Gilet
Gilet
A gilet continues the theme set by arm and knee warmers as a versatile garment well-suited to the changeable British climate while, in most cases, being small and compact enough to stuff into a jersey pocket when not in use.
We rarely leave the house without a gilet at this time of year, with wet and windy conditions part and parcel of the UK spring (…and winter…and autumn…and summer).
Still, while the temperature remains relatively mild, a gilet will offer more in the way of ventilation than a jacket – after all, it has no sleeves – while still offering the protection required to take the edge off the wind or keep a shower at bay.
Look for a gilet made from a windproof fabric (or with a windproof panel at the front). Many are billed as water resistant and so will offer enough protection to keep your core dry in a passing rain shower. Some gilets are made from a waterproof fabric, and so offer even greater protection, though it will never been fully waterproof, of course, by virtue of the fact that a gilet has a gaping hole on either side.
Chapeau and Shutt Velo Rapide, two British brands with their finger on the pulse when it comes to producing clothing for UK conditions, both have a waterproof piece in their range: the Echelon gilet and Lightweight gilet respectively.
Both have pockets and are gilets more likely to be worn for the duration of a ride, rather than just to be pulled on when the conditions dictate.
For that you’ll want a gilet light enough to roll up and stow in a jersey pocket. The Sportful Hot Pack Ultralight Vest currently on test takes that to the next level and is remarkable compact.
Arm and knee warmers, paired with a gilet, will cover most of the weather you’re likely to see this spring, however, it goes without saying that if it’s hosing it down, or there’s the chance of prolonged rain, then it’s time to reach for a lightweight jacket.