I love this jacket!

This jacket was one of the first purchases I made as I started cycling again in 2011.  I later bought the pants following my first tour of Trace the Mitten when I realized the perils of cycling in a downpour. At that time REI was naming their gear Novarra.  It was recommended to me by the store employees and I am glad that I trusted their advice.

September 2011 at the conclusion of Trace the Mitten segment 1.

I do not know exactly how many times I wore this jacket on rides over the last  twelve years, but I will say hundreds and maybe close to one thousand.  I would say that durability might be the first thing that comes to mind. The water and wind resistance are still effective.

I recently wore this to a football game at the Big House.

The temps were in the mid forties and it was breezy with a light drizzle. After sitting and walking outside for hours I was still dry.  I wore long johns on the legs.  I do not like the fabric rubbing my bare skin.  On the top I wore a fleece to help keep my core warm.  I was pleased with my choice.

This was during the 2015 Great Lake Relaxed Tour.

On this tour we had a full day of rain.  This was a September and my temperature was comfy while riding. My head gear is a motel shower cap.  It always gets a laugh, but my skull cap stays dry.

The ski goggles are for the frigid days.

I used this coat on many winter rides.  I used to ride in all temperatures. The coat kept me warm.  The feet and hands are the hardest part to keep warm on winter rides.  The wind rating is stated to 60 mph.  I can believe it! I never felt the wind cutting through the fabric.  Only at the coldest temperatures would I zip the pits shut.  The pits were the only place to vent your heat build up and I found that comfortable.

At Stony Creek during a late winter ride.

This photo shows my hydration on my back.  This was a good way to get my hydration during the temperatures which would freeze my water bottle.  The backpack against the fabric would stifle the air flow through the jacket and this would result in my back getting wet with perspiration.  When I would stop for a little break, I would take the pack off and usually that would be enough to allow evaporation.  You will need to manage that aspect and keep from chilling.

This photo is from a ride last week.

This month had many days in the 50s and 60s and I decided to use this jacket.  I liked it because it was very visible and I wanted to very obvious because not many riders were out.  I also wanted extra wind protection. Whenever I felt things warming up, I would unzip the front a bit..  I never felt uncomfortable. 

What jacket do you like to use in different  conditions?