[Closed] Recommend me a reasonably priced down Gilet...

Galibier? Never owned one but rode with two chaps yesterday who were full of praise.

Gilets are awesome, but we have a similar thread recently where the clear consensus was to choose wool for staying warm indoors.

I've got the Galibier one.

Great for wearing on the bike, in fact I don't know how I managed without it in past winters.

I also wear it quite a bit in the house to keep warm OP.

Berghaus Mavora - it's over your budget normally but can be found in the HoF sale (if you don't object to giving Mike Ashley your hard earned).

https://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/brand/berghaus/mavora-down-gilet-602114

I have a Galabier Izoard for the bike and agree, its very very good indeed.

However, for me its of a cycling fit and therefore above my trouser belt line, so I want something a bit more casual fit off the bike. Thanks chakaping, but I want a Gilet.

Thanks chakaping, but I want a Gilet.

And you should get one. I have four.

I still prefer to wear wool in the house though.

😀

I've been really happy with my Alpkit Filoment. They seem to have updated it now and increased the price but Matt Page likes it https://off.road.cc/content/review/gilets/alpkit-filoment-vest-7429

I got the Alpkit filoment down gilet in their sale a while back, it's been brilliant: https://alpkit.com/products/filoment-vest-mens

My rab microlight is five years old and Id replace it in a heartbeat. The cost per wear is probably pennies by now. It really is a fabulous price of kit. It’s probably paid for itself in reduced heating costs.

Light enough and small enough to wear under a coat. Quality (and warmth) is remembered long after the price is forgotten.

Gilets are awesome, but we have a similar thread recently where the clear consensus was to choose wool for staying warm indoors.

I'm wearing one of these in the house at the moment (early 90's vintage):

Roasty toasty

I have an Endura insulated Flip Gillet which is brilliant. Flipable between green and black. Pockets both sides with a useful chest pocket for a big phone.

https://www.wiggle.co.uk/endura-urban-flipjak-reversible-primaloftr-gilet-1

Just tricky to find them now.

Can't really fault it.

Decathlon would be first port of call:
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/men-s-sleeveless-down-gilet/_/R-p-169275?mc=8397299&c=BLUE
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/men-s-padded-sleeveless-jacket-black/_/R-p-312531?mc=8573837&c=BLACK

I bought one of these to wear at work/while working on the bikes/building trails so i didn't ruin my Rab or Mountain Equipment gilets.

https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/mens-featherweight-down-padded-gilet-p17617.aspx/Black/?utm_source=google_shopping&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=GB+Whoop+-+All+Products+-+Desktop+-+SHOPPING+UK&utm_term=&utm_content=s|pcrid|249777979140|pkw||pmt||pdv|c|slid||product|025769005005|&gclid=Cj0KCQiArt6PBhCoARIsAMF5wah02YqVA3cqeDn9zMvqot_u2mcjY4Jm__2454ghjhISl0aZAvuvPFYaAvx0EALw_wcB

Its seems just as warm/ well made and can be thrown in the washer easier.

I've had a Rab one for quite a few years and bought the girls the same as I really rate mine

We usually get the Rab stuff from a visit their factory outlet in Alfreton as most of it has at least 50% off.

Rab Cirrus Flex - synthetic but plenty warm for indoors, nice close fit and lots of recycled materials

£80 delivered

https://www.trekitt.co.uk/clothing/gilets/rab-mens-cirrus-flex-20-vest-steel__41865

Keep everyone happy:

https://findraclothing.com/collections/gilet-bodywarmer/findra-barra-waffle-merino-gilet/?attribute_pa_colours=charcoal-slate-grey

Wool and a Gilet 🙂

There's even a beardy mountain-biker in their pictures!

I picked up one of these after ripping my last Endura gilet and wanting something on the cheap to replace it. It was the cheapest branded down gilet I could find at the time that wasn't an eBay special. Initially thought it was a bit too nice to ride in so mostly used it off the bike but as soon as winter kicked in have used it most rides - fit isn't perfect for riding but no issues.

