The Le Col ARC Lightweight Rain Jacket makes up part of the brand’s new gravel cycling ARC (Adaptable, Reliable, Capable) collection. The creation of this collection was headed by a female-led design team, something Le Col is very proud to point out.
Construction
The ARC Jacket uses the latest PFC-free Pertex® Shield weatherproof technology. In the wake of the banning of PFC waterproof materials such as Shake-Dry, Pertex has become one of the more commonly used alternatives in some of the best waterproof jackets for cycling. It is designed to be fully waterproof while remaining breathable and lightweight. The Pertex Shield is designed to prevent water ingress while allowing sweat and moisture to move out of the jacket. Waterproofing is further supported with internally taped seams.
Other features included are the use of a 2.5-layer Ripstop woven structure, designed to be more durable and scratch-resistant, perfect for gravel riding through areas with branches, bushes, or even coming off on gravel. Additional fabric is supplied for the repair of any rips in the material.
The jacket also utilises an adjustable hood, with a drawstring to tailor the size. This is designed to be able to be worn over a helmet, and thanks to the high zip, is designed to stay in place even in the wind. A dual zip is used to make access to rear pockets easier and cord adjustable hems allow a more tailored fit around the waist.
Further features include a mesh panel across the shoulders under a waterproof shroud, aimed to boost breathability without allowing water ingress. Pocket-wise, there are two hidden rainproof side pockets plus a zip front pocket that can also be used to stow valuables that need to be easily accessible. Sizes come in XS-3XL, with a men's and women’s specific model. Both are available in Grey or Olive Brown.
The ride
Given this has been designed as a gravel piece of kit, I’m going to forgive the more relaxed fit and flapping of material when used on the road. In terms of gravel fit, the ARC jacket is ideal for off-road use. The length is on the longer side, with the front not raised, making it optimal in a more relaxed riding position. The hem also features adjustable cords to tailor the fit around the hips. I also really like that the sleeves are long enough to provide good coverage, as well as featuring elasticated cuffs to limit the chances of cold air or moisture travelling up them.
The hood is another interesting feature, as it has been designed to be worn over a bike helmet without flying off as airspeed increases. To enable this, you have to put the hood over the helmet while the jacket is not fully zipped up. Once the hood is on and the jacket zipped up, it will stay in place, and a cord adjustment can be used to tailor the fit further. It’s impressively effective. The only issue is that the very top section of the zip can require two hands and some careful positioning.
The front two-way zip is great in every other respect, it certainly makes venting and access to pockets beneath the jacket very easy.
Obviously, the main point of this jacket is waterproofing. To that end, it's fantastic. The Pertex® Shield material is as waterproof as Shake-Dry in my experience, and with internally taped seams all across the jacket, the ARC jacket is brilliantly waterproof and windproof. In showers, misty conditions, and heavy rain, I’ve yet to have any water ingress through the fabric of seams. Even using it in snowy weather it still performed brilliantly.
Pertex Shield is not quite as breathable as Shake-Dry is, but now that older technology being phased out due to the EU ban on PFCs, it has established itself as one of the best waterproof materials that complies with these new regulations.
There are other features to this jacket that I really like too, focussed mainly on gravel use. Firstly, the material has been reinforced to be more rip-resistant. I love this feature, as I have an old Shake-Dry jacket that I managed to rip on a random overhanging branch while riding. The promise of more durability is a very useful gravel feature and one much appreciated on a £280 jacket. A patch of spare material is included too, just in case you rip some of the fabric during a crash.
For a hooded waterproof jacket with zip pockets, it’s incredibly lightweight and easily packed into a jersey pocket. There are additional pockets, with a zip pocket up front for storing essentials, and two low-profile pockets on the sides that are both easily accessible and waterproof. This makes for a very versatile jacket that performs brilliantly for gravel riding. It’s expensive, but you're investing in a jacked that should prove resilient long-term as well as practical both on and off the bike.
Value & conclusion
It's fair to say that £280 is a lot of money for a waterproof jacket, especially when compared to Le Col’s own road-going waterproof which is £100 cheaper with the same fabric technology. However, where the ARC Lightweight Rain Jacket makes up some of that value is in the large array of additional features and offerings.
The hood, fit, and pockets all add to its versatility and capabilities off the bike as well. Increased durability and repair patches should also boost longevity. The looser fit and flapping material does mean it wouldn’t be my first pick for a road ride at speed. However, for adventure riding, or filthy gravel weather, the protection, packability, and versatility are unrivalled from my testing of PFC-free jackets.
