waterproof jacket vs gilet

seanorawe

I was going to get a new jacket but I want something that will go in my pocket easier. Is a gilet the way to go? Some pros and cons?

wreckedmyklein

Get a Gillet and some armwarmers - sorts it all ways and each is small so easy to fit in pockets, and can add or remove either to suit condidtions

sungod

as above, gilet and warmers is more flexible

if you want a jacket that easily fits a pocket, the castelli leggero (windproof, breathable, but still ok for light rain) and sottile (waterproof, but not as breathable) ones are super light and pack very small, you could get three or four in a single pocket easily

there are also castelli gilets with the same model names, they pack even smaller

unless it's hammering down and/or you are going slow, a waterproof is usually not so good, they don't breathe as well, some not at all, so you get a boil in the bag effect and end up wet anyway

imho windproof is much more useful

seanorawe

I have arm warmers so I think I will go for a gillet

Monty Dog

Firstly, accept you are going to get wet regardless, either from rain, spray or condensation but more importantly is the need to stay warm. Whilst a gilet and armwarmers is fine for summer or short, sharp rides in winter, they probably won't be warm enough for prolonged riders when the temperature drops into single figures. People also respond differently to the cold and the wet so there's no universal solution and you'll probably find out from experience what suits you best. You see people out riding in shorts and short-sleeve tops in winter, where apart from racing, I wouldn't contemplate until April at the earliest.

Mark Alexander

What Monty says. you'll get wet, accept it. We're all affected differently.

oldwelshman

Well I suppose it depends when your looking to wear them? I only have rain jacket if I think its going to rain. I take Gillet for start of ride then when warm, remove it, or put it on if I get chilled at and of evening ride. Two completely different pieces of clothing IMO get one of each