Men’s Rapha Gore-Tex Rain Jacket review

The Men’s Rapha Gore-Tex Rain Jacket incorporates Gore’s latest Gore-Tex ePE fabric to great effect.

The tailored cut is also a highlight, without feeling too aggressive, and it has some neat features that all work as intended.

It’s expensive though – although it's one of the best PFC/PFAS-free cycling jackets available, there are better-value options to choose from.

Men’s Rapha Gore-Tex Rain Jacket details and specifications

The Men’s Rapha Gore-Tex Rain Jacket utilises Gore’s ePE (expanded Polyethylene) membrane, which Gore says eliminates the use of “PFCs of Environmental Concern”.

This is the same as the rival Gore Spinshift jacket, with Rapha saying trace amounts of PFC/PFAS chemicals may be present.

It’s worth noting that Rapha says the Rapha Men's Pro Team Gore-Tex Rain Jacket remains on sale globally with Gore-Tex Active fabric until the end of 2024.

This will be phased out, according to Rapha – first in the US as the PFC/PFAS ban comes into effect, then completely by the end of 2025 (or when stock runs out).

The three-layer ePE fabric uses recycled nylon textiles on either side and has a PFC/PFAS-free DWR treatment applied on the outside. Inside, as is common, the seams are taped.

The fabric is said to be rated to a “minimum” 28,000mm water column rating, although Gore isn’t as committed with breathability stats.

Rapha has opted for a two-way YKK zip, enabling you to open it from the bottom should you wish. An adjustable hem design is used, with an integrated button-release mechanism (instead of an elasticated section).

The wrist cuffs are tapered and have a small amount of elasticity on the inside, but they don’t create a seal from draughts.

The collar is double-thick and prominent, and has a hang tab in the traditional place on the inside. A small fleece section backs this.

Overall, the cut is slim and optimised for a riding position, with a dropped tail.

A small zipped pocket for food and valuables is situated on the rear-left flank, while the Rapha and Gore branding is reflective and nods to Rapha’s famous design aesthetic.

The jacket is available in six sizes (XS-2XL), but only two colours – Jewelled Blue, as tested, and black.

Rapha also sells a women's-cut version of this jacket.

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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

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Men’s Rapha Gore-Tex Rain Jacket performance

The Men’s Rapha Gore-Tex Rain Jacket’s natural rival is the Gore Spinshift Gore-Tex Jacket, given they use the same Gore-tex ePE fabric.

In terms of waterproofness and breathability, there’s nothing to choose between the two. The fabric is certainly waterproof enough to stand up to long spells of rain and feels effectively breathable when ambient humidity is lower.

The Rapha jacket offers a little more protection, but this is down largely to the slight extra bulk it has – the double zip, collar and adjustable waist hem all contribute here, albeit their collective bulk reduces packability slightly.

The double zip could aid breathability (and jersey-pocket access) when pulled up from the bottom too.

The arms aren’t as slim as they might be, but they’re well-tapered and don’t flap around much in the wind.

Given the wrist cuffs don’t cut particularly close to the skin, air and water can sneak up in the heaviest rain, but I don’t think it’s a deal breaker – in such conditions, water usually finds a way.

Generally, I found them comfortable and long enough for my lengthy arms, while offering ample space for the cuffs of winter gloves to fit underneath.

The cut is slightly more generous than the brand’s (soon-to-be) outgoing Pro Team Gore-Tex Rain Jacket, which is likely a good thing for most riders – a slightly lower front makes it feel a little less aggressive too.

Nevertheless, the fit is slim and well-considered for those with ‘average’ shape.

I had a 39in/99cm chest measurement at the time of testing and a size large fitted me well – but Rapha’s size chart suggests I’d have been well catered for with a medium.

I suspect that would have been a tight squeeze, given the amount of space I had left in a large – as usual, the best policy is to try two or more sizes before making a decision, if you can.

This jacket is certainly one of the best I’ve tried for the 2024-2025 winter season in the northern hemisphere, although it costs a premium.

At £300 / $380 / €345, it’s notably more expensive than the Gore Spinshift Gore-Tex Jacket (£249.99 / $270 / €249.95).

The Scott RC Weather WP Men's Jacket, which uses Pertex Shield (£164.99 / €179.90), and the Albion Men’s All Road Pertex Shield Rain Jacket (£210 / $295 / €310) are also cheaper without sacrificing too much performance.

It’s not unreasonable to assume, then, that Rapha buying in Gore’s fabric adds to the cost of the jacket, while there could be an element of ‘Rapha pricing’ at play too.

Men’s Rapha Gore-Tex Rain Jacket bottom line

The Men’s Rapha Gore-Tex Rain Jacket is an excellent jacket choice for riding in wet weather.

It’s expensive versus rivals delivering similar fabric effectiveness, though, and it sizes a little smaller than the brand’s recommendation.

However, the features and general performance mean it deserves to be considered one of the best PFC/PFAS-free cycling jackets available.

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