Price: $120 ($84 on sale at time of review)
Colors: Black
Sizes: XS-XL (women’s); S-2XL (men’s)
Packable: Yes, into the chest pocket
Weight: 110 grams
Fit: True to size
Material: UltraAire™ 2-way stretch fabric
Availability: Online, Retail
How obtained: Company sample
RBR advertiser: No
Packable, Ultralight Windbreaker
Introducing the Nathan Sports’ Hypernight Stealth Jacket, a packable and ultralight windbreaker that will enhance your cycling, running, and hiking experience. Say goodbye to the annoying “swish, swish, swish” sound that accompanies most windbreakers, as this jacket eliminates any noise. Packed with a range of impressive features, it is available in both women’s and men’s versions, with the women’s version even featuring a convenient hole in the hood for ponytails.
Loop snugs the hood tight and a pontail hole (women’s only) for added comfort.
After putting this jacket to the test on several rides, I must admit that I am obsessed! It performed flawlessly in cold (30s) and windy (20 mph) conditions, both on road and trail. The jacket’s design allows easy layering, accommodating a jersey and base layer underneath while maintaining a streamlined fit that doesn’t flap or billow in the wind. The 2-way stretch fabric ensures freedom of movement on and off the bike, while the ample sleeve and hem length provide excellent coverage. The hood fits comfortably over a helmet; when not in use, simply tuck inside the jacket to prevent parachute-like effects in the wind.
The standout feature of this jacket is undoubtedly its UltraAire fabric, which is incredibly lightweight and packable. It can be easily folded into its own pocket, making it easy to carry in your jersey pocket or bike bag. Additionally, there is a built-in loop for hanging the jacket if desired. The wind and water-resistant fabric boasts a DWR finish, effectively repelling water and ensuring quick drying even after sweating.
Rear vents allow heat to escape.
The jacket features vents in the back that allow heat to escape and prevent overheating. Other notable features include a zippered chest pocket that doubles as a stuff pouch mentioned earlier, providing convenient storage options. The reflective half-tone camo print on the jacket enhances visibility in low light conditions, with the front torso, upper back, and both arms adorned with this reflective print, offering 360-degree visibility.
The jacket’s camo print and arm design improve low-light visibility.
Yes, this jacket only comes in black. I wish Nathan’s offered another color, like orange, to be more visible when biking during daylight hours. But the reflective half tone camo print comes alive in low light conditions. The front torso and upper back have a reflective print as well as a band on both arms, offering 360-degree visibility.
Bottom Line
Nathan Sports’ Hypernight Stealth Jacket has quickly become one of my favorite pieces of bike gear I’ve tested this year. Its ultra-lightweight fabric makes it feel like you’re not wearing a jacket at all, yet it performs flawlessly in keeping wind and moisture out. The packable design makes it ideal for travel and activities, including biking, hiking, running, and skiing. Hopefully, the company will consider offering more visible daytime colors for road riders in the future.
Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women’s cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri’s full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.
Yet another jacket that only comes in black. Because of that, I’ll have to pass.
Black jacket in th shadows of trees certainly equals stealth & stealth on a bike can equal death. Also a PASS.
But it’s BLACK! Why do they make it only in black? I don’t care how good it is, I wouldn’t wear that in any season in any time of the day or night. Those paltry little refletive strips aren’t anywhere close enough to be effective. If it was on sale for $15 I wouldn’t buy it. Yellow or orange please.
How irresponsible to manufacture something that is not safe to be worn while cycling on the road! I can’t believe anyone would wear a black jacket to ride on the road! What happened to wanting to be seen? The sleek look of black is only good for mountain biking, maybe.