Castelli Men's Alpha RoS 2 Jacket - Black

We didn't think it was possible for Castelli to improve the Alpha Ros jacket, but here we are with the Alpha Ros 2.

The Alpha Ros 1 is made with GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ fabric, but the 2 steps it up a gear with the GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ WINDSTOPPER® 150 fabric. This means it's totally windproof, highly breathable and water resistant to allow light rain and snow to bead off. The membrane technology in GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ WINDSTOPPER® products has billions of pores that are 900 times larger than water vapor molecules, so even though wind can’t get in, moisture from sweat vapor can easily get out. Critical waterproof seam taping around the shoulders will keep you dry in the wet conditions while other seams are hidden out of direct water flow. 

The double-layer alpha construction separates the insulating layer from the wind/water external barrier to let you better regulate ventilation. Castelli say it allows you "to open an outer wind-protection layer while keeping the insulation layer closed and thereby allowing airflow inside the jacket to evacuate moisture while avoiding direct contact with the skin. On a long climb we'll completely open the outer layer to allow moisture to escape, and when we start the descent we close the outer layer and are completely dry inside. It works so well that sometimes it feels like magic."

Double layer wrist openings have an inner layer to go under your glove so no gaps or the cold air to get in, and an outer layer to go over your gloves so any rain will roll off. Waterproof zippers again keep the rain out while 3 handy rear pockets carry all your essentials. The neck comes up high and is shaped to move with you, whether you're standing or in an aero positionFor the waist we've created a stretch layer with a silicone bead that lies flat and completely seals out wind without bunching or riding up. 

The bottom line is that the Alpha works in cold weather and wet weather. When choosing a jacket for winter, you no longer need one warm and one waterproof. The Alpha Ros 2 does it all in one, and does it extremely well. If you plan on riding in all weathers this winter, and you want maximum utility and comfort on the bike, you need the Alpha Ros 2.