Castelli Leggero gilet

This neat little polyester windproof is ideal for keeping the wind off your torso on summer morning and evening rides, or for carrying with you just in case the temperature dips.

It’s made from a lightweight polyester – ForceField – that does a fine job of stopping cool air getting in and robbing you of your body heat. And when we say ‘lightweight’, the Leggero hits the scales at an incredibly feathery 72g and packs down to the size of an orange – a small orange at that (look, a ‘small orange’ is a well-known international measurement; just go with it). You get a little zipped stuff sack too, although we never felt the need to use it – you can scrunch this top up and sling it in a rear pocket without any trouble.

Don't let its diminutive size put you off – the slim-cut Leggero packs a big punch for a little 'un. The neck is tall and close-fitting so no draughts can get in up there and it’s mesh-lined so feels perfectly comfortable next to your skin. The two-way zip has a baffle behind it and you get a chinguard at the top to prevent any scratching, while an open mesh back stops the atmosphere getting too clammy inside.

Although the Leggero isn’t rainproof – that mesh section is hardly going to keep you dry – the solid panels are surprisingly water resistant. You’ll need something more hardcore if the forecast isn’t good, but it’ll shrug off road spray and a bit of light drizzle without much bother.

Also available as a long sleeve version for £75.

Verdict

Ultra light windproof gilet that's built to high standards