Recreational announces that this Ultra light Hot Pack wind reflective jacket is the lightest for cycling, claiming only 50g.
A windproof and waterproof product that can easily be taken into a pocket as this jacket is wrapped around itself. A product intended for outings where the weather is uncertain but also to face the fresh descent of mountain passes, without being too crowded.
The ideal complement to the recreational R & D Ultra light jersey is very light and airy but which could prove to be just right when the temperature drops, even if its price seems slightly excessive.
By taking out this jacket from its packaging, one is immediately surprised by its lightness. No wonder, Recreational only advertises 50g.
My copy, in size L, weighs only 55g, thanks to the use of a fabric of only 7 deniers (1 000 m of wire weigh less than one gram). To achieve this performance, even the Zip has been carefully selected and the latter displaying only 12g.
Laser perforations are present in the back to ensure good ventilation. Around the back pocket, a reflective tape allows to be better seen.
As you can see on the pictures, if the photos of presentation reveal an opaque cloth, realized, the jacket is almost transparent. So that will not hide your swimsuit.
The cut is close to the body, which does not cause too much noise at high speed in descents and therefore does not slow down.
Windproof, but also water-resistant thanks to a water-repellent DWR finish. Thanks to its water-repellent finish, rain is pearled without being absorbed, and anti-wrinkle treatment prevents wrinkles from forming. Not enough to face a big storm, but at least not to return soaked in case of drizzle or road simply wet.
The elastic cuffs prevent the wind from entering the jacket and act as a parachute. Same as the waist, an elastic allows the jacket to perfectly fit the body.
The collar raises high on the neck, so as not to get cold at the throat.
The big advantage of this jacket is its compactness. It is possible to fold it on itself in its pocket.
In the end, you get a small “pack” that stays in place and that measures only 14cm x 9cm. What to easily take place in a pocket next to energy bars.
As always with recreational, this product is very close to the body. You do not feel like you have a garbage bag on your back that yawns in the wind.
The windbreaker aspect is present. After sweating in the climb of a pass, you can quickly put on it so as not to catch cold in the descent. On the other hand, with the bare arms, these will tend to stick to the fabric, which will make the removal of this jacket rather delicate.
Against the rain, the Ultra light Hot Pack is surprisingly effective. Not enough to face a big storm, but a temporary rain or the drizzle often present at the summits will be stopped. The breathable reflective fabric avoids too much sweat and keeps the windbreaker on the back for a long time.
An excellent product remains the detail that annoys the price. For more than 120 € (a sleeveless version exists at 110 € but seems to me less useful), it is relatively expensive in my opinion for that does not have a frequent utility.