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Daren M.

Daren M.

Daren M.

Daren M.wrote a review of on November 21, 2019

5 5

Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

I've worn Gore products for many years, and generally know how they fit and perform. I live in central NC, and it is humid here. This morning, I tried the new C5 Shakedry Insulated jacket on a one hour ride on the Umstead Gravel Grinder Course.

It was 36F at the start at 6am, and it was dark. That means that an equivalent "riding out in the sun" temp was probably in the mid to upper 20'sF. When I finished the sun was just coming up, and it was 34F. The humidity was close to 90%. I wore a Craft Active Intensity long sleeve top under the Gore jacket, and that was it.

The first few miles were cool, but not cold. After that I was perfectly warm. Pretty soon the outside of the jacket was somewhere between very wet and wet with heavy condensation. Not soaked into the outer fabric, but just covering it. Like how the outside of your car is covered with condensation on a cold and foggy morning.

On descents the moisture on the outside would evaporate, and I could feel the cooling effect. Not cold, but I could tell that the outer jacket surface was cooling. But, I stayed plenty warm inside the jacket.

When I finished and took the jacket off I was amazed at how dry the Craft shirt was. The back and much of the chest and upper arms were bone dry. The forearms were slightly damp. I'm used to finishing a ride and the base layer is soaked in sweat. This jacket REALLY breathes well. The best of ANY Gore product I've ever used for cycling, running, hiking, etc.

Fit: I'm 6'-2", 185#, and have a 31" waist. Lean, but not skinny. This jacket is semi-loose and very comfortable except in the front of the shoulders/armpits. It isn't too tight, but it is snug. The outer fabric looks like it would flap about in the wind, but it does not. The inner wrist cuffs are great. Not too tight, but do keep the cold air out. The Velcro neck is between loose and snug, and works great. I can turn my head without choking to death (16.5" neck). Do keep in mind that the Velcro neck is tough to manipulate with heavy gloves. The hem is slightly longer in the rear. This combined with the elasticized hem does a good job at keeping the cold air out without being restrictive when you're in the drops.

It has only been one ride, but so far this is the best cold weather cycling jacket I've ever owned. If you live in a humid climate you need to get past the wet exterior. Other than that I kept me warm and dry inside.