The Castelli Gabba arrived in 2009, and quickly became a favourite among cyclists seeking wet weather protection without sacrificing breathability. Having been through several iterations, it cemented itself as an icon in the years that followed, until a ban on a PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl) fabrics ripped up the rule book of cycling clothing design.
The environmentally detrimental fabrics are already outlawed in some USA states, with a European Union ban expected to be adopted. In response, Castelli has abandoned the Gore-Tex material featured in the Gabba, reinventing the garment as the 'Castelli R', a newer, faster jacket that's more packable.
