Favorite wind vest

[sjbraun]

In Tucson, wind vests are perfect for most winter riding. Our temps start out in the 50s, but easily climb to over 80 before the end of a ride.
So, vests are a big part of our cold weather wardrobe. (Yes, I realize we're weather weenies out here, but it's where we live.)
I have two vests, neither of which works all that well. My Sugoi vest flaps like crazy and an Adidas branded vest has a zipper that always frustrates me.

What do you like in cycling vests? I don't need anything water proof. A mesh back for ventilation and a snug fit to prevent flapping are must have features.

-Steve

[rnhood]

I like the Specialized Deflect (ventilated in back) but the woods are full of good wind vests so its hard to go wrong assuming it fits. It doesn't take a lot of money to but a good vest so shop wisely. Fit is important as the vest should be mildly snug - no flapping around.

[Vientomas]

Boure - http://www.boure.com/5100.html

[verticaldoug]

Assos Blitzfeder is about the best thing out there for packability and use.

[tv_vt]

I like the PI Aero vest. Nice snug fit and very packable.

[metalheart]

I have yet to find a vest that interests me, but on windy fall and winter days, I use one of these "Weather Warrior" bib/vests and it does a pretty good job of blocking the wind on the front of the body. I combine that with a neck gaiter for the colder days ....
http://www.weatherwarrior.com/WWWeb2p11.html
http://www.weatherwarrior.com/bibonly.jpg

[Idris Icabod]

I am sure this suggestion will bring much backlash but my favourite is a Rapha one I have. I'm also in Tucson, it is fairly light so you can really roll it up small and most importantly for me has the best fit, tailored to my body (I'm 6'1" and about 150 lbs) not really loose fitting on me.

[bironi]

Boure - http://www.boure.com/5100.html

+1^^^^

I like having 3 pockets accessible without fuss.

[Lionel]

Assos Blitzfeder is about the best thing out there for packability and use.

+100 I have this thing with me 9 months out of 12.

[Spoonito]

I jog / run more than bike. I have a few North Face running jackets with a back pocket to put gloves / hat / etc. it's only a single zip pocket but spans the entire width of my back. I plan on using that as temps drop. They fit pretty snug. I'm sure you could look into some running vests that are similar if you can't find a bike vest that you like.

[FlashUNC]

i am sure this suggestion will bring much backlash but my favourite is a rapha one i have. I'm also in tucson, it is fairly light so you can really roll it up small and most importantly for me has the best fit, tailored to my body (i'm 6'1" and about 150 lbs) not really loose fitting on me.

+1.

[Peter P.]

Mavic Vision vest. (http://www.mavic.com/apparel-road-men-jacket-vestjacket-vision-vest#.Um2e3xysEy4)

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5162/5349257191_289a85fce8_z.jpg

I have one. The Flickr photo above is a better representation of the color. The silver stripes are reflective. It has a high collar, and a huge zippered pocket in the back. Fits close to the body and seals off the arm holes just fine. I encourage you to check out the rest of the Mavic vest offerings; I like the styles.

Velo Magazine (http://velonews.competitor.com/2013/10/bikes-and-tech/clothesline/reviewed-eight-top-tier-vests-to-take-you-through-fall_306326) just released a review of 8 vests. Check it out.

[ean10775]

That Mavic vest isn't bad for a hi-viz option. I like that it's snug. My two favorite wind vests are the custom options from Voler and Verge. The Verge has a wind proof front, mesh back and fleeced collar. The Voler is lighter weight and has rear pockets.


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[BumbleBeeDave]

In Tucson, wind vests are perfect for most winter riding. Our temps start out in the 50s, but easily climb to over 80 before the end of a ride . . .

. . . I think this may just qualify as taunting/harassment under the forum user agreement.

:butt::mad::p;)

BBD

[cheshirecycle]

ENDURA

Nice and cheap

[pdmtong]

I am sure this suggestion will bring much backlash but my favourite is a Rapha one I have. I'm also in Tucson, it is fairly light so you can really roll it up small and most importantly for me has the best fit, tailored to my body (I'm 6'1" and about 150 lbs) not really loose fitting on me.

I have the Rapha one also. it has big pockets, offset zipper and looks sharp. the best thing about it is the material is very quiet in the wind. no loud flapping. however, it does not pack down the smallest.

since you are going 50-80, that is like the situation here when we start early, head to the coast and fog and come back to find the bay has heated up. it works very nicely

the PI vest I had packs smaller, but it was really noisy.

The Rapha one I got with a coupon on sale so the price was closer to $100 and more fiscally reasonable. At full pop that's a harder pill to swallow

[rwsaunders]

I've got an older PI Barrier Lite that really packs into a small shape for mid forties to 55 degrees and a Hincapie vest with WindTex which is a bit heavier, but good to 40 degrees...very well made. Pockets are a plus, but more importantly, you might want to select a unit with a mesh back. I'm looking forward to trying an Assos Element Zero that I just picked up on the Forum.

I should add that I use a vest and arm warmers perhaps more than any other piece of kit that I own. Together, they are much more liberating and flexible than any jacket imho.

[faryab]

I like Castelli Fawesome, fits like a nice glove....