Madison Roam Men’s Lightweight Windproof Packable Jacket review
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Madison Roam Men’s Lightweight Windproof Packable Jacket review

Packable emergency weather-proofing that won’t break the bank

Our rating

4

70.00

Russell Burton / Our Media

Published: November 15, 2024 at 12:00 pm

Our review
Practical features combine with a performance fit for lightweight, packable protection at a no-nonsense price

Pros:

Cut and fit of more expensive jackets; roll-up hood; budget-friendly

Cons:

Noisy fabric, but not a deal-breaker

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The Madison Roam Men’s Lightweight Windproof Packable Jacket is a lightweight shell designed to be carried at all times for emergency use.

It lands at the competitive price point of £69.99, but doesn’t skimp on fit or functional features.

The cut and fit defy that modest price tag and the jacket proved comfortable in all weather conditions.

However, the fabric is noisy on the bike.

Madison Roam Men’s Lightweight Packable Windproof Jacket details and specifications

Madison Roam Men’s Lightweight Windproof Packable Jacket
The dropped hem protects you from rear-wheel spray. Russell Burton / Our Media

This is a stretch-fit, wind-resistant jacket designed to offer emergency protection from unexpected weather changes.

Lightweight and packable, it can be stowed in its own pocket when not in use, tucking into an MTB jersey or backpack.

The fabric shell features a refreshable C0 DWR coating for protection against light showers and spray.

Madison Roam Men’s Lightweight Windproof Packable Jacket
The Roam jacket has a roll-down hood to prevent drag and the hem is kept in place by the gripper. Russell Burton / Our Media

A roll-down hood prevents drag while cycling and a zippered chest pocket provides secure storage.

The two-way front zipper enables quick adjustments, while the elasticated cuffs and hood ensure a snug fit.

A dropped hem protects you from rear-wheel spray and features reflective inserts to enhance visibility.

Madison Roam Men’s Lightweight Packable Windproof Jacket performance

Madison Roam Men’s Lightweight Windproof Packable Jacket
The two-way zipper allows for quick adjustments. Russell Burton / Our Media

The fit and cut of the Madison Roam are of the quality we would usually associate with a higher-priced jacket.

Slim, but not skinny, the stretch and shaping ensure the jacket works with, not against, you.

The slim arms articulate well in the riding position and a longer back hem stays in place courtesy of a gripper.

Even better, it features a roll-up hood, meaning when not in use it can be secured against flapping behind as you ride.

Madison Roam Men’s Lightweight Windproof Packable Jacket
The hood has been designed to fit neatly under a helmet. Russell Burton / Our Media

It was much appreciated on the fast, but cool descents of early autumn, when I didn’t require a hood but did need an extra layer of wind protection.

Worn up, the hood is designed to sit neatly under a mountain bike helmet, where it leaves plenty of room for movement but doesn’t fill with air.

The chest pocket takes only a phone, but I don't feel this style of jacket needs to accommodate more than that. Its well-thought-through features are underlined by the inclusion of a two-way zip for easy venting.

I wore the jacket on a mash-up of early-autumn rides that varied from hard-packed fast, open trails to sheltered and more technical singletrack – and it did not disappoint.

Madison Roam Men’s Lightweight Windproof Packable Jacket
The Roam can be stowed in its own pocket when not in use. Russell Burton / Our Media

The fit and features are equivalent to those of more expensive mountain bike jackets, making it comfortable to wear whatever the conditions.

The real difference is to be found in the fabric, which is on the noisy side. However, it’s a minor issue and, at around half the cost of similar jackets, it’s not likely to be a deal-breaker for most of us.

We all need a packable emergency shell and the Madison Roam does an exceptional job without breaking the budget.

How does the Madison Roam Lightweight Packable Windproof Jacket compare to the Velocio Ultralight Trail Hooded Jacket

Velocio Ultralight Trail Hooded Jacket
The Velocio Ultralight Trail Hooded Jacket has a great fit with unrestricted movement. Russell Burton / Our Media

These two jackets have a very similar fit and cut, matching each other for comfort on the bike. The Roam even sneaks ahead in terms of features, thanks to its roll-up hood.

However, the Velocio uses Pertex Quantum Air fabric and that’s the trade-off you’re making.

If you’re on an exacting budget, though, the Madison Roam is hard to beat, priced at £69.99 compared to the Velocio's £141.


How we tested | Windproof jackets

Russell Burton tested five of the latest windshell jackets, trying to find the perfect balance of breathability, warmth and waterproofing – as well as assessing how small they pack down.

He put the jackets through their paces in a wide range of weather conditions, to help you decide which one is most worthy of your cash.

Jackets on test

  • 7mesh Men’s Northwoods Windshell
  • Madison Roam Men’s Lightweight Packable Windproof Jacket
  • Rapha Men’s Explore Lightweight Jacket
  • Specialized Men’s Trail Wind Jacket
  • Velocio Ultralight Trail Hooded Jacket

Madison Roam Men’s Lightweight Packable Windproof Jacket bottom line

Madison Roam Men’s Lightweight Windproof Packable Jacket
The zipped pocket provides secure storage. Russell Burton / Our Media

The Madison Roam provides great value for money, but not at the expense of performance and features.

This is a well-made emergency jacket that punches above its weight in terms of design, fit and moving comfort.

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Product

Brand madison
Price 70.00 GBP
Weight 140.0000, GRAM () -

Features

br_gender mens
Features Sizes: S - XXl

Packable: Yes

Hood: Under helmet

Pockets: One

Colours: Lake Blue, Moss Green