Ridgecrest Waterproof Gilet review

This garment is a classic example of something that either makes instant sense to you, or leaves you going “eh?”

Surely if you need something to be waterproof you also need it to cover more than just your torso?

If you’ve been a mountain biker doing some mountain biking in the UK for any period of time you’ll appreciate that the concept of something being genuinely waterproof and genuinely breathable is, with the best will in the world, wholly mythical.

In the UK, you have to make a Hobson’s Choice when it comes to outerwear. Do you want it to be waterproof, and put up with boiling-in-the-bag? Or do you prize breathability, and just accept getting wet?

(I’m kind of glossing over the garments that do offer breathability and waterproofing because a) they are hugely expensive, b) are often too fragile for the rough and tumble of mountain biking, c) they stop being waterproof after a season or two.)

This waterproof gilet from UK micro-brand Ridgecrest offers something of a Third Way.

Think of this gilet like you think of waterproof shorts. Like waterproof shorts, this waterproof gilet keeps an important area dry (your torso/core) whilst avoiding a great deal of boil-in-the-bagging by virtue of having your arms uncovered.

The full length zip is also obviously useful for dialling in some extra airiness. Speaking of zip, I think the decision to use a regular non-waterproof zip (with a big ol’ baffle flap behind it) is a very good idea. Waterproof zips are stiff and you can adjust them one-handed. This regular zip is easy to use on-the-fly.

Clearly, with this gilet your arms still get wet if it rains but the idea is that you can deal with that. Damp arms aren’t as uncomfortable or chilling as having a wet torso. Much like with the aforementioned waterproof shorts, where having wet calves doesn’t really matter but having a soaked arse is deeply unpleasant and sadface-making.

I can confirm that the PU coated, soft handling polyester abric is decently waterproof. Certainly more than up to the job of the 3-season task of mild, showery weather that it in intended for.

I can also confirm that it is exceptionally well made. It shows no reals signs of wear after several splatfests and washing machine cycles.

Style-wise, it is what it is. It’s not exactly rad or supercool when set against the various premium tastemaker brands of the moment. But it’s not a hideous, budget-looking, ill-fitting, shapeless blob either.

The key question is, would I buy one?

Well, it’s a good price. So there’s not much of a fiscal debate to be had.

I suppose my main issue is that I have a few lightweight, runners-style, windproof jackets in my wardrobe (well, garage) and so I’d probably just keep on wearing those. I think the jackets do flap about a bit more, and are quite fragile (most are held together with Gorilla tape repairs inside!) but I think they do keep me a bit warmer when it’s windy. I do live in a particularly windy area though.

The thing is, as I sort of said already at the start, you already know if you want this garment or not. If you don’t get along with windproof jackets (too fragile, not waterproof enough), and you don’t always want a full-on waterproof jacket (too bulky, not breathable enough), then… get one of these.

The Ridgecrest Waterproof Gilet certainly does exactly what it sets out to do, so full marks for that. It fits well when riding around. It’s decently rugged. It’s properly made. It keeps your torso dry and your core warm.