I've had mine for about 5months (through the Aus winter) and swear by it. It does get hot if the conditions are dry, but its stowability (which is good but not great) makes it a safer choice in variable conditions than the softshell.

That review sums it up nicely.
I have had mine for 3 months, and only got any real benefit in the last two weeks.
Hard showers followed by warm spells has had me stopping, putting it on, stopping and taking it off. And underneath I am perfectly dry.
Stuffing a wet jacket in your pocket is the only drawback, but a lot of water can be shaken off.
And people think I am super rich, which I was until I bought this jacket. Worth it though.

I should add, it looks a million bucks; even better than the photos.

Every thing that Rapha say is true, a litte more bulk than expected, but acceptable, only wish they did brighter colours, having in the past recieved multiple injurys from driver who claimed he never saw me, but could not visualise myself in Pink.

Stowaway Jackets.

Rapha seems to have some good features, but the review says little abouts its extraordinary price. 200 pounds. How does it compare with other stowaway jackets like Gill Ventilator or Vortex, Montane Featherlight Velo, etc, that are less than 20% of the cost of a Rapha, and they aren't grey or pink!

I just don't get how the review can give it 8/10 for value for money! Hence 4/5 as the overall review?

The rear access flap to jersey pockets, seems to be the only differentiating plus feature. No neck, wrist or tail adjustments.

Maybe the other stowaway products are misleading. Hence the need for RCUK reviews, with some comparative data.

I don't own one but I think I will buy one. I climb ice and rock and think that being comfortable and dry is a must, if you look at the price of waterproofs for mountain weather then the stowaway is not too bad if it works for the purpose intended. I look forward to a Scottish winter wearing it, if it works.

It does work very well for the intended purpose and the cost is not out of line with other high quality outdoor clothing. I'm not too sure I would wear it for ice climbing though as the 'cut' is quite high at the front and comparitively very low at the back and the abrasive qualities of such a thin jacket might not be rigorous enough. I do, however, use the fixed jersey for mountaineering because of the merino's qualities and they are extremely comfortable and nice to wear!!

For anyone looking for a compact shower/wind proof top for all conditions, I've been using Specialized's Ultra-Thing windproof top, £50. It's great for riding back to Race HQs or decending mountains, or when you don't know what the weather will be like.

can we have a link please
thanks
:-)

do you mean the windjacket pro adam? i've currently got this jacket stashed inside my commuter bag

Phil, just to clear up any confusion, I wasn't thinking of wearing the stowaway jacket for ice climbing. I plan on wearing it on my Bianchi.

Well - you won't be dissappointed!!

I think you guys recommending the Ralpha must have money to burn.

There are several other stowaway jackets that are far cheaper, ie, 20%, that do the same job.

For those that want the common basics, plus like to be visable there are better choices than Ralpha, others who want lightness there are better choices than Ralpha, and so on.

Ralpha just isn't that good, it isn't the best of the bunch, unless the highest price ticket is the only indicator of quality and suitability for purpose.

If style is your thing then look at the photo of the rider wearing it in the test, nothing personal, but he looks like a dork, and worse its a poor fit!

Paul,

Get a grip Sir. Rapha, like Calvin Klein and Firetrap demand a higher price tag, due to name, reputation and the lifestyle they portray due to marketing. It's very clever, I have some Rapha stuff (which I didn't pay for) - I don't think it's much better quality, but I think it's cool.

It's not about money to burn, if that was the case then I'd have a Puch Pacemaker five speed, with cow horn handlebars. Yes Assos and Rapha cost a lot, so do Arc'teryx and Rab if you do mountaineering. I don't recommend Rapha I just like it, buy whatever you want. Athleticism and aesthetics is not a problem.