Castelli Unlimited Rain Jacket
369g Large (as tested) £210rrp

Castelli describe their Unlimited Rain Jacket as “Prefect on or off the bike to keep you protected from the rain. One that “offers full water protection with a cut that works whether you’re out riding or walking into the café”. A big claim, but for the most part it achieves these aims with minimal compromise and some great touches. However, it’s difficult to ignore the price and breathability doesn’t rival that of Gore Tex and similarly sophisticated three-layer laminates.

Pros: Waterproof, wndproof, great cut and fit, well-designed hood.

Cons: Breathability good rather than great in milder temperatures, price at full rrp.

Specification

In common with the Unlimited bib tights, Castelli suggest an optimal temperature range between plus 4 and 14 degrees, which is a good spread, covering those typical of the early season. The laminate type fabric is available in any colour you like, so long as its black. This is something that will divide opinion. On the one hand, it fits the everyday brief handsomely, while also hiding dirt and grime incredibly effectively. On the other, it can be a little too stealth for some riding environments, even allowing for some retro reflective. The fabric is 100% polyester; the laminate features a PFAS free polyurethane membrane and taped seams to lock the elements out.

waterproof cycling jacket internal taped seams

Mesh panelling around the upper back, coupled with a “trench coat” ventilation flap are engineered for efficient ventilation, although obviously the full length, waterproof zipper can be dropped should you need to ram in a cooling blast, although I found the zipper tag a little small, especially wearing middle weight full finger gloves. Easily fixed with a thin cable tie but given the asking price a longer zipper tag should’ve come as standard.

Elasticated cuffs minimise bulk and also prevent wind and rain being blown inside.

Two zippered hip pockets complete with storm flaps continue the practical, best of both worlds narrative, great for parking gloves, keys and similar nick knacks and hands when you’re mooching around sans bike. The draw string hem also allows easy tailoring to suit racier riding attire, or a more relaxed fit over street clothes.

Hoods are another thing that divide opinion, but I’m pleased to report this is similarly well executed for both on and sans bike, but more about this later. The cut is high enough up the front to avoid getting it caught on saddle noses, or impede cadence, while the rear is low enough to offer good defence from spray thrown up by the rear wheel, though not low to the point of looking too technical with jeans, or other street clothing.

Sizing/Fit 4.25/5

Castelli describe the fit as tailored and I would say there’s a lot of tunability allowing for a snug fit with classic road attire, avoiding power robbing flutter, more relaxed with street clothes. Leading on from this and in keeping with my experience with Castelli, the sizing chart is very accurate, taking the guesswork out of online purchases. I stand 1m81 and weigh 70 kilos. Goldilocks when it comes to sleeve length and plenty of scope for layers, if required.

The only consideration being that I’m short in the torso. Those more proportionately masculine might want to try one for size, to check its long enough. Since we’re on the subject, its packable, to a point but not the sort you could pop into a jersey pocket. A large handlebar bag, such as this Craft Cadence Waterproof Handlebar Bag a traditional saddle, or rack top bag such as this Topeak MTX Trunk Dry Bag or Carradice Carradry SQR Bag.

cycling tights and shoe with cyclist pedaling bicycle

Performance 3.5/5

Overall performance has been reassuringly good. Ours arrived during a particularly soggy week in January, which was perfect for assessing its wind and waterproofing. Temperatures varied between 2 and 4 degrees. I’d been defaulting to the Castelli Espresso jersey and the Castelli Unlimited Bib Tights, so found myself very temperate even when the wind chill was dragging temperatures below the suggested minimum.

I could feel the winds grabbing at the fabric but failing to make any impression. This song remained consistent when I was hustling along blustery 1in 7s, the elasticated cuffs preventing any ingress and with the hems drawn snug, no annoying, power sapping flutter - same went for the hood, confirming my feelings that Castelli had the cut bang on.

bicycle on road with handlebars and sleeve of waterproof jacket

Staying with the hood, worn beneath a helmet, there’s been no issues with bunching, or peripheral vision whether scanning left to right at junctions, or performing more frequent over the shoulder checks. Save for some very steep descents where wind noise is pretty much inevitable, I’ve been able to hear very clearly, whether holding conversation, or just listening for approaching traffic.

Waterproofing is similarly good. I’ve been out in persistent moderate rain for 2, maybe three hours at a time, rain just beaded up and rolled off. Same story with mud and other gloop when I’ve been exploring some unmade roads and green lanes, suggesting the polyurethane membrane and taped seam tag team are super dependable.

