Gore Element Lady Windstopper Active Shell Zip-off Jacket

A gilet is possibly one of the most versatile pieces of kit any cyclist can have in his or her wardrobe. A gilet that also doubles up as a jacket just about trumps that, and the Gore Element Lady Windstopper Active Shell Zip-Off Jacket is a stylish jacket/gilet combo that will happily take a rider right through the year in comfort.

Made from Gore Windstopper Active Shell fabric, this jacket is designed to be the optimal balance between protection from the elements and enduring comfort no matter what level of exertion. The fabric is intended to be windproof, highly water resistant and also breathable. The zip-off arms make it even more appealing as a one-garment-does-it-all offering.

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Aside from the appeal of the zip-off sleeves effectively giving two garments in one, it's also a very well-featured jacket, with two zipped side pockets, a hem drawcord and reflective accents. There are also internal soft fabric cuffs which can be worn handwarmer style if desired or tucked away as usual. The style is very sleek with some nice striking contrast colour here and there, in all but the black option, to lift it above the norm.

Billed as 'comfort fit', the cut is sleek without being over tight, with a medium being roughly equivalent to a comfortable UK size 12. Length in the sleeves is good, as is the torso, although taller women might find it a touch on the short side in the body. The fabric gives just enough stretch for a comfortable fit no matter what the position on the bike, while the cut means it stays put at the bottom too.

>>Read more: Buyer's Guide to winter jackets

As a jacket it is best suited to the chillier shoulder months and even winter, where its versatility is impressive and comfort spot on. In warmer conditions, although it breathes very well and doesn't get overly sweaty inside, it is quite warm for anything other than relaxed leisure cycling, unless worn during cooler spells or mornings/evenings. As a gilet, though, it's outstanding through all but the very hottest conditions, offering guaranteed wind protection and enough water repellency to see off even fairly persistent rain.

By far the best thing about this jacket is that, obviously, you get both jacket and gilet in one, and the ability to change as you ride. One minor snag is the lack of a handy rear pocket in which to stow the sleeves once removed, but they do fit happily into the side pockets. It's also tricky to remove and replace the sleeves, since they attach via two zips each, so you'd not really want to try it on the fly, but changing them didn't take long and was a good excuse for a rest.

As somebody who rarely finds the need for a fully waterproof jacket, this sort of softshell top ticks all the boxes for me, and even more so with the zip-off sleeves increasing its versatility and therefore value for money.

Verdict

A well made, versatile and attractive jacket/gilet combo – good for year-round use