gym shorts, a nice pair of comfortable socks, maybe a t-shirt, a warm electric blanket, a recliner, and cup of coffee. That's basically my complete rain day gear lineup.
Same here: start with my beloved softshell but keep a hardshell in the back pocket. Additional advantage: you always need an extra layer to put on, if you are forced to stop for longer (e.g. puncture or other mechanical).
That advice can even be life-saving. If you're wet, and it's windy, and you have a puncture in some exposed surroundings then hypothermia is around the corner.
My inner Nerd thinks this: You'd have been better doing a 'dry' session (for each) first, then you could calibrate the weight of any sweat content, before moving on to the 'rain' tests. e.g. rain content - sweat content = effectiveness for hard / soft shell With the added bonus that this would give you a sweat calibration for each clothing item, as well as the rain protection factor.
Well, I'm sorry Simon, but you have to do it again with a properly impregnated softshell. A softshell that poorly water repelling like yours is only useful in cold but dry conditions. OR repeat it with a hardshell washed often enough that its impregnation is washed off, too. Because once its outer fabric is soaked up, the RET value spikes up similar to a (obviously non-porous) trash bag, so you'd sweat more while less moisture is tranfered out. (RET is the measurement of the resistance to evaporative heat loss. The lower the RET value, the less resistance to moisture transfer and therefore higher breathability.) And there are some smart hybrid jackets with hardshell panels on shoulders, upper arms, sometimes even chest, too - so with rain slashing against you by the headwind, your garment won't wick up so much water while still letting evaporate more on your back. Happy testing...
Forgot Gore Shakedry which is everything but rugged, so without any backpack (mtb), it's ideal for cycling, packing smaller than traditional hardshells and no need to re-impregnate if their claim is true.
Thumbs up for entertainment value and a lot of good info in there... but here's some more points about whether you might want soft or hard shells. First up, "soft shell" has become a marketing term that means different things to different marketing departments, but the crucial point is (as Si notes) water-resistant rather than proof and more breathable. The stretchy/soft thing ain't so: something like OMM's Gelanots fabric is soft to the touch, stretchy, and formally waterproof, for example, and something like a Buffalo Teclite soft shell isn't stretchy and isn't aero. There's huge variation, so if getting a soft shell it's worth having a think about the exact sort of thing it's aimed at, so for example a Buffalo Special 6 is awesome for technical single-track in the snow, and would be pretty much no use at all on a road bike. The real key to whether you want soft or hard shell isn't about wetness, but about heat. Staying dry isn't an end in itself, but staying at a comfortable temperature is: if you're too hot or too cold you can't perform well. Water is an amazing conductor of heat so if you get wet you'll cool down far more. This may be a Good Thing on a summer day, but a terrible thing if it's close to freezing, so the general ambient temperature will be a major factor in whether it's okay to get soaking or not. It's also worth bearing in mind the length of ride and the way soft-shells let water in. What keeps water out of a soft shell, particularly one with a close-weave rather than a membrane, is surface tension (often enhanced by the DWR coating that helps drops form and run off). Once something soaks through, however, there goes your surface tension, so once they start letting water in then the flood gates soon open. Membrane soft-shells might actually have a formally waterproof backing (Gore Windstopper, for example, is waterproof as long as it's really clean) but the garments will leak through the seams and again once a leak starts it will give a channel for more and faster water ingress, and once in those wicking base layers you paid so much for will wick the cold water all around the inside of your jacket, waterproof membrane or not. So on a shortish ride in a soft-shell keeping the worst out may be enough, but after a certain period of time the s-s will effectively give up and you'll get very wet, and thus on a cool day potentially very cold, very quickly. So the answer is... a velomobile, or perhaps take the lead from the opening with a brolly. The Dutch Senz umbrella is windproof to faster than a bike will go, and umbrella mounts for bikes are available in NL...
Few aspect you could have mentioned in the video. If your ride is one hour long, how much more will you gather up sweat in the hardshell. And secondly how would a new, high end softshell comparison to the hardshell. And as a bonus, it would be interesting to get a thermometer inside the jacket to show the heat accumulation. 😁
I bought me a Rapha classic jacket with pit zips under arms and it works perfectly in any cold weather condition. I don’t know the exact fabric used but if I get too warm, I just unzip the arm pits to cool off. I have been in rain as well and it still works perfectly. I also just use a ls base layer for warmth and am comfortable on 50 mile rides with winds at 28mph. I paid a lot for this jacket but it works perfect in my winter riding sessions. I also ride all year long and am 68 years old.
I usually use a hybrid solution - soft shell jersey + a sleeveless windbreaker "jacket" during rain, even in near freezing weather. The reason being is that riding generates so much heat, it doesn't matter if I am wet or not. It is still warm enough, so long as I don't stop. Windbreaker protects the torso from too much of a heat loss as well. I only wear heavier hardshell jerseys when the temps drop below zero celsius and windchill becomes the primary problem. I ride in shorts down to -5C. I use rain covers for shoes when it is raining (and below zero for windchill protection).
If it’s cold and really wet, you will want the hard shell as was once you are wet, the cold will take over, with possible dangerous consequences if you are not protected. For most any other conditions, softshells are great. Super comfy, versatile in a wide range of temps and much more quiet and comfortable to wear. I backcountry ski in colder, drier weather than you have in Merry Ole, and would never trade my soft shell as out heat output is huge on a climb with skis. Cycling in the Pacific Northwest in the rain cold - hardshell protection!!
Both are necessary to own. I am most indoors now but for Canadian winters, I prefer the hard shell if I’m not stopping at a cafe or if it’s windy, wet, or both. The soft shell is great for cold days where layering comes into play and at the cafe stop, a fresh base layer and socks make all the difference. I pack mine in a waterproof bag and keep them underneath my jacket so they aren’t cold when changing into.
So much respect for your lonely quest to give us some insight. However, softshells like a Gabba are magnificent, i ride it 6 months a year during my commutes,, but a softshell when soaked does noet give one the protection a hardshell will give. When you are totally soaked a hardshell will keep the cold wind outside and the heat inside. The soaked softshell will not. Trust me, i have experienced quiet some cold rides. My shakedry goretex is always a back-up..
Working in the outdoor industry, I can say that there have been recent advances in breathability in waterproof garments (gortex active, shakedry) that had impressed this ultra hot running enthusiast that types to you now. I basically wear a wind vest and a base layer when cross country skiing at 12 degrees Fahrenheit I run so hot, and I've been using a gortext active shell on some commutes to great success. The only problem is it's more a backpackers cut, not a cycling one. Waiting for the wider industry to adopt this tech into proper activity specific design to make the most of it. Exciting stuff!
