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review
Gilets
Galibier Vent Air Gilet2022 Galibier Vent Air gilet.jpg

Galibier Vent Air Gilet

8
by Stu Kerton
Wed, Feb 23, 2022 19:45
2
£46.30

VERDICT:

8
10
It's only available in this one colour, but the performance and price make up for that
Impressive weather resistance
Stuffs down to a small size
Offset zip avoids irritation
Only available in one colour
Weight: 
71g
Contact: 
www.galibier.cc
How we test

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Simple and effective is how I'd describe the Galibier Vent Air Gilet. It's light, stands up well to the wind and light rain, and the four-way stretch allows for a great fit. The price can't be faulted either.

At just 71g (size large), this is definitely a lightweight piece of clothing, and when scrunched up it'll barely take up half of a jersey pocket. Considering it's so minimalist, its performance is rather impressive.

> Buy this online here

Galibier says the Vent Air was born when its fabric partner created this AquaVent membrane. It's four-way stretch but, importantly, it can be taped.

This means that as well as the fabric itself being water repellent – and it works well against light rain showers, drizzle and road spray – Galibier has been able to tape all of the seams.

On milder days when I was out in a long sleeve jersey I could chuck the Vent Air on over the top if the weather changed and I got caught out in a shower. Even in prolonged rain, if it wasn't too heavy, I'd stay dry for a good half an hour or so.

It's in the wind where the gilet really shines, though. The way it blocks the breeze is very noticeable. On days where the temperature was close to freezing with a keen northerly wind, I could tell the difference on my core compared to my arms when worn over the same long sleeve jersey. The chill was gone completely.

I can see this being ideal for spring and autumn for keeping early morning chills at bay. It's breathable too – even when riding hard on the climbs I never found it clammy or damp inside.

2022 Galibier Vent Air gilet - back.jpg

The fit is close, and Galibier suggests possibly going up a size if in doubt, which I'd agree with. I normally wear a medium in Galibier kit but this large feels spot on – close enough to not flap around in the wind without ever feeling restrictive.

The four-way stretch panels help when wearing it over thicker jackets and jerseys.

There is plenty of length in the body for when you are in the drops, while the tall neck stops the wind from whipping in from the top.

2022 Galibier Vent Air gilet - collar 2.jpg

Also, the elastic cuffs around the arms give a close fit without letting too much air in.

The offset zip is a nice touch, as it stops any clashes with zips on clothing underneath.

2022 Galibier Vent Air gilet - collar 1.jpg

For access to your rear pockets there is a slot either side to slip your hands through.

The overall quality is to Galibier's usual high spec. The zip runs smoothly and consistently, making the gilet easy to take on and off even when riding, and all of the stitching is top notch.

2022 Galibier Vent Air gilet - hem.jpg

It seems durable too. I've worn it with a rucksack on and also through the woods with low-hanging branches and there's not a single mark on it.

2022 Galibier Vent Air gilet - back shoulders.jpg

For some people, bright colours are a must for riding in the colder, greyer months so the Vent Air might not be for everyone as the material's properties mean that it cannot accept dyes, so it's only available in this charcoal. It is transparent, though, so you can still see your other kit underneath, just a little darker.

It's priced at £46.30, which is competitive against other gilets like Lusso's Hex Packable Gilet at £55. The Lusso does come with rear pockets, and Nick was generally impressed overall.

Rapha's Pro Team Lightweight Gilet packs down small, and according to another Nick it's great on the wind resistance front. It's virtually twice the price of the Galibier, though.

> Buyer’s Guide: 10 of the best cycling gilets

Overall, as long as you are happy with the charcoal colour of the Galibier then there isn't really anything here not to like. The fit is great, as is the quality, and the performance – and the price.

Verdict

It's only available in this one colour, but the performance and price make up for that

road.cc test report

Make and model: Galibier Vent Air Gilet

Size tested: Large

Tell us what the product is for

Galibier says, "Our Vent Air gilet is the lightest windproof gilet on the market at 52 grams (L). The gilet was born when a new AquaVent membrane was developed by our fabric partners. A first in the cycling world to produce a low weight and low pack fabric that also has four-way stretch AND can be taped, waterproofing the seams. The new stretch features produce a gilet that is not restrictive, allowing greater agility which improves rider performance and comfort.

