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As I mentioned in a previous review, I’ve been getting deeper into cycling. With longer rides and more time on the road, I needed gear that could handle unpredictable weather. Living in Muskegon, Michigan, I already knew that spring conditions change fast. I’ve left home in the sunshine only to hit rain halfway through a 20-mile ride. After a few soaking-wet returns, I knew I needed a solid rain jacket.
I’ve had good luck with GOREWEAR in the past. I used one of their jackets for running and liked how it fit and performed. So when I went looking for a cycling jacket, I stuck with what worked. The GOREWEAR Lupra 2.0 GORE-TEX Hooded Jacket turned out to be more than just a good pick. It is now the jacket I reach for in just about every situation.
Built for the Bike, But Ready for Anything
Even though GOREWEAR designed this jacket with mountain biking in mind, it works great for all kinds of use. I’ve worn it on bike rides, during runs, at track meets (I coach middle school track), to work, and just walking around town. I even throw it on when I’m cold or when it looks like rain. It’s that kind of jacket. It is light, packable, and ready for anything.
It folds up small and fits in the back of my truck, so I always have it close. Whether I’m commuting, coaching, or out for a trail run, it’s the one jacket I know I can count on.
Thoughtful Design That Actually Works
Right away, I noticed the thought that went into the design. GOREWEAR clearly listened to feedback and improved little things that make a big difference. For example, I had a gripe with the sleeves on one of their older running jackets. They felt too tight, and I couldn’t pull them over my running watch. This one solves that. The sleeves are adjustable with both an elastic band and Velcro. I can tighten them to block wind or loosen them to slide over my watch without a struggle.
The hood also has features that I like. It’s roomy enough to fit over a bike helmet, but you can also cinch it down with three adjustment points: one on the back and one on each side in the front. That lets you shrink the hood’s volume when you’re not wearing a helmet. It stays put, even in wind or on the move, thanks to silicone prints and a reinforced brim. I wore it on a 15-mile run in the rain, and it stayed snug the whole time without bouncing or shifting around.
Real-World Performance in Wind and Rain
This jacket uses GORE-TEX EPE membrane technology, which delivers real waterproofing without bulk. GORE-TEX promises to keep you dry, and in my experience, it lives up to that promise. On that rainy run, the water rolled right off. I stayed dry the entire time. Same with my rides. Wind doesn’t cut through it, and the fabric doesn’t soak or sag like cheaper jackets.
Even when I wear it during high-output activities like running, the breathability holds up fairly well. I won’t say it’s perfect, if you throw it on while running in the rain and the temps rise, you might heat up. That’s one thing I’d improve: I’d add armpit vents to dump excess heat. But even without them, it doesn’t feel clammy, and I’ve never ended up soaked in sweat at the temperatures that I wore it in.
Fit, Features, and Little Details
The fit leans toward a regular cut, not too slim, not baggy. It layers well over a base or mid-layer without restricting movement. Pre-shaped elbows and shoulders help a lot with mobility, especially when I’m riding in the drops. The drop-tail back adds coverage and blocks road spray and keeps my back covered.
The jacket has two zippered hand pockets that are deep and secure. The zippers themselves glide smoothly and don’t snag. The full front zip is two-way, which gives you more options for venting or adjusting your fit while riding. The soft lining on the collar feels good against the skin, and the reinforced neck holds its shape nicely.
Reflective hits on the elbows and lower back give a bit of low-light visibility, which I appreciate on early morning or late evening rides. The whole thing weighs just over 10 ounces, and it packs down small into its own stow-away pocket.
Final Thoughts on the GOREWEAR Lupra 2.0
At $260, the GOREWEAR Lupra 2.0 GORE-TEX Jacket doesn’t come cheap, but I believe it’s worth the investment if you’re serious about staying dry and comfortable in unpredictable weather. You can pick from several sharp color options like engine green, utility red, cargo blue, lab graphite, lime yellow, and black. Sizing runs from small to XXL, and I found the sizing true to standard.
This jacket has become one of my most-used pieces of gear. It’s lightweight, waterproof, windproof, and versatile enough to wear on a bike ride, on a run, or to a track meet. GOREWEAR nailed it with this one. If you want more information or you’re ready to grab one for yourself, check it out at www.gorewear.com. I highly recommend it. Just don’t be surprised if you end up using it a lot more than you expected.