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Pearl Izumi Optik Jacket

Women's Clothing > CyclingRated: **** by 19 reviews. Also available for: Men

Altrec Outlet

For rides that start out in changing weather, there's no better companion than the Pearl Izumi Women's Optik Jacket. A mix of water and wind resistant Optik fabric panels and stretchable, waterproof and breathable Optik WxB panels provide performance comfort whether riding through a rain shower or cold headwind. Unlike your average windbreaker, the Pearl Izumi Optik women's cycling jacket is form fit with snug elastic cuffs and waist so it doesn't flap annoyingly as you cruise along at a steady pace. It packs into its own mesh stuff pocket for compact storage in a saddle bag or rear pocket of a cycling jersey.

Features:

  • 100% polyester, Optik fabric is highly breathable, water and wind resistant; 100% nylon laminate Optik WxB is stretchable, waterproof, and breathable
  • Form fitting with snug elastic cuffs and waist for a performance fit
  • Full-length zippered front
  • Highly packable, interior mesh stuff pocket for compact storage
  • Optik fabric is ultra-lightweight and highly compressible
  • Reflective logos front and back

Paragon Sports

There's no better companion than the Pearl Izumi Women's Optik Jacket; It provides performance comfort and is form fit with snug elastic cuffs and waist so it doesn't flap annoyingly as you cruise along at a steady pace.

Features:

  • Form fitting with snug elastic cuffs and waist for a performance fit
  • Full-length zippered front; Reflective logos front and back
  • Highly packable, interior mesh stuff pocket for compact storage
  • Lifetime manufacturers warranty
  • Material: [Body] 100% polyester; [Side Panels] 100% nylon laminate
  • Packs into its own mesh stuff pocket for compact storage in a saddle bag or rear pocket of a cycling jersey
  • Ultra-lightweight and highly compressible; Water resistant

Backcountry.com Outlet

Some wind-and water-resistant jackets make you feel like you just stuck your torso into a carboard box. Pearl Izumi added stretch side and sleeve panels to the Women's Optik Jacket, so you get weather resistance outside of the box. Layer a short-sleeve jersey under the semi-fitted Optik Jacket on chilly mornings, and stash this lightweight, packable jacket in your hydration pack when the sun comes out.


Sierra Trading Post

Ridiculously light at 3 oz., Pearl Izumi's Optik cycling jacket protects you from the vagaries of spring riding and stuffs into its own passport-sized pocket.

Features:

  • Care: Machine wash/dry
  • Classic Fit
  • Elasticized cuffs and waist
  • Fabric: Polyester
  • Full-zip front
  • Hidden zip pocket at side back
  • Length: 26"
  • Lower back hem
  • Reflective logo
  • Ripstop polyester is wind and water resistant
  • Visit our Cycling Gear Guide
  • Weight: 3 oz.
Core Venting:No
Country Of Origin:China
Hood:No
Manufacturer Warranty:Lifetime
Material:[Body] 100% polyester; [Side Panels] 100% nylon laminate
Pockets:1 Interior stuff pocket
Recommended Use:Road biking, training

View other products from Pearl Izumi classified in Women's Clothing > Cycling.

View all products from Pearl Izumi.
View other products classified in Women's Clothing > Cycling.

Sometimes, we can't be sure that the product is the same across the stores that offer its, so you may find the same product listed more then once on GearBuyer.com, we these list highly similar products below.

Pearl Izumi Optik Cycling VestPearl Izumi Optik Cycling Vest$19.23

Sometimes brands make complementary products for the opposite gender that coordinate with this product, we also try to show these products below.

Pearl Izumi Optik JacketPearl Izumi Optik Jacket - Men's$53.97 - $67.39
Pearl Izumi OpTik VestPearl Izumi OpTik Vest - Men's$41.97 - $48.99

These are products that have been indicated being comparable to this product:

Sombrio Artemide Storm JacketSombrio Artemide Storm Jacket
Women's Clothing > Jackets & Vests
$109.98
Gore Bike Wear Phantom II JacketGore Bike Wear Phantom II Jacket
Women's Clothing > Cycling
$79.98
Hincapie Sportswear Silhouette JacketHincapie Sportswear Silhouette Jacket
Women's Clothing > Cycling
$104.98
silver star GearBuyer.com Top 25 Category Product
View other top products in this category...

Option Availability:

Use this chart to find which retailer offers this product in the size, color or other options that you desire. Click on the price to purchase.

