Sleeveless Jackets
Product 2017
Man

Rapha Brevet Insulated Gilet

FIRST

“The World’s Finest Cycling Clothing and Accessories”. What can top that? Maybe slightly pompous, but you do know that when you buy Rapha you are buying the cream of the cream. Riding in Rapha changes other cyclists’ opinion of you; this brand has an unrivalled classy image.

 

When you receive a parcel from Rapha it is a bit like Father Christmas calling, you are very rarely disappointed. We tried not to be blinded by the brand’s image to be objective on the tests. But we have to say that this sleeveless jacket is the must have for any self respecting cyclist; it wins points on all turns (…we did manage to find two small negative remarks, keep reading..)

 

Rapha has of course chosen the best insulation and hydrophobic materials on the market: POLARTEC Alpha. For years this has been used for mountaineering, trail running and for all other outdoor sports. This material with its unique know-how comes from the Polartec laboratory and factory. It is lightweight, silent, doesn’t retain humidity in its fibers, resists multiple washing (at 30°c, wool program), it dries super fast and is packable taking up minimal space, and last but not least, it regulates body temperature due to its high breathability.

 

The Brevet Insulated Gilet uses Polartec Alpha for all of these numerous qualities. It is present on the torso and collar and the back. It acts as a wind break and its exterior is treated with DWR.

 

Rapha has integrated mesh side panels: this isn’t just for looks it allows the jacket to stretch and can be adjusted over the top of your jersey pockets, which are often jam packed with gels, cereal bars and personal items.

 

In the downhill or at full exertion the gilet practically stops all wind and most importantly remains breathable. The zip is easy to slide; the curser is well proportioned, big enough to be grabbed and small enough not to be annoying at the neckline. The curser blocks the zip when it is in the downward position, this prevents the jacket opening on its own whilst riding.

 

The collar is beautifully cut, not too high. The material is comfortable and doesn’t provoke any chaffing. The design of the cut is well researched, it respects the cyclists’ movements.

 

So – what can we criticize about this jacket? Not much! It really concerns packability: the reflective band on the chest and back, which is wide enough for safety reasons, is made from stiffer material than the gilet and therefore limits the compressibility of the jacket when not in use. We also found you need a bit of practice to roll up the jacket to fit into the well-placed elastic label and create a small packet: “Pack Light. Travel Far”… nice! You just need to practice a bit, like getting a sleeping bag back in its compressible sack… Maybe a mini-sack attached by a small cord that you find on Arc’Teryx compressible jackets would be more efficient, and the extra weight would be limited.

 

But this is definitely a reference top-class cycling gilet with Rapha know-how and major Polartec Alpha insulation. It wins our FIRST Award.

 

"But this is definitely a reference top-class cycling gilet with Rapha know-how and major Polartec Alpha insulation. It wins our FIRST Award."

Rating

  • 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
  • ZIP QUALITY
    8
  • WATERPROOFNESS
    5
  • BREATHABILITY
    9
  • DESIGN OF THE FIT
    8
  • COMPRESSIBILITY
    8
  • DURABILITY
    8

Price : 160

Overall Rating

7.67

LONG TERM TEST

We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:

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