Shimano Rifugio rain jacket in the test: With the Rifugio jacket, Shimano offers a light jacket for cold days that should protect you from wind and rain.
Data on the Shimano Rifugio (Kumano) jacket
| Fitting | Locker |
| robustness | 75% |
| Raincover | 70% |
| windshield | 94% |
| breathability | 83% |
| reflectors | Ja |
| Sustainability | Ja |
| Price | €199,95 |
First impression
First of all, we have to talk about the name of the jacket, because the jacket was originally called the Shimano Kumano jacket on the German market. As part of an international naming standardization, it was also renamed the Shimano Rifugio in Germany.
The jacket feels velvety soft, but the material is relatively thin and highly elastic. Accordingly, the Rifugio is very light to wear and does not restrict movement in any way. It also feels comfortable to wear straight away. For a better fit, the hem can be adjusted using a drawstring, while the cuffs are elastic. The hood also has an elastic waistband and can be completely stowed away in the collar. It is held in place in the collar pocket using small snap fasteners. Shimano has arranged the front zip asymmetrically to make room for a second ventilation zip. When opened, this creates a ventilation slot approx. 3 cm wide, behind which there is a net so that the jacket does not flap around in the wind. The jacket only offers storage options on the back, but there are two large lockable compartments that can easily accommodate a smartphone. Small reflectors on the back, chest and cuffs ensure greater safety in traffic.
When it comes to sizes, Shimano differentiates between North and Latin America, Europe and Asia. Our test jacket was size L for Europe (North America size M, Latin America size G, Asia XL). We recommend that you check carefully when choosing the size. With a height of 1,83m and a chest circumference of 97cm, the jacket fits very loosely in size L. A size smaller would have been better here. During the test ride, a light insulating jacket could be worn underneath.
Shimano Rifugio jacket in practical test
Shimano advertises the jacket for MTB use, but due to the thin material, the jacket should not be used for use where falls or brushing against trees and rocks are possible. The strength of the Rifugio is that it is like an invisible shield against wind and rain. As already mentioned, the jacket is very comfortable to wear and also sits perfectly on the bike. The collar with recessed hood is particularly successful. This encloses the neck very well and makes wearing a scarf almost superfluous. However, if you would like wind protection up to the chin, you will have to use an additional scarf. The hood did not work so well. It is very generously dimensioned and sits loosely over the helmet, which leads to annoying flapping in headwinds. Unfortunately, there is no adjustment option to fix the hood with a drawstring. Alternatively, thanks to the thin material, the hood can also be worn under the helmet, which we would recommend. The jacket does a good job in terms of wind protection and breathability, although it would be nice if there were more ventilation openings. On the other hand, the jacket with its DWR coating should not be exposed to rain for too long. Even though Shimano does not actively promote it, the jacket can be completely stowed away in one of the two back pockets, making it an ideal backup if the weather is changeable.
We'll tell you what you should consider before buying a rain jacket here:
The best rain jacket for biking: 10 Questions You Should Ask Yourself Before Buying a Rain Jacket
Rain jackets are an indispensable item of clothing for cyclists - whether on a racing bike, mountain bike or e-bike. They protect against wind, wetness and cold, but not every jacket is suitable for every purpose. Before you buy a rain jacket, you should therefore ask yourself a few important questions. This will help you find the jacket that best suits your needs. [...]
