Breathability is good, too, and during testing I didn’t experience any undue condensation build-up on the inside of the gilet. As well as the breathable properties of the fabric itself, there are dorsal vents on the sides and back to allow air to pass naturally through the gilet, without losing too much heat. If conditions to perk up enough to take the gilet off, it comfortably packs down into a jersey pocket.

• Specification

• Price: £110
• Sizes: XS-XXL
• Size tested:
• Colours: Mandarin; graphite
• Website: HOY Vulpine

I immediately liked the fit and shape of the gilet. It’s not a race fit but, crucially, there’s not too much excess material either, so it doesn’t act like a sail as some ill-fitting gilets can – slowing the rider down and losing warmth. The elasticated hem draws the gilet close to the body, and if the rain really steps up, the longer neck gives you something to hunker down into.

Other well thought out details include the fleece-lined chin guard on the zip and a metal toggle on the zipper, which gives you something solid to grab on to when undoing the gilet wearing gloves.

The ‘mandarin’ colour is quite a statement and is good for visibility out on the road. HOY Vulpine have made sure there is plenty of reflectivity, too, with large, perforated panels on the shoulders and on the back, also well as a reflective brand logo on the chest and an even bigger one on the central rear pocket.

The combination of the bright colour and reflective panels may shout ‘commuter’ to some but for long days out in the saddle, in the type of murky, unpredictable conditions the Signal is designed for, that can’t be knocked and the overall styling is quite subtle. Besides, there’s a black – or, rather, ‘graphite’ – version if that’s more your thing, with the same reflective panels on the shoulders and tail.