I've been in the market for a waterproof cycling rain jacket for quite a while now. It's been a tough search, but I finally settled on a
VEA Safety Parka from RAF. Although it's not a cycling-specific jacket, Chris bought one and convinced me to give it a shot. Every jacket I've come across is missing at least one or two key features, this one seems to be my best bet.
My ideal cycling rain jacket would be/have (in no particular order):
- Waterproof
- Windproof
- Breathable
- Highly-Visible (safety green, safety orange, or yellow)
- Reflective piping
- Hooded
- Zip front
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Economical
- Compact
- Good Fit
- Exterior Pockets
- 4-Season
- Machine Washable
I know that this list is wishful thinking, however, identifying my main desired features has helped focus my search and provide a detailed review (I couldn't find any others out there).
So how does this VEA Safety Parka stack up?
- Waterproof - Yes. I was surprised to find so many rain-type jackets on the market that are only "water resistant." The hood is detachable with button snaps, but well below the collar. Should not be a problem unless you're laying in a puddle.
- Windproof - No / Kinda. Very wind resistant. Monday was the windiest day I've ridden in recent memory. The wind blew me around a bit, but I didn't feel any noticeable penetration with only a jersey underneath. Unfortunately there is no elastic or drawstring at the waist, meaning that headwinds go up the jacket when pedaling.
- Breathable - Yes. The lining is polyester mesh and seems to take moisture off the body quickly on a cold day. Unfortunately, no armpit vents.
- Highly-Visible- Yes. This jacket is ANSI Class III compliant and is intended for law enforcement & safety applications.
- Reflective piping - Yes. 3M Scotchlite reflective piping on upper chest & back, lower chest & back, over shoulders, and upper & lower arms. I happened to see Chris ride by an intersection yesterday evening while wearing his jacket, and this stood out very well in headlights.
- Hooded - Yes. Drawstring hood stows and is detachable with buttons. It fits 2/3 over my helmet and will stay with drawstrings cinched, but definitely restricts head motion.
- Zip front - Yes. Zipper & buttons. Unfortunately there are jackets out there only with buttons making them much less waterproof and a huge pain for quick temperature regulation while on a bike.
- Durable - Yes. Quality construction, fabric, and double sewn seams.
- Lightweight - Almost. The long cut of the jacket and heavier quality fabric prevents it from being light. Certainly not heavy.
- Economical - Yes. At $46 + $10 shipping from the above retailer, an unbeatable price for its features.
- Compactable - Mostly. I can roll my medium-sized jacket into a 12" wide & 4" diameter roll.
- Good Fit - Eh. The fabric is a little stiff and the jacket is cut long and is loose in anticipation of layers of fleece underneath. Does not come in a small. I am a 36S and a medium looks large on me. The wrists are adjustable. The neck is too tight to ride zipped-up with the hood stowed away. With hood out the neck is fine.
- Exterior Pockets - Yes. Two small button-pockets in the front at the waist, and one velcro cell-phone pocket at the left breast. I cram my keys in the cell phone pocket. I wish the bottom pockets were larger and used velcro for quick access and closing.
- 4-Season - No. I will not be wearing this in the summer. However, it is a good 3 season jacket. You can also purchase a fleece liner that zips in for winter.
- Machine Washable - Yes. Machine wash cold with mild detergent. Tumble dry low.
OVERALL: Certainly doesn't get any cool points for fashion, but will keep me dryer and help other road users avoid killing me.
Two thumbs up.
