I purchased this jacket primarily as lightweight rain shell for cycling. It is definitely waterproof, lightweight and packable which has made it very handy for iffy cycling days and also as an emergency piece for hiking. How breathable is it? Pretty good but it is definitely challenged by highly aerobic activities. This shouldn't be a surprise to anyone. Waterproof and breathable are always at war with each other to some degree and this jacket is no exception. This jacket definitely places the emphasis on waterproof but is still pretty breathable for moderate+ exercise. After all, what kind of moron goes out and engages in highly aerobic activities in the pouring rain anyway? (the Pacific Northwest kind, apparently). The vented back helps with dumping heat provided you aren't wearing a pack that effectively closes off the vent. I don't want to give the wrong impression here, it's just that my definition of 'breathable' and most clothing manufacturer's definition of same are usually pretty far apart. This is a very good jacket that strikes a good balance between keeping you dry from the outside while preventing too much sweat buildup on the inside. If I have any real grievances with the jacket it is just that as a cycling shell it should have more reflective detail (some, just not enough). Sizing is good. I am 5'11" and 175 and the medium fits me well. Definitely a quality garment and solid value.

Cycling clothing is always a challenge. How much up? How much down? Temperature, wind, rain, pace, etc. I have not tested this jacket in the wet and my guess is that it is suitable for light rain only. It is, however, absolutely brilliant for warmth and heat/moisture management over a surprisingly large range of temperature and wind conditions. I would agree with the previous reviewer and say that it is simply too warm for anything above 50F/10C. Nevertheless, in the range for 32F/0C all the way up to there it will keep you warm and mostly wind-chill-free while simultaneously preventing overheating. The back and sides are highly breathable and the front is warm, breathable and wind/moisture resistant. I usually wear a long sleeve base layer under this and I'm comfortable and extremely visible (safety as well as comfort). I have noticed a slight gap in the wind resistance in the underarm area. This is obviously a compromise with breathability but depending on your riding posture you may get a small cold spot in the underarm area in very cold, downhill conditions. This is a small complaint, overall this is an outstanding jacket.

I gave these a try after my wife bought a pair of Columbia Omni-Dry shorts and fell in love with them. Well, I fell in love with mine as well. So much so, I bought a second pair. They are incredibly light and comfortable. They are also durable and dry in a heartbeat. The only issue I've noted is that the hipbelts on some of my packs can loosen the included belt over time. Every now and then I have to cinch up the belt. Overall a terrific pair of shorts.

The number one safety rule for riding in traffic is Be Visible. I have the Screaming Yellow version of this vest and it is eye-bleedingly intense. Good. It is also comfortable, well-made (like all Pearl Izumi products) and true to size. The front panels shed light rain extremely well and are very windproof. The open mesh upper back keeps me from getting clammy when grinding up one of the many hills on my daily commute. If anything happened to this vest I would replace it immediately. Don't leave home without it.