Sealskinz Waterproof Cycling Jacket review

Sealskinz has been making waterproof socks and gloves for ages. It’s now aiming to keep the rest of your body dry with new waterproof bibshorts and tights and this waterproof jacket.

This is the brand’s take on the ubiquitous waterproof, breathable, lightweight cycling jersey. In Sealskinz’s case, it’s totally waterproof with a triple-layer stretch fabric incorporating a breathable membrane.

All the seams are flatlocked and taped internally. There’s a waterproof zipper with a stormflap to make doubly sure no water gets in. As well as the usual three open rear pockets, there is also a fourth waterproof-zipped rear pocket and a fifth pocket – also waterproof – on the chest.

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The open rear pockets have laser-cut drainage holes and there are also five laser-cut holes under the armpits for additional heat dissipation with minimal chance of water ingress. The collar is cut high and is fleece-lined; there are inner storm cuffs and a dropped tail for additional coverage.

Overall, it’s an impressive range of features to keep you dry and fend off cold winds on milder wet days. I found I was very comfortable in typical spring conditions with a long sleeved baselayer underneath. The Sealskinz jacket is a tight fit, although there’s enough stretch to accommodate a little extra padding. If you’re not a racing snake, you may want to consider sizing up. I did find that the dropped tail tended to ride up.

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Lightweight jackets tend to either wet out in prolonged rain or become a bit damp and clammy inside if they’re more waterproof, but Sealskinz’s manages to avoid either, even on longer climbs, which is impressive.

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The Waterproof Jacket comes in all-over black, although you do get reflective red patches on the upper arms and reflective lettering on the rear right pocket for a bit of extra visibility.

Overall, Sealskinz’s entry into this crowded field is impressive and merits its hefty £190 pricetag.