Le Col Pro Lightweight Rain Jacket review: waterproof, packable but if only it had a two-way zip for venting

With the ban on PFC use in waterproof materials, the use of Shake-Dry technology in cycling waterproofs has been disallowed. This has resulted in the need for the best waterproof jackets to seek an alternative material to provide waterproofing and breathability. Le Col's Pro Lightweight model uses Pertex Shield in an attempt to achieve that hard-to-strike balance of keeping you dry while at the same time preventing you from overheating.

Construction

The Le Col Pro Lightweight Rain jacket is the brand's new race-fit fully waterproof jacket. Using Pertex Shield Technology, the fabric is fully waterproof yet breathable so to allow water vapour to escape.

This material also does away with the PFCs which are being banned in the EU, leading to most brands having to rethink their waterproof line-up materials. Internally the jacket also features fully taped seams, so there are no points in the construction where water can get in.

Le Col has also designed this jacket to be worn during fast-paced rides. Being part of its ‘Pro’ lineup, speed and aerodynamics have been a key consideration, so the fit of the garment has been designed to limit material flapping and allow for a close, snug fit.

Other additions include a high-visibility reflective strip up the rear of the jacket. Packability has been another key consideration, with the Pro Lightweight Rain jacket being able to be stowed neatly into a pocket for rides with changeable conditions. Available in three colour options, and sizes from XS to 3XL.

The ride

The Pertex Shield technology used in this and many other new PFC-free jackets is not as breathable as Shake-Dry. However, it is equal in its waterproofing and is one of the best PFC-free options around.

Certainly the Le Col Pro Lightweight Rain Jacket 'does what it says on the tin'. The Pertex Shield works in that it blocks droplets of a certain size from passing through the fabric, but allows smaller vapour molecules to pass through. What this means is that raindrops can’t get in, but sweat and excess heat can escape.

Thanks to the Pertex fabric and taped seams, I had no issues with water ingress with the Pro jacket; it works brilliantly as a waterproof layer. Breathability is also pretty decent, but when temperatures were a little warmer or I was climbing at low speeds and high effort levels, I did find it got a little stuffy.

Unfortunately, the jacket lacks a two-way zip, which is often a great way to increase breathability by essentially opening up a large exhaust port at the rear of the jacket while reducing fabric flapping up front. It’s a feature I really like in packable waterproofs, especially as it makes access to rear pockets far easier.

Fit-wise, the Pro jacket has some pros and a couple of cons. In the size medium tested, the coverage was superb. It’s both long enough at the back and not too long at the front for a more aggressive riding position. The sleeves are also long enough to cover the cuffs of your gloves, while the cuffs and hem are also elasticated to enhance the more race-focused fit. However, by making it easier to put on and take off while on the move, the jacket isn't 'fully fitted'. Being a hardshell, there is still some loose fabric around the shoulders and waist, but this could be, to some degree, down to the individual fit.

In terms of packability, it was very easy to get this into a jersey pocket as well as take it on and off while riding. It does lack some additional practical features, like the two-way zip, but it performs brilliantly as a packable waterproof.

Value & Conclusion

When it comes to value, the Le Col Lightweight Rain Jacket, priced at £180 / $235, is actually pretty reasonable compared to other Pertex Shield Technology waterproofs. Offerings from MAAP, PNS, POC and Rapha are more expensive, while some slightly cheaper options lack internal taping of seams or the breathability. However, the Le Col does lack a two-way zip, which is a great practical feature found on some pricier options.

Combining the brilliantly water and windproof Pertex Shield fabric with internally taped seams, the Le Col Pro Lightweight Rain Jacket is a superb waterproof. It’s easily packable into a jersey pocket and has some good reflective features. The fit is long enough on the sleeves and body, while it’s fairly close fitting for a waterproof, although not without some fabric flapping. All this performance also comes in at quite a good price when looking at similarly specced jackets on the market.