When riding during the colder months, keeping yourself warm enough without overheating is key to enjoying your ride. For this purpose, one of the most important pieces of clothing is one of the best winter cycling jackets.
However, with so many options on the market, deciding what to choose can be tricky.
While protection and breathability are the norm in cycling jackets, what makes the Santini RTR Winter Jacket stand out is its unique approach to sustainability.
put up
Santini said “the main goal of Ready To Ride [RTR] The aim of this range is to provide customers with a wide range of colors to choose from. However, the brand is keen to stress that while this extensive color range allows all riders to reflect their personality and style, it is also in line with sustainability and environmental values.
This was achieved by building the entire RTR collection out of white fabric, which was then dyed to the desired colour.
Speaking to Paola Santini, Santini Bikes Marketing Manager, she confirmed that the technology allows the brand to save energy and water while minimizing waste.
“Instead of dyeing each component of the garment (such as fabric, zippers, elastic and thread) individually,” Santini explains, “we dye all components together in one process after the garment is fully assembled.
“Additionally, Santini only dyes the colors that are actually sold, avoiding waste and overproduction.”
The theory made sense, the colorways would meet demand and not be overstocked, but when I asked for more information on the real product Impact of textile dyes on water systems, Santini told me the brand is “currently working with its dyeing partners to complete a report detailing the energy and water savings achieved through this approach.”
The report is expected to be published on the Santini website in the spring.
There are three pockets on the rear but no reflective details.
(Image source: Future)
When it comes to fit and functionality, Santini says the jacket is designed for a temperature range of -5 to +5°C/23 to 41 F.
The Santini is made from windproof stretch woven fabric and opts for a ‘classic’ cut, again with sustainability in mind. This makes the RTR winter jacket suitable for all seasons.
The slim torso protects the core, while the high collar keeps wind from blowing off your neck and there’s a three-pocket back.
I’m testing the women’s version, which is a smaller size, but both men’s and women’s versions are available in 8 colors and sizes XS to 3XL.
riding
As manufacturing has advanced, winter riding jackets have become so technical that I forgot how useful having a regular thermal riding jacket can be.
The fit of the Santini RTR Winter Jacket is truly “classic”, neither too tight nor baggy in the wind. I can layer or layer underneath depending on the outside temperature.
The interior of the RTR Winter Jacket is soft and the silicone dots at the back hem are clearly visible.
(Image source: Future)
The interior of this jacket is reminiscent of Roubaix insulation, with its soft, fluffy fleece trapping warm air and acting as a natural insulator. It held up well to the wind and protected me from the cold air as I descended the exposed hills of the Peak District in northwest England. Even in temperatures of 5°C/41F I can just use the thermal base layer.
On the other hand, climbing back up the mountain, I found the jacket breathable very well, preventing me from getting sweaty and soggy at the top.
When winter conditions become more difficult, or when riding requires less energy than usual, I simply pair the RTR Winter Jacket with the Santini Alpha Pack Vest for an extra comfort set-up and find myself warm and protected from the cold again The influence of air.
As long as it doesn’t get wet, it’s truly a “ready-to-ride” piece of winter gear. Many cycling rain jackets are now becoming slimmer, so consider pairing the jacket with a waterproof layer. While it’s far from bulky, it’s still much thicker than a long-sleeve sweatshirt. This means I can’t wear the Santini Guard Neos or the Castelli Idro 3 Rain Jacket on top.
I’ll either have to look for a slightly larger poncho from the other half of my riding gear, especially if I hope to carry anything in the back pocket of the RTR winter jacket, or accept that it’s for cold, dry weather Cycling only.
The rear pockets are set high and narrow, reducing the risk of anything popping out, but it does make them difficult to access, especially when wearing winter gloves.
(Image source: Future)
Speaking of pockets, the three pockets on the back of the RTR Winter Jacket are all decently deep, so there’s no need to worry about accidentally popping anything out while riding. However, this means they also sit quite high, and I found the access points to be a bit too small, especially when wearing bulky winter gloves. Even if I manage to reach in and retrieve an item, I worry that I won’t be so lucky to get it out.
My only other request was reflective detailing. I appreciate that I could have chosen a brighter color to improve visibility to other road users, but some strips or dots of reflective fabric at the back wouldn’t have gone amiss.
Value and conclusion
While I can’t verify the eco-friendly features of the Santini RTR Winter Jacket, I’ve often found that these features tend to add a premium to the price tag. The price is refreshingly modest at £140/$119. I think consumers need more evidence to back up the brand’s claims, otherwise it could be accused of greenwashing.
Even without the eco-friendly features, I know some winter riding jackets come with a hefty price tag, which feels like a great value to me. However, you do need to consider that you’re not getting a ton of technical features, and you may want to consider an extra layer of waterproofing.
I’d like to see some improvements in pocket shapes and adding reflective details, but if you’re in the market for a warm, breathable jacket to ward off the winter chill, the Santini RTR Winter Jacket is a great option.
Specification
- Fabric: Windproof stretch woven, sustainably dyed (claimed)
- Temperature: -5 to +5°C/23 to 41 F
- Sizes: XS to 3XL
- Color: eight
- Weight: XX
- Gender: Male/Female
