O2 Rainwear 3Flow Performance rain jacket

The O2 Rainwear 3Flow Performance jacket by Rainshield is a good compromise between performance and price. It has the same waterproof/breathable (WPB) microporous film that Rainshield uses in their basic cycling rain jacket, but this time bonded to a nylon outer shell. The nylon shell is slightly less breathable than the polypropylene shell of the basic jacket, but much more resistant to cuts and abrasion. So you trade off a little less breathability for a lot more durability with this jacket.

3Flow Performance fabrics are waterproof, windproof and breathable. The microporous film that is the heart of this fabric has billions of microscopic pores. These pores are small enough to stop wind and liquid water from entering the garment, but large enough to let water vapor escape. So clothing made with 3Flow keeps water and wind out while still letting sweat evaporate and escape.

The 3Flow Performance jacket has all the standard cycling jacket details: long sleeves, cut shorter in the front and longer in the back for good protection when in the riding position, and a tall collar. All the major seams are sealed so they don’t become leak points. The jacket has a single pocket in the back accessed by a storm-flap covered zipper. The sleeves are closed by elastic at the wrists, and the jacket bottom has a drawstring. The zipper opens from both the top and bottom, and is backed by an internal draft flap. There are four vent holes under each armpit. The jacket is completely lined with polyester mesh to enhance its breathability and protect the microporous film.

There are matching 3Flow Performance pants to go with this jacket. If you prefer a jacket that is more basic, less expensive, yet actually even more breathable, look at the 02 Rainwear Basic Cycling jacket.