The POC Supreme Rain Jacket is one of the most expensive pieces of cycling clothing you’re likely to come across, with an eye-watering price tag that will leave many wincing. However, if you can look past the cost, its performance is impressive. The jacket boasts an exceptionally low weight and a compact size, making it easy to pack when not worn. That said, it isn’t flawless and, at this price point, expectations are understandably high.
POC The Supreme Rain Jacket – Technical details
The name says it all: POC has boldly dubbed this The Supreme Rain Jacket, claiming it may be the lightest waterproof jacket ever made — and certainly the lightest in its range. The jacket has a claimed weight of just 87g in a medium size, while the small I tested tipped the scales at just 85g after removing the oversized label.
The weight saving is achieved through the use of a 51g/m² fabric, which features impressive technical specifications. It boasts a hydrostatic head (HH) of 20,000mm - well above the 1,500mm threshold for waterproof categorisation - ensuring excellent water resistance. Breathability is equally impressive, with a claimed vapour permeability of 50,000gsm/24, indicating the amount of moisture that can pass through the fabric over 24 hours. Both figures position the fabric among the best in its class.
The fabric is a three-layer construction treated with a fluorocarbon-free DWR (durable water-repellent) coating, and all seams are fully taped for added protection. A cleverly integrated pocket at the back allows the jacket to pack down to roughly the size of a tennis ball, though it can be compressed further.
Available in sizes XS to XXL, the jacket accommodates riders with chest measurements from 81cm (32in) to 116cm (46in). I found the sizing accurate, though it’s worth noting that the slim fit works best over lightweight layers such as jerseys. Riders near the upper end of a size range may struggle to layer the jacket over bulkier garments.
Two translucent colour options are available: Sylvantine Grey (pictured here) and Jasper Brown. Reflective detailing is minimal, with a small POC logo on the chest and another on the rear.
POC The Supreme Rain Jacket – Performance
The Supreme Rain Jacket is designed for a slim, road-specific fit, with a dropped tail and high front. The sleeves are a good length for use on a drop-handlebar bike, and the collar gives a close fit to maximum protection in the rain. It features a single zip with a minimalist cord puller that, despite its simplicity, works well even with thicker winter gloves. The zip is very slim and light though, so it would be wise not to pull it too hard during use.
Elasticated cuffs provide a snug fit, though they lack adjustability. This caused some frustration when removing the jacket, as the sleeves almost always turned inside out. Additionally, the tight cuffs made it difficult to take the jacket off while wearing gloves, often necessitating their removal first.
The integrated pocket, while handy for stowing the jacket, has no closure mechanism. As a result, the fabric often worked its way out, leaving sections dangling from a jersey pocket. To prevent this, I resorted to using an elastic hair band to keep it secure — hardly ideal for a jacket at this price.
In terms of waterproofing, The Supreme Rain Jacket excels, standing up to torrential downpours during testing. Critical areas such as zips and seam joins remained dry, a testament to its design and construction.
Breathability also impressed, particularly during high-intensity rides in mild autumnal conditions and into the cooler British winter. Up to mid-teen temperatures, the fabric effectively managed body heat, preventing excessive sweat build-up. However, the jacket’s tiny fabric means it offers no insulation, making it unsuitable as a standalone winter layer unless used as an emergency shell.
The thin fabric also raises concerns about durability. While fine for road riding, I would hesitate to use it on some off-road rides, where contact with overhanging branches or scrub could easily result in tears. Extra care is also needed when putting the jacket on or taking it off to avoid over-stretching the fragile material.
POC The Supreme Rain Jacket – Verdict
The Supreme Rain Jacket costs £450, which is undeniably expensive, but it isn’t the most expensive jacket in the segment. Assos has the Equipe RS Johdah Winter Jacket S9 Targa at £635, although it is a different style designed to be worn as a second skin, not simply a waterproof jacket. Among other premium brands, the top offering is often approximately half the price, with the MAAP Level Atmos at £220, Rapha Pro Team Rain Jacket at £280 and the Castelli Tempesta Lite at £350.
While competition is often light, they cannot beat The Supreme on weight or packed size. The Gore Shakedry is now phased out, and while that was equally impressive in how it dealt with foul weather, the lightest version was 103g, can’t pack as small, and was only available in a very dark, almost black fabric.
If you want the absolute lightest and smallest jacket you can buy right now, this is it, but there are compromises to get there and a huge price to pay.
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