In really foul conditions, an additional outer layer will be needed, both for additional warmth and protection against the elements.

A heavyweight, fully waterproof jacket is, however, only necessary if it’s pouring with rain for the majority of your ride. It remains a worthwhile investment if you plan to ride in all conditions and waterproof fabrics have developed at a pace, getting close, in some cases at least, to the holy grail of keeping water out, while letting moisture produced by the body escape, thereby avoiding the boil in a bag effect. The Chapeau Rain Jacket ticks both boxes.

Gore-Tex uses a PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) membrane where each pore is 20,000 times smaller than a water droplet, so it’s completely waterproof as the tiny holes in the membrane are too small for the water to pass through, but the vapour molecules that come from the skin are much smaller so they are able to pass through.

Look out for a waterproof zip and taped seams to ensure a jacket’s 100 per cent waterproof.

A lightweight waterproof shell is likely to get more use in the British winter as it can be packed down small enough to stow in a jersey pocket, before being whipped out to keep drizzle at bay or see you through a heavy shower.

Lightweight jackets are often windproof, too, which means you can throw it on for extra protection on a descent or when the temperature drops.

Otherwise, a water resistant gilet works well in mild but changeable conditions, with the fabric effective in keeping wind and rain out, while your exposed arms help to keep overall body temperature down.

It’s not necessarily a solution for long, wet rides, but will do a sterling job during short showers. These offerings from Sportful and Chapeau are too good examples we’ve tested recently.