Winter: Paramo Velez and just adjust venting as you go uphill/downhill. Summer: eVent highly vented Showerspass, vapour escapes out back vent blown through up sleeves. Your test is not valid as not moving so the air passing through is not there to push vapour through and out.
Soft shell to keep warm and dry in light showers, plus a shake dry in back pocket as an extra layer in case of extended heavy rain Done, there is no better combo
I've run a few trail-based ultramarathons and purchased a Patagonia Storm Racer jacket. It is excellent in heavy rain and is quite breathable. The latest version has 2 zippers so you can have carry a hydration vest.
love the comedic approach, keep it coming Si! as a Scot i have a hardshell in my wardrobe, living in Tuscany a softshell is far more useful. As the Scandinavians say, "there's no such thing as bad weather only bad clothing". ride to the conditions.
When the coating on a soft shell of even Gore-Tex stuff is gone the breathability is gone when wet. It's quite logical because when water vapour comes in contact with water it condenses and you will have a hard time getting an airflow through a solid water film. I would like to see the results for the softshell when it is brand-new with the original coating.
I have the PNS shield jacket with Schoeller C-change fabric and it is marketed as a waterproof jacket but the fabric is supposed to breathe well, too. Same as the hard-shell in the video, the membrane is supposed to open at hot temperatures and close at cold temperatures. I guess it is categorized as a hard shell. The thing I like about it is the side vents under armpits. If I'm going for a harder ride I layer less under the jacket, just a baselayer, and keep the side vents open. I do feel warm and at times a bit sweaty during the ride, but always warm and protected from rain and wind. When I get home and take off the jacket, I see moisture and wetness around the vents/zippers but no so much around the rest of the jacket. I think this is a good trade-off - a hardshell with vents to let the worst moisture out; however, the membrane fabric should be a bit breathable as well.
Thanks for testing Si. For myself for cold drizzly conditions or risk of light rain softshell for sure. In consistent or heavy rain I feel best about a full waterproof with big adjustable vents under the arms. Open before things get too steamy...
I did a 4-hour bike ride this morning a few light showers in the middle and the softshell did its job. And serious downpour in the last 20 minutes for which I needed my back-pocketed hardshell. Thanks GCN Science! So now, funny detail: you needed a hose in the UK and I was riding in “sunny” California where it’s been raining for the past week. :-D :-D
Two things missing (the mentioned windchill), but more importantly body temperature monitoring. Just skin temperature and no rectal, but if someone wants to take one for team...
I went away from cycling rain gear to fishing rain gear: HUK Gunwale jacket is Water/Wind/Rain-proof and pants are Waterproof and Wind Resistant. Stands up to torrential rain and the hood is large enough to cover your helmet.
I've used a Castelli Passo Giau since 2017 and it is still going strong, handled everything training in the Norwegian weather can throw at me. Use it whole year, but especially through winter with only a short or long sleeve baselayer depending how cold it is (I've trained in temps well below zero). I've never treated it with any DWR and it is still very good at keeping out the water. It does let some in, but it's never been uncomfortable. Never liked hard shells due to the fact I run hot no matter what the weather and they always feel "boil in the bag". Recently invested in a goretex shakedry, but it has still not been used on a ride, the trusty Castelli is taken every time, although it is quickly becoming smelly after washes now, so it may not last much longer.
Agree with your findings Simon. A quality hard shell water proof is ideal for heavy prolonged rain. The soft shell semi water proof is better in light drizzle.
Interesting effort! You have a very clear understanding of what science is! Congrats! In other than UK cold season climates your conclusion at the end to go with the soft shell is good too! In tropical climates, there is nothing like soft shell jackets as even when it rains, its hardly ever cold and you always sweat. Hard shell jackets can only be used during heavy heavy rains or storms, or in motorcycles, but those are very uncomfortable to use while exercising.
Yeah. When it is raining truly heavily, staying dry is unrealistic. I find rain to be simply of no real issue when cycling, though. Half frozen sleet is more annoying, along with (literally) freezing rain in negative temperatures. There is a point to be made about shoes, which are the real issue during rains. When you're riding for longer than an hour or so, water gets in even through rain covers. And that sucks pretty bad. It sucks REALLY bad when it is around 0C. I had rides when I was genuinely afraid I'd get a frost bite.
@@Dragoniel_Iskaliri_Silverwing How do you deal with longer rides in freezing rain? They do make waterproof socks but not sure how warm they are. Maybe a waterproof-merino hybrid would be the solution for your feet.
@@mindgraphy_ For riding in around 0C sleet conditions I would recommend hardshell water-resistant jersey/jacket, water resistant pants (cycling specific preferably, those have better ventilation than, say, camping stuff) and shoe rain covers. Make sure your pants go over the rain covers, not the other way around. Equipped like this you can stay relatively dry for around an hour (though if you are riding hard, you will be getting drenched in sweat, so don't overexert). The water will eventually start seeping in during longer rides, in my experience. Personally, I don't really ride for longer than an hour in this season, and 0C is too warm for me for wool socks and such, so I can't recommend anything. I am used to riding in cold weather, so your experience may wary from mine. I would probably be riding in hardshell jacket and shorts, but people I've spoken to consider this insane, so. You know.
@@mindgraphy_ Neoprene socks are the way to go in cold wet conditions. Sailing shops sell them (Rooster are the brand I went with). Kind of strange that neoprene gloves have found favour in the cycling world due to its heat retention properties when wet but that neoprene socks haven't caught on.
@@michaelkammerdiener7788 What i'm missing is a couple of pairs of good waterproof winter bib tights, any suggestions & from your own experience, many thanks.
palmer3977 I’ve been happy with the Castelli Nanoflex tights. Not really waterproof but water resistant. They do a good job in light rain and keep you warm even when they eventually soak through
@@michaelkammerdiener4372 Just ordered myself a pair, it was either them or the Assos LL Bonka but they are £345 which is ridiculous, I do love the Assos T Cento bib shorts though fantastic fit & comfort.
I’m firmly in the soft shell camp with a merino base layer. Haven’t worn a waterproof for cycling for five or more years. Alpha direct smock or a Rab vaporise jacket or gilet. Both from mountaineering rather than cycling.
The wind chill is major and cooling down is easier than heating up (unzip easy). Gore tex and LS jersey for rain / likely threat of rain, soft shell for cooler weather / unlikely chance of rain. Never starting a 100 mile + event without a packer jacket - lesson learnt / hypotherma had.
