Castelli Velo Vest review
A windproof and water resistant gilet that could quite easily become a key addition to your kit, thanks to its lightweight and packable nature
All in all, a great go-to gilet that will get you through cool damp days in the saddle or when you need an additional windproof layer. At £60, there are cheaper gilets on the market, but which such versatility and good performance - calculating the cost per wear over a season will make this seem like a bargain
-
+
Versatile
-
+
Water resistant
-
+
Lightweight
-
+
Packable
-
-
Slightly long at the front
Why you can trust Cycling Weekly Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
Constructed using Castelli’s ForceField micro ripstop, the Velo Vest claims to also prevent that waterlogged feeling post-downpour.
Testing on a changeable day, it kept me feeling drier in the torso than a standard gilet along with doing a good job of keeping the chill off after a passing shower. The shoulders and back fit exceptionally well, thanks to the three-panelled design and stretchy mesh side panels, and the super-low tail does a great job at keeping road spray at bay.
The front could be two or three inches shorter, as it has excess fabric folds in a riding position. Weighing just 64g it's barely noticeable when on.
>>> Cycling gilets: a buyer’s guide
It comes with its own built-in stuff sack and the flyweight fabric makes it small enough to pack into even the smallest of jersey pockets.
This is an ideal kit addition for changeable days, or mountain days when you need an extra windproof layer for a long descent.
The extra detailing of practical reflective rear logo is a nice touch, although for the UK market it would ideally be right, rather than the current left side, prominent.
With five colours on offer there's an option to match most kit.
Thank you for reading 10 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
-
Watch: Canyon unveils a very Miami Canyon Aeroad CFR, custom-made for the BlazersBicycle manufacturer, Canyon Bicycles, today unveiled a Miami Blazers’ custom Canyon Aeroad CFR, meant to serve as a visual representation of Miami’s vibrant culture
-
'The darkest day in British cycling' - British riders mourn loss of AT85 Pro Cycling
Matt Bostock says Tim Elverson run squad ‘gave him confidence’ to take next step in his career, Alex Richardson says British Scene has lost ‘a platform’ for young riders to develop
-
Customers of failed cycle firm told to claim from credit card companies
Moore Large entered administration earlier this week after over 70 years in business
