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’s nonetheless enough inventory of some materials for Castelli to supply the Tempesta Lite with Gore-Tex Energetic Expertise for the subsequent few seasons.
In direct distinction to the Castelli Squall Shell which you carry in case you’re unfortunate with the climate, the Tempesta Lite is the form of jacket that you just placed on at first of a trip and take off should you get fortunate with the climate. The branding on the jacket merely says ‘Gore-Tex’, however the swing tag says ‘Gore-Tex Energetic Expertise’, which was the model’s most breathable cloth earlier than Shakedry, and one which I used to be a fan of.
There is just one color choice, mild gray, for males or ladies, with males’s sizing from S to 3XL and the ladies’s model from XS to XL.
Building
As talked about, the material is Gore-Tex Energetic Expertise, though the distinction between the Tempesta Lite and my older Energetic-Shell jackets appears to be within the face cloth. The unique clothes had an ordinary face cloth that was advantageous when the DWR (sturdy water repellency) remedy was new, it suffered from wetting out when the remedy wore off which tremendously affected breathability. Nevertheless, this newest model appears to utilise a softer, virtually hatched materials with some stretch in a single course, however none within the different. After all, all seams are taped and the YKK zip is water resistant.
(Picture credit score: Tim Russon)
The cuffs are a little bit odd, with a tapered however elastic-less outer cuff and an internal gasket constituted of Lycra. Much more eye-catching is the rear of the jacket; there’s a slit throughout the decrease again so to attain into your jersey pockets and beneath this can be a panel of black Gore-Tex Topo cloth. 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, but it surely must be extra seen than the regulation Shakedry black (besides perhaps 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 measurement 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 must discover your personal packing technique.
The Experience
Regardless of its low weight, donning the Tempesta Lite definitely appears like you’re placing on a water-resistant jacket somewhat than a taped windproof. Partly, that is as a result of 3-ply nature of the material, which, regardless of its softness and suppleness nonetheless feels extra substantial than some supplies. It additionally appears like a correct waterproof, with the rustling that I affiliate with getting correctly togged up for a moist outing, and because the cloth isn’t notably forgiving I might really feel slight dragging when transferring regardless of the tremendous tender C-knit backer. All these components assist in direction of a sense of safety and safety that lighter jackets don’t present.
Match is private, however I a lot most popular the lower of the Castelli Squall Shell that I examined just lately to that of the Tempesta Lite. The shortage of stretch within the Energetic Expertise cloth implies that the lower must be a little bit extra beneficiant in locations, to permit for consolation within the using place, so the general really feel is of an endurance somewhat than race-orientated match – suppose bike packing somewhat than wet-weather intervals.
Not as shut becoming as some, however nonetheless properly lower
(Picture credit score: Andy Jones)
I wasn’t positive 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 interior Lycra cuff helps a little bit, however I might a lot somewhat have had a less complicated, single, elasticated cuff design; my older Energetic Shell merchandise have regular cuffs so I’m unsure why Castelli has chosen this design for the Tempesta Lite. On the plus facet although, the sleeves have been loads lengthy sufficient even in a stretched-out place on the bike
I used to be additionally not notably eager on the rear pocket entry design. I perceive the idea, however rooting about via a flap to find a selected pocket and discover a gel, all while most likely carrying heat gloves appears over-complicated, pointless and troublesome. I suppose it will work extra simply in the summertime with simply mitts on, however then I’d recommend you most likely wouldn’t be carrying this jacket as summer season bathe safety. My desire can be for a two-way zip as an alternative corresponding to on the Espresso Vest which permits fast and easy accessibility with out worry of getting your hand caught behind your again in a possible monkey entice. I ended up pulling the rear of the jacket up over the pockets if I wanted to entry them.
(Picture credit score: Andy Jones)
In the end, nonetheless, the one most vital query is a straightforward 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 skill 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 protracted soaking and though I don’t suppose that it reaches Shakedry’s talents, it’s a very completely different product that might fortunately co-exist with the lighter cloth.
Worth and conclusion
I’ve resisted mentioning the value till now, however I can put it off now 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 gained’t must 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 when it comes to breathability and waterproofness in sustained moist circumstances, however until you constantly spend lengthy durations 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 form of money on a day by day put on jacket that’s uncovered to the worst street grime, spray and rain, so its market is likely to be somewhat restricted. As advised above, the potential patrons 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 count on nothing much less.