Endura Pro SL PrimaLoft Gilet

It's expensive, but if you need a gilet that can provide some vital insulation on top of windproof performance, then the Endura Pro SL Primaloft Gilet could be the layer for you.

• Pros: Insulation, thermal regulation, race fit, packable
• Cons: It ain't cheap

It all starts with the filling – a Primaloft stuffing that provides vital heat retention. It's thin, so thin in fact that it's still possible to pack the gilet down into a decent-sized pocket. Moreover, it's cut so that there's little fabric wastage anywhere, which helps keep the form small when it's rolled up into a pocket or its own carry pouch.

This means, as the 'Pro' demarcation might suggest, you get a svelte race-ready cut that hugs the body. Don't think it's too restrictive though – it really isn't, with arm holes and waist hems well proportioned to give a real shell-like feeling. 

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Even with my relatively broad chest I felt like I was able to breathe easily with the medium on test thanks to the stretch side panels, although (as is usual for me) I struggled to ride with the zip done all the way up to the neckline. I blame it on my fat neck, but when done up there's no doubt the collar helps stop draughts sneaking down the neck.

Fundamentally, the close fit allows the gilet to insulate at low speeds, yet easily allow damp heat to escape when you're getting a shift on. I tend to run hot, so this was a welcome surprise in a gilet that's primarily designed for insulation, and it's down to the laser cut holes in the back panel.

The front is where the bulk of the insulation sits, facing the wind, while there's the tiniest amount on the rear to help with that slow speed insulation – but it's clear that this is where the gilet is designed to be an all-day piece of kit. You never need take it off simply because it can help regulate your body temperature so well. If ever I was damp after a faster ride, it was almost always biased around the frontal area, with the rear flank remaining admirably dry.

There's no waterproofing here, so it's strictly a dry-weather garment, but it can be forgiven in that Endura says it's designed to work with the Pro SL Shell for that purpose.

Practicality? Well, the rear sports two elasticated cargo pouches on the flanks (complete with lasered holes to keep gels and bars cool), and a central zipped pocket, which is lined for a little extra protection from the cold, wet elements outside trying to get in, and the warm, damp elements inside trying to get out. I can't say it's fully waterproof, so a plastic case or bag is warranted for a phone and paper (while it still is) money, but it's a little added reassurance.

Endura has even found space to fit a couple of reflective details (primarily in the form of the rear strip) for a little added visibility – necessary in darker season light in the smart black colourway, and still handy on the brighter orange colour you can also have it in.

> Buyer's Guide: The best cycling clothing to keep you warm in winter

Quality is undoubted too, with a zip that's easy to pull up and down on the move (shielded underneath by a draught flap that stays handily out of the way), and fabric and seams that look well up to the task of multiple seasons' worth of work.

Just as well, because it costs a (slightly) eye-watering £114.99 (though Rapha's Pro Team Insulated Gilet is another £35), but I have to conclude that, if you look after the Primaloft insulation by washing it properly, it's going to pay you back in performance and utility. If you're less bothered about the pro fit and packability, Endura's own Flipjak Gilet might be worth a look, at £69.99.

Verdict

It's very expensive, but you get performance to match