Castelli Perfetto RoS 3 review: the softshell jacket designed to “deliver ultimate performance in all conditions”
Bike expert Rob tests Castelli's newest softshell bike jacket, made to wow come 'Rain or Shine' as the moniker suggests.
220 Triathlon Verdict
This is the jacket I’d grab for all but the rainiest of rides. Superb tech and a fantastic fit. Score: 85%
Pros
- Offers wind and weather resistance
- Close, aero fit
- Ample storage
Cons
- Not super shower-proof
- A zipped pocket would be useful
I’ve long been a fan of ‘soft shell’ style jackets for hiking, so I was pleased to be testing something similar for cycling. Castelli say this new bike jacket is “perfect for most conditions”. It’s described as windproof, highly water resistant and is said to come with “industry leading breathability”.
These claims are all linked to the use of Polartec’s AirCore fabric. Like Gore-Tex, Polartec is an ‘ingredient’ company that supplies fabric technology to multiple brands.
Its AirCore fabric combines air permeability with a nano-fibre membrane in an effort to maintain weather protection while delivering sweat wicking and breathability. Sounds great, right? And, well, it is.
How we test bike jackets
Our team of 220 Triathlon expert reviewers have over 20 years of testing experience between them. This cycling jacket was tested in the UK in different weather conditions and temperatures to assess comfort, weatherproofing, performance, breathability, durability, value for money and bike-specific features like secure rear pockets and windproofing. For more details, see how we rate and test products.
Performance and weather protection
The Perfetto RoS 3 exceeded my expectations on most of my rides. The windproofing was effective and there’s a small storm flap that runs along most of the zip externally to help with this.
In terms of water protection, there doesn’t seem to be any sign of a durable water repellent (DWR) coating as the fabric wets out quickly. This doesn’t mean the water gets through, but a damp outer fabric does reduce breathability and can make you feel colder.
I didn’t experience any water ingress through the material itself on my rides, but the zip and the seams (apart from the taped seams on the shoulders) are where you’ll find moisture getting through.
I don’t think that’s really an issue, though. This isn’t built to be a waterproof jacket and it’d work well with a lightweight outer shell if you were planning to go for a properly wet ride.
Fit and comfort
There’s more to like, too. The cut feels close and aerodynamic without feeling overkill, while there’s an excellent amount of stretch to the fabric. It means you can add a couple of layers underneath without any issues, but even with minimal layers there’s no looseness or flapping fabric.
At the rear you get an extended drop tail for protection against road spray, while up top there’s a tall collar to help keep warm air in. The cuffs also fit closely, keeping cold air out.
Pockets and ventilation
I was also impressed by this jacket’s ventilation, breathability and the ease with which you can regulate your temperature.
If you do find yourself getting warm you can open the two large, mesh-backed zip openings on the front of the jacket, which act as vents. That’s further boosted by the two-way zip which, again, is great for boosting airflow.
The upper zip has an additional pull tab to help you grab it when gloved up, but the bottom zip doesn’t so it is harder to use in such circumstances. And it’s the same story with the small zip tabs on the vents, too.
Additional features include three open pockets on the rear for stuffing other layers, but you don’t get a zipped one, which feels like a shame.
Castelli Perfetto Ros 3 specs
| Price | $320 / £280 |
| Weatherproofing | windproof, water-resistant 5,000HH, for 4°C – 14°C / 39°F – 57°F, breathability 25,000 g/m² MVTR |
| Features | 3 rear pockets, ventilation zips, drop tail, reflective detailing, PFAS-free, two-way zip |
| Weight | 8.6oz/244g (UK M) |
| Materials | Polartec AirCore |
| Sizes | XS-3XL |
Rob Slade
