Altura Crosslite jacket review

By using stretchy Altec Reactive fabric, Altura have done away for the need for lots of panels to get a good shape in the riding position – this jacket is neat and clean cut without being baggy.

This material has been taped at the seams and feels like it should leave you sweating, but is actually surprisingly breathable.

The Reactive fabric truly lives up to the claims of being waterproof while also being great at removing inner sweat.

In the process, it makes some of its higher end rivals look expensive when it comes to the price-performance ratio, yet it still packs into a tiny stuff sack for easy stowing.

Altura claim some high breathability figures for their React fabric and it seems to live up to them on the bike, staying drier longer than anything else at this price and within a dew drops of the priciest waterproof and softshell cloths.

 It shrugs off a fair amount of weather, although cosy touches like a fleecy collar are sacrificed to get that low pack size and high performance.

It packs small enough to stuff in your jersey pocket as well as in the included bag..

It’s a classic race cut, with drawstring base hem and collar, and elasticated and Velcro adjustable cuffs. There is a single large rear pocket and a front chest pocket both with sealed zips, but aside from that this is a ‘keep it simple’, functional jacket. The arms were a bit short for our ape testers, though.

If you’re after a sporty, lightweight, breathable, windproof and waterproof jacket that you want to carry light and whip on at a moment’s notice, then the Crosslite makes an excellent choice, especially if you’re on a budget.