Bontrager Velocis Stormshell jacket review

The Bontrager Velocis Stormshell has been on test for nearly a year, and it’s proven to be an absolute humdinger of a waterproof jacket.

It’s equally capable of performing during endurance road riding, commuting and all-terrain outings, in a host of poor conditions.

It's not faultless though, with a lack of pockets and the high price preventing a perfect review.

Bontrager Velocis Stormshell jacket specs and performance

The jacket's strong performance stems from the formidable Stormshell material, which has overcome a multitude of showers this autumn and winter to keep my clothing underneath dry.

That hydrophobic, woven, 100 per cent nylon fabric, which beads water easily, is aided by taped seams throughout.

The drawstring hem at the waist minimises water ingress and prevents chilly wafts of air creeping in.

Continuing that theme are the inner wrist cuffs, which sit neatly around the wrists to offer further aquatic and air protection.

Surprisingly for such a water-thwarter without any discernible perforations, the above doesn’t come at the expense of breathability.

The dropped tail can be tucked up into the jacket courtesy of some integrated magnets, a neat touch that lends the Velocis some off-the-bike style points.

The tail is also reflective, while the Battleship Blue colourway shines a little when subjected to car headlights, boosting night-time visibility

It’s one of the easier rain jackets to zip up and down while riding.

The full-length double zipper ensures that you can splay the jacket open from the bottom if you want to, and the zipper garage reduces the chances of chafing around the neck.

There’s also a loop for hanging it up – something that’s missing on too many waterproof cycling jackets, in my opinion – while the collar has a fabric inner that sits comfortably on the skin.

The fit, meanwhile, ensures that the Velocis Stormshell looks good above a pair of tight-fitting bibs, but it also combines well with casual wear underneath.

I regularly commute in this jacket now, but it’s a regular contender for big weekend rides in spring and autumn temperatures, and a back-up option for midsummer sojourns.

It’s also roomy enough to sit neatly over a thick softshell jacket for mid-winter riding, giving it pretty much year-round usability.

Where the Velocis Stormshell is found wanting is in the lack of pockets, meaning you’ll have to stash your valuables and snacks in the mid-layers underneath it.

That lack of pockets also ensures it can’t pack away into its own shell. While it’ll still scrunch up quite small, I think there are more jersey-pocket friendly options out there.

Bontrager Velocis Stormshell jacket bottom line

The retail price of the Velocis Stormshell is high at £154.99, although we've occasionally seen it cheaper from Trek online.

For that, though, you get a lot of performance and versatility for your money, making it more of an attractive proposition.

It misses some pockets, but it’s a flaw in an otherwise excellent rain jacket.