Holy moly I'm in the first 48 seconds and he pops out hard question on us🤯🤯🤯. I'm too cheap to pay for a lot of the cycling gear and it's really expensive. So what I do if it's decent like 15 + I just put a hard shell on and if it's a bit chilly I usually have an Eddie Bauer first ascent polartec fleece on and in a hard shell overtop in the hard shell is Adidas it's like a football/soccer kind of it's like what a coach would where I guess you could say😅. Soccer/football Whatever Gets you off at night use the term that applies to you.
For commuting in hard rain, I use a hard shell but push the sleeves up so I can have bare arms for cooling. If temps are above 55 F, I just get wet. The hard shell is too hot above 55. I always change out of my commuter shirt at work, and by the time I go home, it will be dry again.
The remarks criticizing the “science” here are a bit harsh. Si states it is not hard science in a disclaimer in the video. In science, preliminary data in the form of case reports (n=1) or small sample size trials are referred to as “pilot studies”, and the data from these studies are typically used as stepping stones toward larger trials with greater statistical power. Nice job Si! This published researcher applauds your preliminary/pilot efforts and appreciates the good humor you bring to the subject.
Good vid , temp, rain and WINDspeed which can make a big difference to exposure :) . Your personal experience is spot on me thinks. This winter to avoid boil in a bag ! Have been wearing a base layer, a cheap polyester hoodie ( my softshell) and a windshirt which works well. Theres many different types of soft shell, ie the buffalo types. But the base layer choice can be important . Brynje baselayers for cycling in bad wet weather , as brynje is a mesh system creating air pockets keeping moisture off the skin. Use these for backpacking and it works great in wet wind cold. So a good base layer that properly removes water away from your skin will enhance the practicality of your soft shell! :)
Исключили практически всё. Я имею в виду: 1-обдув воздухом, НО... 2-высокая влажность самого воздуха. Так что в любом из этих случаев вы будете 100% мокрым. С другой стороны, если дождь НЕ сильный, а воздух НЕ влажный, то вы быстрее будете сохнуть.
I have one of those Assos jkts and it isn't waterproof but it allows you to wear a slightly thinner layer underneath - jersey rather than jkt. Well it did this am on a 12 mile wet commute. The wind chill is kept at bay. really only the Shake-dry material is waterproof. If you are in rain for a long time, a hardshell is the way to go
I have to say that I loved this video. My own experience is that on the brown side of Washington State we don't get alot of rain but we do get below freezing temps very frequently in the winter. I usually layer under a soft shell. My favorite has become Pearl Izumi amfib material when it gets about 35 or lower. It works great and the cost seems more reasonable than most of the real cold weather gear from other major brands.
As I said that, I'm sitting at my computer and trying to decide if I do want to ride this morning. It's 32 degrees and, goofily, it did rain late last night. The roads are wet but don't look icy. I'm going to have another cup of coffee to help me make up my mind.
All waterproofs I've tried have made me wetter than the rain from sweat,even with wicking layers underneath,I wear a very thin windproof which seems to keep a small amount of rain out but also breaths slightly
Here in California I’m rockin a MAAP vest and the occasional arm warmers. I find for colder mornings/ when it’s drizzling that set up works perfectly. I usually take my arm warms off mid ride.
The hardshell jacket is unbreathable. So even when it rains heavily continuously and you are riding over long distances non stoo, then you get wet of sweat and hot. While on the other hand soft shell keeps you wet of rain water and cold. But you will be wet either way. But with hatdshell you can dehydrate quite fast even in cold and rain. Also when it is raining on and off or only drizzling, the softshell is a better option as it is permeable and will allow ventilation. Hardshell can only be seldom used or for short rides. Also when it is raining in South east asian countries, it is summer season unlike in Europe and North America where even summers are pleasant with min. Temp. Going 5-10 deg. C. So, for these places, hardshell Jackets are very uncomfortable.
Hello Si, gonna check those jackets out. Happy holidays to all of you at GCN, your channel keeps me in the loop,and helps me with my healing process. Thank you!
I've got one of the Gore Shakedry jackets which crams easily into a back pocket. Perfect here in Colorado where, let's face it, we usually only may get caught in the rain rather than go out in it on purpose. Love that jacket
From an insulation standpoint it is probably better to wear a merino wool base layer underneath a soft shell. The reason being that wool retains its warmth when wet, so if water seeps through there is a reduced risk of hyperthermia. Not a worry when moving, but a serious concern if one has to pull-over owing to injury or mechanical failure.
Caught a few times in rain, sometimes full on sheet rain. Every time in a soft shell which has been treated with Nikwax, the rain has beaded off. The new shake dry jackets are pretty good too and I have been very surprised by their breathability which is getting better than a plastic bag finally!
Hi, one thing I always do, possible wrong, is riding to long in the rain with softshell before switching. This also causes in winter times getting cold. Maybe some nice experiment with starting softshell getting "colder" and switch to hardshell. And continuous measure temperature of the contact layer of the body. How far into the ride in the rain do you need to switch to have optimal heat and weather protection. GCN can you do some experiments like this? Just for us to help us plan during the ride the correct switch ... :-)
@AJtheory But my experience is that when i get slowed by cold it's mostly already to late. I would like to find early signals to prevent getting too cold to be able to get warm again.
I still have a Castelli E-vent hard shell circa £300+ when new which keeps me dry outside and in...and you have to tumble dry it when you’ve washed it?!! Genius...🥳🥳🥳...water beads on the outside of it 3 years later!
Washing improves the breathability (by removing the dirt and salts from sweat). Tumble drying, low heat helps restore the waterproofing of the outer layer (I don't know how but it feels like new again and sheds water better).
Love my E-vent clothing but it breathes so well that it has no real insulating value. I layer appropriately with good wicking insulated base layers. Never been drier underneath! My older Gore-tex ski jackets were always wetter inside than out.
well done Si, I do believe as near a scientific experiment as you can get and certainly interesting. A lot of soft shells are good i think and may protect you. I used to be involved with BMW and goretex clothing. I did find a lot of people brought stuff back because they thought it leaked, but generally that was condensation, or sweat but on a motor bike the conditions are different. A lot of truly breathable materials need a temperature difference to work, the breathability goes towards the cold side from the warm.
Intriguing test, and obviously enjoyed Si's totally unnecessary suffering. I'm still sticking to a soft shell gilet and arm warmers though, it's easy to cool off, and as long as I'm keeping the wind off, I don't mind being wet.
