This latest fabric development from Gore has taken the layered membrane idea to the next level, literally doing away with the face fabric to reveal the membrane below. It has given the Shakedry fabric a - not entirely unpleasant - 'rubbery' look and feel that actually inspires confidence in the performance. Taking another layer away from a breathable fabric has to help, right?
Right. And it does. We hammered training sessions and poured effort into long Scottish rainy days in an effort to trip it up, and we just couldn't. Of course we sweated up - you would in certain circumstances even without a jacket - but the Shakedry was noticeably better than anything else out there when it came to peeling it off and checking the contents of the sleeves or back. Impressive stuff. It wasn't the most luxurious feeling on, with a properly spartan feel to the thin material, but add a long sleeve baselayer or jersey underneath and that wasn't an issue. The thin hood just pulled neatly underneath a helmet for that little bit extra protection too.
Super lightweight and packability is another advantage of the fabric, and ours has taken up residency in our mountain bike pack, ready but unnoticed until required as it just stuffs into a corner.
There could be tears if you catch the fabric on thorns or anything pointy, but keep away from them and you have a cracking jacket that breathes like Jacques Cousteau and sheds rain with a flick.
