Vaude Jackets

Fabric Tech and Weather Performance

The headline act across Vaude's waterproof range is the Ceplex Active membrane - a laminated construction that delivers a hydrostatic head of 10,000mm or above, which means it holds up in proper heavy downpours rather than just a bit of drizzle. A 10,000mm rating is the threshold where a jacket genuinely copes with sustained UK rain, not just a shower. Just as important is what the membrane lets out: Ceplex Active is designed with breathability as a priority, which matters when you're working hard on a steady climb and generating heat fast. Trap that moisture inside and you end up just as wet from sweat as you would've been from rain.

The outer face fabric is treated with Vaude's Eco Finish - a PFC-free DWR coating that beads water off the surface before it can saturate the fabric and drag down breathability. Traditional DWR treatments used PFAS chemicals that persist in the environment; Vaude ditched those across the range years ago. The coating performs comparably in real conditions, though like any DWR it does deplete with washing and hard use - more on keeping it working below.

The softshell side of the range trades some outright waterproofing for stretch and breathability. If the forecast shows dry but bitter - the kind of cold that bites on fast descents in the Peaks - a Vaude windproof softshell lets you move freely and stays comfortable across a much wider output range than a sealed hardshell. Think of it as the jacket you reach for when overheating is the bigger risk. For anything involving actual rain, step up to a Ceplex-laminated hardshell. Both have their place; the mistake is expecting one to do the other's job.

Fit, Cut, and What to Expect from the Range

Vaude jackets sit in a more relaxed cut than the hyper-fitted aero shells you'd find from some Italian or Lycra-first road brands. That's a deliberate choice, not a shortcoming. The extra room lets you layer a Vaude jersey and a mid-layer underneath without feeling shrink-wrapped, which is exactly what a UK commuter or tourer needs through November to February. You're not racing - you want to arrive dry and comfortable.

Cycling-specific shaping still runs through the construction. Articulated sleeves are cut with a forward-rotated angle so your arms sit naturally when you're on the bars - reach forward and you won't find the cuffs creeping up your wrists and letting in cold air. The drop tail extends the rear hem so there's coverage over your lower back and the top of your shorts when you're bent over the bars; it's a small detail that makes a noticeable difference on longer rides in wet weather. Reflective detailing on shoulders, chest, and hem adds 360-degree visibility for dark-morning or evening commutes without making the jacket look like a hi-vis vest.

Compared to Endura jackets or Altura jackets, Vaude's positioning leans towards the tourer and commuter end rather than the performance road racer. If you want something closer to a skinsuit-tight road shell, those brands have options worth a look. If you want a jacket that works across commuting, touring, and occasional trail riding with room to breathe and layer, Vaude makes a strong case. Worth knowing: if you want core warmth without sleeves getting in the way on milder days, check out the Vaude gilets range as a complement.

Layering, Care, and Getting the Most from Your Jacket

A Vaude waterproof works best as part of a system rather than in isolation. On cold, wet UK days, pair it over a moisture-wicking base layer and a lightweight fleece or softshell mid-layer. The Ceplex Active membrane needs airflow through the layering stack to move vapour away from your skin - pile on a bulky non-technical mid-layer and you'll slow that process down. Keep mid-layers breathable and the system functions properly. Overshoes and overtrousers from the same range complete the picture for longer wet rides.

Caring for the Eco Finish DWR is straightforward but worth doing properly - a neglected DWR is the most common reason a jacket stops shedding water. Wash at 30°C using a dedicated technical apparel cleaner like Nikwax Tech Wash. Biological detergents and fabric softeners are the enemies here: biological enzymes break down the DWR treatment, and softener residue clogs the membrane's pores. After washing, the DWR needs heat to reactivate - tumble dry on a low heat setting for 20 minutes, or use a low iron over a cloth. If the jacket is still wetting out after that, a PFC-free spray-on reproofer such as Nikwax TX.Direct will refresh the coating. Do this twice a season if you're riding regularly in rain and the jacket will perform consistently for years.

Packing for a ride in variable weather? Vaude's packable shell jackets compress into their own chest pocket - small enough to stuff into a Vaude rucksack side pocket without thinking about it. That's the jacket you want on a long day out when the forecast is a guess.