Proviz Nightrider Men's Cycling Jacket 2.0

If being seen on the road is your ultimate safety concern – and, let's face it, it probably should be – then the new version of Proviz's Nightrider jacket really couldn't do much more to help. It's made from two types of material: super-loud yellow high-vis and Proviz's REFLECT360 fabric at the shoulders and tail. Which means, whether you're cycling in daylight or darkness, as long as a source of light bounces off the jacket from somewhere, you'll be seen.

• Pros: Super-bright and visible, excellent weatherproofing and breathability, just enough pockets and features
• Cons: Not great for off-the-bike use, looks won't appeal to all

The effect of Proviz's high-vis yellow material is clear for all to see in daylight (the women's version uses an equally lurid pink), but it's the performance of the REFLECT360 material at night that is so impressive.

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To my eyes, that seems to have taken a step forward since Proviz's original REFLECT360 products and it really does need only the faintest light, not even hitting the fabric surface directly, to glow like a loved-up phantom. It's very impressive.

In other areas performance isn't quite so instantly startling but still accomplished. Waterproofing is faultless and the jacket dealt with some fairly nasty downpours admirably. Breathability is also surprisingly impressive; even on particularly hard rides, the inside of the jacket has remained bone dry.

Features

Other spec details are largely as you'd expect. There are two waterproof side pockets; an adjustable waistband; Velcro cuffs; a waterproof storm zip; and the seams have been sealed for extra protection. Proviz also specifies a mesh lining, which seems a small thing but – for me anyway – makes the inside of the jacket much more welcoming to wear than unlined jackets. In general terms, there's really not much more you could want.

Fit is more than satisfactory, too. There is enough length in the sleeve for a comfortable riding position, and the drop tail at the back is just about enough, although another inch wouldn't hurt. This XL version managed to do up across my stomach without putting up a fight, which is what I'd hoped for, so sizing is just right, too.

Long-term care is pretty straightforward. Once it's generally muddy, stinky or you've developed a streak of shame up the back, simply stick it in the washing machine at 30 degrees and hang to dry. I've washed this a couple of times now, to no ill effects.

Value

With a retail price of £74.99, this is a very fairly priced product, especially when you factor in its all-round performance and features. On the face of it, it's better value than the Madison Sportive Hi-Viz or the Pactimo Torrent, but then it is a slightly different product. I do think it stops just short of being an all-out bargain, though, because of the overall impression it gives... I don't think you would confuse the Nightrider with a premium product. There's a little bit of micro-fleece lining at the collar, but that's all in terms of luxuries and it feels a little short on 'specialness'. That's a shame because, in use, it's very impressive.

> Buyer's Guide: 8 of the best high-visibility winter cycling jackets

Of course, simply getting to your destination in one piece while staying warm and dry might be all the cosy and fuzzy feeling you're after. In which case the Proviz Nightrider jacket is a very, very competent cycling jacket.

Verdict

Very impressive high-vis/reflective jacket for wet and dark – or even bright and dry – conditions