ColorSize
SmallMediumLarge
Screaming Yellow
Screaming Yellow
44.89  
Lime Green
Lime Green
31.98  
Celestial Blue
Celestial Blue
42.4642.4642.46
Black
Black
 67.4667.46
Pearl
Pearl
  89.95
Real Passion
Real Passion
42.4642.4642.46

Legend

  •     - Sierra Trading Post
  •     - Altrec Outlet
  •     - Paragon Sports
  •     - Backcountry.com Outlet

Pearl Izumi Optik Jacket Reviews Summary:

RatingNumber
of Reviews
*****11
****4
***1
**3
*0
To see how this product compares to others view Women's Cycling Clothing Reviews.

Positive Reviews:

finally found the one

Rating:*****
Love this jacket - just purchased my second one - and I searched long and hard before finding the right fit in an amazingly packable 3 oz jacket. SIZING: A Large fits me perfectly. I'm a tad over 5'7. 145 lbs. Broad shoulders, busty (34D) but otherwise slim-ish (hips 38", waist 30 1/2"). I tried similar jackets in other brands, even other Pearl Izumi lightweight jackets, in mens and womens. They were either too tight in the chest and shoulders or they were too baggy in the body. So if you're shaped like me and looking for a fitted cycling jacket that easily fits in your jersey pocket or saddlebag, you're in luck. I've worn it twice and got rained on for 10 minutes today. the water really beaded up on it and didn't soak thru, so it works well, at least for limited duration showers. I bought it because I wanted something I can fit in a jersey pocket that lets me adjust warmth on a ride with variable temperatures (which is every ride, right?). I have the white with black - looks sharp (and just ordered moab). I have slim forearms, but can only push the sleeves up 5" or so because the wrist elastic won't stretch much. I've always found that a curious constraint on athletic gear since you often need to adjust venting constantly. I can overlook this limitation. lightweight full front zip, but no back zip pocket (unless you buy a more recent model, not likely on sale). that's fine - i want less bulk in this and would rather use my jersey for pockets. The jacket has a 3x3" mesh interior pocket, for stuffing the jacket, that would fit a key and credit card/dollars. The reflective logos are tiny - don't count on them for your entire visibility ;-) Overall, highly recommend this.
Enna Kins at Altrec Outlet on 11/06/2009

Large in Fall 2007 version narrower than other season Large

Rating:*****
This is a sizing update to my "finally found the one" review here. The Large Moab women's optik jacket I just ordered from Altrec is about two inches narrower than the fit I described in my other review, which described a White Pearl Large women's optik I ordered elsewhere. The Altrec item showed "Fall 2007" season on the neck tag, whereas my other jacket had a different clear plastic sort of neck tag that didn't indicate which season model it was. The Altrec Fall 2007 version measured exactly 40" in circumference at the level of the underarm seam where the sleeve joins with the body, whereas my other Large measured 42" at the same location. My 39" bust (that's without taking a deep breath) did not really fit in the Fall 2007 version without showing an unattractive pulling across the chest and uncomfortable constriction in the shoulders when I put my arms forward as if cycling. Also, when I moved at all, the bottom slipped up to bunch at the top of my hips a bit, which didn't happen with my 'larger' Large ... and I'm not a wide or hip-py person relatively speaking. Anyway, the Moab is gorgeous, a bright marigold color, and I hated sending it back. So if you're not pushing the upper boundaries of the attached size chart for Large, you should go for this item.
Enna Kins at Altrec Outlet on 11/12/2009

Love it

Rating:*****

I usually buy a medium, but based on the reviews here I got a large. It fits me well, with room enough for a base layer and long sleeve jersey. I can see how a medium would have had a tight fit, but the sides are stretchy to accommodate the tightness, and a medium might have been ok. Cycling gear is meant to be tight so that it doesn�t flap in the wind. It is shorter in front so that it fits well when you�re riding. I suggest you try on the jacket and then get on your road bike for a spin around the block and then decide how you like the fit. I love the feel of the fabric and how it packs up so small. It blocks wind and light rain and it great for long days when you are riding through temperature changes.. I love this jacket and wear it a lot. Plus, the color is super bright which makes you more visible to cars. If you mostly ride a hybrid on the bike path, this jacket may not be what you're looking for, but if you do long road rides I think you'll appreciate having it along.

