Gilet or Jacket

ianeverton

Thinking of buying either a Gilet or a Fold away Jacket for the summer, which is best and most useful ???

Also does everybody wear base layers in the summer ?

Radioactiveman

If your budget suits I would buy both. I only wear a baselayer when it is cold.

twotyred

Waterproof or winfprooof Ian?

If windproof then get a gilet. Much better than a full windproof jacket as your body will breathe better and it will pack down smaller whilst still taking the chill of cold mornings or evenings.

If water proof then get a jacket. No point in buying a waterproof gilet.

ianeverton

I was actually looking at the Rapha Stowaway jacket which is both wind and waterproof and the Rapha Gilet which is states is also wind and waterproof. They are both pretty expensive though so want to make the right decision.

twotyred wrote:

Waterproof or winfprooof Ian?

If windproof then get a gilet. Much better than a full windproof jacket as your body will breathe better and it will pack down smaller whilst still taking the chill of cold mornings or evenings.

If water proof then get a jacket. No point in buying a waterproof gilet.

cougie

I'd say a gilet is more useful as it can cope with more weather conditions and probably best for the summer if it does get warm. Full jacket is more useful for the cooler weather.

I have a Rapha Gilet, and though it is very nice - I cant say its worth the money, and mine was on sale too. Have a look round - plenty of choice out there.

I always wear a base layer unless its like 30 degrees or so. The pros always do too, so I figure they ride the bikes more than us so they have a fair idea of whats best.

bobtbuilder

I can't think of too many times in Summer when I'd need a full jacket. Even when it rains it still tends to be fairly warm (but then I do live in the South).

I usually carry a gillet for early starts or late finishes.

twotyred

If its sold as both wind and waterproof it will probably be less breathable than something that's just wind proof and you're more likely to sweat up the inside which is worth putting up with if its raining cats and dogs but a total pain if you just want ta bit of wind protection.

PhilofCas

hardly wear my jacket but wear a gillet loads, so my vote goes to the gillet, much more versatile item