It’s the first time I’m doing serious biking during the colder months and I’m having trouble finding a breathable setup for my upper body. I have a warmer merino longsleeve from Icebreaker and a windproof/water-resistant jacket with armpit vents and a back vent. But on medium-intense rides (25-30km/h) I somehow feel hot and cold at the same time (usually my back is sweating), like the system isn’t working in any way whatsoever?
I’m wondering about forsaking my arms and just going with a vest/gilet like [this one](https://pedaled.com/eu_en/men-winter-cycling-vest-long-distance-odyssey-grey?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjws9ipBhB1EiwAccEi1BPrhq1BPBAelpy82i5JDmyW0Dkh2kL6hRhfB1Cij4d_d4t0-RO5XxoCiNkQAvD_BwE#169=98) just to keep my core warm and let heat vent from my arms and armpits? Or will I basically have the same hot/cold feeling? I wanted to know what y’all think before I potentially flush any money down the drain – any advice is appreciated.
by sdk914
4 Comments
My arms definitely need protection, so in many types of weather I wear a jacket with a fully windproof front panel and an air permeable rear panel. The challenge is finding out which models have such a structure: cycling apparel manufacturers are pitifully bad at telling which panels do what. The windproof front / permeable back is common in cross country skiing jackets, and it’s not entirely uncommon to see them used in cycling where I live. I managed to find a cycling specific one from the brand Yoko.
Bonus points if you also wear it in summer with fully nude arms.
Big fan of down vests for winter riding. I usually layer with arm warmers, down vest, moisture wicking shirt and a super thin/light cycling windbreaker for sub 30-40Fs riding. It’s easy to shed each item and pack if I get hot.
I would say if you’re uncomfortable with your current setup something you’re wearing isn’t as breathable as you think. Probably the rain jacket you mentioned, even with vents the fabric can just trap sweat and feel not great.
I’ve found down vests and even jackets don’t give me that “hot” uncomfortable feeling like a rain jacket does in the colder seasons.
Just rode in my vest yesterday ~45-50F slightly windy conditions. I’m using a light insulated vest with no back vent.
Uphills I had to unzip a bit to vent than once my body temp regulated I’d zip up to my neck again. So simple and effective compared to a jacket where I’d overheat unless I had big pit and rear vents. My arms (I got big arms). Really don’t get cold under these conditions.
I wore merino underneath (tshirt and long sleeve layered) which is also key for me. Just the right amount of wicking, warmth, and insulation balance. Dries quick too. Wicking Neck gaiter and merino cycling cap.
My point is, vest is versatile even without integrated vents. Unzipping the front half way or so does everything I need.