The Gorewear Spinshift Gore-Tex Jacket is a thoroughly well-made and largely weatherproof layer that has good reflective detailing and comes in an array of colours.
The fit and sizing don’t quite map to Gorewear’s second-skin claims, though a workable fit is certainly achievable. The lack of a double-zipper and more tail coverage is a shame, but the Spinshift is more affordable than some of the competition, and remains a very serviceable rain jacket with improved environmental credentials versus older models.
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Gorewear Spinshift Gore-Tex Jacket design and specs
As a successor to the category-defining Shakedry jacket, Gorewear’s Spinshift Gore-Tex Jacket has big shoes to fill. It uses a more sustainable three-layer ePE (expanded Polyethylene) membrane layer between two layers of polyamide – some of which is recycled – in addition to the DWR coating, and falls under Gore-Tex’s guarantee to keep you dry.
The fit is less performance-driven than the competition, with looser arms and a more forgiving torso shape, though Gorewear says it is a slim fit and has been designed with a moving body in mind. It packs into a built-in zippered pocket and weighs 160g (XL), which is light without being market-leading.
Gorewear Spinshift Gore-Tex Jacket performance
As one of the leading lights of waterproof activewear, Gore-Tex and Gorewear were under pressure to find a high-performing replacement for Shakedry, and the early judgements on this new three-layer membrane are positive.
Among many jackets on test, the Spinshift was very effective at keeping me dry during on and off showers, but during sustained periods of heavy rain, I did start to notice some slight signs of slight water ingress. Like the cold weather-focussed Spinshift Thermo there is a DWR coating applied, and it is possible to see the beading working effectively while riding in the rain. Plus, the taped seams do their job.
Unsurprisingly, this well-made jacket was at its most breathable in drier conditions when the membrane was totally dry and clear, though I was still able to maintain a comfortable temperature once drizzle started. My usual complaint about the lack of a double-zipper applies to the Spinshift too, with Gore omitting this easy ventilation boost. Plus, the main zipper clags up a bit around the Gorewear logo, which is quite annoying.
Handily, the jacket’s windproofing was good, so I felt confident pairing the Spinshift with just a base layer and a long-sleeved jersey on days when it dipped into single-digit temperatures. There’s no insulation, which contributes to a competitive weight of 160g (XL).
The fit – or what Gorewear calls its Kinetic Garment Design – is an area that might split the vote somewhat. Considering the price and the general positioning of this jacket as high-performance – and the fact it’s listed as ‘Slim Fit’ – the jacket’s looseness around the abdomen and distinct lack of taper towards the lower hem surprised me.
In a riding position, there is a noteworthy amount of empty material flapping around in the wind, which matches the loose feel of the collar, unless padded extensively with a buff. There is also a relatively short drop tail, which meant the top of my bibs took on quite a lot of rain. The elastication at the tail is quite modest, with just a thin thread to suck in the material.
For me, the snug shoulder width was ideal and the sleeves were perfectly proportioned, overlapping with my gloves comfortably. The semi-elasticated cuffs are a similar design to the ones on Q36.5 Rain Shell Jacket, with 180° of elastication over the inside of the wrist and then some double-thickness, longer fabric covering the outer wrist.
The fit overall presents an issue, as the test jacket was an EU size XL (with no UK size listed), which is a size up from my usual L (188cm 84kg). With the sleeves ideal, and the body length good (albeit with a short tail drop), sizing down to my normal large might have made the lower torso area fit better, but that would then compromise these other areas.
It might have made sense to have had a closer and more elasticated fit around the bottom hem, akin to what is used on the Q36.5 Rain Jacket Shell, allowing for versatility and a svelte fit.
The small, zipped and waterproof pocket is a useful touch that can take an iPhone and a few other bits comfortably. And while it’s a nice idea to wrap the jacket into its own pocket, it’s a fiddly operation and personally I wouldn’t waste the time. I stuck to rolling and folding into a jersey pocket.
With technical waterproof clothing, garment care is very important. Make sure to check the instructions carefully and only wash with an approved detergent. I’ve been using the Grangers Performance Wash for jackets that I’ve tested. Gore’s website says you can use a small amount of ordinary liquid detergent.
Gorewear Spinshift Gore-Tex Jacket review verdict
The Gore-Tex membrane used in Gorewear’s Spinshift Jacket is both windproof and largely waterproof, performing well in all but the most torrential and sustained downpours, at which point it loses some effectiveness. The breathability, build quality and much of the design is good, though some odd sizing, and claims of a second-skin-like fit don’t quite add up.
It functions very well as an everyday jacket, which will see off brief spells of bad weather, rather than one for all day adventures or speed-focussed road riding.
- Buy now from Gorewear £225
