The North Face Xenon waterproof jacket review

Already established in the outdoor industry, The North Face will launch a new range of cycle wear in 2011 – and if the Xenon is anything to go by, we can’t wait. Manufactured using Gore-Tex Paclite, it passed our waterproofing tests with flying colours and felt surprisingly breathable.

The women’s top has an excellent female-specific fit, which is close cut and ideal for riding hard. We particularly liked the shaped fleece-lined neck and magnetic storm flap closure. However, our tester commented that, given the option, she would have sited the main pocket somewhere other than on the breast.