Castelli winter cycling clothing 2023

The new Puffy Vest is a good alternative for road riding through to bikepacking to the eponymous Puffy Jacket Castelli introduced last year. The jacket — windproof on the outside thanks to its DWR‑coated microfiber fabric and warm underneath thanks to a Polartec Alpha Direct insulation layer like a down jacket — was on many rides in autumn and spring almost too much of a good thing and could not be stowed in a conventional rear jersey pocket.

Thanks to its smaller pack size, the Puffy Vest can now be carried at all times and quickly thrown on in case of mechanicals or coffee stops. Of course it also works as a universal outer layer over a long‑sleeve jacket. It is very comfortable, treated to be water‑repellent, and the side stretch inserts provide a good fit as well as additional ventilation. There is a zippered chest pocket for valuables and two large rear pockets that allow easy access even with gloves on.

Worn continuously during hard intervals or intense rides, however, the vest isn't exactly ideal. Although it's basically breathable, the Polartec Alpha material soaks up sweat faster than it can be released to the outside. In the worst case it then starts to "steam" in the two rear pockets, which is why we should definitely stow smartphones and the like (without a waterproof protective case) elsewhere.

In practice, the Trail jersey proved to be a real insider tip for almost all sporting activities on cooler days, as well as a feel‑good pullover/vest/jacket for everyday wear. Partly because of its warming material, and partly due to the outdoor‑sport‑inspired styling and the relaxed fit.

The only drawback for sporty use was the high elasticity (5% elastane) of the jersey in the area of the three back pockets. Too‑heavy items stretched the jersey unpleasantly and began to swing back and forth while cycling or to bounce up and down while running.

• Printed version of the Warmer material made of polyester with a brushed fleece inner lining
• Smooth-running YKK Vislon zipper with a protective flap at the top
• Collar with a comfortable width and height
• 3 external, very sturdy rear pockets
• Silicone gripper on the extended rear
• Reflective details
• Comfortable fit
• Temperature range: 13-18°C (worn alone)
• Sizes: XS-XL
• Colors: Cyclamen/White-Pink Fluo, Military Green/White-Green Tea, Black/White-Chalk
• Weight: 278 g
• Price: € 109.95

The cozy, soft thermal jersey on the inside recently sweetened many a spring-like warm hour for me between eating cookies, unwrapping presents and the holiday roast. Before that it had already performed valuable service as the ultimate cold blocker under wind- and waterproof outer jackets. But for that use the Volare is almost too good, because then no one gets to see the great graphic.
The long-cut sleeves, the high collar and the — not least thanks to the generous rear silicone grippers shaped like the Castelli lettering — perfect fit are notable contributors to the jersey's high comfort factor. Special praise is due to the smooth-running zip closure and, above all, the well-designed pocket construction: always in position and not at all sagging even when fully loaded.

This, in many respects ultimate jacket, combines warmth, breathability and rain protection with a soft, comfortable fit. The highlight of the Alpha RoS 2 is the separately closable insulation layer, sewn inside like a vest, which keeps the heat against the body even when the windproof outer is fully zipped. Let moisture escape on the climb, simply zip it back up on the descent and — despite the previously high intensity — remain completely dry inside and keep riding; that’s how this double-layer construction works — by the way in the Light version shown here just as in the jacket designed for even lower temperatures.

For those encountering the Alpha RoS 2 jacket for the first time: elastic Gore‑Tex Infinium Windstopper material combined with waterproof-taped seams in the shoulder area delivers top comfort, the latter thanks to features like the high, specially cut collar that moves with you, or the stretch-layer waistband with a silicone gripper that blocks the wind completely without riding up.
On the Light version the back is made from Nano Flex Xtra Dry with a DWR treatment; sweat can therefore escape perfectly, while a few raindrops or splashes are still no problem.
Made for temperatures around roughly 10 degrees, it will also work for considerably colder or warmer conditions with a warm baselayer underneath or the outer layer zipped on — cheers to this versatility, which means the Alpha RoS 2 Light Jacket would have been the right choice almost every day in this year’s so far rather mild winter!

• Extremely versatile jacket for mainly dry, mild winter days, which—thanks to a water-repellent finish—also copes with rainy rides
• Gore-Tex Infinium Windstopper 150 material on the front and sleeves for windproofing with high breathability and effective wet-weather protection
• Nano Flex Etra Dry material on the back with water-repellent treatment for improved ventilation
• Double-layer Alpha construction separates the insulating layer made of ProSecco Strada material from the wind/water protection barrier, allowing better ventilation control and keeping the inside dry even at high intensities
• Waterproof sealed seams on the shoulders
• Stretch materials and the well-executed cut ensure a close fit without restricting movement for a variety of body shapes
• Extra-smooth YKK Vislon zippers
• "Raw edge" waistband with wide silicone gripper lies flat and seals against the wind
• 3 rear pockets with reflective, laser-cut drainage holes
• Zippered side pocket for valuables
• Temperature range: 8°C – 15°C
• Sizes: XS-XL
• Colors: Sterling Blue/Black Reflex-Sod, Red/White-Silver Gray, Dark Steel Blue/Soft Pink-Soft, Light Black/Black Reflex-Brill, Teal Blue/Fiery Red-Sky Blue, Fiery Red/Celeste-Matt Blue, Brilliant Yellow
• Weight: 365 g
• Price: € 249.95 (orange and light blue currently on sale for € 143.97)