Galibier's Gino Pro Wind Jacket is one very impressive piece of kit, blocking out the breeze without creating a humid micro-climate on the inside thanks to great breathability.
- Pros: Brilliant fabric, great fit, value for money
- Cons: Nothing really stands out
Galibier has long had a reputation for delivering impressive garments at sensible prices, and the Gino is a continuation of this theme.
Galibier has chosen UPF200 Windstop fabric by Miti for the front panels, a high thread-count material which is then laminated to create the windproofing. Nothing gets through at all.
Just to test how insulating the Gino was, I went out on a night ride with the temperature just half a degree below freezing and a cold north-easterly wind blowing in. Underneath, all I had on was a mesh short-sleeved baselayer that I normally wear in the warmth of summer. My temperature was very comfortable, even on my arms, where under the sleeves of the Gino my skin was exposed.
That's one of the beauties of the Gino: you can wear it on its own like a winter jersey rather than having to layer up like most wind jackets, and it has three pockets across the rear. It also folds up small enough to fit in a jersey pocket if you do want to layer it.
Those pockets are reasonably small, though, so you need to be travelling light or to be using a saddle bag for your heavy tools. Galibier points this out on its website, so it's not a criticism.
Breathable
With it being so good at keeping the wind out, I was worried that in warmer temperatures or with another layer underneath breathability would be an issue. It simply wasn't. Galibier uses a thinner fabric for the rear and side panels, which lets body heat escape. Just below the neck at the back, a mesh panel runs across under the main fabric; the outer fabric is only stitched in a couple of places, which allows a vent to be created.
Not only does the fabric perform well, it also feels great against the skin: pleasantly soft with none of that bin-bag feel you get with some stowaway jackets.
The quality looks and feels to be right up there as well, with everything finished to a high standard. Plus, areas that see a lot of stress or wear and tear are double stitched. It's also good to see some colour being incorporated, rather than the regulation black. The bright red rear panel certainly helps you stand out on a drab day.
Further design touches help keep the wind out as well, such as the double cuff and high neck.
You also get a dropped tail and an arched front to stop bunching of the material when you are in the saddle.
The offset zip is a nice touch as it removes the chance of any neck rub, especially with the jacket finishing so high up your throat.
Close cut
The fit is a good balance of performance and comfort. It's cut close without being race specific, so you don't need to be a climbing whippet to wear it. The largest XXL chest size is just 44in, though, so its range won't fit everyone.
When it comes to value, the Galibier is pretty impressive with its £53 price tag. It's cheaper than the excellent Showers Pass Ultralight Wind jacket at £65, although that is lighter and water resistant too. And it knocks the similarly styled Santini Beta Winter Windstopper into a cocked hat.
> Buyer's Guide: 10 of the best windproof cycling jackets
Overall, the Gino is an excellent windproof jacket that will see plenty of use throughout the winter, autumn and spring. It's not waterproof, but on a dry, windy day it's superb.
Verdict
Wind, what wind? One of the best-performing windproof jackets out there
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road.cc test report
Make and model: Galibier Gino Pro Wind Jacket
Size tested: Large
Tell us what the jacket is for
Galibier says, "Our Gino Pro is defined by a striking Full reflective, off set zip. The Zip bisects UPF200 Windstop fabric by Miti. This Italian technical, the highest thread count, material they offer, is then laminated they offer making it 100% windproof. We also use UPF for the sleeves but have added a 20mm lycra vent, to perfect the fit and thermoregulation.
"Like our Gino Light jacket, the use of materials is structured to the direction you travel on the bike. We use lighter fabrics at the rear protecting the rider from both the cold, North winds of March and overheating in summer evenings. The Double cuff and high neck eliminate all drafts. The 3 rear pockets are only for essential spares and valuables and will sit secure with a 4-way stretch pocket fabric."
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the jacket?
From Galibier:
Windproof front panels.
3 high stretch rear pockets and Zipped security pocket.
Silicone waist band keeps the jacket locked in place.
Double stitching in high pressure areas.
Sizing is spot on to the guide, and it's well cut for a great fit.
How easy is the jacket to care for? How did it respond to being washed?
A 30 degree wash is recommended, and it was enough to clean the jacket after wet and muddy rides.
Tell us how the jacket performed overall when used for its designed purpose
No wind gets through at all.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the jacket
Super-soft material.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the jacket
A few reflectives on the rear wouldn't go amiss.
Did you enjoy using the jacket? Yes
Would you consider buying the jacket? Definitely
Would you recommend the jacket to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your overall score
The windstopping capabilities of the Galibier are amazing for such a lightweight jacket, the material is very comfortable against the skin, and it's a great price. Superb.
About the tester
Age: 38
I usually ride: This month's test bike My best bike is: Kinesis Aithein
I've been riding for: 10-20 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, club rides, sportives, fixed/singlespeed
With 20 years of road cycling and over 150,000 miles in his legs it's safe to say Stu is happiest when on the bike whatever the weather. Since writing his first review for road.cc back in 2009 he has also had a career in engineering including 3D-CAD design and product development, so has a real passion for all of the latest technology coming through in the industry but is also a sucker for a classic steel frame, skinny tyres, rim brakes and a damn good paintjob.
His fascination with gravel bikes is getting out of control too!
4 comments
Just to confirm, is this like a thin, windproof softshell?
My packable windproof shell almost seems sweatier than my waterproof, and obviously my waterproof is so sweaty it's nigh on useless for anything except the most biblical downpours.
My DHB softshell windproof is great though, just looking for a thinner alternative for warmer days.
Castelli Alpha Wind jersey or Sportful No Rain Light? I've got the Sportful in both long and short sleeve (got them on crazy sale discounts a few years apart) and amazingly windproof. If you are looking for something for warmer days I'd recommend the short sleeve version. Handles showers well too...
Kind of. It feels like a thin, soft jersey rather than most windproof jackets.
Have to agree with you on the Sportful, fits in my rear pocket, and I'll slip on for Alpine descending, keeps you warm and dry without sweating, and is comfortable against your skin.
Aero fit too, with little or no flapping, much better than the cheap pertex shells I used to wear.
I like the look of this Galibier jacket, and their stuff always gets good reviews