Ornot is getting serious about wet weather with the introduction of the Fog Eater Hooded Rain Jacket, a new waterproof shell designed for riding in less-than-ideal conditions. Built with three-layer Pertex Shield fabric, a cycling-specific fit and enough everyday versatility to wear off the bike, the Fog Eater joins Ornot's lineup of technical cycling apparel with a price tag of $325.

The San Francisco-based company has built a reputation for functional cycling clothing with understated styling, and the Fog Eater follows that approach. It's designed to provide protection from rain and wind without looking like something you need to take off the moment you step away from your bike.

At the heart of the Fog Eater is three-layer Pertex Shield fabric, designed to provide waterproof protection while allowing moisture vapor to escape. The fabric also receives a PFC-free durable water-repellent (DWR) treatment, avoiding the use of PFC chemicals in the water-repellent finish.

The jacket features a dropped rear hem for additional coverage in the riding position and a two-way waterproof front zipper that provides some flexibility for ventilation and access. A three-point adjustable hood with a rain peak and an adjustable hem help keep the elements out while allowing riders to fine-tune the fit.

Ornot has included a useful collection of storage options, including hand-warmer pockets, internal drop pockets and a zippered rear pocket. Reflective details add visibility in low-light conditions.

One particularly practical feature is the jacket's ability to pack into its own left-hand pocket. When the rain stops, the Fog Eater can be stuffed into a compact package and tucked into a handlebar bag or pannier until it's needed again.

Although the Fog Eater is designed with cycling in mind, Ornot hasn't gone overboard with race-oriented styling. The fit is optimized for riding but intended to look and feel appropriate for everyday use as well. Ornot specifically mentions pairing it with the company's Mission Pants, reinforcing the idea that this is a jacket you can wear beyond your regular rides.

For fat-bikers, a waterproof outer shell like this has applications well beyond riding in the rain. Fall and spring conditions often bring a mix of cold rain, wet snow, wind and changing temperatures. A shell that can be layered over different combinations of base layers and insulation can be a useful addition to a year-round riding wardrobe.

The packability is appealing, too. Having a weatherproof layer available without dedicating a large portion of your bikepacking luggage or handlebar bag to rain gear is a definite advantage, especially during rides when conditions can change quickly.

The Ornot Fog Eater Hooded Rain Jacket launches October 15, with men's versions available in Stone Green and Citron and a women's version offered in Citron. Both carry an MSRP of $325 USD.

At that price, the Fog Eater enters the premium cycling rain jacket category, where fit, breathability, weather protection and durability all become important considerations. Those are things that can only be properly evaluated after spending some time wearing the jacket in actual riding conditions.

We're expecting a Fog Eater to arrive for review, so we'll have more to say once we've had a chance to put some miles on it in Wisconsin weather. With the cooler, wetter months arriving, the timing should provide plenty of opportunities to see how it performs.

More information: Ornot Fog Eater Hooded Rain Jacket

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