Mavic

Crossmax H2O Jacket

If you've ever tried to ride in the glorified plastic bags that are occasionally passed off as waterproof riding jackets, you understand that soaking from the inside out can be even worse than getting drenched in a deluge. But the Mavic Crossmax H2O Jacket is built from Cocona fabric, so it’s both breathable and waterproof.

As its Crossmax branding would lead you to believe, the H2O jacket is intended for both long trail rides and race applications, so it’s essential that it breathes, instead of holding in sweat. That’s why Mavic opted to use Cocona’s Xcelerator fabric, which some claim is the most functional waterproof breathable material on the market. That’s because along with it being waterproof, the breathability far surpasses most of its peers. This allows the H2O jacket to transfer moisture out of the jacket, keeping you dry from the inside out. And when you’re an hour into a high-elevation climb and the weather just won’t let up, that’s the difference between being dry and comfortable, and being soaked and flirting with hypothermia.

Materials aren’t the only interesting part of the story. You probably guessed it, but Mavic cut the H2O jacket to keep you covered when you’re in the saddle. That means that the sleeves are long enough to keep your wrists covered, the shoulders are roomy to accommodate a seated position, and there’s a drop tail to block wheel spray. Additionally, Mavic included its Pak Back, which is basically two zippers that expand the back, allowing you to wear the Crossmax jacket over your hydration pack, where the pack, and its contents, will be protected. And there’s also a zippered chest pocket to keep your ride essentials close at hand.

The Mavic Crossmax H2O Jacket is available in five sizes, from X-Small to X-Large, and in the colors Black and Athletic Green.