Review: Santini 365 Transparent Jacket

Start road racing in the UK Springtime, you soon realise that a clear race cape is a vital piece of clothing to have in your kit bag. Spring time downpours and low temperatures are a dangerous mix, and as you need to show your team colours and the race number pinned to your jersey when you race, an opaque rain jacket is not an option.


The 365 Transparent Rain Jacket from Santini is a great race cape; comfortable, close fitting and made to a high standard. With the inclement weather that has been hitting the UK over the last few weeks I've been putting it through its paces...

The jacket is made of the breathable, wind-proof and water-resistant Windtex fabric that is often found on winter jackets. Compared to cheaper race capes that feel rather like a plastic bag, the Windtex fabric makes the 365 jacket feel like a quality and far nicer piece of kit.

The fabric performs admirably out on the road as well; when you start to put the effort in the jacket gives an impressive amount of breathability, aided very well by the mesh upper back and vent that help to circulate air around your shoulders.

The jacket is well fitted and there is a fair bit of stretch in the fabric to allow freedom of movement, without it flapping too much in the wind. It is often worth sizing up in Santini products; the jacket I have is a size large and is close fitting (I normally wear a medium).

The quality and performance of the fabric and the detailing in terms of the back vent, elasticated collar and strong zip make the 365 a great jacket. Investing in a good clear race cape is money well spent, and this one from Santini is a prime example; when you are battling the elements in the peloton this season you will be thoroughly grateful for it.

The Santini 365 Transparent Jacket is available from many online retailers in the UK, and has an RRP of £83, though you can often find it far cheaper in the sales.