Reviews

dhb Aeron Super Light Packable Windproof Gilet – review

Super-light windproof protection but let down by the fit

The dhb Aeron Super Light Packable Windproof Gilet does what it says on the tin. Coming from Wiggle’s in-house clothing brand, the gilet is incredibly light, very compact and does a good job at keeping the wind out for something so small, however the fit’s a bit loose and could be significantly improved.

The gilet is predominantly made from a Ripstop-style fabric with little to no stretch in it, though the side panels are made from a mesh material which does have some stretch in it. The bottom of the gilet, hem and arm openings are all lined with an elasticated hem which helps draw the fit in – but we’ll come on to that later.

The dhb Aeron Super Light Packable Windproof Gilet does what it says on the tins but it’s let down by the fit

Specification
Price: £35
Sizes: XS-XXL
Size tested: M
Colours: black, white, fluoro orange, blue
Website: Wiggle

The Aeron offers decent protection from the wind given it’s light weight – just 67g for the size medium tested. That’s it’s primary function, really – there’s no insulation or obvious water resistant properties (though it will keep a little road spray at bay) to talk about but it’s designed as a compact, lightweight layer to wear on a cool spring/summer/autumn morning before it warms up, or to be called into action on those days if the temperature drops a little or you’re faced with a long descent.

The fit, however, is somewhat baggy – even in my usual size, medium, it felt signifcantly too big. With a thicker jersey underneath, it wasn’t so bad, but when riding there was noticeable flapping on the shoulders and upper back, acting a bit like a sail. The length is perfect and the neckline fits well, so the problem is with the oversized cut on the body, which seems at odds with the Aeron range’s position as the racier end of the spectrum, compared to dhb’s Blok and Classic collections.

If the gilet fitted better it would be almost unnoticeable when riding because it’s so light. The gilet packs down really small and has an internal pocket which it folds in to – though really you’re just as likely to stuff it into your jersey pocket. If you want to use the pocket as, well, a pocket, then you have to be careful not to overload it as it sits to one side, so can pull the gilet to one side.

The incredibly low weight and compact nature of the gilet are a real bonus and so, despite the fit, I still called it into action for short to medium length rides where the weather looks a touch iffy and you need a little protection from the elements, but certainly not a full jacket.

Fit aside, the gilet offers lightweight, compact, windproof protection for cool mornings

Two final things to mention: there’s a full-length zip which is pretty robust and has a strip of fabric behind it to help stop any breeze getting through, and there as four colours available: black, white fluoro orange and the blue tested.

Conclusion

Lightweight windproof protection is the main calling card of the dhb Aeron Super Light Packable Windproof Gilet. It’s a pretty simple piece other than that but offers compact, emergency protection from the elements but it’s compromised by the overly relaxed fit.