Rapha Brevet Insulated Gilet review

Visibility and weather protection are high on the list of features with the new light and packable gilet from Rapha

rapha brevet insulated gilet front

rapha brevet insulated gilet front best gilet

Cycling Weekly Verdict

The Rapha Brevet Insulated Gilet performs exceptionally well in typical British spring/autumn weather. With a weight and packability that belies its warmth and weather protection, the Brevet should be top of your list.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Excellent fit

  • +

    Warmer than it looks

  • +

    Functional for long rides

  • +

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Lack of pockets

  • -

    Lower zip tends to undo when riding

  • -

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

The insulated version of the classic Rapha long distance staple, the Rapha Brevet Insulated Gilet is unlike many other cycling garments I have tried.

Primarily made up of seemingly thickly wadded front and back panels attached with the sheerest mesh material I have ever seen used give it a very distinctive look. The insulation comes courtesy of Polartec’s clever Alpha insulator, engineered to work as an active insulator to regulate core body temperatures during both ‘dynamic and static activities’, i.e. protects without overheating whilst riding but also proving warm enough at the café stop.

>>> Rapha becomes more affordable with new 'Core range

For such a warm gilet the breathability of the Rapha Brevet Insulated Gilet was excellent and I never felt overly hot whilst wearing it and riding hard. When the temperature to warrant taking it off, the gilet is still small enough to stuff in a jersey pocket, with a loop on the collar to hold it tightly rolled.

rapha brevet insulated gilet rear

Despite the insulated panels having no body conforming stretch Rapha has done an excellent job on the fit of the Brevet, the panels are cut to fit in a riding position and despite my misgivings about the thin mesh side panels they stretch and perform exceptionally well without any sign of being too delicate. The collar is nice and high and the softness of the outer wind and water resistant (DWR-coated) material lends it a great next-to-skin feel.

>>> Review: Rapha Pro Team Shadow jersey

The Rapha Brevet Insulated Gilet has a full 360° reflective band and a bright contrast colour band for visibility on dawn to dusk rides. I was disappointed not to find any pockets to quickly access nutrition but the two way zip at least allows quick access to jersey pockets.

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James Bracey

James Bracey's career has seen him move from geography teacher, to MBR writer, to Cycling Weekly's senior tech writer and video presenter. He possesses an in-depth knowledge of bicycle mechanics, as well as bike fit and coaching qualifications. Bracey enjoys all manner of cycling, from road to gravel and mountain biking.