A'qto - Primavera Women's Gilet
Wind vests are not just for winter riding... especially when you live in an unpredictable climate such as Melbourne!
The A’qto Primavera Wind vest makes riding all that more comfortable and predictable! Read on for more about why this wind vest is an essential item for your cycling kit repertoire!
Review - Kirra McDonald
Photography - Andrew Clifforth
About
A’qto are an innovative and passionate company who celebrate the romance and passion behind cycling. Embracing individuality and never compromising on quality, you have a company who see flare for colour and design as a part of their love for cycling.
The Primarvera gilet has all these qualities. Color, design integrity, a quality product that not only looks amazing, but is superbly functional. With a black block base, and splashes of color in blue and pink, you have a garment that epitomizes design and practicality.
The black block base gives a slimming appearance, and the color highlights increase visibility along with the reflective tapes in both rear side seams.
With a very ‘well-finished’ look, you have a YKK full length covered zip with an ‘easy to grab’ tab for quick and easy removal.
The stitching is perfect, unfalliable in fact. Neat and tidy, ultimately this is a well finished product. A testiment to the claim from A’qto.
Made from a Zero Wind/carbon fibre infused Italian stretch fabric, with a membrane that blocks wind and repels water, you have an item of cycling layering that I would refer to as an essential in any cyclists kit compliment.
Ride
Surprisingly, this wind vest is still ‘breathable’. At first I read that the membrane BLOCKS wind, and yes it does that, however I never felt uncomfortably hot either. In a rain shower, it sure did stand the test. I really have an appreciation for the claims A’qto make, as they are spot on. No falsifying or under delivering on product quality.
The cut and design of this wind vest is superb. It sits evenly, comfortably over my jersey. I have had no issues with it riding up, bunching or cutting in anywhere. The zip is superb, it runs smoothly, doesn’t get caught up and has an ‘easy to grab’ zip that makes it easy to undo whilst riding if you feel the need to remove the vest or open it up as you climb or ramp up your intensity!
Flip it over to the back and there are three very generous sized pockets, proportional to jersey size of course. I have noticed that with some other brands, the pockets tend to be a bone of contention for me. As an XS jersey/vest wearer I find pockets to be on the “impossible to fit anything in" size. As someone who doesn’t tend to use a saddle bag, this makes pocket packing a challenge... BUT the primavera windvest seems to have slightly deeper pockets than the usual XS vests. For some this may be a non-issue, but I do love a good-sized pocket in my jersey/vests.
With all the positives, I still say the highlight of this product is the quality and feel of the fabric used to make the wind vest. It is smooth and soft to touch, it moves with you as you are riding and I can attest that as a wind vest, I would happily wear it on any occasion where I felt the weather would warrant it.
Size
As per the sizing chart for the remainder of the A’qto range the numbers add up. If you are able to measure your body circumferences, you will find that what you order based on your measurements will fit and fit well! I do recommend that you measure and don’t just guess based on your ‘other’ kits. Get it right from the start and you will love riding in their kit.
Price
Coming in at $144.95, you have value for your money here.
Overall
Follow their care guidelines when washing your wind vest, you will have a product that will last you many a blustery/chilly ride keeping you warm, dry and genuinely comfortable.
You can find the Primavera Gilet at A'qto's online store
Specifications
- Fabric: Zero Wind with membrane that blocks wind and rain, high breathability
- Zipper: YKK full length covered zipper
- Reflective tape in both rear side seams for increased visibilit
Care guidelines
- All Machine washable in cold water
- Use soft detergents such as wool mix or other delicate fabric detergents ♦ Air dry, fast drying
- Wash inside out.
- Wash separately or with similar colours.
- Do not use bleach.
- Do not iron print or accessories.
- Do not tumble dry.
- Pull into shape when wet