I’m a fair weather cyclist as I ride only for fun and don’t find riding in the rain fun. But occasionally you get the weather wrong especially when you check the local weather then ride 60 kms away.... But of course didn’t bring my untouched rain cape..... one of these days I’ll start sticking that cape in my jersey every time I plan doing a long ride. I can say that my rain jacket I wear when walking the dog has definitely lost its water resistance after a few years of hard use and has become completely useless. It only keeps you dry for about 5 minutes. Time for a new one of those for sure. Wonder if that’s the reason for the larger amount of water with the soft shell as it’s not as effective as a new soft shell would have been.
Cheap Vs Costly Got to say my Aldi cycling winter kit, bought three years ago, has seen off much more expensive kit over the last three winters. That's coats, over shoes, gloves and cycling tights. Sometimes it's not the name on the tag that matters!
@@dsdf_fdp1858 i mean, if it repels water initially it takes longer to soak. For a short shower of rain like in the test it might make all the difference. For sustained rain, I agree, no difference.
Good effort Si.. both have their place, for me, usually together in the winter months in the UK. It rains a lot here in the summer too, so I use the HS then as well!
You forgot to add wind. I would like to know if you feel more confortable in a soft or hard shell when its raining, windy and cold. Also, the windy condition could have dried the fabric a little bit, but it would also make your body temperature drop faster.
it comes down to the weather and as always do i want to ride , will leave with a soft shell , and a light water proof jacket, i have a castelli hard shell , will help keep your warmth in, and the wind ,cold and rain out however you will probably end up being as wet inside as out depending on the effort you are doing , you will end up wet one way or another , cold and miserable , its up to youand th weather,
I always use a hard shell when it's raining at all, and it works well for me. However, in the rain I tend to ride much more slowly (for survival reasons), and for shorter distances if possible, so sweat is less of an issue.
I mostly use a softshell with a Merino Baselayer underneath. Sweating anyway, so getting wet is not the problem, it is the cold air to protect against. Next test with "rain" and a "ventilator" for wind :)
In Oregon USA, when it rains it pours! Yellow Hardshell Jacket! P.S. I always keep a light wind jacket in my pocket which works with really light rain.
How well did the Tribble protect your microphone? Hardshells are typically nylon, which do not hold the DWR as well as Polyester and nylon is naturally hygroscopic so will not dry as fast. There is likely something to be learned if you would have weighed your base layer also which may better represent in the intent of the test. One needs to consider the entire system when doing similar tests.
I quite like riding in the rain OR the cold..... but not BOTH at the same time. I had a thought too. the wind chill factor in real world conditions might have a different effect on a hard shell to a soft shell. I can see a mobile water source like a fire truck driving alongside you and showering you with a high pressure hose as you ride to provide a controlled scientific environment. 😊 All in the name of science. 😁 Thanks for the Vid.
Like most I ride with a softshell and pack a very light waterproof jacket. Actually, I would like to know the difference between the light waterproof jacket and proper heavy waterproof ones
there is one thing that needs to be taken into consideration. each person sweats different. so for someone who doesnt sweat easy, the hardshell would be even more important for this person to stay dry. for this kind of person, it could possibly be even less in weight than what you found for yourself personally. and in cycling, weight does matter.
Water retention isn’t the only factor to consider in cold weather, and Id suspect that the hard shell would retain body heat more, which may make you more comfortable on a long ride.
I adore my Endura softshell. Warm, reasonably water resistant, comfy. And black. But cheap hardshell handy for when it's persisting it down, or as an extra layer.
Key to riding in wet weather: wear expensive jackets, trackies and over shoes that keep you drier during rides without compromising speed...just might be around 100 g heavier though.
I'm retired. I live in southwest Florida. I don't ride in the rain, (unless I get caught in an unexpected shower) so I have a softshell for when it gets "cold".
I'm curious about the effect on heat management and comfort. One obvious problem with hardshells is that you get moisture trapped inside, but it's not directly against your skin, so it will cool rapidly after an effort (mechanical, descent, etc).) and be very uncomfortable. A good base layer would probably help with that. I would expect a softshell, with it's tighter fit, to provide an experience more like a wetsuit, where moisture is a absorbed into the shell and base layer and kept warm right next to your skin, keeping you warm and comfortable after an effort. I'd rather be wet and warm than wet and cold.
You know something is wrong when a cycling show in the UK is using artificial rain
That's the only rain we're getting in eastern Australia.
buhahahahahaha, I was just about to say THE SAME!
That's because it's all already on the fookin ground.
then you can wait for it to start evaporating and that humid mist *ugh gosh....
But it has been OFFICIALLY the wettest Autumn on record in the UK and you found the dry day to test? Ayayay ☔🇬🇧😂
gym shorts, a nice pair of comfortable socks, maybe a t-shirt, a warm electric blanket, a recliner, and cup of coffee. That's basically my complete rain day gear lineup.
Same here: start with my beloved softshell but keep a hardshell in the back pocket. Additional advantage: you always need an extra layer to put on, if you are forced to stop for longer (e.g. puncture or other mechanical).
That advice can even be life-saving. If you're wet, and it's windy, and you have a puncture in some exposed surroundings then hypothermia is around the corner.
My scenario as well, why I have a stupid expensive water proof shell, shake dry.
When it's raining I wear my house.
😂
Hahaha noice
Brilliant
You are the real turtle. Rofl
and commute in the car... the roads can be damn slippery...
I wear a soft shell as my first layer and on top of it a hard shell. That covers all bases..... in the Scottish Summer.
My inner Nerd thinks this:
You'd have been better doing a 'dry' session (for each) first, then you could calibrate the weight of any sweat
content, before moving on to the 'rain' tests.
e.g. rain content - sweat content = effectiveness for hard / soft shell
With the added bonus that this would give you a sweat calibration for each clothing item, as well as the
rain protection factor.
Well, I'm sorry Simon, but you have to do it again with a properly impregnated softshell. A softshell that poorly water repelling like yours is only useful in cold but dry conditions. OR repeat it with a hardshell washed often enough that its impregnation is washed off, too. Because once its outer fabric is soaked up, the RET value spikes up similar to a (obviously non-porous) trash bag, so you'd sweat more while less moisture is tranfered out. (RET is the measurement of the resistance to evaporative heat loss. The lower the RET value, the less resistance to moisture transfer and therefore higher breathability.) And there are some smart hybrid jackets with hardshell panels on shoulders, upper arms, sometimes even chest, too - so with rain slashing against you by the headwind, your garment won't wick up so much water while still letting evaporate more on your back. Happy testing...
Forgot Gore Shakedry which is everything but rugged, so without any backpack (mtb), it's ideal for cycling, packing smaller than traditional hardshells and no need to re-impregnate if their claim is true.
