The Radavist

Portland’s Velo Cult appreciates products that will stand the test of time and for them, why mess around when it comes to selecting a shop jacket? Dickies makes a killer, durable jacket and the crew at Velo Cult have been using them for years. Hence the reason for this limited run of VC-branded jackets.

Head over to Velo Cult for more details!

While doing reviews of higher pricepoint products like the Kitsbow Alpha Snap Jacket, I’ve found it’s best to set the expectations in the opening paragraph, so here I am, setting those expectations. Now, this jacket is close to $400. It’s made in Canada, from Polartec® Alpha® insulation, a fabric used by the military for years. Read that as very expensive fabric please. This review’s intent is to answer if indeed, the Alpha Snap Jacket is worth the pricepoint, addressing anyone who might be considering the purchase, yet want more information.

I’m not trying to sell every single reader of this site a $400 jacket, I’m simply showcasing some details and thoughts of said jacket to help anyone who has considered buying it. If you want to read on, please do, if this jacket isn’t for you, no worries, no harm done.

Canadian outerwear company 7Mesh first launched their products at Interbike last year. Yesterday they made it official with a new website and stock for both their mens and womens collection. Head over to 7Mesh to read up on the company and browse their stock.

Search and State’s popular S1-J Riding Jacket is back for 2015 in a new color. For those who don’t like wearing head to toe black (what is wrong with you!?), there’s a new option: Sandstone. Head over to Search and State to see more information. I might add that this is one of my favorite cycling jackets I own.

Made in New York.

These past few cut and sew pieces from Kitsbow are some of my favorite apparel items to surface in the bike industry. The Alpine Snap Jacket is an new spin on a classic staple for both touring or mountain biking, as well as general outdoor activities. While other companies use down, Kitsbow uses Polartec® Alpha insulation, originally designed for the United States Special Forces, which will keep you warm whether you’re wet or dry, without having to remove layers.

The pricepoint ain’t exactly cheap, but the Alpine Snap Jacket is made in Vancouver, Canada and looks like it’ll be a piece you’ll be holding onto for a while.

See more at Kitsbow.

One thing is for certain: Rapha knows their outerwear and cold weather apparel. Every jacket I’ve owned of theirs has been top-notch, far exceeding my own expectations, especially when it comes to the wind, rain and cold. For 2015, Rapha has introduced their new Pro Team Softshell Jacket and it looks to uphold that aforementioned pedigree.

Read more at Rapha.

It’s almost time for those long, slow, cold and sometimes wet, base miles. With road season near and there being just enough time for some last minute holiday shopping, Rapha introduces their Pro Team Softshell Jacket, designed to help you brave the elements.

See more details and availability at Rapha.

Remi Hooded Blazer

Mission Workshop’s Advanced Projects line has continued to grow, most recently with two waterproof, tailored outerwear pieces: the Remi Hooded Blazer and Styrman Topcoat. Each of these pieces hold true to the AP line with fully taped seams, pockets and ported media pockets.

These two pieces are cut for movement, but hardly look like any cycling apparel the brand has launched thus far. More details are in the works with the official release coming in the near future.

Come check out these two pieces in person tonight, along with the new ACRE series apparel at the Mission Workshop store opening in SF and see more photos below.

Surly’s new Waxed Canvas Jacket looks even better in person than in their product shots. I was waiting until I could see and touch one before I posted about it. This thing is serious. It’s made from, yep, waxed canvas, with venting on the backshoulders, “bum thumb” holes and lined with merino wool but the details don’t stop there.

It comes in black and olive drab, with a retail of $250, which when you compare it to other waxed canvas jackets, is a deal. It’s only available at a select few retailers. See the list below.

Kinoko Cycles has a new spin on the classic Castelli Windstopper jacket, with a new “K” pattern on the back pocket and a simple, clean design that’s sure to fit in with any of your favorite riding apparel choices. See more at Kinoko.

Paul Smith has been a longtime fan of cycling and his newest range of garments reflect that. Introducing the 531 Cycling Collection and yeah, it looks really nice!

There’s “lightweight” and then there’s LIGHTWEIGHT. I’ve held this jacket in my mortal hands and it is amazing…

“We got our hands on some special cuts of Polartec’s NeoShell® fabric in colors not typically found in the Mission Workshop line and made some limited editions of our classic Orion jacket. The Orion provides complete waterproof protection in a lightweight and packable format, and is made with 96 g/m2 Polartec® NeoShell® fabric. The relaxed cycling fit combined with durable stretch fabrics enables maximum movement. Available for the first time in colors that will be noticed by everyone around you.”

Swoop up at Mission Workshop. Seriously, this is a worthy investment…

I’ve seen this in person and it’s awesome. In fact, I wish I had one with me this week for our ride. Here’s the scoop from MW:

“The Ultralight Orion provides complete waterproof protection in a lightweight and packable format. The relaxed cycling fit combined with durable stretch fabrics enables maximum movement.

The Orion is a fully-taped waterproof-breathable jacket designed for extreme wet conditions. Made with 96 g/m2 Polartec Neoshell® fabric. This highly breathable, waterproof fabric is engineered to react to changes in body temperature and activity levels, allowing more moisture and heat to escape as the intensity level increases. As a result, the Orion is the perfect waterproof jacket for an exceptionally wide range of environments and temperatures.

Features include: Pit zip underarm ventilation, external access chest pocket, internal ported media pocket, rear stow pocket, hand warmer pockets, and removable hood.

Jacket Weight: 370 grams (310 grams without hood)

Fabric Weight: 96 g/m2

Made in Vancouver, Canada.”

I love Outlier’s products and the Ultralight Freeshell looks to be a great option for that summer jacket you’ve been looking for.

Mission Workshop’s Advanced Projects continues with the Zurich, a merino softshell hoodie:

“The Zurich soft-shell hoodie combines a 4-way stretch nylon shell with a soft Merino wool lining. The outer-shell layer is constructed using Swiss-made Schoeller®-Dryskin fabric with a durable water repellent treatment. This durable 4-way stretch nylon fabric is engineered to provide breathability and moisture management in addition to wind and water repellency. The soft Merino wool lining naturally regulates body temperature, resists odor, provides moisture management, and stretches with your body.

The Zurich is a utilitarian garment ideal for high activity that features single welt hand-warmer pockets, rear zippered pocket, and a semi-fitted hood.

Made in San Francisco, California.”

One thing I’ve always respected about Rapha is scouting the perfect locations to photograph their seasonal lookbooks. This is deep winter. I.e. the reason I live in Texas. It takes a special kind of human to want to venture out in conditions like this, so if you’re going to do it, make sure you’ve got the right gear….

See the Rapha AW13 Deep Winter lookbook here!

As I’m packing for Australia, I was going over some essentials and two things I always take with me are a rain jacket and a lightweight, merino pullover. When layered, the combination ensures dry, breathable warmth. I’ve been using the Faroe pullover from Mission Workshop since they first released it. It’s the best merino pullover I’ve owned in both fit and durability. Now, don’t be mistaken. A lot of people will say there are cheaper options, but those options use Chinese merino and are made overseas.

The Faroe is made from doubleknit Australian wool and is made in San Francisco, California.

Mission just received stock of the Faroe in this grey color. Pick one up at Mission Workshop and you won’t regret it.