Commuting in style: This Castelli jacket is my new favourite piece on the bike
2-6-2025
Translation: machine translated
Pictures: Christian Walker
Functional, but still beautiful - that's how I want my cycling jacket to be. Specifically: it has to protect me from the wind in the morning, keep me dry in the rain and make me visible at dusk. The "Commuter Reflex Jacket" from Castelli does all of this.
I've been looking for a new, better jacket for my daily 14-kilometre commute to the office on my e-bike for a long time. When I set off in the morning, it's often still chilly. So far, I've been travelling in a Vaude jacket. It has two and a half layers, is warm and waterproof.
But the Luminum II is too thick for spring and summer. In my search for a lightweight jacket that is windproof and waterproof and makes me highly visible, I have now found what I was looking for.
I like the «Commuter Reflex Jacket» from Castelli. It's not a combination of gloomy black with reflective stripes. Nor is it so bright that I turn into a canary when I wear it. You can't guess how bright they are. Castelli speaks of an «almost invisible reflective print» that has been applied to the entire surface of the jacket. There are thousands of tiny squares that are barely noticeable from a distance in daylight. Up close, however, they give the jacket that certain extra design touch.
At night, the luminous print shows its true strength. When light falls on the fabric, for example from a car headlight or a street lamp, it creates an interesting effect. I don't just have a uniformly bright area on my back or chest, but an irregular pattern. This results from the different sizes of the squares.
The «Commuter Reflex Jacket» gives me a secure feeling of being seen. During the day, on the other hand, I like the fact that I don't stand out when I enter the office. With my neon yellow jacket, on the other hand, the whole of District 5 has always known that Mr Jungfer came to the office by bike today.
Good against water and wind
In spring and summer, rides at dusk are rather rare. Rain showers, on the other hand, are more common. With its 20,000 water column, I can be sure of staying dry. A 40-minute test ride in heavy continuous rain serves as proof from real-life testing.
Excessive perspiration is prevented because the jacket is breathable. Castelli specifies a value of 20,000 MVTR (Moisture Vapour Transmission Rate). This means that 20 kilograms of water vapour can escape per square metre within 24 hours. To put this into perspective: a membrane is considered very breathable from 10,000, with the very best achieving up to 40,000. Nevertheless, when it's pouring with rain, the humidity is already very high; there is then little possibility of equalising the climate between my skin and the jacket. There's definitely a bit of a Masoala hall vibe.
I can also provide ventilation if necessary. To do this, I simply leave a cuff in the jacket open at the waist. This allows air to come in from below. Conversely, cool morning air stays outside when I close the cuff. However, if it's warmer than 15 degrees and I make an effort, I still get a little too warm under the jacket.
The elasticated cuff is not sewn directly into the jacket. This is why it falls straight down the body even when the cuff is closed and retains its slim silhouette. With other jackets, differently designed cuffs often ensure that the jacket closes more tightly around the waist, creating an almost skirt-like look.
Little weight in the rucksack
Weighing just over 350 grams (size L), the «Commuter Reflex Jacket» is not exactly a lightweight, but is still barely noticeable in your rucksack.
I think it's good that Castelli hasn't included a hood. When it rains, I prefer to wear a rain cover over my helmet anyway. I then close the zip of the jacket as much as possible and the neck and collar are also reasonably protected. The fact that the back is cut slightly longer also has a positive effect in a shower. This protects the lower back and saddle from getting wet. And the Castelli jacket has sufficiently long sleeves - which is rarely the case with other manufacturers.
The Velcro fasteners on the cuffs and two side pockets with zips round off the successful overall jacket package. I can stow the key for the lock and my iPhone in them. There is even a red ribbon on the collar to hang the jacket on a hook.
In a nutshell
Discreet during the day, bright at night
The "Commuter Reflex Jacket" is designed and made for cyclists like me. The cut is perfect. The back and sleeves are long enough. Despite its functionality in wind, rain, dusk and at night, it is also suitable for everyday use.
Pro
- adjustable cuffs with Velcro fastener
- Almost invisible reflector print during the day; good light effect at night and at dusk
- Sturdy and easy-to-use zip fasteners
- Very good protection against wind and rain
Contra
- no additional ventilation under the arms
Martin Jungfer
Head of Content
Martin.Jungfer@digitecgalaxus.chJournalist since 1997. Stopovers in Franconia (or the Franken region), Lake Constance, Obwalden, Nidwalden and Zurich. Father since 2014. Expert in editorial organisation and motivation. Focus on sustainability, home office tools, beautiful things for the home, creative toys and sports equipment.
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