SQUIRREL_13154695
The Albion Men’s All Road Pertex Shield Rain Jacket is a feature-laden waterproof, which performs broadly as well as the best waterproof jackets out there.
The fit and cut might not suit everyone and many may need to size up.
However, it’s as breathable and waterproof – in the right conditions – as most will ever need.
The price of £210 / $295 / €310 compares favourably to some of the best waterproof jackets, with those in the UK getting the best value.
Albion Men’s All Road Pertex Shield Rain Jacket details and specifications
The Albion Men’s All Road Pertex Shield Rain Jacket is constructed using the three-layer variant of the PFC/PFAS-free Pertex Shield fabric. It's very similar to the impressive Maap Atmos – with a C0 DWR (durable water repellent) treatment.
The construction is heavier here, with a prominent collar, elasticated waist hem (with silicone band) and wrist cuffs. The latter features an additional Velcro tab to adjust the fit, which adds a small amount of bulk to this area.
The main noticeable bulk can be attributed to the brand’s ‘triple zip’ design, though. This takes the visible form of a standard single YKK outer zip with a usefully broad pull tab to seal the jacket from the elements, with a zip garage up top.
Under this is a draught guard, and alongside the main zip there's a second smaller two-way zip hidden under an external draught guard. This enables the jacket to be opened from the bottom to aid breathability, rising about two-thirds of the way up the jacket.
Above this, there’s a side-entry breast pocket – seemingly opted for in favour of any pockets on the rear.
Taped seams are de rigueur and present here, while the overall cut of the jacket is form-fitting. Those wishing to hang it up after use (or at a coffee stop) are catered for with an internal hang loop.
The external branding is subtle, but I like the use of the unnamed climb/road/path outline on the rear – this is reflective, as is the small Pertex Shield branding on the arm.
The jacket is available in two colours – orange, as tested, and black – and six sizes (XS-2XL).
It’s worth noting the orange colour is a toned-down shade, stopping short of being distinctively ‘high-vis'. That said, it still stands out on a gloomy day.
A women’s cut version is also available.
How we tested | waterproof jackets
This group of waterproof jackets were chosen to put to the test the latest PFC/PFAS-free waterproof textile technology.
These jackets are set to be the norm, as older textiles (such as Gore-Tex Active and Shakedry) are retired in response to bans rolling out worldwide.
The jackets were tested in the rain and dry, to assess their ability to resist water as well as their breathability. Each was washed using a technical detergent product, following brand recommendations.
Jackets on test
- Gore Spinshift Gore-Tex Jacket Mens
- Men’s Rapha Gore-Tex Rain Jacket
- Scott RC Weather WP Men's Jacket
- Universal Colours Mono Men's Rain Jacket
- Santini Guard Neos - Jacket with Hood
- Albion Men’s All Road Pertex Shield Rain Jacket
- Van Rysel Men's Long-Sleeved Road Cycling Rain Jacket Racer Ultralight
Albion Men’s All Road Pertex Shield Rain Jacket performance
The Albion Men’s All Road Pertex Shield Rain Jacket is a great rain jacket, with well-considered features.
Although the zip system might feel like overkill (a single two-way zip would offer the same basic functionality), it lends the jacket a sense of build quality few others can match – it feels very well made.
In turn, this makes it feel especially protective from the elements – something many will wish for from their waterproof jacket, at the sacrifice of some packability.
The zips are easy to locate and tug up or down (thanks to their tabs) and keep wind out effectively.
That said, the PFC/PFAS-free Pertex Shield fabric breathes as well as Gore-Tex ePE or Gore-Tex Active – and has proven waterproof when the heavens open. It’s a viable alternative to the Gore-Tex hegemony.
The cut is slim, although the jacket sized slightly smaller than claimed. I tested a size large, suitable for anyone with a 99-105cm chest, according to Albion, yet found my chest (99cm at time of testing) pushing up against the fabric.
The arms are also slightly shorter than I’d like, running up a little beyond my wrist joints when in a riding position. I have longer arms than most, yet this isn’t an issue suffered by the Gore Spinshift Gore-Tex Jacket or Men’s Rapha Gore-Tex Rain Jacket I also tested, for example.
However, fit is always a subjective consideration – you may fare better.
The long back stays put well thanks to the elasticated grippers, and the adjustability at the wrists is useful to get the fit as you’d like. The collar is a good length too.
I’m a fan of a breast pocket, because I find them easier to access when needed (no awkward reaching behind you). You can use the secondary zip to open the jacket from the bottom to reveal access to your jersey pockets.
Value relative to the competition in the UK is decent too. The price of £210 compares favourably to the Gore (£249.99) and Rapha (£300) jackets already mentioned, albeit the Gore jacket is cheaper in the US and Europe ($270 / €249.95 versus $295 / €310).
The Santini Guard Neos jacket – perhaps the most ‘cocooning’ waterproof of those on test – is notably more expensive across the board, at £320 / $408 / €340.
Albion Men’s All Road Pertex Shield Rain Jacket bottom line
The Albion Men’s All Road Pertex Shield Rain Jacket is an excellent waterproof jacket, with a very effective PFC/PFAS-free fabric.
While the fit wasn’t perfect – I found the arms a little short and the chest size smaller than advertised – there’s plenty to like here.
For those in the UK, it represents better value than in the US and Europe.
SQUIRREL_13154695
Product
| Brand | albion |
| Price | 465.00 AUD,310.00 EUR,210.00 GBP,295.00 USD |
Features
| br_gender | mens |
| Features | Sizes: XS-2XL Colours: Orange, black Fabric: Pertex Shield |
