Best cycling gilets 2023

Dec 07, 2023

Six vests to keep the wind and showers out

This competition is now closed

By Robin Coomber

Published: January 5, 2022 at 5:00 pm

The best cycling gilets are your secret weapon against the elements. Smaller and more packable than a full jacket, gilets are the perfect piece of spare clothing to take with you on changeable days.

In fact, a good gilet can be the most versatile piece of kit in your wardrobe, seeing year-round use. Think cold morning starts in the spring and summer, long descents off mountains and autumn days when the weather just won’t settle.

When layering up for winter, they make a great outer layer for fast riding because they protect your core but are much more breathable than a jacket. Pair a gilet with a breathable long-sleeve jersey and you’ll have a warm but well-vented combination.

On that note, the lack of sleeves means a gilet can offer much greater ventilation, helping sweat to evaporate at a faster rate rather than getting trapped inside and eventually making you cold.

Like jackets, gilets come in a range of different materials, styles and price points, meaning there’s something for every type of cyclist. So we’ve tested a wide range and have put together this buyer’s guide of what we think are the best gilets for cycling in 2021.

For more of our top picks, take a look at our guides to the best cycling jerseys, best waterproof jackets, autumn cycling kit, cycling gloves and overshoes.

Featuring a semi-fitted cut and made with Altura’s Shield windproof and showerproof fabric, the NV2 breathes well, while offering protection from the elements.

The clever bit is the Darkproof technology in the fabric, which gives it a glowing appearance when light shines on it.

A silicone waist gripper holds the gilet in place, and the lower back panel features a single zipped pocket with a storm flap.

This women’s-specific gilet from dhb provides great breathability thanks to its mesh back, and we think it makes a good buy for year-round use. The wind-resistant material on the front of the gilet seems durable.

We found the fit to have a decent, although not relaxed, fit without excess material flapping around. The gilet is a good length and the silicone gripper on the bottom hem actually works.

Visibility is the priority here, with the fluorescent yellow and reflective details working to keep you seen when out on the road.

You can easily fit this gilet into a cycling jersey pocket.

Based on the classic race cape style, the translucent ExoShell20ST fabric offers good breathability with excellent stretch properties and waterproofing, improved by sealed seams and an internal storm flap.

The ample reflective trim around the waist, shoulder cuffs and zip provides great visibility.

Endura also offers the FS260-Pro Adrenaline Race Gilet II in a women’s-specific cut.

Endura’s gilet will leave you as snug as a bug under a duvet clutching a hot water bottle!

It’s not as packable as most, but this PrimaLoft-insulated gilet does have three standard rear pockets and one zipped one, so it’s great for long days in the saddle when you might need the extra storage space.

We think it’s perfect over a baselayer and long-sleeve jersey on dry, cold days. If you run warm, you might find it a little too warm on long climbs, though like any gilet you can unzip it.

There are reflective details on the collar and hem for added visibility, and it’s available in a women’s cut.

Perfect for cold, rainy days, the Pro Team offers outstanding waterproofing for a gilet. Rapha’s three-layer fabric is also highly stretchy for a race-ready fit.

A two-way zip adds cooling options, along with the Velcro tab at the top. A large rear pocket is ample for on-the-go storage, and it’s covered in a rubber-like film for added spray protection too.

Rapha also sells the Souplesse Lightweight Rain Gilet with a women’s cut.

This gilet from Decathlon brand Van Rysel has a race cut and excellent packability.

Van Rysel has achieved this by doing away with pockets and having a thinner, more breathable mesh back. The front offers good windproofing for cooler days and some water-repellency for rainier rides.

White perhaps isn’t the most sensible colour for grimy winter rides, but thankfully it’s also available in black. It could do with more reflective details, but is an otherwise excellent and well-priced gilet.

Subscribe to Cycling Plus magazine and get a Lezyne Super Pro GPS (worth £135!) as your welcome gift! Plus, save 16% off the subscription price.

Subscribe to MBUK and get a Scott Supra Plus Helmet as your welcome reward! Plus, save 35% off the shop price!