Very welcome if you’re riding to social meet ups, or professional environments, while reducing the need for washing. That said, while black is undeniably practical on this front, I have noted it took longer for car drivers to register my presence compared with some others with more extensive retro-reflective detailing, even with my regular lighting.

Breathability is good, rather than great all told, although I’ve never felt remotely clammy in temperatures between 0 and 8 degrees. When the mercury rose beyond double figures and maintaining 20mph for sustained periods, eviction of rider generated heat was more pedestrian, particularly when climbs and similar bouts of acceleration were thrown into the mix. Rider mounted luggage- ruck sacks, messenger bags etc will also increase dampness in these areas, although not notably worse than similar garments on a commute, or errand.

This was primarily noted around the pits and chest. I never felt boiled in the bag, or uncomfortably clammy and it wasn't any worse than I've experienced with some shells with a commuting bias around the £100 mark. Nonetheless, a culture shock coming from designs such as the Showers Pass Elements . Again, jersey and base layer quality play their part. Cheap and cheerful polyesters accentuating this, less obvious with higher end merino blends and of course, Castelli's Do Di Ci Jersey, which wicks with enviable prowess.

Care/Durability 3.5/5

600 mixed terrain miles down the line and ours looks more or less packet fresh. Not so much as a loose thread. I’ve not spared it from forest tracks and green lanes. There’s been the usual scraping and snagging of prickly foliage but no impression on the outer fabric, save perhaps for some green transfer, easily dismissed with a quick shot of gentle bike wash and tepid water, or a 30-degree machine wash.

Talking of wet, don’t leave it scrunched up in a corner, or bottom of a pannier following a soggy outing-hang it out to dry and air properly. Obviously, don’t let it reach the point where your washing machine is screaming “No!!!!” We all know the wash drill by now. No softener, minimum detergent and allow to dry naturally out of direct sunlight. Line drying in 14 degrees with a decent breeze is around 80 minutes, possibly faster with some sunlight. Indoors, away from direct heat, closer to 120minutes. To date, there’s been no call to add any proofing agent, the factory finish is still doing its thing handsomely.

Value 3.25/5

At full, £210 rrp, the Unlimited has a price tag to match. Gorewear Swiftride Jacket comes in at £209.99 and promises a very similar every rider persona. It features a waterproof and breathability rating of 28,000, which is very high. It also features two hip pockets, a two-way zipper, is available in three colours and packs into its own pocket. Lusso Perform Hard Rain Jacket weighs in at £180. It’s a three-layer design available in three colours.

According to Lusso, its fully waterproof. Waterproof and breathability ratings are 15000 apiece. Showers Pass Men’s Elements Jacket (now £175) remains a firm favourite of mine, Its aimed at a mountain bike audience but crosses other genres very well in my experience. There are several pockets, a detachable hood, waterproof and breathability ratings of 15,000 apiece.

You can also spend a good bit more. The Showers Pass Elite III is £249 and boasts a PFAS-free breathable membrane, generous water-resistant pockets and will fold into a jersey pocket when not required. Steve was impressed by its 2.1 predecessor.

Now, Castelli have thrown a hand grenade into the mix by presently dropping the price to £84 At this point it becomes much more competitive. Altura Nightvision Storm comes in at £100 rrp (Presently reduced to £70). Clever, yet subtle retro reflective detailing mean it looks just as sharp off the bike. It also features a breast in addition to the hip pockets, waterproof and breathability ratings of 10,000 apiece.

However, in common with the Castelli Unlimited Rain Jacket, wicking isn’t quite so effective when the mercury hits double figures. It’s also heavier at 498g for the large and there’s no hood. If you can go with something more MTB, Madison Roam 2.5 Layer Waterproof Jacket (now £100) features a hood, three pockets, decent breathability and makes easy transition between trail, gravel and casual wear.

Summary

For the most part, the Unlimited Rain Jacket has met my expectations and performed well across the board. Then again, taking everything into account, I’d hope so at the full rrp. There are some designs discussed here around the same price, and indeed notably less offering superior specification. However, discounted, its capable of giving sub £100 competitors a seriously good run for your hard earned.

Verdict: 3.5/5 Competent shell jacket that meets the design brief well and great value when discounted.

Michael Stenning

Saddleback | The Home of Elite Performance Cycling - Road & MTB – Saddleback Elite Performance Cycling

PUBLISHED FEBRUARY 2026

TESTS

HOME

TOP