Thumbs up for entertainment value and a lot of good info in there... but here's some more points about whether you might want soft or hard shells.
First up, "soft shell" has become a marketing term that means different things to different marketing departments, but the crucial point is (as Si notes) water-resistant rather than proof and more breathable. The stretchy/soft thing ain't so: something like OMM's Gelanots fabric is soft to the touch, stretchy, and formally waterproof, for example, and something like a Buffalo Teclite soft shell isn't stretchy and isn't aero. There's huge variation, so if getting a soft shell it's worth having a think about the exact sort of thing it's aimed at, so for example a Buffalo Special 6 is awesome for technical single-track in the snow, and would be pretty much no use at all on a road bike.
The real key to whether you want soft or hard shell isn't about wetness, but about heat. Staying dry isn't an end in itself, but staying at a comfortable temperature is: if you're too hot or too cold you can't perform well. Water is an amazing conductor of heat so if you get wet you'll cool down far more. This may be a Good Thing on a summer day, but a terrible thing if it's close to freezing, so the general ambient temperature will be a major factor in whether it's okay to get soaking or not.
It's also worth bearing in mind the length of ride and the way soft-shells let water in. What keeps water out of a soft shell, particularly one with a close-weave rather than a membrane, is surface tension (often enhanced by the DWR coating that helps drops form and run off). Once something soaks through, however, there goes your surface tension, so once they start letting water in then the flood gates soon open. Membrane soft-shells might actually have a formally waterproof backing (Gore Windstopper, for example, is waterproof as long as it's really clean) but the garments will leak through the seams and again once a leak starts it will give a channel for more and faster water ingress, and once in those wicking base layers you paid so much for will wick the cold water all around the inside of your jacket, waterproof membrane or not. So on a shortish ride in a soft-shell keeping the worst out may be enough, but after a certain period of time the s-s will effectively give up and you'll get very wet, and thus on a cool day potentially very cold, very quickly.
So the answer is... a velomobile, or perhaps take the lead from the opening with a brolly. The Dutch Senz umbrella is windproof to faster than a bike will go, and umbrella mounts for bikes are available in NL...
Few aspect you could have mentioned in the video.
If your ride is one hour long, how much more will you gather up sweat in the hardshell.
And secondly how would a new, high end softshell comparison to the hardshell.
And as a bonus, it would be interesting to get a thermometer inside the jacket to show the heat accumulation. 😁
3:04 Gotta love Si's impersonation of the Assos man
GDF you haven’t gotta love anything. You’re allowed to think gcn is shit you know.
ahhhahhaaa :D :D :D
I bought me a Rapha classic jacket with pit zips under arms and it works perfectly in any cold weather condition. I don’t know the exact fabric used but if I get too warm, I just unzip the arm pits to cool off. I have been in rain as well and it still works perfectly. I also just use a ls base layer for warmth and am comfortable on 50 mile rides with winds at 28mph. I paid a lot for this jacket but it works perfect in my winter riding sessions. I also ride all year long and am 68 years old.
Sounds like the perfect way to keep warm and dry
I had no interest in the difference between the jackets, but I watched the whole thing just to see Si’s suffering.
Smar here. 😁
100%
me too:)))))
I find soft shell get too cold on very long wet rides, but great for shorter ones. Hard shell seems essential this autumn
Well, it's only a matter of time now until someone comes up with a gravel-specific shell...
Hybrid?
That’s awesome! Lol!
@Mi Gi and a ceremic one
Lol
Yeah rite!!🤔
I prefer softshell and its breathability & comfort, and when the rain radar says rain is likley to come I pack a thin waterproof shell in the pocket
That's the way to go...
same for me,best option
Yep.
... or, as in my case, one doesn't go cycling.
@@yellekoeel12 so you just like gcn for no particular reason 😂
I usually use a hybrid solution - soft shell jersey + a sleeveless windbreaker "jacket" during rain, even in near freezing weather. The reason being is that riding generates so much heat, it doesn't matter if I am wet or not. It is still warm enough, so long as I don't stop. Windbreaker protects the torso from too much of a heat loss as well. I only wear heavier hardshell jerseys when the temps drop below zero celsius and windchill becomes the primary problem. I ride in shorts down to -5C. I use rain covers for shoes when it is raining (and below zero for windchill protection).
If it’s cold and really wet, you will want the hard shell as was once you are wet, the cold will take over, with possible dangerous consequences if you are not protected. For most any other conditions, softshells are great. Super comfy, versatile in a wide range of temps and much more quiet and comfortable to wear. I backcountry ski in colder, drier weather than you have in Merry Ole, and would never trade my soft shell as out heat output is huge on a climb with skis. Cycling in the Pacific Northwest in the rain cold - hardshell protection!!
If I’d paid that much for a hardshell, I’d be wearing it even in mid-summer! 🤣😳
With Si's legendary sweat output I was convinced that the shirt under the hard shell would be significantly heavier. As always top science.
All jokes and gags apart, they are extremely well made videos, aren't they? Amusing, but always genuinely informative.
Si, you and your friends and this channel is amazing !! Thank you so much for both the information and the energy.
Both are necessary to own. I am most indoors now but for Canadian winters, I prefer the hard shell if I’m not stopping at a cafe or if it’s windy, wet, or both. The soft shell is great for cold days where layering comes into play and at the cafe stop, a fresh base layer and socks make all the difference. I pack mine in a waterproof bag and keep them underneath my jacket so they aren’t cold when changing into.
"Freezing cold" then takes off his jacket and base layer later on. Got chills just watching it..
So much respect for your lonely quest to give us some insight.
However, softshells like a Gabba are magnificent, i ride it 6 months a year during my commutes,, but a softshell when soaked does noet give one the protection a hardshell will give. When you are totally soaked a hardshell will keep the cold wind outside and the heat inside. The soaked softshell will not. Trust me, i have experienced quiet some cold rides. My shakedry goretex is always a back-up..
Working in the outdoor industry, I can say that there have been recent advances in breathability in waterproof garments (gortex active, shakedry) that had impressed this ultra hot running enthusiast that types to you now. I basically wear a wind vest and a base layer when cross country skiing at 12 degrees Fahrenheit I run so hot, and I've been using a gortext active shell on some commutes to great success. The only problem is it's more a backpackers cut, not a cycling one.
Waiting for the wider industry to adopt this tech into proper activity specific design to make the most of it. Exciting stuff!
Four years later, we have Gore Active, eVent and PowerShield Pro. But how do they compare?
