Northwave Wind Pro Vest

This Wind Pro Vest from Northwave features a kite-like polyester material, ensuring a decent level of wind blocking. With reflective shoulder straps, mesh back, zip underlay and a self packing pocket, do all these features make for a category winner?

The aforementioned polyester material is extremely windproof, labelled as 'Windshield Plus' It is almost impenetrable. It is a great option for when the weather really turns or if beginning a long descent - when you know you're going to be getting a wind battering.

The problem is that it feels a bit like a plastic bag; it is crunchy, unlike other clothing materials like Windtex. I can liken it to a kite or parachute, and because of this, I didn't really want to wear it for prolonged periods.

It's not unlike a lightweight rain jacket in that sense: it does the job when you need it but once the rain (or wind in this case) stops, you start to notice what you're wearing.

Thankfully, the gilet has a neat self-packing feature, so you can take it off and stow away as necessary. It works using a little pouch on the rear, which you roll the gilet up into, creating a pac-a-mac sort of bundle that can fit into a pocket.

All this windproof polyester should make for a sweat trap but a large meshed rear panel section helps to prevent this. I did find it sweatier than other gilets - even with this panel - simply because the wind blocking sections work both ways. It's not a problem though if you wear it as a 'use and put away' garment.

I tested a large and found it to be too big for me really (184cm, 36cm chest). With a gilet like this you want a fairly close fit to prevent any flapping in the wind. Elastic cuffs around the waist and arms hold the gilet on well and a high collar prevents any wind creeping down the neck.

Gilets are often used once the gray skies come, so it's nice to have a couple of reflective strips on the shoulder and lower back, along with reflective text.

Praise where praise is due for this gilet's ability to provide protection from the wind. The trouble is that this comes at the price of breathability and comfort.

If what you're looking for is a gilet where protection trumps over all-day comfort; the kind of gilet you pack away again once used, the Northwave Pro Wind Vest could be just for you.

Verdict

A pack-away gilet with excellent wind protection, if a little crunchy.