Solaris Women’s Reflective Waterproof Active Jacket

Why we keep coming back to it

Most 'multi-sport' jackets are a compromise that pleases nobody. The Solaris is the exception we keep reaching for. Proviz built its reputation almost entirely on high-visibility gear for cyclists and runners who train after dark, and that focus shows: the reflective transfer print across the arms, shoulders, and lower back isn't a token strip of tape — it's a wrap-around treatment that catches headlights from multiple angles simultaneously. At $89.99 it undercuts most of its Gore-Tex-adjacent competition by a wide margin.

Waterproofing and breathability in the real world

The 15k/15k rating (15,000mm hydrostatic head, 15,000g/m²/24hr moisture vapor transmission) puts this solidly in the 'reliable commuter rain gear' tier — capable enough for sustained rain on a 45-minute run or a two-hour ride, but not what you'd reach for if you're covering mountain marathon distance in a Scottish November. The PU waterproofing is paired with Tricot 4-way stretch fabric, which means the jacket moves with you instead of fighting your stride. Crucially, there's no bulky inner mesh lining — that's weight and packability you don't lose. Waterproof zips complete the picture; the seams are sealed, so rain doesn't find a back door.

The underarm and back ventilation is doing real work here. Breathability ratings are notoriously optimistic in lab conditions, but the physical vents give you a pressure-release valve on sustained efforts when the membrane alone can't keep pace with your output.

The pockets situation

Three pockets: two front zip-entry, one rear. For running, that's more storage than most jackets in this class. For cycling, the rear pocket placement is exactly right — you can reach it mid-ride without contorting. All zip-entry, which matters when you're moving fast and don't want a gel bouncing out into traffic.

Fit and finish

The elasticated, adjustable waistband and Velcro cuff adjusters let you dial the fit in ways that matter in wind and rain. The brushed collar is a small detail that earns its keep on cold mornings — it sits against your neck without scratching. The Coral colorway we tested is genuinely bright (less aggressively neon than some hi-vis gear), and the fully reflective logos add a second layer of nighttime pop beyond the transfer print.

The honest caveats

At 0.71 lbs it's not the most packable jacket in the category — dedicated ultra-running shells weigh half this. And while 15k/15k is solid, serious cold-weather cyclists layering under bib tights in January may find it thin without a mid-layer. UK sizing runs true to size in our experience but verify against Proviz's size chart; the size 08 (UK) runs closer to a US 4.

Bottom line

For the runner or cyclist who trains in shoulder-season conditions and refuses to be invisible in the dark, this jacket solves two problems — safety and weather protection — at a price that doesn't require a separate line item in the household budget.