windproof

GripGrab's Windster Cap is a good option for winter riding. Keeping your head and ears warm can be a challenge when cycling at this time of year and the Windster has a windproof front panel with good insulation around the head that should give you a head start (sorry) when it comes to staying warm.

Winter gear can take some of the joy from riding with bulky layers required to stay warm. Sportful's Fiandre No-Rain Light Jacket aims to alleviate this with a jersey-like fit but jacket-like protection.

The Storck Windbreaker Jacket is a very high quality windproof jacket that is surprisingly breathable and keeps a good amount of rain out when you get caught short.

I'd argue that all road cyclists need a good lightweight windproof shell that can easily be stowed away, and this is the time of year when such a jacket comes into its own. The temperature, hell the weather, is all over the place at the moment and knowing what to wear can be a nightmare. Even for more experienced cyclists.

The Purna ProteKt Windproof shell jacket is so thin you'd expect it to tear at the first brush with a prickly bush but it has proved me quite wrong. Weighing 99g including carry sack, it's designed to be donned in a flash, protecting against wind chill whether screaming along a mountain pass or dribbling through Drabsville.

The Vortex Windgrip gloves are slim fitting and windproof gloves that are reasonably comfortable on the bike.

I prefer my gloves thin - I like a good feel of the bars and controls when I'm riding - but that does often mean a compromise in the amount of insulation a glove can offer, especially at this time of year. The Vortex gloves use a windproof fabric over the back of the hand and fingers that stops icy cold air in its tracks.

Performance outerwear has long been losing its nerdy neon persona in favour of something much sleeker. Purna Mens ProteKt Windproof Technical Jacket has a timeless appeal.

Regal shades of blue or green are the alternatives should the satin black prove too staid, but be aware of the lack of reflectives.

It's a hard-shell design with a surprisingly tactile texture more commonly associated with gloves and overshoes.

The Tornado jacket from Polaris is a garment for cold weather cycling. To keep you comfortable on those long winter rides, the panelling on the chest and sleeves is fully windproof.

In fact the Tornado is so good at keeping the elements at bay, when the temperature does rise it becomes something of hinderance.

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.

The Vangard Windflex base layer isn't just your average base layer in that it includes a wind stopping panel across the chest. It's an unusual feature although it's not unique; we've just reviewed the competition in the form of Craft's impressive Extreme WS. So how does the Vangard perform?