msjustine2u2236821 at Backcountry.com Outlet on 03/16/2009

The perfect stowaway jacket

Rating:****
This is my second Optik jacket. I gave my well-worn tennis-ball yellow one to a friend and she loves it. My first one was a size small and it was a little tight in the armpits. I wanted the flaming pink-red color and little more give, so I went for a medium this time. It is slightly too big. For sizing reference, I'm 5'7', 125 pounds, 34B, and I wear a small in Pearl Izumi jerseys. Naturally the Optik in medium is roomier, and I'm fine with having a bit more fabric rustling in the wind. It's a great micro windbreaker: tough, ultra-light and stuffable, and pretty in pink. I didn't give it all five stars because only Rapha products are truly perfect.
Green Velocipede at Sierra Trading Post on 09/23/2009

Versatile

Rating:*****

I love the versatility of this jacket and like the high visibility aspect of it. The optik is a must have for any cyclists wardrobe. The packability is great and while it's not water proof, it does help deflect light rain. This is my second Optik jacket. I'm glad to see that Pearl Izumi fixed the zipper and did away with the "reverse zipper" which was a major pain; no problems with the new model. The older version without the stretch panels actually seemed to fit a little better. The 2008 version fits my looser in the shoulders so I'm seem to get more of the "parachute effect" over both shoulders on fast descents. Otherwise, a great jacket!

jensen_meg944496 at Backcountry.com Outlet on 10/13/2008

It is pretty small

Rating:****

I'm 5'9 and 135 lb and this jacket in a medium fits me well. It's long enough when I wear it with my riding shorts, and the sleeves are plenty long. I even have barely enough room for a fleece. I wore this on a cold, misty afternoon and it did a great job at blocking the wind/wetness and it packs into an itty-bitty ball to stuff in my jersey. BUT, it's so expensive for so little fabric.

Meg Cunningham at Backcountry.com Outlet on 12/31/2008

Great jacket!

Rating:*****

This is my favorite new spring cycling jacket. I bring it on long rides where there's a chance of light rain and/or wind. It's featherweight and easily stashes in a back pocket of my cycling jersey once I warm up. My riding buddies have commented on how sharp it looks -- I have the white jacket -- and couldn't believe that I got such a good deal on Backcountry.com.

emi2967133 at Backcountry.com Outlet on 05/24/2009

Lightweight & fits great!

Rating:*****

I wear this in the mornings, when it's 50 degrees, and take it off when the day warms up. It's windproof, which is great for chilly morning windchill, but awfully insulated, so sweat stays inside, making it damp underneath. However, it keeps rain out pretty well. Only one small inside pocket. Sleeves are nice & long. Size L fits comfortably, with some room (5'7" & 150 lbs).

bri3082271 at Backcountry.com Outlet on 06/08/2009

I like this product.

Rating:****
I love the light weight and overall fit, but the sleeves seem a bit tight around my wrists, making it a bit hard to get on and off. This won't be stopping me from wearing it though. Haven't yet tested it's claim of waterproof but think this will be great for taking on a bike ride.
locorunner3 at Sierra Trading Post on 07/05/2009

Lovely

Rating:*****
This jacket is so light and lovely. Fabric texture and color are nice for their feel and appearance. Construction is top of the line...versatile, where it as top layer over lighter clothes or under layer beneath heavier top. My satisfaction with he top has me looking at more Izumi products.
Virginia Burton at Altrec Outlet on 10/30/2007

Negative Reviews:

Way TOO small!!

Rating:**

I am small..really..all my shirts are smalls, all my bike shorts are smalls, jeans are 2's and 4's. I bought two of these jackets and because one reviewer said to size up I bought a medium for wearing over a jersey and a large for really layering on those cool windy days. Well they are both being sent back. These things run so ridiculously small it's not funny. I have a friend who is even smaller than me and she couldn't wear them comfortably either. The price really was too good to be true and now i gotta bike on over to the post office with my return box! NOT HAPPY!

mtn2588852 at Backcountry.com Outlet on 12/06/2008

Also cut for munchkins

Rating:**

Just like the vest, this comes up WAY above my hip area. I'm a tall gal, and I have trouble finding women's sportswear that's cut long enough. If you are not like me, go for it! Otherwise, look elsewhere. The rest of the jacket was roomy enough (even the sleeves were long enough, oddly). I much prefer the Vagabond II jacket- despite the velcro issue, it's MUCH longer than this and doubles as vest & jacket.

Anonymous at Backcountry.com Outlet on 10/17/2008

Not my favorite...

Rating:**
The weight of this jacket is fabulous. However, I found the length of the jacket to be way too short for a cycling jacket. It may be fine for running or other purposes.
Tri girl at Sierra Trading Post on 02/24/2009

Neutral Reviews:

Too tight

Rating:***
The sizing runs on the small side - I'm a 10/12 and the large was too tight.
Claudia at Altrec Outlet on 09/29/2008