Review: Velocio ES jacket

Spring is a challenging season for cyclists to dress for — you’re starting to mix in hard rides, but it’s still a bit chilly. There’s a fine line between under- and over-dressed. Velocio’s ES jacket isn’t the most affordable way to tackle the shoulder season, but it’s an excellent, breathable, wind-stopping shell that is water-resistant to boot.

The Italian-made jacket features Polartec Power Shield Pro material on the front and arms, which is about as effective as any windstopper fabric we have worn. Plus, the brushed synthetic interior material helps keep you warm. The ES breathes nicely with stretchy Super Roubaix material on the inside of the arms and back. You can also use the bottom zipper to open up the front for additional venting.

Pocket options are simple but effective with three back pockets and a small zipper stash on the left breast. The jacket also has a few small reflective details on the lower back and shoulders.

We wore the ES in temperatures ranging from the high-30s to mid-50s and felt comfortable with just a base layer beneath. On one jaunt into the mountains, we encountered unexpectedly wet roads, and Velocio’s jacket didn’t flinch, keeping the spray out. We wouldn’t peg the ES as a pure rain jacket, but it is just fine if there’s a chance of showers in the forecast.

Velocio is known for trim-fitting apparel, and this piece is no different. It would be challenging to fit layers beneath the ES, beyond just a baselayer, or perhaps a jersey. With that in mind, we are inclined to categorize the ES as more of a windstopper jersey than a true jacket.

So do you need this jerket/jacksey/heavy-duty-jersey?

The ES shines when it comes to simplicity, warmth, trim fit, and breathability. But if you already have a long-sleeve jersey, a wind vest, and a rain jacket, it’s likely you can achieve a similar effect with careful layering and planning. Velocio’s ES doesn’t pack down very small, so you shouldn’t expect to stuff it in your jersey when things heat up on the group ride. That said, it rarely felt so hot that we wanted to strip the jacket off entirely.

If you love to fine-tune your cycling wardrobe, the ES is a great addition. If you’d rather mix-and-match layers, then maybe it’s not right for you. We’ve worn it more than nearly any piece of apparel so far this year, and until the temperatures really heat up, it will stay in heavy rotation.