Gore’s Ambient Windstopper Vest weighs just 58g in size L and fits easily into your rear pocket. It is windproof (on the front at least) and repels mist and light rain whilst being highly breathable. There is no key pocket, stuff pocket or hang tag but that doesn’t matter when it works so well. This vest is meant to be in your back pocket or on your back not hanging up.
- Endura MT500 Spray Gilet review
- On and off the record with Lachlan Morton
- Best mountain bike gloves 2024
Gore Ambient Windstopper Vest – Technical details
The Ambient Windstopper Vest is constructed from Gore-Tex Labs’ newly improved Windstopper material which promises to be more windproof and more breathable, and, due to industry-wide changes in manufacturing standards is now made using responsibly made materials.
Gore’s new Windstopper membrane is sandwiched between a backing fabric and a face fabric material and works by blocking the wind from passing through the fabric while allowing moisture vapour to escape.
Gore has updated its product naming so garments previously called Inifinum Windstopper like this Vest are now simply Windstopper by Gore-Tex labs. Gore claims that this version is completely windproof and more breathable than before. The outer layer also has a durable treatment, making the Windstopper fabric highly water resistant which helps it deal with damp cool conditions.
The vest is form cut for racing and aggressive riding so looks daft standing up but works perfectly when bent over the bars. It’s very close fitting to prevent flap and rustle when riding at high speeds and to allow you to cut through the wind. Windstopper is used for the front, sides, tops and rear shoulders to provide maximum defence against cold winds when the rider is in the drops on the bike.
The rear of the vest is made from stretchy mesh material for maximum breathability and to allow for a closer fit. The hem is stretchy elastic which lets you pull it down at the rear and a thin silicone strip runs the complete length of the hem to hold the vest in place.
The ergonomically shaped collar is designed to work when in the saddle and is tall and close-fitting to prevent drafts from getting inside and chilling you down. There is a full-length Windstopper baffle behind the close-fitting zip which has a rubber Gore tag to help you pull it with gloves on.
The Ambient Windstopper Vest has almost zero extras, no stuff pocket or key pocket or even a hand tag but it does have a reflective Gore logo on the chest and two long thin reflective strips on either side of the lower back.
And finally let’s clear up that name shall we, Gore calls this a vest while those of us living in Europe call it a gilet. Whatever term you choose, it’s a top with no sleeves that you wear on top of your jersey.
The Ambient is available in three colours; Black, Purple, and Green. Sizes X – XXXL. The XL Ulitily green Vest weighs in at 68g, the L weighs in at 58g
Gore Ambient Windstopper Vest – Performance
The Ambient Windstopper Vest is incredibly thin, light and very close fitting for its size. I am between L and XL so I tried both sizes as they both fitted depending on what I was wearing underneath and the performance I was looking for. Lightweight summer jerseys worked with a super tight and snug large black version and the larger XL Green option had a little more space, although not much, and was more comfortable with the slightly thicker merino tops I prefer for spring and autumn riding. I don’t expect anybody to buy both but try them on carefully to see which one you prefer.
The Ambient Windstopper Vest is designed to be tight to work as a membrane as close to your skin as possible to provide maximum wind protection whilst creating the minimum drag when you’re riding into the cold wind, downhill fast or just keeping the early morning chill off your chest.
Zipping up the Vest is a breath in and pull the zip-up smoothly action, which is a lot easier than it sounds. It might be very close fitting but there is also an excellent amount of stretch from the rear mesh and elastic hem and once the hem is pulled down the tightness of the vest feels much better.
And as soon as you assume the riding position the fit makes sense with a collar that is perfectly cut not to bunch around your Adam’s apple but still be tall and close to your skin without affecting your breathing. There is just enough space to allow for a high-collared jersey or a slimline buff on colder rides. The zip which, at first, looks a little fragile slides up without drama and you can ride comfortably with it up.
When you’re not wearing the Ambient Windstopper Vest, it takes up so little space and weighs so little that you could easily forget you packed it in your rear pocket or handlebar bag, so there is no reason not to take it with you. On a recent trip to some decent mountains in the Pyrenees, I was roasting on the way up but thank god I had the Vest for the way down, as boy can those long descents chill you to the bone.
The Vest not only blocks the wind perfectly but also repels a surprising amount of mizzle and mist so it’s the perfect accessory for this time of year teamed up with a thicker short-sleeve or long-sleeve jersey depending on your arm preference.
In terms of breathability, it’s a little hard to gauge with the back panel being full mesh but I think it works extremely well with even long rides leaving the front of the jersey with the least amount of sweat marking I’ve encountered from any of my other vests and my older Windstopper items.
Gore Ambient Windstopper Vest – Verdict
There’s not much more to say about the Ambient Windstopper Vest. The tighter the fit the better the aerodynamic performance and the total reduction in rustle. The ability to stow it just about anywhere is brilliant so you always have it with you. It’s easy to look after and goes in the washing machine on a gentle 40.
The only two negatives I have about the vest are that it’s a little expensive at £100 but you’re getting the full benefit of Gore-Tex Labs’ finest new material and a fantastic cut. Looking at the vast range of prices for vests or gilets (as they are often known), Gore looks to be about spot on. The Assos’ Mille GT C2 Wind Vest is just shy of £100 at £95 and has a similar set of features and a very similar weight. Sportful’s Pro Gilet is £100 but has the bonus of three rear pockets as well. The Rapha Pro Team Mens Gilet costs a little more at £115 and offers a two-way zipper to access your pockets easier but otherwise, it’s very similar.
The other very small negative is the lack of a hanging loop for drying it but it’s not an issue, I just used an armhole instead.
Gore’s Ambient Windstopper Vest is a super useful tiny stuffable highly breathable windproof layer for protection on chilly or damp days or when you are descending at speed. It has no bonus features, it is simply an excellent vest for improving your riding experience.
You might also like:
- How to pack bikepacking bags – carry everything you need
- Mountain bike tyre pressures – everything you need to know
- Le Col adds the ARC gravel clothing collection to its portfolio
Product purpose:
Ultra-thin windproof body keeps the core protected and warm while remaining lightweight and packable, so this is a gilet you can carry almost always. Stretch mesh panels increase, fit, comfort and ventilation. Aggressively cut means no excess fabric flapping in the wind, it is form-fitted and race-ready. Versatile and performance-driven, an essential piece in your kit bag.
Build extra:
Product construction
Product performance
Product performance extra:
Product durability extra:
So far so good
Product weight
Product weight extra:
Product comfort
Product comfort extra:
product value
All the deals displayed on our review pages are pulled from a constantly updating database feed of the best affiliate deals available. The criteria for deciding on what are the best deals is who is offering the lowest, delivered price. In most cases we will be showing the very best deal available online, but sometimes you may be able to find an item cheaper. If you can please feel free to post a link in the comments box below. To find out more about affiliate links on road.cc click here.
Product value extra:
Overall performance:
Product likes:
Smooth zip
Great neck shape, when in position
