Galibier Gino Pro Wind Jacket

Galibier's Gino Pro Wind Jacket is one very impressive piece of kit, blocking out the breeze without creating a humid micro-climate on the inside thanks to great breathability.

• Pros: Brilliant fabric, great fit, value for money
• Cons: Nothing really stands out

Galibier has long had a reputation for delivering impressive garments at sensible prices, and the Gino is a continuation of this theme.

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Galibier has chosen UPF200 Windstop fabric by Miti for the front panels, a high thread-count material which is then laminated to create the windproofing. Nothing gets through at all.

Just to test how insulating the Gino was, I went out on a night ride with the temperature just half a degree below freezing and a cold north-easterly wind blowing in. Underneath, all I had on was a mesh short-sleeved baselayer that I normally wear in the warmth of summer. My temperature was very comfortable, even on my arms, where under the sleeves of the Gino my skin was exposed.

That's one of the beauties of the Gino: you can wear it on its own like a winter jersey rather than having to layer up like most wind jackets, and it has three pockets across the rear. It also folds up small enough to fit in a jersey pocket if you do want to layer it.

Those pockets are reasonably small, though, so you need to be travelling light or to be using a saddle bag for your heavy tools. Galibier points this out on its website, so it's not a criticism.

Breathable

With it being so good at keeping the wind out, I was worried that in warmer temperatures or with another layer underneath breathability would be an issue. It simply wasn't. Galibier uses a thinner fabric for the rear and side panels, which lets body heat escape. Just below the neck at the back, a mesh panel runs across under the main fabric; the outer fabric is only stitched in a couple of places, which allows a vent to be created.

Not only does the fabric perform well, it also feels great against the skin: pleasantly soft with none of that bin-bag feel you get with some stowaway jackets.

The quality looks and feels to be right up there as well, with everything finished to a high standard. Plus, areas that see a lot of stress or wear and tear are double stitched. It's also good to see some colour being incorporated, rather than the regulation black. The bright red rear panel certainly helps you stand out on a drab day.

Further design touches help keep the wind out as well, such as the double cuff and high neck.

You also get a dropped tail and an arched front to stop bunching of the material when you are in the saddle.

The offset zip is a nice touch as it removes the chance of any neck rub, especially with the jacket finishing so high up your throat.

Close cut

The fit is a good balance of performance and comfort. It's cut close without being race specific, so you don't need to be a climbing whippet to wear it. The largest XXL chest size is just 44in, though, so its range won't fit everyone.

When it comes to value, the Galibier is pretty impressive with its £53 price tag. It's cheaper than the excellent Showers Pass Ultralight Wind jacket at £65, although that is lighter and water resistant too. And it knocks the similarly styled Santini Beta Winter Windstopper into a cocked hat. 

> Buyer's Guide: 10 of the best windproof cycling jackets

Overall, the Gino is an excellent windproof jacket that will see plenty of use throughout the winter, autumn and spring. It's not waterproof, but on a dry, windy day it's superb.

Verdict

Wind, what wind? One of the best-performing windproof jackets out there