can anybody recommend a jacket for walking and mountain bike use? i was thinking this montane Superfly Jacket or this golite Phantom Paclite Jacket or this http://www.groundeffect.co.nz/product_detail.php?style=STO&category=RAI
thanks

Superfly jacket is good, quite light and functional/nice short slim cut. It has got a drop tail so would be handy for mountain biking

I second the Superfly for MTB use with the drop tail. Great walking jacket as well, with a useful hood and it's very lightweight.

I'd recommend the Berghaus Extreme Paclite jacket. It's got a useful hood which unlike many other similar lightweight jackets can be folded away into the collar. This is very handy, because you very rarely use a hood cycling and it avoids it get catching the wind.

Also it has neat pockets which double for ventilation when needed. I paid £120 for mine a few years back, can probably get it cheaper now, I know Jackson Sport were discounting them a while back.

Re: your link, Grouneffect do some excellent biking gear so I wouldn't discount the Stormtrooper jacket (if you can put up with that orange colour!) though I think the Berghaus jacket I mention above is a better allround jacket, more suited to walking.
It's only downfall is lack of of reflective patches, which is strangely the same with most multiactivity jackets

The Montane Jacket has reflective patches and the hood goes flat away as well. The hood will also accomodate a climbing helmet, if that's your bag.

- don't get me wrong this isn't an advert for the garment! I guess it comes down to what fits you best Montane is definatley a closer cut - which I happen to like.

Like other Paclite or Event waterproofs, I'd say that it's not very durable and best suited to a summer backpack type of thing - not for day long use under a pack - it's a weight verus durability equation... the merits and demerits are discussed in the Richard Gear forum.

They are going for £169 on backpacking light website.

I have a Ground Effects jacket and for me it is not suitable for cycling because I don't find it all breathable. Only useful when it is pouring down on a freezing cold day.

I am thinking of getting a Montane Featherlite for cycling £30-£40, not totally waterproof but supposedly very breathable and (hopefully) a bit more durable than its 80g might suggest!

Only thing holding me back is that for half the year or more I am in short sleeves so long sleeves with elasticated cuffs may no be best for me.

I could always cut the sleeves short I guess!! On that point has anyone radically altered any of their kit?!

saw the new rab drillium this week, it was quite bright in the orange and had nice fit, also small pack size light and a good hood, i would recommend as breathable as possible for cycling in so montane or rab for event possibly

Cheers for the answers.
Next one is, whats the best outdoor centre in the Manchester/Peak District area that supply Montane and Golite?
thanks

Simon - The Montane Featherlite cuffs are made of a fabric covering and are quite comfortable, and on my short size do not grip my wrists. If you only wear it when you need to, you may not find it's an issue. It's a great piece of kit - highly versatile and at the price worth, buying just for a test.

Simon - I rate the Featherlite, though don't count on any level of waterproofing, unless you use a washin proofer maybe. The reflective patches on the sleeve are coming off mine, but I think they do a fluro one now.

As for the Superfly, give it a try first. The body is just to short for me at the front. Would be fine for cycling but no good for walking, on me. I got the SuperFly XT, which is great, but a bit heavier.

I got a Superfly new today for £90 :) very happy with that.
thanks for the advice.

Wow..£90 is a good price for Superfly. I'm thinking of getting one too, can you say where you got it?
cheers.

It was a shop in Betws y Coed. The shop was called Stewart R Cunningham outdoor centres. I think I had the last one. tou could try there website www.srcunningham.co.uk.

I am thinking of getting the Montane Vapour Gilet - RRP £50 but £28 at Outdoor Mania, and £30 at OutdoorGear4u.

ok cheers, website price is £120 (which is still pretty good). As it happens I'll be in Betws y Coed region later this week so I'll maybe check out the store first to see if they have any left.

I fancy a Superfly XT so if anyone spots one for £150 or less please let me know!