Salsa Rain Jacket review

There’s no earth-shattering technology here: basically, this is a clear PVC shell with mesh venting the length of the arms and along the sides.

A Scotchlite strip runs across the back for increased visibility and the Salsa logo on the breast adds a splash of colour. The shell is a noticeably heavier gauge than I’ve come to expect, which is a real plus in terms of durability, especially if you venture beyond asphalt.

However, it proved awkward to pack comfortably into a jersey pocket, and even with Raglan sleeves it felt a little more restrictive in the arms than thinner fabrics. Despite that, the jacket kept me dry through torrential downpours, and even under continuous effort I never felt clammy or uncomfortable. The cut, too, is excellent: it’s long enough at the back to prevent chill and close enough not to flap annoyingly on long descents.

If you can put up with the restriction, for the money it’s a very competent, understated race jacket for early season rides and is available in a good range of sizes

Sizes: S-XXL.