Built for the Elements

How does the old adage go? “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing…”? It’s true in our book. So, when you lot asked us for a raincoat worthy of the name, we went to town. Introducing the Technical Raincoat, a modern, high-performance jacket, designed by experts with wet weather firmly in mind. Thanks to some seriously clever waterproof fabric, it’ll keep you nice and dry when it’s raining cats, dogs and various other large mammals.

And what’s more, it actually looks good. So good in fact you may start welcoming a few ominous clouds on the horizon…

This probably sounds obvious, but we think that a waterproof jacket should be… you know… waterproof. All too often raincoats look the part, but don’t pass the test when the clouds burst. That’s why we used a three-layer fabric — getting the best properties of each. Keeping rain out was top of our to-do list, but ensuring things stayed airy inside wasn’t far behind. Breathability was a must. Not only does this hi-tech trio keep the rain from getting in, it also lets your hot air out.

We managed to pull this off using some snazzy French know-how.

The outer layer’s provided by Chamatex, who cooked up a recycled polyester called Newlife, made from plastic bottles. Sandwiched in the middle is a breathable microporous layer, and the underside’s made from cosy laminated jersey. These three materials were bonded together by Rovitex. Gallic hi-tech flair in action.

What do these three, expertly created and melded layers mean for you? Well, there’s a scientific test used to grade waterproof materials to a norm called ‘ISO 811:1981’. Sounds complex, but long story short: the lab coat lot apply an increasing weight of water to a given material via a tube to see how much it’ll take. Roughly speaking, the level of water when it finally penetrates the fabric indicates its 'degree' of impermeability.

The higher the level, the more water-resistant your material. Our three-layer Raincoat fabric stood up to 15,000mm of water in the test. That's right, it remained waterproof under 15 metres of water!

According to that ISO standard, the material "offers good resistance to moderate to heavy rain or heavy and somewhat wet snowfall". So, unless you're setting out for an extended hike in a monsoon or climbing K2, this coat has more than enough mettle to keep you dry.

Getting the main material sewn up was the first step. But we didn’t cut corners on the construction. We taped the seams, so often the weak spot on sub-par waterproofs, and we got the guys at Framis (one of the world's leading heat-sealing companies) to provide the know-how. No pesky raindrops are about to weasel their way in through the stitching. Last, but far from least, we ensured the zips on this raincoat are 100% watertight.

The Technical Raincoat has a tidy, straight cut that factors in wiggle room, meaning you’ll enjoy great freedom of movement, as well as have space for a jumper underneath when you’re layering up in the winter months. We made sure it was long enough too — heads up you cyclists — after all, a waterproof jacket that barely covers your back doesn’t make much sense.

Technical jackets should be functional jackets, so we armed ours with loads of subtle-but-useful features you’ll appreciate when you’re out and about. That means raglan sleeves for unrestricted arm movement, three easy-access pockets equipped with those waterproof zips and we’ve designed the hood to actually move with your head. No more heart-in-mouth blindfold moments when you’re zipping through traffic or jogging around a blind corner.

When it comes to waterproofs, function can sometimes overtake form, and countless great jackets have been ruined by gaudy colour combos and big logos. We kept ours a bit more subtle, with a minimal design and three tried-and-tested tones to choose from. Outdoor gear doesn’t have to make you look like a lost rambler from 1987.

Yep — it’s a waterproof jacket that’s actually waterproof. Made from responsibly sourced and produced hi-tech materials, with seriously leak-proof detailing. Cut tidily to allow ease of movement and comfort without leaving you looking out of place when the yomp’s done and you’re ready for refreshment. A waterproof for those who don’t usually like waterproofs.

Stop worrying about the forecast and get out there.

All very well, but how do you get one? Well, the Technical Raincoat will be available to preorder for 239€ from next Tuesday. But as usual, first come first served, so drop your details below to get notified when it’s available for preorder.

If it doesn't work out fear not, returns and exchanges are easy and the cost of the return is on us.

Need to know anything else? Leave us a comment below or check our international Instagram page for the answer. Possibly.

Thanks,

The Asphalte Team