waterproof

The Polaris Shield windproof jacket has been my trusty companion in the turbulent weather we've been having. It's a lot more waterproof than its name suggests, and it packs down nice and small.

It's pretty minimal; my scales report a mere 125 grams for the size large tested. You don't get any pockets, but there is a drawcord at the hem and the collar. You get thumb loops on the sleeves, which seem to come on most jackets of this type. They are pointless in my opinion, but others might find them useful.

Waterproof gaiters are not exactly a new concept in the walking market, and cyclists have been wearing overshoes for donkey's years. But these Georgia In Dublin Leggits are proper long, waterproof gaiters for cyclists, exclusively female ones, and a pretty innovative idea. But is it useful and do they work?

The Sportful Hot Pack Vest is a good windproof gilet that's incredibly lightweight and takes up hardly any space in your pocket when you don't need it on.

It's made from nylon with a little polyurethane thrown in there, and rather than a vent across the yoke, you get mesh panels that run down either side of the back.

The front's fabric doesn't let any wind through while a tall, close-fitting neck and elasticated armholes and hem ensure that cold air doesn't nip in around the edges. You get a baffle behind the zip too.

SealSkinz Thin Socklets bring waterproof practicality to snug-fitting cycling footwear, whether you're running through muddied streams, shouldering the 'crosser, bombing along with the chain-gang or on a week's tour. However, while they're genuinely waterproof to their elasticated cuff-lines, being completely sealed in can still leave feet feeling a bit rank after a few hours in synthetic footwear.

Rainlegs wind and waterproof leg covers are a quirky, yet surprisingly effective solutions to the problem of keeping the upper legs dry during those unpredictable spring showers without resorting to full-blown over-trousers.

The dhb Sync cycling jacket is an impressive piece of kit; a full-on waterproof and windproof outer layer, giving excellent protection against the elements. In design, it's more like a jacket for hiking or hill-walking, so may well appeal to people looking for versatility - although it has a bit of an urban flava as well, so may be useful for commuters. It also looks similar to the understated jackets from brands such as Rohan aimed at stylish world travellers.

The EQ2.5 Jacket from dhb is designed to keep you warm and dry when cycling in cold and wet weather - and it does just that, very well indeed.