Warm and comfortable: Six cycling waistcoats put to the test

Ion Thermolite Hybrid Shelter

The Ion gilet is made for particularly cold days on the bike. The thickly insulated construction with synthetic down offers a pleasantly tailored cut. Stretch inserts at the sides increase comfort. Good: The back section is long and there is an integrated glasses cleaning cloth in one of the two zip pockets. Only for really cold days.

Price: 190 Euro >> available here at a reduced price
Field of application: Spring 3/10 | Summer 1/10 | Autumn 5/10 | Winter 9/10

Fox Flexair Fire

The Fox impresses with a successful, bike-specific cut, an extended back section against splashing water and two zip pockets for smartphone and keys. In contrast to other waistcoats, the back and stomach are less heavily insulated. Nevertheless, the Flexair Fire is more suitable for cold days. Relatively expensive.

Price: 200 Euro >> available here at a reduced price
Field of application: Spring 6/10 | Summer 2/10 | Autumn 8/10 | Winter 10/10

Maloja AurachM.

The lightweight Maloja waistcoat has a sporty and pleasantly tailored cut. The back is subtly longer and the two zip pockets have space for keys or a smartphone. Compared to the models from Ion and Fox, this gilet is not for particularly cold days. However, its range of use - combined with the matching base layer - is all the greater.

Price: 180 Euro >> available here at a reduced price
Field of application: Spring 7/10 | Summer 9/10 | Autumn 7/10 | Winter 4/10

Rose Race Windproof Thermo Vest

Softshell is the all-rounder among functional materials: windproof, water-repellent, slightly warming and more vapour-permeable than thickly lined insulating fabric. This makes the Rose gilet with its sporty cut and back pockets ideal as a layer for the onion principle and also for more intensive training sessions. It is also relatively inexpensive.

Price 70 Euro >> available here at a reduced price
Field of application: Spring 6/10 | Summer 5/10 | Autumn 9/10 | Winter 6/10

Patagonia Nano-Air Light Vest

This lightweight gilet is suitable for a wide range of temperatures. Its cut is looser rather than bike-specific waisted - and it does not have an extended back. Top: the high collar. The stretch material is comfortable to wear and allows plenty of freedom of movement. The Nano-Air also has three zip pockets for your smartphone and keys.

Price: 180 Euro >> available here
Field of application: Spring 7/10 | Summer 3/10 | Autumn 7/10 | Winter 7/10

Scott Trail Storm Insuloft AL

Perfect for the transitional season - i.e. autumn and spring. The lower back is protected from shelling from puddles, while the fluffy Polartec insulation warms the centre of the body. The outer material is wind-repellent, but not windproof - which is why higher intensities are possible without getting too hot. However, the Scott is less suitable for cold winds.

Price: 100 Euro
Field of application: Spring 9/10 | Summer 6/10 | Autumn 9/10 | Winter 5/10

>> Cycling gloves for the transition period in the TOUR test

>> Clever garments for autumn and spring