Review: La Passione Windproof Gilet
(2022) There has never been an item that has come into the office and pressed for immediate service, but a La Passione shipment did just that. Shortly after pulling the Windproof Gilet from the shipping box, the weather took a turn and an over layer was needed to stave off the sudden change from late summer to autumn. There was an expectation to test the vest out later, but the season had other ideas.
La Passione has infiltrated the closet at the office of creakybottombracket.com. What started as a single kit has now expanded into several kits, gloves, and vests. The Windproof Gilet has now joined the ranks of Italian-made cycling wares. With a quick change to the season, the La Passione Windproof Gilet was pressed for immediate service. It was a cold group ride in the mid-forties at the start. Wind resistance was mandatory.
For starters La Passione’s Windproof Gilet fits perfectly. Vests often have one or two little shortcomings, but this vest fits perfectly. Forget about ripply shoulders or flappy flanks, the Windproof Gilet stays snug on the body to maintain warmth. Even with layers the vest maintains comfort while blocking the wind. One of the areas the most comfort was found was around the arms. The fit was so precise, there was little issue with chafing around the armpits.
The zipper features a dual system. Zip up for warmth; zip the bottom upwards to access the rear kit pockets. Both zippers are easy to manage and bulky enough to use with full finger gloves. It was easy to unzip going up steep climbs as well as close the vest up for ensuing descents.
The Windproof Gilet has two personalities: one in the front and one in the back. The front is made of windproof material to deflect the ride breeze. The back is mesh to exhaust built up body heat and prevent adverse conditions. On breezy rides the front blocked the gusty winds while the back imparted a slight chill in the shade of the rising sun. Either way the temperature regulation worked tremendously.
Autumn means deer hunting season in Pennsylvania. Should anyone consider a ride through the wooded areas, one must wear orange to prevent being blasted. The final detail is made obvious as La Passione’s orange is the perfect autumn complement. At least we have somewhat of a defense rolling through off-piste throughways during the season.
Since receiving La Passione’s Windproof Gilet, it has been used time and again. From windy rides to increased visibility, the gilet has bailed us out of several situations. Without the Windproof Gilet, rides would have either been shortened for temperature or full of anxiety out of concern for visibility. Though the gilet packs down to almost nothing, we have yet to stow it in a back pocket on account of it working perfectly. Now the autumnal riding season can go longer while maintaining warmth and visibility.
