SQUIRREL_13147466
Retailing for £135, the Rapha Men’s Explore Lightweight Jacket has been designed as a portable and versatile extra layer that provides wind and light shower protection for bikepackers, commuters and general outdoor active use.
The slim fit and soft, highly breathable fabric feel extremely comfortable and the jacket reduces to a tiny pack size.
We'd like to see longer zip pulls and a dropped rear hem, but it's a jacket worth considering if it fits your use case.
Rapha Men’s Explore Lightweight Jacket details and specifications
This lightweight cycling jacket packs into itself and includes an attachment loop for clipping to a pack for easy portage.
Two zippered hand pockets are positioned higher to prevent sagging when on the bike, while the two-way front zip enables adjustable ventilation from the bottom.
The fabric has a soft-textured feel for next-to-skin comfort and a DWR treatment provides light rain resistance.
The minimally elasticated cuffs and hood make for a snug fit without bulk and there's a lightweight hanging loop on the back of the collar.
The shock cord adjusters on the hem enable you to customise the fit.
Rapha Men’s Explore Lightweight Jacket performance
The Explore is undeniably good-looking, and it also delivers breathable performance and protection from the elements in one ultra-light package.
The fit is slim but not tight; it will go over a mountain bike jersey or a base/mid-layer combo equally well.
The hem can be adjusted to fit via a drawcord that fastens to the side, but it’s so minimal that it doesn’t add bulk.
That drawcord is needed because the back hem doesn't drop lower, which is a surprise.
While a jacket of this type is not created to be fully protective against the elements, a longer back affords a better seal between your top and shorts, as well as keeping out the worst of any spray.
I used the Explore for open trails rather than woodland singletrack because it’s not technically designed for the rigours of mountain biking.
The fabric has an exceptionally soft handle and it breathes well when you’re riding hard – it proved itself on fast-riding days.
The higher-positioned pockets might feel strange off the bike, but being closer to the body means they don’t sag under the weight of any contents, making them more effective and less obtrusive when riding.
The hood will go over an MTB helmet, but I preferred to wear it underneath because it felt more comfortable that way.
While I love a two-way zip for easy venting, I’d appreciate longer zip pulls.
The jacket packs down very small – I rolled it up and used the elastic loop attachment to secure it in place, carrying it almost unnoticed in a rear pocket when it wasn't being worn.
How does the Rapha Men’s Explore Lightweight Jacket compare to the Specialized Men’s Trail Wind Jacket?
If you’re looking for a jacket that will also work for general outdoor use and look good off the bike, both of these were designed with that requirement in mind.
The Rapha Explore would be my choice for use around town – it looks firmly at home in the city and will pull on over jerseys or baselayers easier than the Specialized.
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
Rapha Men’s Explore Lightweight Jacket bottom line
The Rapha Men's Explore Lightweight Jacket wouldn't be my first choice for use on the trail.
However, for its intended bikepacking or commuting purpose, the combination of style, performance and a tiny pack size make it one to consider.
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Product
| Brand | rapha |
| Price | 220.00 AUD,155.00 EUR,135.00 GBP,165.00 USD |
| Weight | 101.0000, GRAM () - |
Features
| br_gender | mens |
| Features | Sizes: XS - XXL Fabric: 100% Nylon Packable: Yes Hood: Under helmet Pockets: Two Colours: Graystone, Black, Sand |
