Testing the latest Gore-Tex cycling jacket versus older PFAS jackets revealed a notable difference
In the recent testing of waterproof cycling jackets, the Rapha Pro Team Gore-Tex Jacket and the Rapha Explore Gore-Tex Jacket have shown superior performance in wet-weather riding compared to newer jackets, even those made with ePE Gore-Tex.
These findings are significant, as newer waterproof jackets, including those made with ePE Gore-Tex, do not perform as well as older ones in extreme weather conditions. The performance of these newer jackets is not significantly better than that of competitor fabrics, such as the original Gore-Tex used in the Rapha Pro Team and Explore jackets.
The main differences between old and new Gore-Tex lie in improved water repellency and sustainability. The new Gore-Tex versions feature advanced Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coatings that provide longer-lasting water resistance and are often more environmentally friendly, using fluorocarbon-free treatments compared to older versions that had shorter-lasting DWR and relied on more ecologically harmful chemicals.
The author is currently testing the best waterproof cycling jackets, specifically comparing the new Pro Team Lightweight Gore-Tex Jacket from Rapha with the old Pro Team Lightweight Gore-Tex Shakedry Jacket from Rapha. Both jackets are from the same brand, use Gore-Tex membranes, are the same size and cut, and were tested in nearly identical conditions for a similar amount of time.
As the UK experienced driving rain and high winds this past weekend, marking the arrival of Autumn and the start of wet riding conditions for many, these findings are particularly relevant. Modern layering strategies for cycling may need to adapt to account for the fact that jackets may never perform as well as they once did.
Ditching the waterproof jacket entirely and using a softshell jersey like the Castelli Perfetto or a hybrid jacket like the Castelli Gabba R can help maintain a better temperature in extreme weather. Riding at a lower intensity can also help reduce the amount of water vapour produced by the body, improving comfort in less-than-optimal jackets. Layering, including using long sleeves and a decent base layer, can help reduce the feeling of being wet in these situations.
Regular reproofing of new waterproof jackets can help maintain their performance. Fluorine-based water repellent coatings are more water repellent, more durable, and have an amount of oleophobicity, making them resistant to oil and grubby fingers. However, new legislation has outlawed the use of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) except in applications of strict necessity.
In conclusion, while newer waterproof technologies offer some benefits, such as improved sustainability and lighter weight, older waterproof jackets, like the Rapha Pro Team and Explore Gore-Tex Jackets, still hold their ground in extreme weather conditions. If comfort is a priority in challenging weather, using an old waterproof jacket, if still in good condition, can be a viable option.
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