional when out riding. Most importantly, depending on the rider, the jersey still looks sharp. All these features either enhance or don’t affect the overall appearance of the jersey. Paired with the 3/4 Bib Shorts like I did I was comfortable down to just above freezing, but if you have warmer tights or pants on you can easily get down well below freezing. The Winter Jersey looks so good that I even wore it at work on a couple of days where I commuted. The Winter jersey retails for $230, which is on the expensive side. What you get is a well-made and carefully thought-out jersey that performs well and looks good. I can now see why Rapha is a blend of performance and style. Got to love the pink accents. As always, your mileage may vary.

Pros

• Warm!
• Great chest vents
• Lots of functional pockets
• Tailored like fit
• Left arm reflective stripe works and looks awesome
• Pink accents add a touch of style

Cons

• Expensive
• Small zipper pulls on the vents
• Slightly heavy

¾ length Bib Shorts for cooler cycling conditions. Made from strong Thermoroubaix fabric, a contoured pad from specialists Cytech guarantees protection where it’s most needed on the bike.

Features

• Fabric – Thermoroubaix with Thermoflex fleece lining
• Contrast stripe down front shin with tone on tone Rapha logo
• Seams positioned away from the front and back of the knee
• Lightweight mesh bib
• Gripper on hem
• Flatlock stitching
• Cy-Tech pad
• Measured sized medium
  • Weight – 249 g (8.8 oz)
  • Inseam length – 48.1 cm (18.9 in)
• Retail – $235

YMMV Review

Rapha strives to create the finest clothing and accessories in the world. They design without compromise for the most discerning rider. Their products blend style with performance. They have a passion for road cycling that goes beyond just selling products. They sponsor events and teams around the world. Rapha also creates publications that try to bring the sport to life. Rapha was started back in 2004, which makes it relatively new to the cycling scene. They have come a long way in less than a decade.

Rapha Kit from the Front

I personally had heard of Rapha and their high prices but did not have any experience with their products. I know that with some of the outdoor brands I love (see Arc’Teryx), the higher prices are often justified by the higher-quality product. I was interested to find this out first hand and set up a review of the Winter Jersey and 3/4 Bib Shorts.

Testing

I tested the Rapha Winter Jersey with the Rapha Winter Jersey almost exclusively. I used this on road rides and commutes from 15 – 40 miles during the winter and spring. Temperatures ranged from 20 – 55 degrees.

Design 3.5 out of 5 stars

Appearance (25%) 4 out of 5 stars

Construction (35%) 4.5 out of 5 stars

Features (20%) 3 out of 5 stars

Sustainability (10%) 0 out of 5 stars

Weight (10%) 3 out of 5 stars

The Rapha 3/4 Bib Shorts are made for cooler weather. While the Winter jersey easily stayed comfortable below freezing. The bibs needed to be layered under some tights or pants when it got below 32 degrees. The bib shorts are made of Thermoroubaix with Thermoflex fleece lining. The shorts have a brushed fleece interior for warmth while still being able to breathe. The 3/4 bib shorts are made of four different types of fabrics that all contain some elastane for increased stretch and ease of movement.

Rapha Kit from the Back

These can also be called knickers in some circles. They extend down over the knees for increased warmth and protection. At the bottom hem, there is elastic gripper to help the legs stay in place. In the front, there is a white panel for style with a reflective stripe to help the rider be seen from the front or sides. There is also a reflective strip in the back on the upper calf as well. All the seams on the bibs shorts have been flatlocked for increased comfort and so the shorts sit flat against the skin. The torso section of the bibs is a mesh fabric for better breathability. There is also an open section to allow heat regulation in the back. The straps have been trimmed with white elastic, which not only looks good but also makes the straps more comfortable to the skin.

The bib shorts use a Cy-Tech chamois pad. This pad has a 4-way stretch so it can better move with the cyclist’s movements. The bibs also have a small pocket on the lower back for stowing something small. Like the Winter Jersey, the one drawback with the bibs is its sustainability. None of the fabrics are sustainable or green to my knowledge. I scoured the Rapha website to find more information and was not able to find anything. For this reason, I gave it a zero for sustainability.

Mesh Straps

Fit 3.8 out of 5 stars

Comfort Next to Skin (20%) 4.5 out of 5 stars

Ease of Movement (25%) 4 out of 5 stars

Inseam Length (10%) 3 out of 5 stars

Leg Sizing (20%) 3.5 out of 5 stars

Strap Comfort (15%) 3.5 out of 5 stars

Torso Sizing (10%) 3 out of 5 stars

The Rapha 3/4 Bib Shorts have a great stretch to them. The fleece material and mesh back all stretch to fit me and whatever movement I do on the bike well. I am normally a medium in most of my cycling clothing, and that is what I tested in these. I do not think any other size could fit me any better. The shorts hit me in the upper calf and give ample protection for my knee. The gripper hem does a great job holding them in place. I find these to be extremely comfortable to the skin. The fleece material is soft, and all the seams are flatlocked for comfort. The chamois is also soft to the touch.

Lower Back Pocket

The shorts do not come up too high which I appreciate. For those who are interested, it is easy to use the restroom without disrobing, which is a good thing when out on a ride. The mesh material is not as soft as the fleece but is close. The straps are nice and wide, which distributes the pressure well and makes them less noticeable. This is one of the most comfortable cycling bibs I have worn.

Performance 3.4 out of 5 stars

Breathability (15%) 4 out of 5 stars

Cushioning (25%) 4 out of 5 stars

Durability (15%) 3 out of 5 stars

Reflectivity (15%) 3 out of 5 stars

Warmth (20%) 3 out of 5 stars

Wind Resistance (10%) 2.5 out of 5 stars

Unlike the Winter Jersey, the 3/4 bib shorts do not block the wind. Rather they are very breathable. Their comfort range for me was from 35 – 60 degrees depending on sunshine and wind. I wore them in colder temperatures with pants over the top to extend their temperature range a bit lower. I found these to be warm but no overly so. I tend to be able to wear less on my legs than my torso when riding because of all the work my legs are doing and this was a nice balance of more protection but not too much.

White Panel on the Shin

I really liked the Cy-Tech chamois pad in these. While I did not take them on any rides over 40 miles yet (my season build-up was not there yet) I have been comfortable on all my rides. I used these a couple of times with Rapha’s chamois cream and a couple of times without anything and had no discomfort either way. There are some reflective elements on these for safety. Often the legs are a good place to put these as the movement catches the eye. I did not find myself using the rear pocket. I imagine if you are a pro and have to carry a radio that this may be the place but for me, the jersey pockets were what I used.

Overall 4 out of 5 stars

Overall, I was impressed with the 3/4 Bib Shorts. They are very comfortable and give you comfort over a broad range of temperatures due to the breathable but warm fabric. They do not offer much weather protection, which makes them ideally suited for drier climates like we have here in Bend. Not only do the shorts feel good on; they look good too. The graphics are minimal but there is a touch of style. I paired them with the Winter Jersey, Winter Hat, and Merino Socks for a sweet kit. Now I just need a pair of the new shoes! IF you are looking for a pair of longer shorts for shoulder season riding or just cool mornings, look no further. I would definitely recommend these. They retail for $235, which is no joke. They are well made, comfortable, and good looking so you will have to make the call there. They are cheaper than Assos. As always, your mileage may vary.

Cy-Tech Chamois Pad

Pros

• Very comfortable against the skin
• Great subtle style
• Reflective strips on the legs
• Mesh upper and straps
• Gripper leg hem

Cons

• Expensive