Clothing for Cycling Part 2 – Carradice Jacket

For some years I’d been using one of the high tech contemporary jackets with synthetic materials and for the first couple of years it faired pretty well but as it got older it started to leak quite badly in the seams.

I was very attracted to the idea of waxed cotton as the seams are just as well protected as the rest of the garment so in October 2007 I bought a Carradice Duxback rain jacket.

It gets used a lot, for the the jacket is by far the most used cycling clothing item because I use it while commuting. Only in the summer do I go without it. It seems to be wearing well. It is not yet old enough for me to assess durability of its weatherproofing but indications are good.

There are pros and cons and things to be aware of with this jacket.

The hood is great in that it allows you to look over your shoulder while you are wearing it. It seems to be cut in a particular way to facilitate this. A problem with the hood is that if it is not worn on the head and hanging down while it is raining then the hood rubs against the back of the jacket and will create a damp patch. In light rain I find this is a nuisance because there is a tendency for me to put the hood on for a while, then take it off. The hood can be unzipped completely.

When I bought this jacket I got the largest one they make. My waistline varies a fair bit over the year and when it is larger then the jacket starts to become quite close fitting. This jacket is not very big and I think that the smaller sizes must be really quite small.

The jacket only has one pocket on the back. This is a normally shaped pocket on the right side of the back, it’s not one of those wide ones going across the whole of the back. For me this is okay but some people might like more pockets.

There is no lining, just a bit up at the top near the collar and in the hood. I like this because in mild weather I can wear a light shirt and the jacket, it is an ideal combination. If I want another layer when it is colder I can put one on.

Overall I feel good about the Carradice jacket.