Any Gilets recommendations for winter .

Drax32

I'm after a cycling Gilet to keep warm this winter, currently using the Castelli Perfetto jacket with a couple of merino base layers and gloves .
Would like a gilet to slip on when the temp drops but be able to store it in my back pocket, I find my hands get really cold and painful (Raynaud's sufferer) during parts of my ride, keeping my core warm helps with this condition.
Any advise would be appreciated .

mrb123

Rapha Brevet Insulated or Pro Team Insulated. Both have Alpha insulation so are a fair bit warmer than a normal gilet. Both are packable in a back pocket. Should be available at well under RRP if you keep an eye on Rapha sales, archive sale, Sports Pursuit, Ebay etc.

bendertherobot

Spot on. The rapha one rocks.

https://www.rapha.cc/gb/en/shop/brevet- ... BIG02XXHVP

I’ve a new RCC pro one on the way. If it fits I’ll be selling my brevet large in pink.

mrb123

DHB are also now doing a gilet with Alpha insulation. Galibier and Endura do insulated ones with different fabric to the Alpha ones. I doubt any of them will be as packable as the Rapha ones though.

Nigel1979

Sorry, I don't have any recommendations to offer but I did come across this unfortunate typo when searching for Gilets myself:

https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/rap ... 78389?mx=a

(Read the second line of the description)

Now I know Rapha stuff can be divisive but come on...

rnath

I use a Perfetto vest over a Perfetto jersey. Fits very well and has plenty of rear pocket space.

Drax32

I do like the Rapha Pro Team Insulated version but none in stock and slightly too expensive .
I actually thought about using a perfetto vest over my Perfetto jersey but thought it might be too warm at times . The perfetto vest would probably come in handy when I'm using a short sleeve jersey , I do like the fit of the Perfetto .

singleton

You'll face the inevitable balance of warmth while wearing v size when packed.
I have a Sportful fiandre light norain gilet that I use all year and is probably close to a perfetto vest light since Castelli owns Sportful. https://www.sigmasports.com/item/Sportf ... lsrc=aw.ds.

The front is lightweight windproof while the back is well vented. It makes a noticeable difference but packs small when not in use. In the winter I do like you and wear it over my perfetto if temps drop close to zero.

step83

https://galibier.cc/product/ultimate/
https://galibier.cc/product/izoard-insulated-gilet/

I have both, OK the Izoard isnt exactly the most packable but its very warm.

craker

So why do you lot wear gillets? It was sub-zero when I rode in this morning, I've got a Gore Windstopper softshell and a thicker base layer. As usual my problem is removing excess heat from my body while keeping extremeties warm.

My ride is ~10 miles, 40 minutes so distance may count for something.

Serious question, each to their own of course. I do have two gillets that barely get used.

singleton

As you say cracker it's about controlling heat.
If I'm going out for a 2-3 hour ride in the cold then I need to be able to adapt to changing conditions and changing body temp. For me, wearing a thinner soft-shell or thinner base layer and starting with a gilet is a good compromise - as I can then take the gilet off and shove it in a pocket when I get warmed up.

thegreatdivide

It's a personal thing, but since the introduction of the insulated Brevet Gilet I haven't had to wear a jacket in sub zero temps for the last few winters (I'm in NE Scotland so sub zero means sub zero). Unless it's pi$$ing it down or sleeting, my go to kit is made up of:

High neck merino base layer
Thermal bibs and leg warmers
Merino winter socks
Brevet LS jersey
Insulated Brevet gilet
Assos skull cap
Overshoes (and shoes obvs)
Either a pair of deep winter gloves or normal winter gloves

If there's precipitation or sleet, the gilet is left at home and the Rapha race cap goes on.

lakesluddite

I must admit I was a little reluctant to get a gilet as I couldn't really see the point, but having got one I now consider it one of the best clothing purchases I have made. I don't really think you need an insulated one to get the benefit, just as long as it's windproof on the front and wicking at the back, it should be worth it. Mine (a Morvelo Hemisphere https://www.morvelo.com/suits-hemisphere-gilet.html ) has the added advantage of three large pockets, so you are greatly increasing your storage capacity. I find it invaluable for the commutes when the journey into work is colder than the journey home, and it can be crammed into a back pocket for the return journey.

Also Drax, not sure if you've heard this before, but I read somewhere that a good tip for cold hands is to wear arm warmers under what you would normally wear. Apparently having a insulating layer next to the skin on the arms means the blood flowing from the arm into the hands is kept as warm as possible. I can't speak for the validity of this, as I have the opposite problem - my hands start out cold, quickly get warm, start to sweat, then I have clammy hands for the rest of the ride.

craker

So what kind of jersey are you wearing beneath the gillet? Something windproof I presume. I must admit my Softshell Jacket - best bit of kit I own - only comes out about 4 months a year when it's proper weather.

step83

Usually combo for me is a Gabba with a gillet or similar. Seems to work for me wit ha long sleeve base layer.

singleton

I had a Gore Soft-shell that was very warm, so I switched it for a Gabba (well Perfetto) - which is thinner and not as warm overall, but ultimately more flexible.

OnTheRopes

I carry a Castelli Superleggera Vest, very light and folds up small so you hardly know it is there, its breathable and keeps out the warm, not particularly waterproof but to slip on when you want a it of extra warmth it works great.
I always carry it and currently use t in combo with a Alpha Jacket or Gabba.

luv2ride

This Endura fs260 insulated gilet is great:

Can be found at good prices on eBay or in the sales. Packs up super small. Like mine a lot. Thin layer of Primaloft sythetic insulation front and back with clever laser cut holes on the back to help heat escape...breathable windproof panels on the sides. Very useable and versatile garment.

steveatbath

Drax32 wrote:

I do like the Rapha Pro Team Insulated version but none in stock and slightly too expensive .
I actually thought about using a perfetto vest over my Perfetto jersey but thought it might be too warm at times . The perfetto vest would probably come in handy when I'm using a short sleeve jersey , I do like the fit of the Perfetto .

This may be a silly question but I love my Perfetto jersey.. do you buy the vest in the same size or a size up?

Drax32

Decided to with the Castelli Superleggera Vest, did try the Castelli Perfetto Vest but might get too warm . Probably get more use out of the Superleggera vest for most of the year and the fit is excellent over my perfetto long sleeve jacket/jersey.
Thanks for advice and tips .

stueys

Another vote for Rapha insulated, either Pro team or Brevet, awesome piece of kit. The alpha insulation manages to keep you warm but doesn't overheat you if the weather warms up. No idea how that works.

I've also got an old Gabba gillet which is also pretty good, not as warm as the Rapha one though

crescent

Endura pro-sl range is excellent. I dont have the gilet but the jacket is amazing.

cld531c

Nigel1979 wrote:

Sorry, I don't have any recommendations to offer but I did come across this unfortunate typo when searching for Gilets myself:

https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/rap ... 78389?mx=a

(Read the second line of the description)

Now I know Rapha stuff can be divisive but come on...

:-) I prefer it when my clothes give me compliments!

Frankiemann93

Hi, i'm new to this but I always found gilets from Superdry to be fairly warm and waterproof in some cases. Can cost a bit. If not, Nike!

imposter2.0

Frankiemann93 wrote:

Hi, i'm new to this but I always found gilets from Superdry to be fairly warm and waterproof in some cases. Can cost a bit. If not, Nike!

Get out.