Canari Jacket Steam Room

[Selkie]

Dang I've been wanting that jacket! So glad you posted about how much you like it...maybe I have to reconsider. I live 3 hours west of Seattle! Is it big enough that in the winter a thicker thermal jersey would fit underneath it? Can it do dual duty for outer winter-wet layer and spring/summer rain shell?

Starfish - It's pretty lightweight, so I don't think you could wear it in winter without some serious layering. It does have good windblocking ability, though. Unless your layers are thin (capilene), I don't think you'll get much under it and be able to ride comfortably. It is fitted but not tight. Keep in mind, too, that it's a bit cut short in the front, falling to just below the belly button (my jersey stuck out about an inch below the jacket, but that didn't bother me). You could consider sizing up, but one of the appeals of the jacket's design is it's "aero," streamlined cut.

[Starfish]

Starfish - It's pretty lightweight, so I don't think you could wear it in winter without some serious layering. It does have good windblocking ability, though. Unless your layers are thin (capilene), I don't think you'll get much under it and be able to ride comfortably. It is fitted but not tight. Keep in mind, too, that it's a bit cut short in the front, falling to just below the belly button (my jersey stuck out about an inch below the jacket, but that didn't bother me). You could consider sizing up, but one of the appeals of the jacket's design is it's "aero," streamlined cut.

Thanks. I've been a little frustrated at the large number of wind-stopper jackets I see in the catalogs, with fewer (it seems to me?) higher-quality waterproof AND packable jackets. I'm wanting a thin, very packable, waterproof/windproof jacket that somehow doesn't become a steambath. Maybe it's not out there.

[Dianyla]

Keep in mind, too, that it's a bit cut short in the front, falling to just below the belly button (my jersey stuck out about an inch below the jacket, but that didn't bother me).

You must be longer-bodied than I am, for sure. I'm a smidge under 5'4" with a 30" inseam, and the front of the red goretex jacket ends exactly at the crease between my torso and the tops of my thighs.

I bet that Craft jackets would fit you really well, every time I try one on it comes down about 4" more than I'd like.

[Selkie]

You must be longer-bodied than I am, for sure. I'm a smidge under 5'4" with a 30" inseam, and the front of the red goretex jacket ends exactly at the crease between my torso and the tops of my thighs.

I bet that Craft jackets would fit you really well, every time I try one on it comes down about 4" more than I'd like.

The orange jacket is the one that's cut short. My red one is much longer in comparison.

[Squirrel 2]

I have both the Craft & the brand-new orange Gore. I have owned the Craft for a couple of years now & have been unhappy with the steam bath experience. I don't just get sweaty in it, I overheat terribly, have to take it off & then get chills. It has a back vent, but the fabric simply does not breathe. If you check out the web site, it makes no claims of breathability. That type of fabric is older technology windbreaker stuff. It is not designed to breathe because it is designed to keep wind out.

The new Gore Xenon is fantastic. This is new technology & it makes a huge difference. The fabric really does breathe. I have used it in temps in the 50's on very hard rides working up a sweat but didn't overheat. The sleeves have mesh, which makes a bit of an air pocket to keep the fabric from sticking to your arms when you are working harder. And yes, it is cut short in front. This seems to make sense as I lean forward riding a road bike, if it were longer in front it would bunch below your waist. The design is all about being aero-dynamic, even the elbows are shaped for being slightly bent.

I you want more rain protection, Gore makes a similar jacket that is more waterproof. This one is marked as water resistant. I have yet to test that feature, but I didn't really buy it with that in mind. I wanted wind protection for spring & fall riding.

Forget about getting this one to do winter duty as well. Winter is a whole world unto itself where you will want more air block due to the cold temps. This is a very lightweight, highly breathable shell that is form-fitting & packs down to nothing.