Quick Look: Craft Essence Light Wind Bike Jacket

Craft (www.craftsportswear.co.uk) have been creating sports clothing for over four decades and design apparel for some of the world’s top athletes. We had the chance to try out some of their cycling kit and check out their heritage in the Essence Light Wind Bike Jacket and additional range of cycle kit.

What is it?

Ultra-lightweight, windproof and water-repellent bike jacket.

Who is it for?

Our test item was the male-specific model, but Craft offer the Essence Light in a female cut version too. The windproof jacket tucks easily into your jersey pocket. Craft currently offer Core, Advanced and Pro kit options. The Windproof jacket is part of their Advanced range.

How is it made?

The jacket is very lightweight, only 43g according to Craft for our male version. There is no denying it feels exceptionally light. The materials are premium and feel good to the touch. There’s not any real give in the main body material but the fit is provided by generous and very accommodating elastic side mesh venting panels.

The zipper is free-running with a decent wind-stopping internal flap and and a zip garage under the chin to minimise any scratching.

Look and fit

A very flattering silhouette for the jacket which is quite fitted, but ample ‘give’ is offered by those side mesh panels so I’d say it was very forgiving should that lunch stop be a bigger meal than planned!

Extra features of the Jacket

Elasticated cuffs keep wind out and these have a soft lining detail as does the collar around the neck for additional comfort. Small, unobtrusive reflective details front and rear offer a little bit of extra visibility, but I would say this was more of a daytime jacket designed to be stowed away until the wind picks up or a shower looms!

At the rear of the jacket a small flush pocket allows you to pack up the Essence Jacket and this packs down and will fit easily in a jersey back packet. It even fitted perfectly into a Muc-Off Essentials phone case we featured recently.

Is it worth your money?

At £75 it’s not cheap, but it performs really well and the fold down size is brilliant and so in my eyes, the price can be justified. The Essence feels like it will be a durable addition to your cycling kit and its totally up to the job of keeping you dry and warm in a tight spot.

It packs down into a tiny pouch and weighs barely anything, so it won’t affect your hill climbing either!

Additional items from the range:

Craft Essence Bib Shorts (Men £80 / Women £80)

Soft, stretchy and durable fabric
Efficient moisture transport
Recycled polyamide
Lycra® Sport Energy compression fabric with 4-way elasticity
Wide, elastic leg endings with silicone print
Reflective details
Infinity C3 Pad/Infinity C3 Pad Women
Core range

Craft Essence Bike Shorts (Men £65 / Women £70)

Soft, stretchy and durable fabric
Efficient moisture transport
Recycled polyamide
Lycra® Sport Energy compression fabric with 4-way elasticity
Wide, elastic leg endings with silicone print
Reflective details
Infinity C3 Pad/Infinity C3 Pad Women
Core range

New Adv Hmc Endur Graphic Bike Jersey (Men £75.00 / Women £75.00)

Plenty of vented panels to keep you cool. Good sized pockets at the rear with headphone routing and a zipped pocket for keys/cards. Interesting graphics that are not too shouty!

Advanced bike jersey designed together with the Handmade Cyclist. Made of soft and stretchy fabric offering excellent moisture transport during intense rides. Body-mapped mesh panels for enhanced ventilation.