​MONSERAT MTB wind vest put to the test: My favourite piece of kit for the transition period

Conclusion by Max Fuchs, BIKE test editor

I only wear some items of clothing to try them out. Others I keep wearing time and again even afterwards. The MONSERAT MTB Vest clearly falls into the second category. For the past three years, this vest has been my trusty companion through spring, autumn and winter. It has a sporty fit, offers reliable protection from the wind and impresses with its clever ventilation at the back. Above all, though, even after months of inclement weather and several falls, it still looks almost as good as new. No frayed seams, no holes, and the zip still runs as smoothly as it did on day one. The build quality is simply brilliant, and the features seem very well thought out.

Key facts

• Product: MONSERAT MTB Vest (Half Zip)
• Price: 79.95 euros
• Use: Spring, autumn and the in-between seasons
• Material: 100 per cent recycled polyester
• Design: windproof, water-repellent fabric with a breathable back panel
• Closure: half-length zip
• Collar: high stand-up collar
• Size tested: M, 174 cm tall
• Fit: sporty, close-fitting
• Production: Portugal
• Test duration: three years

Three years on the trail – and hardly aged a day

The Monserat MTB wind vest has been through quite a lot over the past three years: mud, grime, sweat, crashes and countless rides. A few dried-on stains still bear witness to this – though those are more my fault than the vest’s. Otherwise, this fine piece shows hardly any signs of wear and tear.

No frayed seams, no tears, no worn-out patches. And the zip still runs as smoothly as it did on the first day. The workmanship is excellent.

MONSERAT uses 100 per cent recycled polyester and manufactures the waistcoat in Portugal. The fabric is windproof and water-repellent, and is designed primarily to make the waistcoat suitable as a lightweight outer layer for changeable weather.

Tight at the front, airy at the back

The real trick lies in the mix of materials. The entire front, the whole shoulder area, the nape of the neck and the lower back provide protection from the wind. In contrast, a much lighter, more breathable fabric is used on the middle of the back.

There are two reasons for this. Firstly, this is where there is the least draught whilst cycling, and secondly, heat tends to build up in this area for those carrying rucksacks. The fabric allows excess heat to escape more easily and prevents you from starting to sweat excessively.

Fits like a glove – almost

At 174 centimetres tall, this fits me Size M – fits like a glove. The waistcoat fits close to the body without restricting movement, and does not crease in an unsightly way.

There is, however, one small snag with the cut: At the front, the waistcoat is a tad too long for my taste.

At the back, it extends a good way past the bum and keeps splash water away from it. At the front, however, it hangs a bit low. This isn’t really a problem when cycling. Off the bike, though, the long front panel doesn’t exactly flatter my already rather slender build.

That’s a matter of personal taste – from a functional point of view, there’s little to fault.

It’s the collar that makes the difference

On chilly days, the high collar really comes into its own. It reliably protects the throat and neck from the wind, drizzle or spray. When it gets warmer, you can easily open the half-length zip whilst riding. The sporty cut ensures that the open collar doesn’t flap in the wind or cause any other discomfort.

Designed for the transitional period and built to last

The MONSERAT MTB Vest really comes into its own in changeable weather. Spring, autumn, cool summer evenings or long descents after a gruelling climb – that’s when this vest is worth its weight in gold. It can be quickly slipped over your jersey. Thanks to the zip, you don’t even have to take off your helmet to do so, and it takes up hardly any space in your rucksack.

However, its greatest strength only becomes apparent after prolonged use. After three years, the vest has hardly lost any of its quality. Mud, dirt and falls have had surprisingly little effect on it. The seams are still intact, the fabric shows no tears, and the zip continues to work perfectly.

Editorial commentary

For anyone who cycles all year round, the MONSERAT MTB Vest is practically a must-have. It combines excellent craftsmanship with a well-thought-out blend of materials and a great fit. It protects against the wind at the front, whilst allowing air to circulate around the body at the back. The high collar keeps your neck warm, whilst the zip makes it easy to put on and take off. With 79.95 euros Given the excellent craftsmanship, the price is also exceptionally fair. Anyone looking for a high-quality wind vest for the transitional season won’t be getting a short-lived fast-fashion item here, but a well-designed companion that will last for many years.

Advantages and disadvantages

Plus

• first-class workmanship
• hardly any wear and tear after three years of continuous use
• excellent wind protection
• A clever combination of materials with a breathable back panel
• sporty, close-fitting cut
• good freedom of movement
• high, functional collar
• smooth zip
• compact pack size
• a fair price given its shelf life

Minus

• The front is a bit too long for my liking