Opinion & Thoughts on the Klimatik Guscio Elements by Ale – A Rainproof Jacket for Cycling

Ale’s Klimatik Guscio collection is designed for cyclists tackling wet, windy, and cool conditions.

‘Klimatik Guscio’ translates to ‘Climate Shell’ from the Italian; let’s see how well it performs on British roads during springtime.

Key Decision-Making Factors and Performance

Other than the obvious question, “Does it fit?”, the main criteria for evaluating performance clothing like this are based on how it handles heat, rain, and sweat. Not forgetting how well it packs away when not in use.

• Waterproofing (4/5): The jacket is treated with a water-repellent and has heat-taped seams. Ale claims it has a 4,000 mm/H2O rating. This has been perfect for the occasional shower, but I was caught 90 minutes from home in fairly steady rain, and towards the end, some water started seeping in. That level of performance is about what I would expect; it’s great for extended weather emergencies. For heavy rain, I’d stay at home if I didn’t have something more substantial.
• Breathability (4/5): For extended Z2/Z3 riding at 17°C, the sweat wicking seems good, but heating up becomes noticeable after a couple of hours, likely due to increased effort levels for me.
• Fit (4/5): This is a good fit for me, fitting slightly larger than expected according to the sizing chart. With one layer underneath, the fit was fine, adding a further thin layer would have been okay had I needed to use it on colder days. It is a decent fit rather than super-tight, with a small amount of the parachute effect you see behind many cyclists when they wear jackets. I don’t know how much of the performance fit is down to luck or design – either way, I’m happy. The bottom of the jacket could be longer and more elasticated.
• Packability (4/5): The jacket weighs 135g, making it a lightweight option. It folds up nicely and fills one of my rear pockets. It’s a rain jacket, and so it’s a tad bulkier than the other super-thin wind jackets I own. When purposely folded and rolled, it takes up significantly less space than when stuffed into a back pocket.
• Thermal Protection (4/5): Ale notes that suitable ambient temperature ranges are -2°C to 18°C, making it suitable in the southern UK for most of the year, except during the summer. I’d opt instead for a wind jacket if I knew there was no chance of rain. I’m not going out in temperatures below a couple of degrees Celsius; certainly not. It’s freezing. That’s just me – a thermal wimp.

Use Cases

Do you tick these boxes? If so. This is a good option for you

• Performance cyclist
• Needed for extensive training
• Unwilling to consider the risk of budget gear
• cycle in relatively cold to warm temperatures (0°C–18°C)
• Packable into a back pocket

Don’t buy for

• Heavy Rain
• Extreme Cold

What Sets It Apart from Competitors?

This is an all-rounder, and it exceeds my expectations. It’s useful for most, but not all, situations that I might need a cycling jacket.

I have some other Gore-Tex cycling gear, also excellent; however, their waterproof jackets are significantly more highly rated for waterproofing, but too bulky for a back pocket.

This Ale has the right amount of bulk, easily fitting into a back pocket and easily retrieved if I’m looking for that extra layer to slip on mid-ride as the sun sets and the temperature drops.

Many £100+/€100+ items these days are excellently made, but not all. At double that price, most things are excellent and well-made. At approximately halfway between those price points, this Ale jacket strikes me as being a near top-quality product.

Alternatives to consider

Try these

• Castelli Gabba RoS (Eu140): Heavier and more waterproof. Less breathable.
• Rapha Pro Team Lightweight Gore-Tex Jacket (£275): A very nice jacket with a very nice price tag. Comparable technical performance.
• Endura FS260-Pro Adrenaline Race Cape II (£85): Cheaper but probably not as well made, nor as warm.

Design Choices and Impact on Use

The design looks cool, but some of the technical details are more sensible reasons to buy it.

• Bonded Technology and Seamless Construction: Reduces weight and chafing, minimises water ingress points.
• High Collar plus elasticated cuffs and Waistband: Prevents drafts and aids aerodynamics.
• Reflective Details: Boosts visibility in low-light conditions, a brighter colour option than my black is probably safer (but less cool-looking 😉
• Waterproof Zipper with Cam-Lock Puller: The corded puller makes zipping up with gloves easier.

Technical specifications

• Weight: 135g
• Waterproof Rating: 4,000 mm/H2O (standard for light rain protection).
• Temperature Range: -2°C to 18°C
• Breathability: Not quantified in RET (Resistance to Evaporative Heat Transfer)
• Packability: Tightly folds to a bit over 10cm x 5cm x 5cm, fitting standard jersey pockets.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Breathability
• Lightweight and Packable
• High-Quality Design
• Good Temperature Range

Cons

• Limited Waterproofing
• Slim/Race Fit
• Colour Options – Only in black
• No pockets, no access to pockets underneath

Conclusion

A rain jacket that hits the sweetspot between price, breathability, waterproofing and design.

• Price: 154.95 €
• More: Ale
• Ale at Amazon.

This item was provided to us free of charge by the brand. The content is not paid for, and the Ale link is not affiliated – I get nothing if you buy it directly from the brand, but I do if you buy it from Amazon.