MAAP has introduced a game-changer for cycling freaks. The MAAP Atmos Pertex jacket and vest provide riders with ultra-light hydrophilic cycling apparel. The hydrostatic head rating is as good as 20,000mm as it still sustains breathability. Atmos is one of the most innovative Pertex Shield fabrics, featherweight face fabric tips the scales at a minuscule 4.2 ounces for the men's jacket and 3.1 ounces for the vest.
Low Volume and Simple Design
Low in volume yet high on performance and packability, the MAAP Atmos Pertex Jacket & Vest retain a low profile. The cut removes excess volume while maintaining full freedom of movement when layering over a lightweight summer road jersey or something a bit thicker for winter. These key areas, such as cuffs and hems, have been bonded to enhance pack-down, allowing them to be stored neatly in a jersey pocket. As if that's not enough, MAAP has opted for a simple graphic design with several colour options, along with some reflective additions, to raise the stakes of visibility from every angle and in any weather.
Breathability
MAAP's new Atmos jacket costs £270, which isn't out of the ordinary for a super-light jacket that's also fully waterproof and extremely breathable. The breathability of the jacket alone is huge. Anyone can make a jacket out of cheap, thin plastic that's 100 percent waterproof and call it a day. It wouldn't be nice to ride in it for more than a few minutes.
Comparison With Other Apparel
Large size Atmos is very light weight 150g – lighter than the Gorewear Race and in an altogether different league to the Showers Pass Spring Classic. The fabric so thin you can roll the jacket into a ball the size of your fist which then easily disappears into your jersey pocket.
Stretchiness
The fabric is Pertex Shield, a new three-layer soft ripstop material. In use, Pertex Shield feels soft, quiet and stretchy which makes it a jacket that can accommodate some middle-age spread. That stretchiness also means that it's easy to get on and off, which is important in a garment that's cut snug to minimize flapping and drag when you're putting the hammer down or descending.
Minimalistic Masterpiece
The Pertex Shield fabric is the secret of the Atmos, because after that there's not much more to say about MAAP's minimalist masterpiece. There are no pockets – not even a flap to let you get your hands in your jersey pockets underneath. These cuffs have no zips or Velcro, just a thin but effective elasticated section there and the rear hem to keep the jacket close to your body.
The YKK zip is locking and bi-directional, so you can zip up from the bottom for more cooling without the jacket flapping around like a windsock, and it also allows you to access your jersey pockets whenever you want.
Value
Just over a year ago, Gorewear announced that it was discontinuing the production of its popular Shakedry waterproof fabric which means what's out on the market will be there for the future. But even at £300, the premium price that Gorewear demands for the Race Shakedry, it's still considered one of the best cycling jackets you can buy because it has 174g ultralight construction and outstanding performance.
For those with a similar alternative, the Velocio Mens Ultralight Rain Jacket will set you back £292 for a touch more weight at 182 grams but with other added conveniences such as internal pockets and jersey pocket access slits. The Altura Icon Pocket Rocket Waterproof Jacket is considered a more budget-friendly choice at around £125 and also offers lightweight packable excellence, although some users report its breathability to be average.
Conclusion
When you know it's going to rain, but you'd like to save yourself from it, then the MAAP Atmos is one of the more compelling options: all but perfectly waterproof, supremely packable, and strikingly stylish though you'll pay a pretty penny for it.