The time has come for me to get a proper softshell jacket.  Have been using an old Altura rainjacket until now, but am getting fed up with the sweat that builds up inside.

I'm after a quality softshell - doesn't need to be waterproof (but resistant to a light shower would help).  Needs to be reasonably warm, but not down to arctic conditions.  Windproof at the front, obviously.  Prepared to spend a bit for the quality, but not up to Rapha levels.

So - if you have a softshell that you would recommend - what make is it?

Hi Nick

I recently bought myself a Gore N2S (Next 2 Skin) jacket and it's the best bit of clothing i've bought in a long time.  As the name suggests you just wear the jacket - nothing underneath and it keeps the wind out and you warm without making you sweat buckets.

I've worn it to work on my commute and at the weekends in a cold northerly wind and it really does the job.  You can even detach the sleeves if you get too warm.
Evans had a sale on and i picked one up for £59, normally £90. 

I use Specialized's wind thingy which is a thing material and keeps the chill off. But I think the Gore ones will be a bit better for not sweating.

i have a howies outback jacket which i use for all types of outdoor activity (running etc) but theres a cycling specific jacket called the extra miler made of schoeller 3xdry material (same as the outback) which is very breathable and also fairly waterproof (not amazing in heavy storms as you can imagine). the extra miler also has zip off sleeves and the regular pit zips etc if you get too hot.

the only downside is the price - you'll pay upwards of £100 for either if u dont catch them in the sale periods.

Rapha don't seem to do the softshell in black any more - lucky really, as I might have been tempted to spend a ludicrous amount of dosh!  Definitely the Prada of cycle gear.

Thx for replies, will check out the Gore N2S ...

Rapha now do a lightweight version of their softshell.

Black original one is back in October, 1/2 way down the page.

Go on, spoil yourself! 

Parker are doing half price on jackets at the moment .

Just had an E Mail about them.

Just got the lightweight rapha softshell delivered by the postie.

1st impressioins are the quality, feels great, cut well.

I'll post a reveiw when I've tested it a few times. 

No problem, KPS - I have only ever had 2 Endura products - overshoes (great) and a pair of 3/4 baggy shorts (crap, fell apart after 3 commutes, sent back for refund).

I'm after quality - nobody has mentioned any Assos products yet - they seem to have the reputation for great products at slightly lower prices than Rapha.  Anyone any experience of these (think top is called Airblock?)

2Many, AndyC - how fitted is the GoreN2S?  I'm after something pretty fitted/as stylish as possible (vanity rules)...

I've got the Assos Airblock 851 jacket and matching bib-tights, which as you would expect is excellent quality and fit; it does have some limitations despite the praises of some for being 'the' best. It is a very 'snug' fit regardless of which size you get (within reason, of course!) and does have a bit of a 'wet-suit' feel to it. It is a very good 3-4 season soft-shell and I would imagine warmer and more durable than the new Rapha, which I'm tempted to buy for a different purpose. I sometimes get a little bit cold around the armpits, when I first set off in cold weather - although that might not be a bad thing. It is very breathable, only very lightly showerproof, I wouldn't want to be out for more than an hour without another waterproof.

I have gone out in weather just above freezing point and it wasn't really sufficient without something warmer on top. I also have a Pearl Izumi soft shell, bought in a sale, which is much warmer and very waterproof - too warm for use in anything but freezing weather!!

Actually, the more I think about I can't think of anything else I would swap it for!! I don't know how much they retail for now? I was lucky; just happened to walk past Stonehenge cycles a year or so ago when they were doing a good offer!

Phil,

Please do tell us about it....

  would imagine warmer and more durable than the new Rapha, which I'm tempted to buy for a different purpose.

Whats the diffrent purpose then ???????

You've put me on the spot now, Vlad!!

The purpose is still cycling, of course...I was thinking more 3-season, than 3-4 season, and for when I'm light touring or away from home. Also, the fit of the Assos is very snug: I want something resembling a jacket that can be worn also be worn in café/bars etc. Having spent the last 25 years going to the gym 3 or 4 times a week I don't want to walk into an establisment looking like I've come to collect 'the rent'!!

I like the look of the new Rapha and I'm tempted; I got an unexpected email last week inviting me on the Raid Pyrennean next year, which I might do, and I could see myself wearing that jacket in the cooler mountains and the bar/cafés etc!!

I finally got the Gore Tempo jacket - got a good deal.  Pretty warm, so it's OK now the temperature has dropped a bit with just a base layer underneath, and suits me fine for commuting.  Fits really well and looks great/well made too.

I tried the Rapha lightweight softshell - XL was too big, L was too tight under the arms.  A shame, as it was a fantastic jacket otherwise, but in a way I'm glad the lack of a proper fit saved me the temptation to spend a load more cash!

Blimey Phil, you obviously have a very specific set of weather criteria that have to be met before you'll get the Rapha out.

Are you saving it 'for best'?