Packable Gilet/Vest

rowlers

I'm looking for a packable gilet, something similar to the Giordana Newtrevelli (Windtex front/mesh back), which I have in club kit, but want something that I can use with ALL my kit.
I'm pretty much set on the Sportful Fiandre Norain Vest, but I'd like to know how small it packs - any one have one?
What I'm really not keen on - and it rules a lot of Vests out - is the polyester/bin bag material/look that they all have!

andcp

I can vouch for these:
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Pearl-Izumi-Eli ... C5d3w_wcB#

Pack down quite small, but still very effective.

igsta

Another vote here but understand they size larger than typical cycling gear from manufacturers like sportful

ayjaycee

I've got a Louis Garneau Nova which packs small enough for a jersey back pocket and does well to keep the wind off the front but has a mesh back and so breathes where it matters. They are on clearance offer from Evans at the moment (Large at £18). That recommendation comes from somebody who's not usually a fan of LG stuff.

FatTed

Castelli Fawesome will fit the bill, fits in a jersey pocket. I like the Rapha pro team rain gilet, which does not have the mesh back your after.

mechanism

The dhb Aeron Lightweight Windslam Gilet is Windtex with a mesh back. It packs down small enough for a pocket i.e. not tiny but similar to a rain jacket, and doesn't look like a bin liner. The downsides are a) I'm not that keen on the navy blue, high vis yellow combination (maybe black/orange would be better) and b) I'm a medium in jerseys but this medium gilet is quite large and flaps in the wind.

antonyfromoz

Andcp wrote:

I can vouch for these:
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Pearl-Izumi-Eli ... C5d3w_wcB#

Pack down quite small, but still very effective.

Another vote for these - excellent bit of kit IMO

kentphil

Love my Endura Pakagilet. Packs down really small into its own little bag.

homers_double

KentPhil wrote:

Love my Endura Pakagilet. Packs down really small into its own little bag.

I'll second this.

type:epyt

Craft Featherlight is a good option and they come in black or white so should go with anything ... Not as sturdy as my Rapha gilet but it packs a lot smaller and does the job in summer ... I also have the full jacket version of the Craft one, also does it's job perfectly ...

bigmitch41

ayjaycee wrote:

I've got a Louis Garneau Nova which packs small enough for a jersey back pocket and does well to keep the wind off the front but has a mesh back and so breathes where it matters. They are on clearance offer from Evans at the moment (Large at £18). That recommendation comes from somebody who's not usually a fan of LG stuff.

Yep I got one of these and been using it on my daily commute, so far im impressed, for £18 you cant go wrong.

apreading

FatTed wrote:

Castelli Fawesome will fit the bill, fits in a jersey pocket. I like the Rapha pro team rain gilet, which does not have the mesh back your after.

Fawesome will be a tight fit in jersey pocket - not for everyone. However it beats all the other Gilets in just about every way!

rowlers

Thanks for the replies. Would love Fawesome but I think it is just a little bulky. Hence the preference of the Fiandre would I suspect is a lot lighter. The LG looks a great buy for the money!

cookiemonster

Condor do a black gilet with a waterproof front and mesh back that packs down to half-pocket size. Its 40 quid or abouts, so reasonably priced.

rowlers

At £20 delivered I've just bought the LG Nova... I'll probably still get a "nice" one for my birthday...

rudivoller22

How does the Nova size up? I tend to be large in Castelli etc

ayjaycee

Nowadays I'm 6'1" and a smidge under 40" Chest - I wear an XXL Gabba and a XL Nova but could drop a size in each as I have lost a bit of weight since getting them (but will never be a racing snake!). Hope this helps.