The revolutionary fabric has permitted a durable garment to be created that takes up the space of two gels in your pocket or bag; yet delivers full core protection from wind, showers and chill. The stretch of the material provides freedom of movement, keeping the garment fitted close to the body and permitting the core to operate at ideal temperature.

The properties of the material prevent it from taking a dye so it is available in a transparent charcoal colour. A high neck and elasticated waist and arms provides a sealed environment from all weathers.

Our logo provides reflective rear highlights and you can still access the contents of your jersey pockets with two neatly placed slips. We have chosen an Offset zip as it will be worn over an 'centered' jersey zipper, thus avoiding doubled up zips on top of each other. An elastic loop attached to the waistband provides an easy storage solution.

A complete partner that can be utilised year round."

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Galibier lists these features:

Super Anatomical Ergo fit: High stretch.

WindProof

3M Reflective logo highlights

30 Machine delicates washable.

4 needle double stitching and fully taped seams

High neck and ripstop fabric at the back.

2 jersey pocket access slips

High wind protection

Vent provides total wind resistance and light rain protection an: low weight (52g) and low pack volume with Offset Zip.

Freedom of movement

Stretch inserts on the sides provide optimal freedom of movement Technical material mix with 3 different fabrics placed where it's relevant Feather light embossed fabric on front offers high wind protection Lycra inserts on the side and stretch material on the back increase range of movement without flapping while riding

Fabric

AquaVent membrane

The 7 denier fabric is so fine that each gilet uses 30+ km of yarn.

SIZE GUIDE:

If in doubt, size up as they are neat fitting.

XS : 34-36 INCH CHEST (89cms)

SMALL: 36-38 INCH CHEST (94cms)

MEDIUM 38-40 INCH CHEST (99cms)

LARGE: 40-42 INCH CHEST (104cms)

XL: 42- 44 INCH CHEST (109cms)

XXL: 44-46 INCH CHEST (115cms)

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
9/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the product for fit:
 
8/10
Rate the product for sizing:
 
8/10

Galibier's sizing guide is accurate, although if you are going to use it for layering up over thicker winter jerseys then go up a size.

Rate the product for weight:
 
9/10
Rate the product for comfort:
 
8/10
Rate the product for value:
 
8/10

How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?

No problems with washing it when following Galibier's instructions.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

It offers protection against the wind and does a decent job against light rain too.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Great windblocker.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

It can't be helped (yet), but that it's only available in one colour.

How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?

It's a bit cheaper than offerings from the likes of Lusso, whose products are often cited as being well priced, and compared to something like the Rapha mentioned in the review, the Galibier is half the price.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your overall score

Impressive performance from such a lightweight gilet, which stands up well on the durability front too. Some people might want brighter colours, but I wouldn't argue at this price.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 42  Height: 180cm  Weight: 76kg

I usually ride: This month's test bike  My best bike is: B'Twin Ultra CF draped in the latest bling test components

I've been riding for: Over 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,

Galibier Vent Air Gilet 2022
Galibier Vent Air Gilet
Galibier 2022
Galibier
Stu Kerton

As part of the tech team here at F-At Digital, senior product reviewer Stu spends the majority of his time writing in-depth reviews for road.cc, off-road.cc and ebiketips using the knowledge gained from testing over 1,500 pieces of kit (plus 100's of bikes) since starting out as a freelancer back in 2009. After first throwing his leg over a race bike back in 2000, Stu's ridden more than 170,000 miles on road, time-trial, track, and gravel bikes, and while he's put his racing days behind him, he still likes to smash the pedals rather than take things easy. With a background in design and engineering, he has an obsession with how things are developed and manufactured, has a borderline fetish for handbuilt metal frames and finds a rim braked road bike very aesthetically pleasing!

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2 comments

Avatar
Freddy56 | 2 years ago
0 likes

Goit it for christmas from her-indoors love it. Agree with Stu that the fabric fits neat and has great stretch, so doesn't feel compressive event though there is zero flap.

I have an older Assos Mille gilet which this has replaced as the fabric doesnt stretch- but got nearly the full cost of this on ebay for it.

Avatar
wycombewheeler | 2 years ago
0 likes

Looks nicely see through for those who want to pretend they are in das sound machine

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