Winter: Paramo Velez and just adjust venting as you go uphill/downhill. Summer: eVent highly vented Showerspass, vapour escapes out back vent blown through up sleeves. Your test is not valid as not moving so the air passing through is not there to push vapour through and out.
Soft shell to keep warm and dry in light showers, plus a shake dry in back pocket as an extra layer in case of extended heavy rain
Done, there is no better combo
I've run a few trail-based ultramarathons and purchased a Patagonia Storm Racer jacket. It is excellent in heavy rain and is quite breathable. The latest version has 2 zippers so you can have carry a hydration vest.
love the comedic approach, keep it coming Si! as a Scot i have a hardshell in my wardrobe, living in Tuscany a softshell is far more useful. As the Scandinavians say, "there's no such thing as bad weather only bad clothing". ride to the conditions.
When the coating on a soft shell of even Gore-Tex stuff is gone the breathability is gone when wet. It's quite logical because when water vapour comes in contact with water it condenses and you will have a hard time getting an airflow through a solid water film.
I would like to see the results for the softshell when it is brand-new with the original coating.
I have the PNS shield jacket with Schoeller C-change fabric and it is marketed as a waterproof jacket but the fabric is supposed to breathe well, too. Same as the hard-shell in the video, the membrane is supposed to open at hot temperatures and close at cold temperatures. I guess it is categorized as a hard shell.
The thing I like about it is the side vents under armpits. If I'm going for a harder ride I layer less under the jacket, just a baselayer, and keep the side vents open. I do feel warm and at times a bit sweaty during the ride, but always warm and protected from rain and wind. When I get home and take off the jacket, I see moisture and wetness around the vents/zippers but no so much around the rest of the jacket. I think this is a good trade-off - a hardshell with vents to let the worst moisture out; however, the membrane fabric should be a bit breathable as well.
Thanks for testing Si. For myself for cold drizzly conditions or risk of light rain softshell for sure. In consistent or heavy rain I feel best about a full waterproof with big adjustable vents under the arms. Open before things get too steamy...
I did a 4-hour bike ride this morning a few light showers in the middle and the softshell did its job. And serious downpour in the last 20 minutes for which I needed my back-pocketed hardshell. Thanks GCN Science!
So now, funny detail: you needed a hose in the UK and I was riding in “sunny” California where it’s been raining for the past week. :-D :-D
I think for my type of riding a hardshell will be the best solution. Thank you for testing the jackets in such ugly conditions.
Two things missing (the mentioned windchill), but more importantly body temperature monitoring. Just skin temperature and no rectal, but if someone wants to take one for team...
Thanks for taking one for the team.
I went away from cycling rain gear to fishing rain gear: HUK Gunwale jacket is Water/Wind/Rain-proof and pants are Waterproof and Wind Resistant.
Stands up to torrential rain and the hood is large enough to cover your helmet.
I've used a Castelli Passo Giau since 2017 and it is still going strong, handled everything training in the Norwegian weather can throw at me. Use it whole year, but especially through winter with only a short or long sleeve baselayer depending how cold it is (I've trained in temps well below zero). I've never treated it with any DWR and it is still very good at keeping out the water. It does let some in, but it's never been uncomfortable. Never liked hard shells due to the fact I run hot no matter what the weather and they always feel "boil in the bag". Recently invested in a goretex shakedry, but it has still not been used on a ride, the trusty Castelli is taken every time, although it is quickly becoming smelly after washes now, so it may not last much longer.
Agree with your findings Simon. A quality hard shell water proof is ideal for heavy prolonged rain. The soft shell semi water proof is better in light drizzle.
Interesting effort! You have a very clear understanding of what science is! Congrats! In other than UK cold season climates your conclusion at the end to go with the soft shell is good too! In tropical climates, there is nothing like soft shell jackets as even when it rains, its hardly ever cold and you always sweat. Hard shell jackets can only be used during heavy heavy rains or storms, or in motorcycles, but those are very uncomfortable to use while exercising.
I once done 2hrs in hard wet rain after about 30 in dry - i think when youre wet your WET - keeping warm is what its about !!
Yeah. When it is raining truly heavily, staying dry is unrealistic. I find rain to be simply of no real issue when cycling, though. Half frozen sleet is more annoying, along with (literally) freezing rain in negative temperatures. There is a point to be made about shoes, which are the real issue during rains. When you're riding for longer than an hour or so, water gets in even through rain covers. And that sucks pretty bad. It sucks REALLY bad when it is around 0C. I had rides when I was genuinely afraid I'd get a frost bite.
@@Dragoniel_Iskaliri_Silverwing How do you deal with longer rides in freezing rain? They do make waterproof socks but not sure how warm they are. Maybe a waterproof-merino hybrid would be the solution for your feet.
@@mindgraphy_ For riding in around 0C sleet conditions I would recommend hardshell water-resistant jersey/jacket, water resistant pants (cycling specific preferably, those have better ventilation than, say, camping stuff) and shoe rain covers. Make sure your pants go over the rain covers, not the other way around. Equipped like this you can stay relatively dry for around an hour (though if you are riding hard, you will be getting drenched in sweat, so don't overexert). The water will eventually start seeping in during longer rides, in my experience. Personally, I don't really ride for longer than an hour in this season, and 0C is too warm for me for wool socks and such, so I can't recommend anything. I am used to riding in cold weather, so your experience may wary from mine. I would probably be riding in hardshell jacket and shorts, but people I've spoken to consider this insane, so. You know.
@@mindgraphy_ Neoprene socks are the way to go in cold wet conditions. Sailing shops sell them (Rooster are the brand I went with). Kind of strange that neoprene gloves have found favour in the cycling world due to its heat retention properties when wet but that neoprene socks haven't caught on.
@@Penfold-zr2be # wicked advice
Gabba, Perfetto or ROS jacket depends on the temp & wind with an Idro in the rear pocket.
My solution as well
@@michaelkammerdiener7788 What i'm missing is a couple of pairs of good waterproof winter bib tights, any suggestions & from your own experience, many thanks.
palmer3977 I’ve been happy with the Castelli Nanoflex tights. Not really waterproof but water resistant. They do a good job in light rain and keep you warm even when they eventually soak through
@@michaelkammerdiener4372 Just ordered myself a pair, it was either them or the Assos LL Bonka but they are £345 which is ridiculous, I do love the Assos T Cento bib shorts though fantastic fit & comfort.
I’m firmly in the soft shell camp with a merino base layer. Haven’t worn a waterproof for cycling for five or more years. Alpha direct smock or a Rab vaporise jacket or gilet. Both from mountaineering rather than cycling.
