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Lightly lined waistcoats are a game changer for mountain bikers because they offer optimum protection and flexibility. They keep the upper body warm while the armpits remain well ventilated. In addition, waistcoats do not restrict the freedom of movement of the arms. Many waistcoats also have breathable materials that wick away moisture and practical pockets in which keys and mobile phones can be stored within easy reach. As a result, they offer the perfect balance of comfort and functionality.
But not all waistcoats are the same. The areas of use range from versatile all-season gilets to winter-only models. Another decisive factor is which layer of clothing is worn underneath - such as a merino baselayer or other functional layers.
The Maloja Auchrach M. also works on cooler summer days in combination with a short-sleeved jersey or a cotton T-shirt. Waistcoats such as the ION Thermolite Hybrid Shelter or the Fox Flexair Fire, on the other hand, are more suitable for the colder seasons. However, even a less heavily lined gilet can be upgraded by wearing a winter baselayer or similar layers in addition to the merino long-sleeved shirt.
Six waistcoats for mountain bikers compared
1 Ion Thermolite Hybrid Shelter
The Ion gilet is made for particularly cold days on the trail. The thickly insulated construction with synthetic down offers a pleasantly tailored cut. Stretch inserts at the sides ensure comfort. Good: The back section is long and there is an integrated goggle cleaning cloth in one of the two zip pockets. Only for really cold trail rides. In combination with a rucksack, however, the back gets very sweaty. Not ideal. Price: 190 euros >> available here.
The Ion waistcoat with a wider range of use and better MTB features is the ION Shelter Hybrid Padded.
Field of application: Spring 3/10 | Summer 1/10 | Autumn 5/10 | Winter 9/10
2 Maloja AurachM.
The lightweight Maloja waistcoat has a sporty and pleasantly tailored cut. The back is subtly longer and there is room for keys and a smartphone in the two zip pockets. 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.
Field of application: Spring 7/10 | Summer 9/10 | Autumn 7/10 | Winter 4/10
3 Fox Flexair Fire
The Fox impresses with its successful, MTB-specific cut, an extended back section to protect against splashing water and two zip pockets for your smartphone and keys. In contrast to other waistcoats, the back and stomach are less heavily insulated - an advantage when trail riding with a rucksack. Nevertheless, the Flexair Fire is more suitable for cold days. Unfortunately expensive! Price: 200 Euro >> available here.
Field of application: Spring 6/10 | Summer 2/10 | Autumn 8/10 | Winter 10/10
4 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 insulated waistcoats. The Rose gilet with its sporty cut and classic back pockets is therefore ideal as a layer for the onion principle and also for more intensive training sessions. Good value! Price: 70 Euro >> available here.
Field of application: Spring 6/10 | Summer 5/10 | Autumn 9/10 | Winter 6/10
5 Patagonia Nano-Air Light Vest
The Nano-Air Light Vest can be used in a wide range of temperatures. Its cut is more loose than MTB-specific - there is no extended back section. Top: the high collar. The stretch material is comfortable to wear and offers plenty of freedom of movement. There are also three zip pockets for your smartphone and keys. Price: 180 euros >> available here.
Field of application: Spring 7/10 | Summer 3/10 | Autumn 7/10 | Winter 7/10
6 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 euros
Field of application: Spring 9/10 | Summer 6/10 | Autumn 9/10 | Winter 5/10
Laurin Lehner
Editor
