The Albion All Road Pertex Shield Rain Jacket is an exceptional waterproof jacket with thoughtful design features, including a trio of simple yet highly effective zips. The Pertex fabric offers excellent weather protection, and the jacket's cut accommodates a variety of riding styles – flat or drop handlebar included.
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Albion All Road Pertex Shield Rain Jacket – Technical details
The All Road Pertex Shield Rain Jacket lives up to its name by utilising Pertex Shield as the main fabric. It features a three-layer construction with a PFC-free membrane and a C0 Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating. The fabric has a 20,000mm water column waterproof rating and a moisture vapour transmission rate of 20,000g/m²/24hr, ensuring excellent weather protection and breathability.
The jacket incorporates three individual zips. The main zip has an oversized puller for ease of use, while a secondary zip opens from the bottom to about halfway up, allowing for ventilation and access to rear pockets. Additionally, there is a third zip on the chest pocket.
Designed with packability in mind, the jacket is fairly lightweight. The size XS pictured here weighs 177g, while the medium has a claimed weight of 184g. Packed down, it becomes compact enough to fit into a jersey pocket with ample capacity. However, it lacks an integrated pocket or system for self-packing.
The jacket is available in bright orange (as tested) or plain black. Both feature subtle reflective detailing, including the Albion linear logo on the back. Offered in sizes XS to XXL, they accommodate chest measurements ranging from 81–117cm (32–46 inches).
Albion All Road Pertex Shield Rain Jacket – Performance
The jacket’s fit is excellent and aligns perfectly with Albion's size guide. It features a high collar, a dropped rear hem, and a raised front section, all tailored specifically for cycling. The jacket maintains its shape well when riding flat and drop handlebars. On drop handlebars, it performs particularly well on the hoods or tops, with only minor bunching when in the drops, and this does not affect performance.
The cuffs are a standout feature, combining elasticity with a Velcro closure. This design makes the jacket easy to put on and remove, even over gloves. The elastic provides enough stretch, while the Velcro allows the cuffs to open wide enough for convenience. The size and shape of the Velcro are well-considered, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit.
Albion has taken a unique approach to the zips. Instead of using dual pullers on a single zip, the All Road Pertex Shield Rain Jacket features three separate zips. The main zip runs the full length of the jacket and is equipped with a chunky fabric puller, making it easy to locate and operate, even with thick winter gloves. A second zip opens from the bottom to improve ventilation and gives quick access to rear pockets. This zip has a smaller cord puller, which, while functional, is less glove-friendly than the main zip. I believe using the same oversized puller for both would work equally well, as the zips are unlikely to be in the same location when in use. The third zip on the chest provides access to a small pocket ideal for items like keys, cards or other essentials.
Overall, the zips' function is good, although on a few occasions in warmer conditions, when looking for a way to cool down, Iopped short and didn’t provide as much cooling as a full double-puller zip might. There are no zips or pockets in the rear, felt the zip st and with a reasonably close-fitting jacket, having a zip makes it easier to access the pockets than needing to get beneath the fabric.
The Pertex Shield fabric performs impressively across various conditions and temperatures. Its breathability is excellent, even in warmer weather or during high-intensity rides. While the fabric’s 20,000mm waterproof rating and 20,000g/m²/24hr breathability rating might not match some premium materials, it handles moisture management well and avoids overheating, even compared to high-end alternatives. The jacket easily repels rain with no signs of ingress or dampness. The high collar and elasticated rear hem effectively keep the elements out, holding the jacket in place and ensuring reliable weather protection.
Albion All Road Pertex Shield Rain Jacket – Verdict
The combination of excellent fabric that breathes well while protecting against heavy rain and spray, along with thoughtful design and fit, makes this jacket a valuable addition to any cyclist's wardrobe.
At £210, the jacket is a significant investment but remains competitive with similar offerings. The POC Supreme Lightweight Jacket costs a hefty £450, nearly double the price, while the Maap Atmos Jacket, also utilising Pertex Shield fabric, is priced at £280. Pas Normal Studios' Mechanism Jacket, another Pertex Shield option, comes at £250. Within the GORE range of waterproofs, the closest is the Spinshift, which costs £224.99.
The Albion All Road Pertex Shield Rain Jacket has proven superb across a range of temperatures and weather conditions. Though it carries a premium price tag, its performance and versatility justify the cost, potentially making it the only rain jacket you’ll need.
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