A good wind jacket is one of the most versatile pieces of kit. With proper layering, it can get you through winter while taking the edge off summer mountain descents. The Velocio Ultralight Jacket has quickly shown itself capable of all of the above in a wicked-light, breathable and compact package.
Velocio Ultralight Jacket Features:
- Completely new design for S/S 2022
- Stretchy Pertex Quantum Air fabric
- Microfiber collar and windproof zipper backing
- Windproof and water-resistant
- Laser-cut perforations for ventilation
- Sleeve cuffs cut for on-bike coverage
- Two-way front zipper
- Bonded zipper chest and rear pockets
- MSRP: $209
An ultralight champ
It hasn’t taken long for the Velocio Ultralight Jacket to make a solid home on cool morning rides or with questionable weather on the horizon. If you don’t have a windproof and water-resistant jacket, this one is one of the best you’ll find. And, if you have one already, I’m willing to bet the Ultralight will take it to the proverbial wood shed. Let me talk about some of the finer points of the Ultralight Jacket that was redesigned for 2022.
For starters, Velocio chose to use Pertex Quantum Air fabric. As one of the leaders in performance fabrics, Pertex brings immediate chops right out the gate. Offering just the right amount of stretch, expect it to move with you and fit with perfection. All of the critical areas are cut as if custom-made for my body. Extra sleeve length, just the right hem length and a perfect collar height and diameter to work on concert with the Velocio Signature Long Sleeve, Concept Merino and any other jersey I’ve worn with it. With that perfect fit, the Ultralight Jacket also rolls up extra small to easily fit into any jersey pocket with room to spare.
Most of my testing has been done on cool to cold rides — with one ride that went from a few drops to a steady, cold rain. As with any great wind jacket, it blocks the wind like a champ, but you will feel the chill due to the lack of any thermal properties. High-speed descents won’t allow cold air to penetrate, but you’ll want a thermal layer to stave off the cold. As far as rain protection goes, it can shed rain to a degree, but as Velocio says, it’s water resistant. On the rainy ride, I was caught on a long climb as the rain started falling and once I got to the top, it was raining hard. I stayed surprisingly dry, but the water did start to seep through a little on the most vulnerable areas (shoulders and sleeves mostly).
The beauty of the Pertex Quantum Air fabric is that while it did allow some water in, once the showers stopped, it dried out in a hurry. After riding out of the rain storm, it didn’t take long for the fabric to be dry and comfortable again.
If you plan to use this in the winter, just be sure to layer up properly. It has a snug fit, but there’s enough to comfortably wear a base layer and a thermal jersey underneath. The laser-cut vent holes allow plenty of airflow to provide breathability and the front zipper pull is large and easy to grab (once you can get it out of the upper zipper garage). The duck bill-style pull is outstanding. And, the jacket features a two-way zipper, which is a must-have in my book. With it, you can easily unzip from the bottom to adjust layers or reach into jersey pockets.
There are two zippered pockets — one in the right hip area and one on the left chest. It’s good to have options, but I could do without the chest pocket as it’s only accessible from the inside and sits right on my chest. I don’t dig using it while riding, but I could see using it before or after a ride or during a mid-ride stop.
Fit: I’m 5’11” and 173 lbs, wearing the size medium.
The Good
- Fits like it was custom made for me (and it stretches with you)
- Great added sleeve length for coverage
- Comfortable micro fleece-lined collar
- Two-way zipper always wins
- Breathes like a champ and never gets saturated
- Great wind blocker
- Dries in a jiffy
The Bad
- Chest pocket offers little utility
- Zipper garage gets in the way when pulling down
- On the expensive side (Pertex Quantum Air is worth the added cost though)
The Bottom Line: Velocio Ultralight Jacket
As far as compact wind jackets go, the Velocio Ultralight has got game. It’s a little more expensive than others, but it delivers one of the best fits and fabric quality you’ll find. Breathability is outstanding and sleeve lengths offer perfect coverage. No question, this is my new go-to wind jacket for summer adventures or cool shoulder season rides.
Buy Now: Visit Velocio.com
