The Gorewear Ambient Vest is an excellent packable gilet that’s amazingly good at keeping the wind off despite weighing a paltry 67g (in an XL size).
This article contains links to retailers. Purchases made after clicking on those links may help support road.cc by earning us a commission but all of our reviews are fully independent.The humble gilet is among the simplest of road cycling garments, but it's also one of the most useful. Depending on where you're from or where you're shopping, you might find them referred to as a vest or a sleeveless jacket.
Whatever type of cycling gilet you’re looking for, here's our pick of the best. Want to know more about how products make it into our buyer's guides? Check outThe Gorewear Ambient Vest is an excellent packable gilet that’s amazingly good at keeping the wind off despite weighing a paltry 67g . A mesh back allows heat and sweaty vapour to escape, and the lack of bulk makes it easy to store in a jersey pocket when not in use. Ideal!across the entire front of the gilet.
The Super-Roubaix fabric used for the sides continues around the waist, and it all stretches to maintain a good, close fit all over.The Van Rysel Hi Viz Cycling Gilet is a nicely thought-out and well-made gilet with a great cut, fit and overall performance, and you really can’t argue with the price This isn’t really the type of gilet you can just shove in a jersey pocket if you get too warm, but dropping the front zipper to half-mast certainly helps and, given the snug fit, you’ll have no issues with billowing.
The Santini Redux Stamina Women’s Vest Gilet is form-fitting, light, and packs down very impressively given the level of warmth it provides. Well-positioned wind panels provide good defence against the cold while allowing good breathability elsewhere. It's the best cycling gilet for women that we've found., which will keep you warm on chilly starts. The collar is cut high and feels wonderfully cosy thanks to the thermal lining.
Stolen Goat doesn’t bill this gilet as waterproof or thermal but you do get some light shower protection. Rapha suggests that it's best worn in cold and cooler conditions, but we’d say it’ll also come in handy if you're riding your bike through the slightly fresher hours of a summer morning or evening.versions of Altura’s Airstream Windproof Gilet. They’re designed for changeable conditions, providing a good level of warmth on cold rides with enough space to fit a couple of layers underneath courtesy of a ‘semi-fitted’ cut. The price isn't bad either.
As well as a reflective Altura logo on the front left shoulder, there's reflective piping across the back of both shoulders and in two full-length strips down each side, with a strip on the back of the tall neck tooThe Vulpine Men's Ultralight Quilted Gilet hits the target bang-on for commuter and casual use. It's warm, protective and doesn't look odd when you get off the bike. It breathes impressively given that it's insulated all over and lacking any vents.
For its intended commuting, leisure and off-bike uses, this Vulpine gilet is warm, protective against wind and spray, and very versatile.The Endura Pro SL Lite Gilet II is a practical, windproof, waterproof and easily packable gilet that’s ideal for changing weather conditions. There are three large open pockets and a zipped one for valuables at the rear, plus reflective details that help keep you visible in low-light conditions.
An elasticated hem with silicone grippers that runs around the rear and sides of the gilet keeps it in place well, and the softly lined collar adds comfort too. If you can overlook that small fault, however, the POC Pro Thermal Vest packs a mighty punch into a small package.It may not sound like a big deal, but the way the best cycling gilets keep your torso warm even though your arms are still out in the wind can make a big difference to your comfort on the bike.
Of course, a gilet isn’t suitable for all conditions. You’ll want a full jacket when it’s really cold or raining, for example, and you’re unlikely to use one in the height of summer, but you might be surprised at just how useful a gilet is. Plus, when not being worn, many pack down small enough to fit easily in a rear pocket.
We particularly like a breast pocket for your front door key. It’s just nice to be able to get inside quickly at the end of a winter ride.Fabric thickness and level of ventilation vary a lot between gilets, so choose one that’s best suited to your needs. Some have side vents, others have mesh panels at the back to keep you comfortable when riding hard, with your front protected from the breeze and heat able to escape at the back.
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