Surfanic gilet.

Another vote here for Decathlon - I've got the "Golf" version (sorry...) which comes in various colours. Armholes are pretty snug, good for keeping draughts out, but might not suit you.

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/men-s-golf-sleeveless-down-jacket-mw500/_/R-p-328775?mc=8605576&c=BLUE

I have a Rab Microlight. Very nice piece of kit, gets worn a lot.

Thanks for all the help! I put a discounted Rab Microlight in a basket only to be told I need to wait until after my birthday.

Sigh.

Personally I prefer synthetic over down, you can wear it in the rain without worrying about it

Number 1 choice is fit. I have loads of gilets and they vary significantly in fit. American brands are usually boxier than UK brands. Depends on your shape. I have (or have had) versions from Rab, TNF, Berghaus, Montane, Patagonia, Paramo, PHD, OMM, Adidas Terrex. Some just fit better than others, even in a size medium.

For example OMM is really slim fitting, TNF is much bigger

If you're after something that looks nice, which isn't a bad thing, you're better off trying on a few in Cotswolds or Go Outdoors

Some just fit better than others, even in a size medium.

Fit is important. I'm a small for Rab with a 30 inch waist and 36 inch chest, the fact that it's a Gilet means that my much wider shoulders still fit, as I'd otherwise need a medium. Don't buy too big, you're buying insulation so it needs to be quite snug.

I've two bits of down clothing wise. One is an Alpkit filo jacket, the other is a gillet from one of the mail order places. The alpkit must be on its 5th year by now and still warm and cozy, I think it was 700 fill, the other claimed to be 450 fill and not a chance in hell it is that. It's ok, and cost about 50 quid but its got nothing on alpkit quality.

Dont get me wrong, its ok for around the house and i occasionally wear it under the filo to bulk up warmth but not weight, but if I was to get another I'd be going straight to alpkit for a replacement.

Synthetic is good for a number of reasons.Down it has its places and as said singly theres a risk of wetting, but under a light 100% waterproof shell it would be ideal. I got an xxxl pacamac to put over the filo so I get the benefits of waterproof, the warmth of the down and by getting an extra big size it still allows the down to loft so remains warm.

I've worn synthetic only and it can after 3 nights in the middle of winter in the north west Scotland i could tel it was obviously damp through and through, but retained some warmth and managed to dry it mostly in the pub radiator.. I'm quite sure the down would have suffered worse and little chance of it drying to the same extent and speed the synthetic did.. So its a bit of a decision on where youre going to use it. I'd say synthetic is its going to be a long trip, down for a short trip.

Down packs down a lot smaller, so for bottom of the bag its great to be able to pull it out, puff it up and enjoy some serious comfy goodness..

Thanks chakaping, but I want a Gilet

icebreaker make wool gilets. so do Smartwool which have quilted and windproof fronts.

Uniqlo ultralight down gilet. More expensive than the Decathlon, but doesn’t leak down all over everything it’s worn on top of. Had mine for a few years, along with a jacket and a parka. Very light and surprisingly warm.

https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/product/men-ultra-light-down-vest-443319.html

Or there’s this one…

https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/product/unisex-ultra-light-down-vest-439807.html

I've currently got a tog 24 gillet I picked up in the sale that I like.

https://www.tog24.com/collections/all/products/drax-mens-down-gilet-black

They've also started selling recycled plastic (bottles I think) filled gillet that are cheaper but don't pack down as small. But they also don't have feathers pocking through. For what you describe I'd go for the cheaper plastic fill.

Re comments on down & getting wet, Berghaus Hydrodown really does hold its warmth. A recent trip to Iceland seriously tested it & I was really impressed.

Uniqlo ultralight down gilet. More expensive than the Decathlon, but doesn’t leak down all over everything it’s worn on top of.

I like Uniqlo down stuff as it's cheap as chips and not plastered with logos, so suitable for wearing in the office etc. However, every single one of the three gilets I have leak down like no other down product I've owned!