Solaris Men’s Reflective Waterproof Active Jacket

The problem it solves

Most runners own a running jacket. Most cyclists own a cycling jacket. They sit in a pile by the door because neither works for the other activity — the running jacket billows in the drops; the cycling jacket rides up weirdly on a jog. The Proviz Solaris is a genuine attempt to collapse that pile into one garment, and for the most part it works.

At $89.99, it sits in the honest middle of the market: not a technical shell with a Gore-Tex price tag, but a real waterproof jacket with real specs backing the claim.

Waterproofing and breathability

The 15k/15k rating means the fabric can handle a sustained soaking — 15,000mm of hydrostatic head before water pushes through, and 15,000g of moisture vapor transmission per square meter per day. That's comfortably beyond what you need for a 45-minute run in the rain. For multi-hour rides in genuinely wet conditions, it's adequate rather than exceptional, but the seam-sealed construction means no sneaky leaks at the stitch lines, which is where cheaper jackets quietly fail you. The PU waterproofing is paired with Tricot 4-way stretch, which meant the jacket moved with us rather than fighting us through a full stride.

The underarm and back ventilation panels matter more than the spec sheet suggests. Waterproof fabrics trap heat; Proviz punched the right holes in the right places, and the jacket breathes noticeably better than similarly-priced competitors we've tested.

Reflectivity — the real selling point

If you run or ride before sunrise or after sunset, this is where the Solaris earns its keep. The transfer print hits arms, shoulders, and lower back — which covers the sightlines that actually matter to drivers coming from behind, alongside, and head-on. The logos are fully reflective too, not just printed in a lighter color. In a car's headlights, the jacket lights up. It's not a gimmick; it's the reason to buy this over a generic waterproof layer from a sportswear brand that treats visibility as an afterthought.

Fit and feel

At 0.71 lb, the Solaris packs light enough that you'll forget it's in a jersey pocket. The elasticated waistband, Velcro sleeve cuffs, and brushed collar are the small details that separate a jacket you wear until it falls apart from one you donate after a season. The waistband in particular pulls the hem close on a run without cinching you into discomfort on a bike. We'd call the fit athletic — you want to size up if you're layering over anything heavier than a base layer.

Storage

Two hand pockets and a rear pocket. On a run, the hand pockets are genuinely accessible; on a bike, the rear pocket is the one you'll use. Three pockets on a jacket at this price is more than we usually see.

What it doesn't do

There's no hood. For a jacket marketed on waterproofing, that's a meaningful absence — you're going to need a cap or helmet to keep rain off your face. The brushed collar is a comfort touch, not a substitute. We'd also note the 15k rating, while solid for most conditions, won't satisfy riders who train through extended downpours; if you regularly ride for three-plus hours in heavy rain, you'll want a higher-rated shell.

Color options appear limited to navy blue, which is fine but not the high-visibility neon that some low-light commuters prefer alongside their reflectivity.

The bottom line

For under $90, the Solaris delivers what it promises: serious reflectivity, honest waterproofing, and a design flexible enough to earn its place whether you're on a saddle or pavement. It's not a gear-nerd trophy, but it doesn't need to be.