The Rapha Core Rain Jacket III is the threequel to the autumn and spring club-run staple, with some incremental but useful updates and, most importantly, a switch to a new Pertex fabric that offers dependable waterproofing and decent breathability. It does exactly what it promises, and comes in a great deal cheaper than almost identical jackets.
First up, there’s the material. While its predecessor used small holes in the armpit to provide ventilation (which always feels like a bit of cheat on ‘breathable’ jackets), numero trois upgrades to a breathable-but-waterproof Pertex Shield fabric.
While lightweight waterproof cycling jackets can be a little crisp and shellsuity, Rapha’s material has a weightier and more premium feel, and it resisted occasional thorns when my cycling route went a bit off-road.
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Rapha has applied some kind of Tardis-like properties to this material, though, because it’s still lightweight and easy to roll up and stuff into a jersey pocket.
2025-Rapha-Mens-Core-Rain-Jacket-drop.jpg (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)Rapha Core Rain Jacket III: On-ride performance
The Rapha Core Rain Jacket III certainly lives up to its claims of breathability. I wore it for an eight-hour ride into Wales and Gloucestershire on a surprisingly mild winter day; when temperatures hit double-digits it got just a little warm on the ascents, but as the sun set and the air cooled it prevented wind chill.
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The only time I felt the cold was when I bailed on the ride and was waiting for a train that evening (don’t judge me!), but the Core Rain jacket isn’t marketed as insulated. I’d agree with Rapha’s claim that it’ll keep the cold away down to 1°C – just as long as you’ve got a decent base layer and you keep moving.
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Rapha doesn’t rate the jacket’s hydrostatic head, but in the real world it kept me impressively dry in everything from that wintry mist that dampens you to the bones to catastrophic downpours.
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The only time I felt damp was after a soggy, muggy three-hour ride, but it can be hard to tell if this is rainwater coming in from the outside or sweat from the inside.
2025-Rapha-Mens-Core-Rain-Jacket-taped-seams.jpg (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)Rapha Core Rain Jacket III: Pockets and zips
There are no pockets here at all, which presumably helps keep the weight and size low. This may seem like an oversight on a £100-plus jacket, but it makes sense to think of it as a layer – and there’s something to be said for negating the hassle of transferring your gels, keys, and lucky pet rock into your jersey pockets when you remove the jacket.
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This does make it trickier to access your pockets while you’re riding with the jacket on – but Rapha has you covered with a zip upgrade. The Core Rain jacket includes a two-way zipper, which unzips both upwards and downwards, making it easier to move the jacket out of the way and access your belongings.
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This two-way zip also means the jacket flaps behind you and you can pretend to be your caped superhero of choice. It’s not a particularly new thing, and I’m not sure why Rapha didn’t think of it earlier, but it is a welcome addition.
2025-Rapha-Mens-Core-Rain-Jacket-zip-detail.jpg (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)Rapha Core Rain Jacket III: Fit and colour
The Core Rain Jacket III isn’t meant to be a racy fit. Rapha recommends that you go for your usual sizing–which is large in my case. I have unnecessarily long, ape-like arms but it kept my wrists protected. It’s a little tight around the midriff, but I’ll blame that on my current penchant for reduced-price mince pies, and there is enough stretch in the material to accommodate middle-aged spread. If you’re usually on the cusp of two sizes it would be a good idea to try both and dial that fit in.
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Rapha sent us the purple edition to review, but it’s available in seven tones: mostly black and muted greys, as well as a deep orange. They all feature a retro-reflective Rapha logo and armband on the left sleeve.
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Now, the supplied shade of Quality Street/Schwarzkopf nan-dye purple has proven a little divisive among friends and family (they tried to burn it), but it’s really grown on me: it’s distinctive and bold and stands out in a sea of Pas Normal pastels.
Value
Is it worth £140?
Depending on your budget, it’s either a lot for a jacket or pocket change. However, its £95 price tag at most retailers puts it in the same bracket as Galibier’s Tourmalet 4 jacket.
But, here’s a thing: MAAP’s Atmos Jacket, which we highlighted as the best money-no-object option in our rain jacket round-up, uses the same Pertex Shield fabric, weighs a mere eight grams less and costs almost three times as much. So in terms of value, Rapha has this category sewn up. Or taped-seam up.
Check out our best waterproof cycling jackets for more options.
Conclusion
There is very little to dislike here and Rapha has made an almost perfect rain jacket with a perfect price tag. Definitely the Return of the King of cycling jackets.
What does the manufacturer say about this product?:
From sudden heavy downpours to incessant rain showers to drizzly descents, the Rapha Core Rain Jacket III provides the waterproof protection you need to keep riding comfortably through it all. The fully waterproof Pertex 2.5-layer woven construction and fully taped seams are the key to its outstanding wet-weather performance. Rapha has also used a 2-way AquaGuard® zipper to prevent water from seeping inside while also giving you airflow control and easing access to rear jersey pockets.
The fit is kept to Rapha’s regular cut, a fit tailored to all body shapes and for easy layering. And when the rain finally abates, the lightweight fabrics make this a rain jacket that’s easy to roll up and stash in a jersey pocket. An instantly recognisable Rapha armband and reflective logo complete the package of this premium cycling waterproof jacket.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of this product:
Fully waterproof Pertex 2.5l woven construction provides all-day protection from the elements
Constructed from lightweight Japanese fabrics for easy storage when the rain stops
Fully taped seams to ensure waterproofing and improve wind resistance
Two-way AquaGuard® zipper – for easy pocket access while riding and the ability to easily increase airflow for cooling
Iconic Rapha armband branding with reflective logo to increase visibility in low-light conditions
Regular fit for a range of body types. Recommend choosing your normal size
Recommended temperature range: 1 to 15°C
Rate the product overall for quality (1-10):
9/10
Rate the product for performance when used for its designed purpose (1-10):
7/10
Rate the product for value (1-10):
7/10
Rate the jacket for fit:
9/10
Any further comments on fit?:
More forgiving than race-fit jackets, with plenty of drop, and room for extra layers underneath in the bleakest midwinter.
Any comments on sizing? Did it size up too big or too small?:
While it runs a little tight around this particular belly, the fabric’s slight stretchiness means it doesn’t feel restrictive or revealing.
Rate the jacket for weight:
9/10
Any further comments on weight?:
At 158 grams, this is a super-light jacket, and one that you won’t notice when packed into a jersey pocket.
Rate the jacket for comfort:
8/10
Any further comments on comfort?:
Despite the low weight, the material feels substantial and robust, although the lining is a little plasticky against bare arms.
Rate the jacket for waterproofing, if applicable. How did it stand up to the elements?
8/10
Rate the jacket for breathability:
8/10
Any further comments on breathability?:
This only became clammy during the most punishing of climbs.
How easy is the jacket to care for? How did it respond to being washed?:
Rapha says to wash at 30°C and tumble dry to refresh waterproofing; I did both and it came out good as new.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your overall score
Minor niggles with fit aside, this is a well thought-through jacket perfect for showery spring and autumn days.
Age: 25  Height: 173cm  Weight: 65kg
I usually ride: Road bike  My best bike is: Road bike
I’ve been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Semi pro
I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,