A windproof vest is an essential piece of clothing for any cyclist. When the temperature starts dropping in the fall I usually wear one over a short sleeve jersey, along with a pair of arm warmers. Then as the temperature increases most vests are thin enough to roll up and put into a jersey pocket. While I own several good cycling vests, my absolute favorite is the Louis Garneau Vent 2 Vest.
Louis Garneau Vent 2 Vest (Front and Back)
Like many cycling vests, the Vent 2 Vent is made from ripstop fabric and is tear resistant. This vest is windproof, yet very breathable (the front of the vest blocks the wind while the mesh on the back allows moisture to escape). The front of this vest closes with a two-way zipper and has an inner flap behind the zipper to block the wind. The zipper also has a chin guard (or garage) to keep the metal on the zipper from cutting your neck.
The back of this vest has something that most cycling vests lack, i.e., two large pockets. I have never understood my most vests lack rear pockets. You usually want a tight fit on vests to cut down on wind drag, but this makes it nearly impossible to get your hands into the jersey pockets. This vest also has an adjustable elastic drawstring at hem for secure fit.
Rubber Tab On The Rear To Hold A Flasher
The Louis Garneau Vent 2 Vest comes in three colors (Bright Yellow, Ginger, and Black). I bought the black vest because I intended on using this for off-road trails where I don’t have to worry about motorists running into me. Under normal circumstances I would never wear a black jersey or jacket while riding on the road. However, this vest has more reflective piping that any other piece of clothing I own—from shoulders to waist and on both front and back this vest makes it easy for motorists to see you from a long way off. In addition, this is the only vest I own that has a rubber tab on the back (near the bottom of the vest) that allows you to clip on a flasher like the Planet Bike Superflash Turbo or the Portland Design Works RADBOT 1000.
The Louis Garneau Vent 2 Vest retails for $50 and if your local bike shop does not have it in stock it is available from many online retailers, such as Amazon.com and RealCyclist.com. This vest is available in five sizes (S, M, L, XL, and XXL), but some retailers do not carry all sizes and/or colors. I found this vest to be true to size. Louis Garneau also makes this vest in a special design for women.
Anna
October 10, 2012 at 6:44 PM
I just had that exact discussion today….about the lack of pockets on cycling vests! This one ticks all the boxes!
All Seasons Cyclist
October 10, 2012 at 9:04 PM
Glad I could help. This vest is about as close to perfect as anyone I’ve ever tried.
MG
October 10, 2012 at 8:05 PM
Good review. I agree that a vest is essential, perfect for the transitional weather. I like the tab you note for putting a blinky. I have two vests (one Pearl Izumi, and one Voler) that have a rear pocket. Only one, though…
All Seasons Cyclist
October 10, 2012 at 9:04 PM
I couldn’t live with my vests! I live near Lake Michigan and the temperature is often 15 or 20 degrees different at the lake from what it is just a few miles inland.
essiep
October 11, 2012 at 12:59 AM
Autumn days are often dull, but this Gillet is black, the least visible colour. I want to be seen by drivers.
All Seasons Cyclist
October 11, 2012 at 9:51 AM
I guess you didn’t have time to read the review. 🙂 This vest is also available in Bright Yellow and Ginger (red), and it has more reflective strips than any other vest on the market — it is the most visible vest on the road at night. I only wear black clothing on off-road trails, so I don’t have to worry about cars (like I said in the review).
essiep
October 14, 2012 at 3:23 PM
I admit I was reading it on a phone which wasn’t so visible, now I’m a little embarrassed. The Gilet I have does have a rear pocket too though I don’t like to put a mobile in it in case I take a fall.
Keep up the reviewing- it’s much appreciated here.
All Seasons Cyclist
October 14, 2012 at 8:18 PM
No problem — I often read blogs in on iPhone and have the same problem.
k
March 28, 2013 at 8:29 AM
Another positive review here: I bought this vest this winter and wear it almost every time I get on the bike, even if I’m on dedicated trails — because I got the hi-viz yellow. A women’s medium or small would fit me better, but I bought a large so that I could wear it over layers all winter. It provides a small, extra degree of warmth and wind-cutting that’s just right for me. The only drawback is that I snagged a hole in the mesh shortly after I bought it, though that’s equal parts my own clumsiness and the drawback of mesh. Also, thanks for pointing out that the tab on the rear can hold a flasher! I had no idea what its intention was, since my rear flasher is on the seat stay instead (and I haven’t bought more flashers yet).
I happened to find mine at departmentofgoods.com for $30.
All Seasons Cyclist
March 28, 2013 at 9:54 PM
I would imagine that 98% of the people who have bike clothing with the little tab on the back don’t know it is for a flasher. I use the Planet Bike Superflash Turbo — it is very bright, lightweight and fits those tabs perfectly.