6 Best Cycling Gilets (Windproof Vests To Protect You From The Elements)


6 Best Cycling Gilets (Windproof Vests To Protect You From The Elements)

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Today we’ll look at 6 different vests that will keep you warm as you ride your bike or commute. The protective qualities of the jackets vary based on the material. They also vary in weatherproofing and design. Some are simply waterproof, while others are both waterproof and windproof. We’ll take them one by one and see which is best for you.

Biking in the cold is incomprehensible. It would assist if you were shielded from the elements while riding your bike. The windproof gilets keep you warm and dry. In the winter, they are windproof and waterproof. Both the waterproof and windproof gilets are ideal for wet days. The waterproof gilets are excellent for rainy days, while the windproof gilets are perfect for chilly days.

My chronic illness and love of cycling constantly have me searching for new gear to enhance my ride.

A cyclist’s secret weapon against the elements is a gilet. Gilets are the ideal piece of extra clothes to carry with you on changing days since they are smaller and more packable than a complete jacket.

In fact, a nice gilet may be the most adaptable item of clothing in your closet since it can be worn all year. Consider early mornings in the spring and summer, lengthy descents from peaks, and fall days when the weather refuses to cooperate.

They’re a fantastic outer layer for rapid riding in the winter since they protect your core while being considerably more breathable than a jacket. When you combine a gilet with a breathable long-sleeve jersey, you’ll have a warm yet well-ventilated outfit.

On that point, a gilet’s absence of sleeves allows for considerably better ventilation, allowing perspiration to escape more quickly rather than being trapped within and leaving you chilly.

Gilets, like jackets, come in a variety of fabrics, designs, and price ranges, so there’s something for every rider. So we put a wide variety to the test and put up this buyer’s guide to the finest gilets for cycling in 2021.

More top picks may be found in our reviews of the finest waterproof jackets, cycling gloves, and overshoes.

The finest cycling gilets, according to our panel of specialists.

  • £50 Vest Altura NV2
  • £68 / $90 FS260-Pro Adrenaline Race Gilet II by Endura
  • £120 / $165 Gilet Endura Pro SL Primaloft II
  • £50 / $52 Lightweight Kalf Club Gilet
  • £140 / $190 / AU$245 Lightweight Rain Gilet by Rapha Pro Team
  • £40 for the Team Van Rysel Windproof Gilet

Altura NV2 Vest

Best cycling gilets

The NV2 breathes well while protecting from the elements, thanks to its semi-fitted design and Altura’s Shield windproof and showerproof fabric.

The smart part is the fabric’s Darkproof technology, which gives it a shimmering look when light falls on it.

The gilet is held in place by a silicone waist gripper, and the lower back panel has a single zippered pocket with a storm flap.

Endura FS260-Pro Adrenaline Race Gilet II

Best cycling gilets

The transparent ExoShell20ST fabric, based on the traditional racing cape design, provides high breathability, great stretch characteristics, and waterproofing, enhanced by sealed seams and an internal storm flap.

The luminous trim around the waist, shoulder cuffs, and zip add to the visibility of the garment.

The FS260-Pro Adrenaline Race Gilet II is also available in a women’s-specific cut from Endura.

Endura Pro SL Primaloft II Gilet

Best cycling gilets

Endura’s gilet will keep you warm as a bug beneath a blanket as you clutch a hot water bottle!

Although it isn’t as packable as others, this PrimaLoft-insulated gilet has three regular rear pockets and one zippered pocket, making it ideal for long days in the saddle when additional storage space is required.

On dry, chilly days, we believe it’s ideal over a base layer and long-sleeve jersey. You may find it a bit too warm on lengthy climbs if you run hot, but you can unzip it like any other gilet.

It comes in a women’s style and has reflective accents on the neck and hem for additional visibility.

Kalf Club Lightweight Gilet

Best cycling gilets

The Kalf Club Lightweight Gilet is, as its name implies, light and probably the most packable vest on our list.

The Club has expected characteristics, such as a windproof and water-resistant front and a super-stretchy, breathable mesh back.

The full-length front zip includes a back baffle, and the single back pocket is zippered, according to Kalf, who characterizes the cut as unisex.

The Club’s sole major flaw is the lack of reflective materials, although not everyone will consider this a drawback.

Rapha Pro Team Lightweight Rain Gilet

Best cycling gilets
  • Price: £140 / $190 / $245 AUD

The Pro Team provides exceptional waterproofing for a gilet, making it ideal for chilly, wet days. Rapha’s three-layer fabric is also quite flexible, making it ideal for racing.

Along with the velcro tab at the top, a two-way zip provides cooling choices. A big back pocket provides plenty of room for on-the-go storage, and it’s protected from the elements by a rubber-like coating.

Rapha also offers a women’s version of the Souplesse Lightweight Rain Gilet.

Van Riesel Team Windproof Gilet

Best cycling gilets

The racing cut and great packability of this gilet from Decathlon brand Van Rysel reflect the team’s name.

Its size is achieved by removing pockets and replacing them with a thinner, more breathable mesh back. For colder days, the front provides excellent windproofing and some water repellency for rainier rides.

Although white isn’t the most practical color for slick winter riding, it is also black. It might need some additional reflecting elements, but it’s still a great and reasonably priced gilet.

When the weather is nice, you want to get outside and enjoy the weather, which is why we decided to create this list of the best cycling gilets available for summer. We found 6 windproof jackets that are tailored to protect against variable weather conditions and windy days.

Related Tags

This article broadly covered the following related topics:

  • Rapha gilet
  • cycling gilet women
  • cycling gilet with pockets
  • best cycling gilet
  • cycling gilet review

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