Rapha expands Explore collection with new outerwear aimed at bikepacking

Rapha has released an expansion to their Explore collection, its clothing line specifically aimed at bikepacking and adventure riding.

The latest range includes new baselayers and a new packable down jacket aimed at being used both on and off the bike. With the collection tailored towards bikepacking, the new items have been designed with multi-day rides in mind, ensuring that they are versatile away from the bike too.

Read more: Beginners' guide to bikepacking

© Rapha

The Explore down jacket has been designed to be light and packable

The Explore down jacket is compressible and packable, designed to make it easy to carry on the bike when not being worn. The responsibly sourced goose down has been selected for its insulation-to-weight properties in order to keep the jacket light. The outer shell of the jacket is made from ripstop nylon with a water-repellent treatment that offers protection from light rain.

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The Explore pullover has been added to the range as a lightweight base layer

Joining the new jacket is the Explore pullover. This acts as a lightweight insulating layer offering protection against the wind and light rain with the use of Windblock fabric. Following on the theme from the jacket, the pullover has a small form factor when packed away.

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The men's Explore zip neck pullover includes a chest pocket and two ventilation zips

The final addition to the collection is Explore zip neck pullover. This is the only garment in this release that has both a men's and women's option and adds a zip to the regular pullover.

The addition of the zip allows riders to put on and take off this layer easily without the need to remove a helmet. Although not a massive deal, when trying to regulate body temperature on a multi-day ride, the easier it is to take layers off and put on the better. The item also features two ventilation zips along with a chest pocket, increasing its versatility over the regular pullover.

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There is also women's zip neck pullover with the same features as the men's

Pricing and availability

The new collection is available from Rapha now with a size run from XS through to XXL with a selection of different colourways.

• Men’s Explore down jacket - £280 / €320 / $340
• Men’s Explore pullover - £110 / €125 / $134
• Men’s and women’s Explore zip neck pullover - £120 / €135 / $146

Are you a fan of the new bikepacking clothing or do you think specific bikepacking gear is a bit of a fad? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Rapha

Rapha is a cycling clothing manufacturer based in London, England. The company produces premium clothing for road and gravel cycling, mountain biking, and a lifestyle range too.