When the weather is iffy, or just plain cold, a windproof jacket is always a good idea. But, when that windproof jacket also features Gore-Tex panels for extreme water protection, you’ve got a great combination for trail use in rainy, coastal winter conditions or cold and dry climates like we have here in Utah. With a great fit and proven materials, the Gore Wear Lupra MTB Jacket is a versatile jacket for on or off the bike.
Gore Wear Lupra MTB Jacket Features:
- Partial Gore-Tex Infinium Windstopper fabric
- Taped and waterproof front panels and shoulders
- Highly-water resistant construction
- Offers subtle stretch
- Helmet-compatible hood
- Built to be breathable and dry in a hurry
- Drop hem with drawcord
- Optimized for on-bike fit
- MSRP: $180
Stash it or wear it — whatever you need
To continue enjoying singletrack adventures, no matter the weather, you’ve got to have the right equipment. Gore Wear has long made some of the best riding apparel for all seasons. With access to the full spectrum of Gore-Tex materials, it’s no surprise to see innovative use of Infinium Windstopper with the Lupra Jacket. Let’s do a quick rundown of what makes the Lupra tick.
Windstopper Infinium doesn’t have the wet-weather guarantee, but unless you’re riding in a monsoon, I’d consider it as water-resistant as you’d really need for real-world conditions. The most exposed panels use 2L Infinium Windstopper to completely block the wind and rain. The underarms, back and waist area use the same outer fabric, but don’t feature the Infinium layer. As a result, breathability and weather protection are both maximized. Rounding things out, there’s a helmet-compatible hood, simple elastic cuffs and an efficient fit.
Test conditions for the Lupra Jacket have exclusively been in cold weather — spanning from spring through late fall. While some areas remain rideable in the rain, the Wasatch Front isn’t one of those. Accessible trails in the spring and fall are muddy and messy, so I haven’t thoroughly tested the Lupra in wet weather. I have doused the jacket with water and watched it bead up and blow right off.
Layering the Lupra Jacket up has been a variety of base layers and thermal jerseys underneath — from the Pearl Izumi PRO Alpha Layer to the Velocio Signature Long-sleeve jersey. There remains enough room for a little thicker insulation should the conditions warrant it. That would come in handy if fat biking is part of your winter routine.
The beauty of the stretchy fabric comes into play on the bike where the Lupra Jacket just disappears. Every movement is uninhibited and smooth without interference so you can ride without the jacket getting in your way. While a jacket like the Gore Wear Torrent Jacket is more bike-focused, it’s not as versatile as the Lupra, which can be worn around town or when bike commuting. But, it is optimized for saddle time.
When riding hard, the breathability of the Lupra Jacket shines. Gore-Tex Infinium is really a fantastic material that optimizes wind and weather protection while balancing moisture management. After a solid 15 mile ride, I’m impressed with how well it breathes. Moisture never beads up and perspiration just flows through to keep things comfortable without the need for pit zips or even unzipping the front.
Gore Wear has done a great job of the collar height and diameter. When not needed, it sits comfortably below the chin and out of the way. But, it’s tall enough to duck your chin into should you need to shield your face from the cold. The helmet-friendly hood covers a standard all-mountain helmet with ease. But, when the hood is used without a helmet, you do have to cinch it down completely to keep it from flopping around. The straight, half-elastic cuffs are okay, but I’d prefer something with an angle cut for better on-bike coverage. And, the elastic side does tend to twist inward instead of sit flat.
Fit: I’m 5’11” and 173 lbs wearing the size medium.
The Good
- Perfect mix of fabrics for realistic weather protection
- Windproof front panels
- Breathes really well
- Helmet-friendly hood
- Subtle styling that still looks good off the bike
- Can roll it up into a jersey pocket or hydration pack
The Bad
- Angle-cut cuffs would provide better coverage
The Bottom Line: Gore Wear Lupra Jacket
Gore Wear strikes again with a versatile jacket for cold or wet-weather mountain biking. Breathability is sublime and real-world weather protection is just right. In a pinch, that helmet-friendly hood can add quality coverage and stays out of your way. And, as a bonus, it also looks good off the bike.
Buy Now: Visit GoreWear.com
