The Le Col Pro All Weather Gilet has been designed specifically for protection across a range of different weather conditions. Made primarily of Polartec® Power Shield® breathable weatherproof fabric front and rear, it’s more heavily focused on cooler conditions than a front protection gilet with a predominately mesh rear. The Polartec fabric is made up of a grid mesh internal structure designed to use air to both insulate and also allow for better breathability. It is windproof and water resistant.
In Le Col speak: “The fabric uses a new molecular diffusion technology designed to move water vapour out of the fabric while maintaining a barrier against water droplets. Free from micropores, it won’t lose breathable performance over time and can withstand stretching, washing and the brutal winter elements.”
There are additional practical features to the gilet as well. The fit is race cut, so it is designed not to flap and, like the Pro line generally, be as aerodynamic as possible. At the rear, there are three cargo pockets with an additional zip pocket for valuables. At present, only men are catered for in sizes from XS to 3XL in a single black colourway. The recommended temperature range is given as 10-18˚C.
The ride
The Le Col Pro All Weather Gilet feels like much of the rest of Le Col’s Pro line of kit with its close, race-cut fit. It manages to hug the body without excessive pull in any area, yet it is flexible enough to fit over multiple fine layers. However, there is slightly more material at the front than I like for a proper race-focussed piece of kit. This means that there is a little swathe of fabric bunching at the front when riding, but the lack of sleeves does mean that across the shoulders the fit is very streamlined.
In terms of weather protection, it’s an impressively proficient gilet. The DWR treatment works really well in showery conditions and on wet roads with road spray. With heavier rain, as with most DWR treatments, the water can start to wet out through. It also lacks internally taped seams which reduces the amount of time before water begins to penetrate.
Insulation-wise, it makes very good use of the Polartec Power Shield fabric, which uses a grid fleece internal structure to help trap air for additional warmth. Testing this gilet across 5-15˚C, it was comfortably warm enough in the single figure ranges, however it could get almost a bit too warm above that, especially given Le Col’s suggested range of 10-18˚C. I admit I tend to run very hot, but I likely wouldn’t wear this above 12˚C unless just wearing a jersey.
Another element that could have been added to aid breathability and performance in warmer conditions would have been a two-way zip. This enables a bit more heat extraction without the material flapping from opening up a top vent down. It also allows access to pockets underneath the gilet. Fortunately, the Le Col gilet does feature its own pockets. This is a surprisingly uncommon feature in gilets, and a useful one that provides a wider range of storage options.
It’s too bulky to be truly packable, but the practicality and weatherproofing do make it a very effective additional layer if you don’t require the added heat, of say, a full winter jacket over a long-sleeved jersey. I also appreciate the large reflective strip down the back and, although there are limited reflective details at the front, these are rarely missed when assuming a hunched-over race position.
Value and conclusion
The Le Col Pro All Weather Gilet is not cheap at just north of £150. This puts it in line with the likes of the Castelli Perfetto RoS 2 Vest and the MAAP Draft Team Vest. However, many cheaper options do lack the versatility of rear pockets and are not as weatherproofed. The Le Col Pro features weather-proofing both front and rear so is more effective in colder or wetter conditions. The lack of a two-way zip is a frustration, and it’s not the most packable, which means it’s a layer you have to commit to using for the entire ride.
However, for those looking for an additional layer that will keep their core warm, provide genuine insulation and protection, and allow for additional storage thanks to the multiple pockets, the Le Col Pro All Weather gilet is an excellent performer. It’s not the cheapest, but the performance in cold and milder conditions is great. A two-way zip would enhance breathability but for a protected rather than open mesh back gilet the breathability is impressive.
