The Rapha Pro Team Lightweight Wind Jacket II lives up to the Pro Team name with a race-focussed cut designed to keep the flapping of the jacket to a minimum.
The classic Rapha logo adorns the sleeve on the left, very Euro
(Image credit: Future – Andy Turner)
Construction
It utilises a mix of fabric zones to provide quality windproofing as well as stretch for a comfortable yet close race fit. It is nice to see a large proportion of the nylon used in the production comes from recycled fibres.
There’s a two-way zip for enhanced temperature regulation as well providing easier access to any jersey pockets under the jacket. Reflective detailing is also present on the left sleeve (EU and US buyers benefit most here), lower front, and across the middle of the lower back.
Sizes are XS to XXL, while there are five colours available for SS26.
No pockets at the rear but more reflective detailing
(Image credit: Future – Andy Turner)
Performance
I’ve been impressed by the jacket across a range of temperatures and conditions. Personally I struggle with a lot of post-PFAS waterproofs as I generate a lot of heat, and the lack of breathability means I soak from the inside out even in the rain. I personally prefer the wind proofing performance of a layer such as the Pro Team Lightweight Wind Jacket at the expense of waterproofing. I find I am able to keep a consistent temperature as I don’t get cold. Windchill is what generally results in water dampness making you colder. And this jacket is exceptionally good against wind chill.
I’ve been using this in 10˚-15˚C weather, with plenty of wind and rain. In those milder temperatures it breathes brilliantly meaning that you don’t boil in the bag. Meanwhile in cooler, wet conditions, the wind proofing is great and stops you cooling down.
I also am a huge fan of the race fit. It’s a bit on the short side in both body and sleeve lengths, so some jersey hem is often visible at the base of the jacket, but it’s not too bad. The big bonus is the lack of flapping and billowing around the waist and the shoulders. I can’t stand the sound of flapping when riding, and given this has been designed to focus on being a windproof layer for mountain descents, lack of billowing is a big plus in my books. It also helps aero performance, very on brand with the Pro Team range.
The cuffs are elastic but a little short. However they offer enough protection overall for what the jacket is designed for
(Image credit: Future – Andy Turner)
I like a wind jacket that can be stuffed very small, occupying half a pocket with some food in there too or tools. The Rapha Lightweight Wind Jacket does just that. I can pack it into a cargo short pocket, a half full jersey pocket, or into a top-tube bag with relative ease. This means that this has become my go-to layer to take with me on most rides; early starts on a warm day where there is fog and a bit of chill in the air is another ideal scenario for this jacket.
I am glad to see a two-way zip. It’s aids access to pockets under the jacket, and helps with temperature regulation. The zip locks well, and is easy to operate. With heavier winter gloves on it’s a bit small to grab, but otherwise it’s very good.
I like the colour range on offer. I’d have preferred the white option rather than this dark navy for visibility’s sake, but it’s a smart look that goes with most kit choices. There is also decent reflective detailing on the back and upper arms. Less so on the front, but Pro Team means they expect you to be hunched over in a race position. The arm reflective logos are at least visible from the front.
The lightweight construction makes it a suitable layer even over two long sleeved layers in 11˚C on a windy day. Unzipping allows for easy thermoregulation.
(Image credit: Future – Andy Turner)
Value
There is of course one element where this jacket perhaps suffers a bit, and that is relative cost. I do appreciate that there is a good ratio of recycled materials in this jacket, but at £175 / $235, it is still quite a lot for a wind proof jacket. The Castelli Aria Shell jacket though is equally packable, but costs £120 / $160. The Assos Mille GT Wind Jacket S11 is also cheaper at £135 / $185.
From personal experience, the Castelli Aria Shell is even more packable, the Assos less so, but both billow a little more and the Castelli lacks a two-way zip. The PNS Mechanism Stowaway jacket is also the same price, but features a DWR coating making it a little better suited for more inclement weather, but I don’t know yet if this affects breathability. The latest Mechanism Shell Waterproof is certainly more breathable than a lot of more recent PFAS free waterproof DWRs.
It does mean that the Rapha Pro Team Lightweight Wind Jacket is potentially not the best value for money. But then if you prize packability, thermal regulation, and also a jacket that fits like an aero jersey, then this jacket performs brilliantly across all those aspects where so far I have yet to find a jacket that can. They tend to compromise in one of those areas.
A two-way zip aids temperature management and access to pockets
(Image credit: Future – Andy Turner)
Conclusion
The Rapha Pro Team Lightweight Wind Jacket II has become one of my favourite garments, and my go-to stash jacket for pretty much any ride. It packs down small, is highly windproof, yet very breathable. It keeps your temperature more regulated in both colder wet conditions thanks to less windchill, but also not too warm for foggy summer starts or windy downhills.
It’s not cheap, and maybe not the best value, but it is my favourite jacket to wear especially for rides where speed is a focus. The lack of material flapping and thermal regulation are key reasons for why I love this jacket so much.