My "hardshell" is akin to riding inside a plastic bag. Even when its torrentially wet, I still get wet from sweat. May as well go with comfort.
The wind chill is major and cooling down is easier than heating up (unzip easy). Gore tex and LS jersey for rain / likely threat of rain, soft shell for cooler weather / unlikely chance of rain. Never starting a 100 mile + event without a packer jacket - lesson learnt / hypotherma had.
Holy moly I'm in the first 48 seconds and he pops out hard question on us🤯🤯🤯. I'm too cheap to pay for a lot of the cycling gear and it's really expensive. So what I do if it's decent like 15 + I just put a hard shell on and if it's a bit chilly I usually have an Eddie Bauer first ascent polartec fleece on and in a hard shell overtop in the hard shell is Adidas it's like a football/soccer kind of it's like what a coach would where I guess you could say😅.
Soccer/football Whatever Gets you off at night use the term that applies to you.
Rip out the "Water Resistant" tag on your Jacket & have a pro seamstress sew in a "Water Proof" tag in order to Feel much drier #marketing
All for Science! Thanks. I only have soft shell and don’t consider my windbreaker as hard shell, but I’d love to get one for extra warmth and rain.
Thx! I was so confused about the two options. You explained it perfectly!
For commuting in hard rain, I use a hard shell but push the sleeves up so I can have bare arms for cooling. If temps are above 55 F, I just get wet. The hard shell is too hot above 55. I always change out of my commuter shirt at work, and by the time I go home, it will be dry again.
The remarks criticizing the “science” here are a bit harsh. Si states it is not hard science in a disclaimer in the video. In science, preliminary data in the form of case reports (n=1) or small sample size trials are referred to as “pilot studies”, and the data from these studies are typically used as stepping stones toward larger trials with greater statistical power. Nice job Si! This published researcher applauds your preliminary/pilot efforts and appreciates the good humor you bring to the subject.
Good on you for suffering that test. Such dedication!
Good vid , temp, rain and WINDspeed which can make a big difference to exposure :) . Your personal experience is spot on me thinks. This winter to avoid boil in a bag ! Have been wearing a base layer, a cheap polyester hoodie ( my softshell) and a windshirt which works well.
Theres many different types of soft shell, ie the buffalo types. But the base layer choice can be important . Brynje baselayers for cycling in bad wet weather , as brynje is a mesh system creating air pockets keeping moisture off the skin. Use these for backpacking and it works great in wet wind cold. So a good base layer that properly removes water away from your skin will enhance the practicality of your soft shell! :)
Si is the quickest person I "know" at putting on and removing his gloves, does it so fast multiple times in this video...
Исключили практически всё. Я имею в виду:
1-обдув воздухом, НО...
2-высокая влажность самого воздуха.
Так что в любом из этих случаев вы будете 100% мокрым.
С другой стороны, если дождь НЕ сильный, а воздух НЕ влажный, то вы быстрее будете сохнуть.
I have one of those Assos jkts and it isn't waterproof but it allows you to wear a slightly thinner layer underneath - jersey rather than jkt. Well it did this am on a 12 mile wet commute. The wind chill is kept at bay. really only the Shake-dry material is waterproof. If you are in rain for a long time, a hardshell is the way to go
I have to say that I loved this video. My own experience is that on the brown side of Washington State we don't get alot of rain but we do get below freezing temps very frequently in the winter. I usually layer under a soft shell. My favorite has become Pearl Izumi amfib material when it gets about 35 or lower. It works great and the cost seems more reasonable than most of the real cold weather gear from other major brands.
As I said that, I'm sitting at my computer and trying to decide if I do want to ride this morning. It's 32 degrees and, goofily, it did rain late last night. The roads are wet but don't look icy. I'm going to have another cup of coffee to help me make up my mind.
All waterproofs I've tried have made me wetter than the rain from sweat,even with wicking layers underneath,I wear a very thin windproof which seems to keep a small amount of rain out but also breaths slightly
Here in California I’m rockin a MAAP vest and the occasional arm warmers. I find for colder mornings/ when it’s drizzling that set up works perfectly. I usually take my arm warms off mid ride.
Soft shell is the main jacket with a lightweight hard shell in the pocket to wear on top in heavy rain and or cold winds.
The hardshell jacket is unbreathable. So even when it rains heavily continuously and you are riding over long distances non stoo, then you get wet of sweat and hot. While on the other hand soft shell keeps you wet of rain water and cold. But you will be wet either way. But with hatdshell you can dehydrate quite fast even in cold and rain. Also when it is raining on and off or only drizzling, the softshell is a better option as it is permeable and will allow ventilation. Hardshell can only be seldom used or for short rides. Also when it is raining in South east asian countries, it is summer season unlike in Europe and North America where even summers are pleasant with min. Temp. Going 5-10 deg. C. So, for these places, hardshell Jackets are very uncomfortable.
Hello Si, gonna check those jackets out. Happy holidays to all of you at GCN, your channel keeps me in the loop,and helps me with my healing process.
Thank you!
I've got one of the Gore Shakedry jackets which crams easily into a back pocket. Perfect here in Colorado where, let's face it, we usually only may get caught in the rain rather than go out in it on purpose. Love that jacket
Wouldn't have gotten wet at all if he was running disc brakes.
I’m not sure why this is so satisfying to watch 😂 but seeing Si get sprayed by sprinklers tickles me
Packability reigns king in cycling jackets.. If you can't stow it away once the weather turns/warm up it's a deal breaker.
In winter wear a soft shell and carry a packable rain jacket. Extra warmth and rain protection if needed.
From an insulation standpoint it is probably better to wear a merino wool base layer underneath a soft shell. The reason being that wool retains its warmth when wet, so if water seeps through there is a reduced risk of hyperthermia. Not a worry when moving, but a serious concern if one has to pull-over owing to injury or mechanical failure.
Caught a few times in rain, sometimes full on sheet rain. Every time in a soft shell which has been treated with Nikwax, the rain has beaded off. The new shake dry jackets are pretty good too and I have been very surprised by their breathability which is getting better than a plastic bag finally!
Hi, one thing I always do, possible wrong, is riding to long in the rain with softshell before switching. This also causes in winter times getting cold. Maybe some nice experiment with starting softshell getting "colder" and switch to hardshell. And continuous measure temperature of the contact layer of the body. How far into the ride in the rain do you need to switch to have optimal heat and weather protection. GCN can you do some experiments like this? Just for us to help us plan during the ride the correct switch ... :-)
@AJtheory But my experience is that when i get slowed by cold it's mostly already to late. I would like to find early signals to prevent getting too cold to be able to get warm again.
