Wind vest recommendations
 

I have tons of jerseys and several cycling jackets but I've never used a cycling vest. I'm thinking I might want one to block wind on a cold morning (~40°F) that eventually warms up into the 60s or higher. For this reason pack-ability will be a factor. Also, I'm looking for the following:

- excellent wind blocking
- good quality
- looks decent
- neutral color (not hi-vis anything)
- aero fit
- not pre-owned
- don't particularly want rear pockets

Price is not the main object. I'll pay for quality, up to a point. Having said that I'll be looking for a good deal on ebay or other closeout.

Any help would be most appreciated!

make sure you get one with two way zippers, they are just so much more functional

For a vest I'm not that concerned about a 2 way zipper. I anticipate the vest being fully zipped while wearing. If I need to unzip it I'll probably be ready to take it off.

I think I found what I'm looking for, made by Pearl Izumi. Thanks for the response.

I've been reasonably happy with Castelli Velo vest (pretty much the only Castelli item I've tried that I'd say that about),

not flappy, stuffs in it's pocket, 75g, & packs down to the size of an inner tube.

Maybe no longer available. Pearl Izumi should be OK, something cheap on Amazon worth a try.

Don't agree with the 2 way zipper- should fit tight, so no point.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...de9015fa73.jpg

The Black Bibs has a wind vest in black or gray for 40 bucks. Just received mine and it's really nice.

Anybody still interested in a wind vest, Pactimo has their Clothes-Out sale going on right now.... I've been impressed with the quality of their bibs, no experience with their vests.

https://www.pactimo.com/collections/...-jackets/vests

eric/fresno, ca.

I'm using something I would never ordinarily buy-- a Le Col gilet. It's superb, as you would expect. It's also north of $100, which is absurd. But they do those coupons via Strava Challenge several times a year, then hand you a sales offer-- it was the gilet and arm warmers for 100 British Pounds. After the Strava Coupon, it was about $70USD shipped for the gillet + warmers and I have no regrets whatsoever. They're far and away my favorite warmers, and since I got the gilet, I haven't worn my Pearl Izumi vest once.

https://www.ornotbike.com/collection...ind-vest-black

I have this, and I love it. Incredibly light and packable, but does a great job blocking the wind. Super fitted, so be sure you order the right size! Definitely race cut. Has rear pockets, but they don't add any bulk or extra material whatsoever.

Well duh - thanks for mentioning this. The one complaint that I have about my vest (Search & State) is that getting in to my jersey pockets is a *****. I mostly chalked it up to wearing gloves (which I don't usually wear above 45° or so) and the lack of touch/dexterity, but unzipping the bottom a bit should make things easier.

Yours is a super nice vest, no question. I don't expect to use the vest all that much so I can't justify spending that kind of money. Having said that, even on ebay the nicer vests start at about $40 and go up from there.

Below are some web pics of the PI vest I just bought. I got it for under 50 bucks. Newer version costs twice that and is essentially the same. Per my reading, and the size I bought, I think it will fit rather snugly.


https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...38c2999abd.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...e9644fce3f.jpg

Castelli Pro Light

https://www.backcountry.com/castelli...wind-vest-mens

Impeccable fit. No pockets.

Black with red highlights is as close as this product is going to come to a neutral colorway.


-Tim-

I have an old Nashbar wind vest that I really like. It has zip front pockets and a good size zip rear central pocket. It is yellow and has stains that will not wash out. Not a big deal. I have been shopping for a new vest but have not seen one that I like enough to purchase. For me, it makes no sense to have a vest that has no pockets. I am used to the front pockets and I carry chapstick, gum/lifesavers and tissues in them, easy access. The rear pocket I just use for phone, paper money,ID and what ever else I may need for that ride. I like the idea of convertible jackets but it looks to me like most of them are really tight in the shoulders and have read that as a con in the reviews of many of them. The other big deterrent for me is simply a matter of the price, crazy expensive for a lot of them.

I have no experience with the Pactimo offerings, but one has three pockets, one has magnetic closure for access to your jersey's pockets, and the third has no pockets

Lightweight and pocket-less.. a nice option.
https://www.probikekit.com/sports-ja.../11863171.html

Well maybe there is a point.

I have a vest with pockets & 2 way zipper- the pockets get confusing between putting stuff there & the jersey pockets, & I don't use the 2 way zip. It's bulky & barely fits in a jersey pocket when rolled up.

Also have a jacket that's light, with slots to access the jersey pockets, but it flaps & the slots are a PIA so a failed experiment.

I lift up the back of the vest to get to the jersey pockets- somewhat awkward but no more than the other options.

Two suggestions:

Chest warmer from WarmFront. I'd get this anyhow - I use mine a lot more than I thought I would.

I also had Lou Binik from Foxwear.net make me a vest that has three jersey style pockets on the back, a chest pocket to slide my cell phone into and a two way zipper. The front is neoshell that is wind and waterproof but highly breathable and with mechanical stretch and the rear is midweight power stretch that vents heat super well. Power stretch is also stretchy so it makes the vest fit super close.

I wear this vest all the time and it rolls up to stash with ease in a jersey pocket. Cost is less than a commercially available standard one and it is custom made to fit me precisely. Negotiated the functionality with Lou over email and he makes it quickly. I think the whole time to get it from my first contact with him to riding with it was less than 10 days. Lou is trustworthy to a fault. He's made me tons of stuff over the years and most of it has become some of my favorite outdoor equipment.

With all of Lou's stuff, you pick the color and the specific fabrics. He'll send samples.

J.

They still make them!! I have two, one team kit from 10 years ago... one team kit from 2 years ago. I LOVE the high collar and back pockets. I also love the polar fleece team jacket w/ high collar and back pockets. And the Hincapie team kit is also best for comfort.

A huge shout out / FYI -> You can get Hincapie custom in order size 1. Just need someone to do up your design.

I've owned a lot of different vests over the years. With the requirements you described OP, I would highly recommend the Louis Garneau Speedzone X-Lite. It is really a great lightweight vest and the rear cutout is genius--it provides great access to your jersey pockets. LINK The cut is "race fit."

Thank you for all your suggestions. I did follow up and do more research based on your input, and definitely checked all the links that you provided.

The PI vest came today. I ordered down a size and it fits quite snugly. I don't think it will flap. Two different fabrics used. See up near the collar and along the sides & bottom. That fabric is used more extensively on the back. Single rear pocket. I may end up using this a lot more than I had originally planned.


https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...547babc0db.jpg

Castelli Perfetto Vest: https://www.castelli-cycling.com/us/...451650819P-034

The best vest I have owned. Throw in head thingy, and it is quite comfortable in 40s. One note Castelli do run on slim side of things.
Another Alternative: https://www.castelli-cycling.com/us/...451650619P-085 Slightly warmer then vest + arm warmers. Can take sleeves off when it gets warmer.