Bontrager RXL Windshell Vest review

A good choice for colder spring and autumn ride, the Bontrager RXL Windshell is both windproof and water-resistant

(Image credit: mike prior)
Cycling Weekly Verdict

The Bontrager RXL windshell is an exceptional gilet for chillier spring and autumn days, providing good warmth and also fitting very well. This extra protection means it doesn’t pack down as small as others, but that seems like a reasonable compromise.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Very good fit

  • +

    Completely wind resistant

  • +

    Light shower protection

  • +

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Could pack down smaller

  • -

    No access to rear pockets

  • -

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Designed to keep the chill off your core, the Bontrager RXL Windshell is a great choice for nippy spring and autumn rides when bright sunshine doesn’t necessarily translate into warm temperatures.

There’s no doubting that this is an impressively warm gilet, but probably the best thing about the Bontrager RXL Windshell is its fit. The coming of spring (hopefully) brings better legs and faster riding, so I was glad that this gilet really hugged the torso, with no loose material hanging from the front even when crouched over the drops.

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Henry Robertshaw began his time at Cycling Weekly working with the tech team, writing reviews, buying guides and appearing in videos advising on how to dress for the seasons. He later moved over to the news team, where his work focused on the professional peloton as well as legislation and provision for cycling. He's since moved his career in a new direction, with a role at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.