I still have a Castelli E-vent hard shell circa £300+ when new which keeps me dry outside and in...and you have to tumble dry it when you’ve washed it?!! Genius...🥳🥳🥳...water beads on the outside of it 3 years later!
Washing improves the breathability (by removing the dirt and salts from sweat). Tumble drying, low heat helps restore the waterproofing of the outer layer (I don't know how but it feels like new again and sheds water better).
Love my E-vent clothing but it breathes so well that it has no real insulating value. I layer appropriately with good wicking insulated base layers. Never been drier underneath! My older Gore-tex ski jackets were always wetter inside than out.
well done Si, I do believe as near a scientific experiment as you can get and certainly interesting. A lot of soft shells are good i think and may protect you.
I used to be involved with BMW and goretex clothing. I did find a lot of people brought stuff back because they thought it leaked, but generally that was condensation, or sweat but on a motor bike the conditions are different. A lot of truly breathable materials need a temperature difference to work, the breathability goes towards the cold side from the warm.
Intriguing test, and obviously enjoyed Si's totally unnecessary suffering. I'm still sticking to a soft shell gilet and arm warmers though, it's easy to cool off, and as long as I'm keeping the wind off, I don't mind being wet.
Regardless how had your working. In bad weather with wind chill the hard shell will definitely be the best option
Thanks for this awesome video - it helps me a great deal! Now, I will definitely have my hardshell as a backup for long rides!
Yay. Even though this was not on a road, a GCN presenter wearing at least one high vis jacket. Humorous and interesting video too.
I’m a fair weather cyclist as I ride only for fun and don’t find riding in the rain fun. But occasionally you get the weather wrong especially when you check the local weather then ride 60 kms away.... But of course didn’t bring my untouched rain cape..... one of these days I’ll start sticking that cape in my jersey every time I plan doing a long ride.
I can say that my rain jacket I wear when walking the dog has definitely lost its water resistance after a few years of hard use and has become completely useless. It only keeps you dry for about 5 minutes. Time for a new one of those for sure.
Wonder if that’s the reason for the larger amount of water with the soft shell as it’s not as effective as a new soft shell would have been.
Cheap Vs Costly
Got to say my Aldi cycling winter kit, bought three years ago, has seen off much more expensive kit over the last three winters. That's coats, over shoes, gloves and cycling tights. Sometimes it's not the name on the tag that matters!
After 3 years of use the water repellent performance of the softshell would be degraded, or did you apply repellent before the test?
@@dsdf_fdp1858 i mean, if it repels water initially it takes longer to soak. For a short shower of rain like in the test it might make all the difference. For sustained rain, I agree, no difference.
Good effort Si.. both have their place, for me, usually together in the winter months in the UK. It rains a lot here in the summer too, so I use the HS then as well!
You forgot to add wind. I would like to know if you feel more confortable in a soft or hard shell when its raining, windy and cold. Also, the windy condition could have dried the fabric a little bit, but it would also make your body temperature drop faster.
You guys are getting way better at the science part of these
it comes down to the weather and as always do i want to ride , will leave with a soft shell , and a light water proof jacket, i have a castelli hard shell , will help keep your warmth in, and the wind ,cold and rain out however you will probably end up being as wet inside as out depending on the effort you are doing , you will end up wet one way or another , cold and miserable , its up to youand th weather,
When its raining I use Zwift ;-) Nice and warm inside...
I always use a hard shell when it's raining at all, and it works well for me. However, in the rain I tend to ride much more slowly (for survival reasons), and for shorter distances if possible, so sweat is less of an issue.
Simple bog standard Pac-a-Mac, 30 quid, can’t beat it.
I mostly use a softshell with a Merino Baselayer underneath. Sweating anyway, so getting wet is not the problem, it is the cold air to protect against.
Next test with "rain" and a "ventilator" for wind :)
I'm sure Si will be keen to do another wet weather clothing test, good suggestion haha!
@@gcn If Si doesn't want to do the test, come over to dresden and i am down beeing the guinea pig instead. ;) sounds like a fun test!
In Oregon USA, when it rains it pours! Yellow Hardshell Jacket!
P.S. I always keep a light wind jacket in my pocket which works with really light rain.
How well did the Tribble protect your microphone? Hardshells are typically nylon, which do not hold the DWR as well as Polyester and nylon is naturally hygroscopic so will not dry as fast. There is likely something to be learned if you would have weighed your base layer also which may better represent in the intent of the test. One needs to consider the entire system when doing similar tests.
I quite like riding in the rain OR the cold..... but not BOTH at the same time.
I had a thought too. the wind chill factor in real world conditions might have a different effect on a hard shell to a soft shell. I can see a mobile water source like a fire truck driving alongside you and showering you with a high pressure hose as you ride to provide a controlled scientific environment. 😊 All in the name of science. 😁 Thanks for the Vid.
Hahah we'll see what we can do
Like most I ride with a softshell and pack a very light waterproof jacket. Actually, I would like to know the difference between the light waterproof jacket and proper heavy waterproof ones
there is one thing that needs to be taken into consideration. each person sweats different. so for someone who doesnt sweat easy, the hardshell would be even more important for this person to stay dry. for this kind of person, it could possibly be even less in weight than what you found for yourself personally. and in cycling, weight does matter.
Water retention isn’t the only factor to consider in cold weather, and Id suspect that the hard shell would retain body heat more, which may make you more comfortable on a long ride.
If it’s cold rain I always wear the hard shell. At temps above 55 my base layer will be drenched, but if it’s colder I usually stay fairly dry.
Some very useful information. Thanks.
The waterproofing that impressed me the most was that microphone!
I adore my Endura softshell. Warm, reasonably water resistant, comfy. And black.
But cheap hardshell handy for when it's persisting it down, or as an extra layer.
Key to riding in wet weather: wear expensive jackets, trackies and over shoes that keep you drier during rides without compromising speed...just might be around 100 g heavier though.
I'm retired. I live in southwest Florida. I don't ride in the rain, (unless I get caught in an unexpected shower) so I have a softshell for when it gets "cold".
I'm curious about the effect on heat management and comfort. One obvious problem with hardshells is that you get moisture trapped inside, but it's not directly against your skin, so it will cool rapidly after an effort (mechanical, descent, etc).) and be very uncomfortable. A good base layer would probably help with that. I would expect a softshell, with it's tighter fit, to provide an experience more like a wetsuit, where moisture is a absorbed into the shell and base layer and kept warm right next to your skin, keeping you warm and comfortable after an effort.
I'd rather be wet and warm than wet and cold.