Great for winter biking

By Jimmy Ranked #438 - Men's Softshell Jackets November 22, 2011

I have dropped a pretty penny on supplies to keep riding through the winter this year. This is by far the best piece I have gotten. I cannot believe how warm it is, in relation to its thickness. Hardly any insulation so it seems, but it works very well. Ive ridden in as low as 25 degrees with just a wicking base layer and it works great. I can tell that another 10-15 degrees cooler and I may need a thin mid layer, but nothing too thick. Just what I was looking for in a jacket to ride in. Very breathable. With the wicking base I feel cool, but warm in 25 degrees, and usually after 3 miles I end up unzipping the jacket half way. Ive never had a jacket that allowed for such breathability and wind protection, its great! The very first ride a few months ago it was raining pretty hard. The water resistance is good, but definatly not water-proof. My ride is typically 5.5 miles/30 min. In the 30 min ride I watched as the water was all beading up on the fabric, and some was shedding. Problem is that when riding, the pressure from the wind eventually pushes the water into the fabric. I was damp by the time I got home. I have a waterproof shell now for those extended or heavy rains. I have since worn it in light rain and it performs fine. Overall, this jacket is definatly 5 star. Perfect for 90% of what I encounter. Plan on layering if your not active, and in 30 or less f. Will also need a waterproof layer for heavy/extended rain.

View Details: The North Face Sentinel Thermal Softshell Jacket - Men's

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