For a few years now I’ve noticed soft shell stuff being popular amongst clothing sold for tradesmen and workmen . Helly Hanson , Tough stuff, loads of other brands I can’t remember.
I just found this as I searched for what I would like in a good cycling jacket
1. Hi viz
2. Goretex
3. Soft shell
This ticks all of these boxes . Not cheap, but as they say generally you get what you pay for
https://www.hhworkwear.com/en_gb_ww/icu-hi-vis-3-layer-shell-jacket-71172?gclid=Cj0KCQjw6-SDBhCMARIsAGbI7Uj4ivkEMitR8X1FVBbBC5q_qNPK8KdTEbVD6lXeqEYCXacCX_7i68IaAhuaEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
I looked at jacket on the link. Perhaps I need to polish my glasses but other than hi-vis colour i didn’t see that it was soft shell or Gortex.
The term soft was used- which might imply soft shell but might also mean something else.
The material is Helly Tech professional not Gortex. It might be breathable but there are different requirements for breathability on a bike jacket than on a work jacket or a hiking jacket.
The cut of a cycling jacket is often better suited for cycling than other types of jacket, e.g no hood as this restricts vision and may not fit if helmet is worn. Slightly longer cut on back so you aren’t smiling to the car drivers unintentionally when leaning forward to your handlebars. And breathability plays a key role to transport sweat vapour out of jacket.
I have a Gortex Jack Wolfskin branded non cycling outdoor jacket that keeps me dry in all circumstances except cycling. The fold away hood means neck feels bulky riding with helmet. The ventilation zips on arms help air but I generate too much heat cycling for it to be effective except in the coldest situations.
My bike jackets are generally thinner and have more breathability needed for the extra heat and sweat generated when cycling. None are as waterproof as my Gortex outdoor jacket, which would keep me dry all day in non cycling conditions but ends up like a sauna on a long bike ride with my clothes wet from properties not designed for a sports situation like that.
There is no perfect jacket for all year round but a series of jackets for different situations on a bike.
I have 2 waterproof jackets which are great in rain and cold but get uncomfortable on longer rides if not cold and wet outside. I also have a number of shower proof jackets with higher breathability and comfort for riding in general but not much good if rain gets heavy or persistent. All my jackets are bright colours with reflective details for my safety.
With frosty mornings but low teen afternoon temperatures I often ride to work in my warmer waterproof bike jackets but return in a lighter weight shower proof jacket unless it is pouring with rain. But as bike jackets are generally thinner than outdoor jackets, neither take too much space in my bike bag. You will need to find what works for you biting don’t think there is an all year all round bike jacket that is perfect for every situation and you may end up like me with several jackets for various situations.
