Rapha has added two completely new pieces of kit to their bikepacking Explore range, the Explore Gore-Tex C-Knit jacket and Explore pants. Both are aimed at all-weather adventures whether it's bikepacking, gravel riding, or mountain biking.
Using Gore-Tex's C-Knit material, the new Explore jacket is said to offer excellent breathability and ventilation, as well as complete rain protection. The C-Knit fabric sits just below Gore-Tex top technical fabric, Pro 3L. That means it gets Gore-Tex's 'guaranteed to keep you dry' promise as well as being considerably more weather-proof than most of the best MTB jackets with generally opt for Gore-Tex's water-resistant Infinium fabric.
The jacket features a two-way Aquaguard zip on the front to prevent water ingress and allow the jacket to be opened up from the bottom to avoid billowing. The rear of the jacket is also vented to help better regulate body temperature. The two external pockets also get aquaguard zips too.
The fit is tailored around layering and designed to fit a down jacket underneath in case you need extra insulation. There is a hood as well which has been shaped to fit under a helmet.
As this new jacket is aimed at bikepacking, it has to be able to be stored easily on the bike. Rapha says that the Explore Gore-Tex C-Knit jacket can be rolled up into its hood for packing.
The pants appear to share some similarities to the Rapha Trail Lightweight pants but have a slimmer fit and some extra bikepacking-specific features. Rapha says that the pants are made from a lightweight, abrasion-resistant, and quick-drying material which is also DWR treated. There is an adjustable belt configuration for closure and the hems are cinchable if you want a closer fit around the ankles. The Explore pants have four pockets, two zipped pockets on the side and two hand warmer pockets on the front.
The jacket is available in either Dark Navy or Brick and the pants come in Black or Dark Grey options. The jacket is pricey, coming in at $530 / £395 / AU$710 while the pants retail for $180 / £140 / AU$240.
For more details on Rapha's new Explore Gore-Tex C-Knit jacket and Explore pants, head over to Rapha.cc.
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