Sportful Winter Clothing 22/23

In addition to new colors there’s a lot of high‑tech to stay warm even on the coldest days. NoFlash was able to test the new kit, unfortunately so far only at temperatures far too warm for him, due to global warming.
"I've shed many liters of sweat for you and narrowly escaped dying of the heat," the man claims, only to add a caveat: "But don’t worry, I really am no yardstick — people who get cold easily can wear these pieces down to 10°C! For me, it can’t be cold enough, and I’m already looking forward to the now‑forecast cold temperatures accompanied by a biting north wind. Then I’ll finally have the roads to myself again and Sportful can prove whether their winter clothing is not only good for Mediterranean conditions but also made for more northerly climes."

Made entirely from Gore-Tex Infinium, the confidently named jacket impresses with a simple design and well-thought-out details. Its cut is slightly more relaxed, yet still sporty and close-fitting. The Infinitum material, brushed on the inside, keeps you warm, is windproof, very breathable and water-repellent.
Three rear pockets provide ample storage. On the men's model there is a chest pocket for, e.g., a smartphone. Strategically smart, it was placed on the right for left-handers like me, or for people with a pacemaker — very commendable. Its zipper is well protected from wind and weather by an overlapping closure flap. This flap, like the fabric at the hem, is reflective.
To prevent water from getting in, the jacket extends well down at the back. I like the elastic inserts at the cuffs, which hug the wrists snugly without pressing.

Sizes Men: S/M/L/XL/XXL/XXXL
Colors: Galaxy Blue / Beetle / Leather / Red Wine
Sizes Women: XS/S/M/L/XL/XXL
Colors: Berry Blue / Black / Red Wine / Beetle / Ice
Price: € 209.90 RRP

The jacket provides complete protection inside and out and therefore plenty — the name is right — of comfort even in the most adverse conditions.
It is made from the best Polartec fabrics: on the outside a waterproof and breathable NeoShell protects, on the inside a layer of Alpha Direct warms, a kind of fleece that keeps you nice and warm while at the same time supposed to wick away sweat. Where the (fabric) layers of the bib, back pockets, belly etc. already overlap — that is, on the lower stomach and back — this insulation has sensibly been omitted.

The jacket has a sporty cut without being too tight and fits, as (once again) its name suggests, very comfortably.
The collar is pulled up high and offers good protection against cold wind.
The lower sleeves, also free of the insulation layer, and the extended hem are treated with a DWR finish. What sounds like a chiropractor's treatment actually stands for "Durable Water Repellent" — in German: a long-lasting water-repellent impregnation. This lowers the surface tension of the material, causing water to simply bead off. I'm curious how long "durable" will actually be.

In addition to three rear pockets, the Total Comfort also has a fourth zippered left-side pocket, perfect for keys & co.
As someone who is clumsy I would wish that the rear pockets were positioned a few centimeters lower. With numb, thick gloves, reaching for something to eat or for my phone becomes a challenge for me.
For better visibility, small Sportful reflectors are fitted.

Sizes Men: S/M/L/XL/XXL/XXXL
Color: Red Rumba Black / Beetle Black / Galaxy Blue
Sizes Women: XS/S/M/L/XL/XXL
Color: Red Rumba / Pompelmo / Beetle / Ice
Price: € 269.90 RRP

The Sportful Infinium BibTight offers excellent protection against wind and cold, according to Sportful themselves for the toughest winter rides. It is made entirely from Gore-Tex Infinium material and provides absolute wind protection without compromising breathability.
Without having tested the bib in icy temperatures yet, it feels as if it might be the warmest pair of tights I’ve ever owned.

The waistband is pulled up high, which keeps you nicely warm and somewhat hides the effects of Christmas indulgence, although it does make peeing more difficult.
The straps are exactly the right length and are barely noticeable while riding.
Equipped with the Bodyfit Pro chamois, you get optimal comfort even on longer outings.
Currently the Infinium Bib is only available as a men’s model and exclusively in black.

Size: XS/S/M/L/XL/XXL/XXXL
Color: Black
Price: €159.90 RRP

This road shoe cover is not only very warm but also very durable and water-repellent.
What sets it apart is the reflective material, which promises increased safety especially during the darker months.
The zipper runs smoothly and is positioned slightly inward. This prevents irritation of the Achilles tendon. Silicone closures prevent slipping.
In short: Maximum visibility & protection.

Color: Black
Sizes: S/M/L/XL/XXL
Price: EUR 99.90 RRP

A well-cut and surprisingly warm cap made from water-repellent NoRain material is the Matchy Cap. It fits under any helmet and is a practical must for cold days.

Size: One size
Color Men: Red Wine / Black / Beetle
Colors Women: Mauve / Black / Beetle
Price: € 24.90 RRP

Also essential in cold temperatures: a neck warmer. The Matchy Neckwarmer is a seamless neck warmer for maximum protection and warmth. Available in many colors, it matches any outfit.

Size: One size
Colors: Black Galaxy Blue/Juniper Blue Berry Blue/Chili Red Carrot/Prune Cyclamen
Price: € 23.90 RRP

A warm PrimaLoft Silver insulation on the back of the hand, combined with wind- and water-repellent SoftShell materials and a lightweight fleece lining, more than justifies this glove's name. After all, "sotto zero" roughly translates as "below zero" — and it seems perfectly suited to that temperature range.

Despite this, the glove isn't bulky and has a very ergonomic cut. For easier on and off they have a Velcro closure including a reflective print.
The silicone print on the palm not only looks smart, it provides a lot of grip even in adverse conditions. Naturally the thumb and index finger are touchscreen-compatible, and a nose wiper has also been thought of. Sportful calls them microfiber nose wipers … learned something new again!
The gloves, unfortunately available only for men, run rather small; when in doubt I'd go for the larger size.

Sizes: XS/S/M/L/XL/XXL
Colors: Black / Cedar / Red
Price: € 64.90 RRP