Galibier 7k/4k Tourmalet Waterproof Jacket review

Thankfully it was not a case of form over function when it came to testing the good-looking Galibier Tourmalet waterproof jacket.

Cycling Weekly Verdict

The Galibier Tourmalet waterproof is a top-performing waterproof, offering breathability and a decent level of wet-weather protection in a stylish and good-value package.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Decent level of rain protection

  • +

    Excellent breathability

  • +

    Stylish

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Susceptible to very heavy rain

  • -

    Zips fiddly with gloves

At first glance you wouldn’t think that the Galibier 7k/4k Tourmalet was a waterproof jacket at all. The outer layer of the jacket is almost soft to touch,  giving this waterproof the feel of a long sleeve jersey rather than a jacket.

But waterproof it is! The 7k in the name refers to the 7,000mm of water that Galibier claim this jacket can withstand before any moisture starts to get through. Obviously it’s hard to put these numbers to the test, but we found the Galibier Tourmalet waterproof to be more than a match for a few hours of persistent British precipitation.

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The soft cuffs on the Galibier Tourmalet jacket are comfy with or without gloves

That said we’re not sure it’s waterproof credentials are quite up to the standards of the likes of the Polaris Hexon Waterproof we reviewed recently, and in the very of worse conditions and particularly heavy rain the dampness started to leak in. However if you’re not one for riding in close-to apocalyptic conditions, then this jacket is more than good enough.

The large rear vent at the top of the Galibier Tourmalet waterproof ensures that this jacket avoids the boil-in-the-bag syndrome often associated with low to mid end waterproofs, and we were quite happy and sweat-free even when pushing hard over steep hills.

This excellent breathability is one of a number of factors which combine to create a very comfortable waterproof. The cuffs are soft, elasticated, and easy to pull either over or under gloves, while the covered full-length zipper thankfully doesn’t rub against your chin.

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The zipped rear opening allows easy access to your jersey pockets

The Galibier Tourmalet also includes a zipped rear opening to aid easy access to jersey pockets, however we would have liked to see toggles on the zips to make them easier to use with gloves.

However despite the generally excellent performance of this waterproof, it’s not a case of form over function. In the absence of a Cycling Weekly fashion editor, we though this was a great-looking jacket, with looks that defied the £52.00 price-tag.

For more details visit the Galibier website.

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Henry Robertshaw began his time at Cycling Weekly working with the tech team, writing reviews, buying guides and appearing in videos advising on how to dress for the seasons. He later moved over to the news team, where his work focused on the professional peloton as well as legislation and provision for cycling. He's since moved his career in a new direction, with a role at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.