Wet weather with relatively warm temperatures is a challenge for cyclists and cycling clothing. Rain jackets quickly become too warm and you overheat. Not wearing any rain protection or only a waterproof vest can lead to cooling down. Especially on longer rides, bike packing, and bike marathons with changing conditions, weatherproof jerseys – so-called Gabbas – fill the gap. Here I present four waterproof Gabbas, which unfortunately are not all available in a women’s version. Castelli and Santini each offer only one color (gray/black). Sportful and Agu have different colors in their range.
What are Gabbas?
The Gabba was invented by Italian brand Castelli and developed for professionals who cannot choose when to ride their bikes and for whom classic rain jackets can sometimes be too warm and offer too much wind resistance in racing conditions. The Gabba was launched in 2010 and became more widely available to amateur cyclists in 2016. Many manufacturers now offer copies of the Castelli Gabba, but in my opinion, the Castelli Gabba remains unmatched. In fact, I believe that a Gabba is an essential part of any cyclist’s basic equipment.
However, the regular Gabba is not completely waterproof and is “only” water-repellent with Gore Windstopper. Castelli designed a waterproof Gabba for 2025. Other manufacturers, such as the Italian brands Santini and Sportful, have been offering rainproof Gabbas for years and are currently ahead of Castelli in their development of rain Gabbas. The weakness of rain Gabbas is, of course, their breathability. The use of regular Gabbas and rain Gabbas must therefore be weighed up.
CASTELLI GABBA R
Unfortunately, CASTELLI GABBA R is only available in a short-sleeved version for men. It has an extremely tight fit to reduce wind resistance. The fabric is a microporous membrane with water-repellent properties and a water column of 5000 mm. The Gabba fabric is very light and stretchy at 125 g/m2. The Gabba has three back pockets and a waterproof YKK® Vislon® two-way zipper. The back is extended and has reflective details. Of all the Gabbas, the CASTELLI GABBA R is the tightest and, thanks to its low wind resistance, very well suited for racing. The breathability is okay. In a race, you will get wet under any waterproof jacket, so other models are better suited for regular use and relaxed training rides or bikepacking. At Euro 259.90, it is the most expensive option.
SANTINI ADAPT MULTI
The SANTINI ADAPT MULTI jersey is made from Polartec® Power Shield™ Pro fabric, which has been developed with a membrane made from 48% plant-based raw materials and is free from PFAS chemicals. It offers protection with a water column of 20,000 mm. The SANTINI ADAPT MULTI jersey is fully thermally sealed and guarantees perfect thermal balance in all weather conditions. The jersey has a warming effect and is therefore also suitable for cold temperatures. It has a slim fit and is equipped with a double two-way front zipper that can be opened from both the bottom and the top. A reflective shoulder strap for extra visibility in low light conditions and an additional waterproof zipper pocket on the back are also included. There is a fabric hook on the back of the collar for hanging the jacket up to dry. Jersey made in Italy. Price: Euro 220.
SPORTFUL FIANDRE PRO JACKET SHORT SLEEVE
The SPORTFUL FIANDRE PRO JACKET SHORT SLEEVE is a jersey that is the short-sleeved version of the SPORTFUL FIANDRE PRO JACKET. While the jacket is available for both men and women (test here), the SPORTFUL FIANDRE PRO JACKET SHORT SLEEVE jersey is only available for men. The SPORTFUL FIANDRE PRO JACKET SHORT SLEEVE is made from Polartec® Neoshell® fabric with a water column of 10,000 mm. The minimalist, sealed seams offer protection while also providing excellent breathability, which is superior to that of other jackets. The jersey is extremely stretchy. The sleeves are close-fitting but stretchy and do not cut into the skin. The jersey is unlined and can therefore also be worn in moderately warm temperatures. An extension is sewn into the neck, providing reliable protection against water and wind. The back is extended and keeps water out. The jacket has three back pockets and is comfortable to wear even when it’s not raining thanks to its high breathability. Women can either buy the men’s version or, as I did, buy the women’s version of the SPORTFUL FIANDRE PRO JACKET and have the sleeves shortened by a tailor. The jersey has a waterproof YKK® Vislon® zipper and reflective details on the back. Price: Euro 219.90.
AGU RAIN JERSEY PERFORMANCE
The AGU RAIN JERSEY PERFORMANCE is available for both men and women. The predecessor of the AGU RAIN JERSEY PERFORMANCE was developed for Team Jumbo-Visma. The goal was to develop a waterproof jersey with short sleeves and maximum breathability. The AGU RAIN JERSEY PERFORMANCE is windproof and waterproof with a water column of 8,000 mm. The breathability is 30,000 g/m2/24h. All seams are sealed and therefore waterproof. There are two ventilation openings and two concealed back pockets on the back of the jersey. The jersey is equipped with a YKK zipper that is easy to open and close. It has a zipper garage at the top for added comfort. The silicone gripper at the bottom prevents the jersey from riding up. Price: Euro 140.
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