Altura Pocket Rocket Jacket

The Altura Pocket Rocket is the lightest, least frills waterproof jacket in the Altura range. It packs away really small, weighs next to nothing (110 grams for size medium - without stuff sack - 128g with) and is - surprisingly - actually waterproof.

Features include a (non-waterproof) full-length zip, a full-length stormflap, some reflective trim and detailing and thumb-loops. I'm not sure I see the point of the latter, but they didn't get in the way when not in use, so didn't bother me.

The cut is definitely racy/sparse. Looking around the reviews online, you'll see lots of people commenting on how short is in the body. This is so, but it's something you notice when you're not on your bike. Once you're in a riding position, the shape just works. To give you some idea, the zip is 56cm. On most of my similar waterproofs and gilets, the zip is at least 59cm.

Some of that may be to do with the pocket rocket having a low collar. It does let a bit of wind in, which is a bad thing if you're cold, and a good thing if you need a bit of ventilation. The collar isn't tight at all, giving plenty of space for a buff if it's a bit nippy out.

While the fabric is superbly waterproof, it's not the stretchy stuff (not that you can expect that for this price); there is a bit of breathing space in the chest. I don't mind that at all, it means I can use it throughout the year, it easily fits on top of a jersey and a long sleeve shell. Again to give you an idea, I'm 5'11", 38" chest and weigh 78kg or 12st 4lbs (on a good day) and was testing a Medium. I could probably have gotten away with a Small, but don't feel like the jacket is too big, it's certainly not overly flappy.

There are some reflectives: logo detail on front left collar, logo on front left shoulder, logo on right lower back and reflective stripe across lower back. This is definitely detailing rather than masses of reflectives. If you're going to be relying on a jacket to get seen in the dark, I'd go for the Night Vision Flite we reviewed a little while ago.

The jacket has so far stood up well to daily use. The only thing I've noticed is that the zip snags easily on the storm flap. In my view this is a function of having lightweight fabric - I get this on my other similar jackets and gilets too, but it's worth being aware of. Pulling it too hard may well results in a tear (but hasn't yet).

The only thing that would have made the jacket better (while not compromising on weight/pack size) is a silicone gripper hem around the waist stopping the jacket from riding up.

The stuff sack it comes with is more of a fat sausage shape rather than the round shape you get from others, this makes it quite handy to fit in a jersey pocket.

The Altura Pocket Rocket comes in 6 sizes from XS to XXL, in black or in yellow and can be had for under £50 if you shop around online.

Verdict

Very good lightweight waterproof at a great price