A good, lightweight jacket is a gem to have. Packable and breathable wind protection provides just the right protection on early-morning trail runs or bike rides, but can then be stashed away as temperatures rise. My current favorite training/aerobic jacket is the OR Avido Jacket, but they don’t make it anymore, so it’s time to find something else that works just as well, but is not a collector’s item.
Enter the Cloudveil BPM lightweight, breathable shell. It’s minimalist, but it looks functional enough and is built well, but how does it perform when put to the test?
About the Cloudveil BPM Jacket
Build as an aerobic training (running/cycling) or a stashable shell for unsettled weather in the backcountry. Built using a proprietary nylon knit fabric, the BPM is the stretchiest jacket on the rack and offers superior range of motion while maintaining a high level of waterproofing thanks to the DWR finish.
Other details include asymmetrical cuffs and minimalistic pockets for a streamlined look that helps keep this shell under 10 oz. More details include:
- Nylon knit 4-way stretch shell with taped seams
- Transporter™ brushed tricot collar
- YKK® Reverso Zips
- Chest Pocket
- Asymmetrical cuffs with half elastic
- Zippered stash pocket on back
- Reflective tonal logos
- Colors: Black or Blue
- MSRP: $180
Cloudveil BPM Jacket Review
Cloudveil produces some of the finest outerwear on the market today and the versatile BPM Jacket keeps that heritage going. Slip this on and you’ll be treated to one of the comfiest lightweight shells on the market. The nylon weave fabric yields a 4-way stretch that never feels restrictive.
Let me clarify something out the chute… Cloudveil lists the BPM as having an athletic fit, but I’d beg to differ. I opted for the size Large on the test jacket, but should have gone with a Medium, but this jacket features as straight of a cut as any standard-fit jacket. Most “athletic” cut garments I’ve worn are tapered and fitted (hence the “athletic” moniker). Just keep that in mind when selecting your size.
I used the BPM for springtime trail running in cool, windy and rainy weather. As stated above, I love the feel of this jacket… it just feels soft next to the skin. The material does a great job at expelling moisture, but it could stand to use some mesh vents in the armpits or in back to act as a relief valve. After a 30 minute trail run, it would be damp to the touch on the inside back, but would dissipate within 15 minutes or so afterward.
The minimalistic design has a single chest pocket and a rear stash pocket, so get used to fishing for non-existent handwarmer pockets. As ubiquitous as the iPod is, most manufacturers are slapping MP3 ports and such on all their jackets. Thankfully, Cloudveil didn’t do that with this jacket because in my opinion those gimmicks aren’t intended to serve the core users, but only to appease to the trendy masses.
I dig the asymmetrical cuffs because they keep your wrist covered much better than straight designs–especially on a mountain bike. But, the only negative comes when trying to see your watch because it’s well-covered. You have to slide the sleeve down with the opposite hand to see the watch face.
Good BPM
- Breathes well
- Stretchy fabric is comfortable
- Laminated lining feels soft to touch
- Angled sleeve cuffs keep wrists covered
- Very lightweight
- One-pull drawcord
Bad BPM
- Stretchy fabric does grab on things
- Angled cuffs make it hard to see your watch
- Could use handwarmer pockets (tough to do and keep weight down)
- Fit is not athletic as stated
- Expensive, but high-quality
The Bottom Line: Cloudveil BPM Jacket
I’m impressed with this jacket… primarily the fabric. It really blows away the competition for its stretchiness and comfort while remaining highly-water resistant and breathable. Try it on and make sure you get the right size as this one runs large, in my opinion.
Buy Now: Search for the Cloudveil BPM Jacket
A Seattle native, Jason developed a love for the outdoors and a thing for mountains. That infatuation continues as he founded
“Cloudveil produces some of the finest outerwear on the market today …” Sir I beg to differ. I would like to know who Cloudveil’s intended demographic is, because it’s a mystery to me. I WANT to like their stuff, but I have been dissapointed by so many of their products, I’ve stopped trying. The first softshell I owned, the Cloudveil Rayzar, had no insulation and fit like a bag, hence getting no use. The Wister jacket, an awesome concept, fits like a bag, so I sent it back. Not to mention, not only does everything from Coudveil fit big, it’s far too short in the torso! I had a nice Polartec Powerstretch top by them that was wonderful except that it showed my belly every time I lifted my arms. Who are the “mountain athletes” they claim to designing for?
Brands like Westcomb and Patagonia refine their designs, and continue to put out top shelf items (fitted properly) for true athletes of all persuasions. Mountain athletes tend towards the wiry and lean type. Many are tall. Core companies know this and build it into their gear. It beggars the question of who are the “models” Cloudveil uses as a basis for their designs? Based off the build of their clothing, it’s the 2nd home owner who buys everything from the local shop at the base of the lift the same day he rents his skis.
Sorry to rant, but I have been dissapointed by this company too many times. I have wanted to try the Serendipity jacket (supposedly the father of all softshells) for years, but haven’t pulled the trigger because I can’t stand to be dissapointed again.
Yes, you are correct on the fit… I pointed that out. I really liked this jacket aside from the fit and I figured that might be an anomaly to this particular jacket, but maybe the fit issues are more widespread as you suggest.
I’ve seen lots of their stuff and have been impressed by the fabrics, quality feel and looks, but this was my first Cloudveil product to be field tested.
Thanks for your honest rant.
Now that I’ve got some understanding of the shortcomings that Cloudveil may have, I am definitely taking that into account for future product reviews. If the fit continues to be an issue throughout the line, then it will be brought out here.
I as well WANT to like Cloudveil products, as the actual finish/materials are wonderful. The problem as Big Jim stated, is the ‘fit’. Cloudveil tops have too much material in the wrong spots (eg the body/waist), and not enough elsewhere…the garbage bag fit is actually pretty accurate.
Although I am not some 5% body fat uber triathalete, I am 6’2” 195lbs, average shape individual who needs something that fits decent. The fit of many Cloudveil tops remind me of the old Columbia jackets, or some casual pea coat.
They have a few gems in the lineup (Run not Walk), but like Patagonia jackets, I will continue to look at companies that design tops that actually fit (Arc’Teryx, Westcomb, Mountain Hardwear etc)
The fit is definitely a concern as nothing’s worse than a garbage-bag fit. I’ll see about getting additional Cloudveil products in for review to see if it’s a common theme.