Giro Base Pockets base layer

The Giro Base Pockets base layer comes with three pockets in the lower back that allow you to carry your ride essentials comfortably even when you're wearing something other than a cycling jersey over the top.

I know what you're thinking: why on earth would you want pockets in a base layer?

That's what I thought, but when you use this base layer for its intended purpose, the idea makes a lot of sense.

If you're wearing a cycling jersey you just use the jersey's pockets to store all your gubbins, obviously, but the idea here is that you can wear this base layer under an outer layer that's not necessarily cycle-specific.

So, for example, perhaps you're riding into town for work or to meet friends and you don't want to wear full-on cycling kit. It can be awkward to cycle with things like your phone, wallet/purse and other essentials in the pockets of your normal trousers and/or shirt.

You could take a bag, of course, or you could sling all that stuff in the rear pockets of this base layer and carry it comfortably without it swinging about or getting in the way of your pedalling.

The base layer is made from a lightweight, textured polyester/elastane fabric that moves sweat away from your body well and dries very quickly. It's stretchy enough to fit closely on a variety of body shapes without feeling tight.

The inherent stretch means you wouldn't want to put masses in the pockets or they'll start to sag, although Giro's Skeletal Pocket Construction – essentially a less stretchy reinforcing band at the top of the pockets – allowed me to carry everything I needed for urban rides comfortably enough: a mobile phone, cash, a little repair pack, and so on.

The pockets are the USP here but, putting them aside, this is a very good base layer anyway. As I said, the fabric deals with moisture well and the seams are flat stitched throughout. There are no seams on top of the shoulders, they're positioned to the front and to the back, so if you do need to carry more stuff than the pockets allow, there are no ridges to dig in underneath your bag straps.

I've used it as a normal base layer on training rides too and you really don't feel the pockets.

All in all, it's a very good solution if you want to carry bits and pieces on your ride but don't, for whatever reason, want to wear a cycling jersey.

Verdict

Base layer with pockets for carrying essentials when you're wearing something other than a cycling jersey over the top