Though the PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl substances) ban that has affected USA and EU producers has seen the demise of many waterproof materials and clothes, together with the much-lauded Gore-Tex Shakedry, there may be nonetheless ample inventory of some materials for Castelli to supply the Tempesta Lite with Gore-Tex Lively Know-how for the subsequent few seasons.
In direct distinction to the Castelli Squall Shell which you carry in case you might be unfortunate with the climate, the Tempesta Lite is the type of jacket that you simply placed on initially of a trip and take off in the event you get fortunate with the climate. The branding on the jacket merely says ‘Gore-Tex’, however the swing tag says ‘Gore-Tex Lively Know-how’, which was the model’s most breathable material earlier than Shakedry, and one which I used to be a fan of.
There is just one color choice, gentle gray, for males or girls, with males’s sizing from S to 3XL and the ladies’s model from XS to XL.
Development
As talked about, the material is Gore-Tex Lively Know-how, though the distinction between the Tempesta Lite and my older Lively-Shell jackets appears to be within the face material. The unique clothes had a typical face material that was high quality when the DWR (sturdy water repellency) remedy was new, it suffered from wetting out when the remedy wore off which drastically affected breathability. Nevertheless, this newest model appears to utilise a softer, nearly hatched materials with some stretch in a single route, however none within the different. In fact, all seams are taped and the YKK zip is waterproof.
(Picture credit score: Tim Russon)
The cuffs are somewhat odd, with a tapered however elastic-less outer cuff and an internal gasket produced from Lycra. Much more eye-catching is the rear of the jacket; there’s a slit throughout the decrease again to be able to attain into your jersey pockets and beneath this can be a panel of black Gore-Tex Topo material. This materials seems to serve two capabilities. Firstly, its horizontal stretch helps the match of the jacket across the waist, and secondly, the stiffer materials prevents the entry slot from gaping open and permitting in water.
Utilizing the slit to entry jersey pockets was a bit awkward, particularly on the go
(Picture credit score: Andy Jones)
There are lengthy reflective stripes down every arm and, curiously, contained in the collar. Lastly, it’s unbelievable that it isn’t black. The sunshine gray isn’t reflective per se, however it needs to be extra seen than the regulation Shakedry black (besides possibly in fog…).
Reflective stripes on each sleeves add to visibility
(Picture credit score: Andy Jones)
Castelli claims that the jacket weighs 216g, however they’re doing themselves a little bit of a disservice right here, my dimension giant tipped the scales at a really spectacular 169g. Packability is cheap too – tightly rolled it would slot in most jersey pockets though there isn’t any stuff bag or stow pocket so you could discover your individual packing technique.
The Journey
Regardless of its low weight, donning the Tempesta Lite definitely appears like you might be placing on a water-proof jacket moderately than a taped windproof. Partially, that is because of the 3-ply nature of the material, which, regardless of its softness and adaptability nonetheless feels extra substantial than some supplies. It additionally seems like a correct waterproof, with the rustling that I affiliate with getting correctly togged up for a moist outing, and because the material isn’t significantly forgiving I might really feel slight dragging when transferring regardless of the tremendous delicate C-knit backer. All these elements assist in direction of a sense of safety and safety that lighter jackets don’t present.
Match is private, however I a lot most well-liked the lower of the Castelli Squall Shell that I examined not too long ago to that of the Tempesta Lite. The dearth of stretch within the Lively Know-how material signifies that the lower needs to be somewhat extra beneficiant in locations, to permit for consolation within the driving place, so the general really feel is of an endurance moderately than race-orientated match – suppose bike packing moderately than wet-weather intervals.
Not as shut becoming as some, however nonetheless properly lower
(Picture credit score: Andy Jones)
I wasn’t certain what to do with the open sleeves of the Tempesta – pressure them into my gloves or allow them to flap about inflicting drag and sucking in air. The inner Lycra cuff helps somewhat, however I’d a lot moderately have had an easier, single, elasticated cuff design; my older Lively Shell merchandise have regular cuffs so I’m unsure why Castelli has chosen this design for the Tempesta Lite. On the plus aspect although, the sleeves have been lots lengthy sufficient even in a stretched-out place on the bike
I used to be additionally not significantly eager on the rear pocket entry design. I perceive the idea, however rooting about by a flap to find a particular pocket and discover a gel, all while in all probability carrying heat gloves appears over-complicated, pointless and tough. I suppose it could work extra simply in the summertime with simply mitts on, however then I’d recommend you in all probability wouldn’t be carrying this jacket as summer season bathe safety. My choice could be for a two-way zip as a substitute resembling on the Espresso Vest which permits fast and easy accessibility with out concern of getting your hand caught behind your again in a possible monkey lure. I ended up pulling the rear of the jacket up over the pockets if I wanted to entry them.
(Picture credit score: Andy Jones)
Finally, nevertheless, the one most vital query is an easy one; did the Tempesta Lite maintain me dry, each from rain and from my sweat? The reply is sure, it was fairly spectacular in its capacity to shift my moisture outwards while stopping rain from penetrating the material. There was no wetting out of the outer, so breathability remained excessive even after a chronic soaking and though I don’t suppose that it reaches Shakedry’s talents, it’s a very totally different product that would fortunately co-exist with the lighter material.
Worth and conclusion
I’ve resisted mentioning the value till now, however I can put it off not. The Tempesta Lite has an RRP of £350. It’s removed from Castelli’s most costly waterproof (the £450 Slicker Professional has that honour), however that’s nonetheless an enormous amount of money for most individuals to spend on a jacket that they hope they received’t should put on a lot.
The Tempesta Lite seems to be and appears like a ‘correct’ waterproof, regardless of its low weight
(Picture credit score: Andy Jones)
The efficiency is superb by way of breathability and waterproofness in sustained moist circumstances, however until you persistently spend lengthy intervals within the rain Castelli and different manufacturers have cheaper merchandise that can carry out adequately. Equally, I can’t think about even probably the most well-heeled commuter fortunately spending that type of money on a day by day put on jacket that’s uncovered to the worst highway grime, spray and rain, so its market is likely to be moderately restricted. As recommended above, the potential consumers is likely to be bikepackers, audaxers and different long-distance riders for whom longer-term safety is a better precedence than race efficiency.
Its low weight and wet-weather talents are spectacular, however at £350 you’d anticipate nothing much less.
