Review: Albion ZOA Rain Shell

From hiking to snow sports, from biking to climbing, the humble waterproof is a staple of the outdoors. Particularly if, like me, you live in the UK. And there’s truly a plethora of different fabric types designed to keep you dry – the challenge really is matching the right jacket type to the appropriate activity and season. If you dabble in various disciplines across locations and seasons, it’s a dilemma that can see your wardrobe filled with a whole range of fabrics and cuts. I for one, have a fair few variations of the waterproof membrane.

What it boils down to is adequate protection balanced with the right moisture management. Something that becomes increasingly difficult when you up the intensity. Something like, let’s say, cycling. What this can mean is that you have very specifically designed items for specific activities, where perhaps the cut and style of the item deems it suitable only for one very particular job. While this is great for creating highly specialised items, it’s less good for personal finances and of course the environment.

The golden ticket therefore is some form of do-it-all. Now, this rarely exists. Instead what we’re usually left with is a master of none. So if aiming for ‘it all’ might be far too ambitious, how then about something to tick off say two or three boxes?

For me journeys by bike are what really give me joy. Packing up light and heading out across long distances over as long a time as I have available. What this provides is a pretty tricky hole in my wardrobe. A waterproof that looks and feels good on the bike and also can be worn more causally. It needs to be packable, highly breathable but remaining properly wind and waterproof (the holy grail of shell jackets), and have a fit that’ll be useful for a variety of scenarios. What I mean by that is, tight enough fitting to be functional on the bike, loose enough to squeeze some insulation underneath. Personally, I am a fan of hoods. I like how they look and in a proper downpour am always glad to have one.

I’ve owned a few shells in the past bought specifically with this task in mind, namely most recently the Arc’teryx Beta SL. But truth be told, I’ve always found the fit to be a bit baggy for riding bikes in. Granted, bikes are not what the Beta is specifically designed for. It was however very packable, just about wind and waterproof enough and acted as a highly versatile layer that got a LOT of use. After about five years and a crumbling inside membrane, time for replacement it is.

Considering the fit, this is definitely a cycling jacket. But in the loosest of terms. What I mean by that is that the Zoa Rain Shell is not restricted only to cycling.

It’s probably not the ideal jacket for someone looking for a super packable emergency rain shell for day rides. There are lighter weight, more packable options available in that department. The Zoa is more your ultra dependable multi-day bikepacking option, your every day commuting jacket or all rounder for someone with a penchant for riding their bike a lot regardless of the weather forecast.