Rapha Men’s Pro Team Lightweight Gilet

Tell us what the product is for

Rapha says, 'A lightweight, packable gilet for early starts and cold descents.

'The Pro Team Lightweight Gilet is a thin outer layer perfect for riding in cold conditions and pit stops at cafés. It can be packed down easily and stowed away in a jersey pocket until the temperature drops. The long-awaited update to a longstanding piece in the range, this gilet has a mesh back, providing just the right amount of ventilation, allowing you to ride hard without overheating. A slightly raised collar provides added protection from cold winds. Designed with comfort and performance in mind, the armholes have been redesigned to fit the contours of the shoulders preventing the gilet from riding up and are cut specifically for an on-bike position. As well as a reflective logo on the collar, there are also reflective stripes on the bottom front panel for added visibility in low light.'

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

From Rapha:

Lightweight and packable

Easily fits in a jersey pocket

Reflective details on collar and front panel

Silicone directly applied to hem to keep gilet in place

Pro Team 'convict stripes' on front placket

Main:

87% Nylon

13% Elastane

Contrast:

90% Polyester

10% Elastane

Very high quality construction.

The windproof fabric on the front of the gilet provides a good level of wind protection, while the mesh rear combined with the double ended zip provide good breathability and ventilation.

No deterioration in performance in eight weeks of use, despite it often being packed into a pocket.

At a slim 5ft 11in and 70kg I am usually between small and medium for Rapha tops. The medium gilet was the right size for me, especially when I had a jersey with full pockets underneath. The length was good too.

As expected.

At only 88g, the gilet was barely noticeable.

The gilet is worn over a jersey, so no real contact against the skin. The collar is good, the top of the zip well protected. I didn't experience any discomfort.

At £90, it's on the expensive side, but I'd be happy to spend this much on something I use so regularly that performs this well and looks stylish, adding to the value.

How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?

Washable at a low temperature, carefully given the lightweight fabrics.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

It performed very well. I used this gilet on morning and evening rides where I was unsure whether I would need an extra layer. It gives good wind protection, particularly at higher speeds. I didn't overheat when climbing, and also found it really quick and easy to take off and fold into my jersey pocket, while waiting at a set of traffic lights for example.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Protection against wind without overheating, the double-ended zip makes accessing jersey pockets easier, and the plain design and colour. It also packs down into a jersey pocket very easily.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Nothing.

How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?

It's not cheap, but sits alongside gilets from the likes of Endura and Chapeau! which, though not as light, do offer more weather protection.

Use this box to explain your overall score

The gilet is really good – superlight, easy to pack, stylish looking and a great fit. It's not cheap, but the quality is high and it performs really well, ideal for unpredictable weather for at least three seasons of the year.