A windproof and water resistant gilet that could quite easily become a key addition to your kit, thanks to its lightweight and packable nature
Castelli Velo Vest
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.
Verdict
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
Details
Weight:64g (size small)
Contact:www.saddleback.co.uk
Colours:White, black, fluro yellow, fluro orange and aqua blue