I should probably start by admitting that I’m a big fan of gilets or vests. I find them to be one of the most flexible and useful clothing items and, therefore, one of my cycling wardrobe’s most heavily used pieces. Whether it’s to keep the chill off on a summer’s evening, regulate temperature on a long descent, or add layers of warmth in winter, there’s rarely a ride when I’m not wearing one or riding with one stashed in a pocket or bag.
I’ve had the Adventure gilet from Ciovita on test since late last summer, which has allowed me to test it in all weather conditions in the changeable climes of South Yorkshire. The South African brand may be new to some of you, but those who follow XCO MTB will have seen Alan Hatherly, who now rides on the road for Jayco AlUla, win the World Champs last year in his national colors supplied by them and they also provide the leaders kits for the popular Cape Epic MTB race.
The Ciovita Apex Adventure Gilet is versatile indeed.
(Image credit: Future)
Construction
The big story here is Ciovits’s use of Polartec’s new lightweight Alpha material. It’s made from lofted fibres that they use to cover most of the front and rear sections of the vest, as well as around the collar. It’s designed to be warm, highly breathable, hydrophobic and compressible for easy packing, which sounds a lot like marketing hyperbole and is surely too good to be true? The fabric looks unconventional, almost like a jumper that’s been washed to death with heavy balling, but that extra depth and gaps between the fibres should do a great job of holding heat when needed and, at the same time, still breathe well.
The gilet itself feels like a lightweight shell style instead of a sleeveless winter top and weighs only 115 grams (in XL). It packs away neatly into its bag, which is sewn into the inside. The outer shell is Nylon ripstop fabric with a DWR coating, which keeps out all but the worst of the wind and brushes off a shower well, further enhancing its year-round usage.
Features include a handy two-way zip.
(Image credit: Future)
Styling-wise, it’s very understated in black. It has minimal branding, a reflective tab on the rear, an elasticated waist, and a two-way YKK zip, making temperature regulation on long climbs easier. There aren’t any pockets, which I assume is down to the lightweight nature of the fabric; extra reinforcement and pockets would inhibit your ability to pack it down easily, too and add weight. The lack of pockets in the past would have been an issue for me, but as I always seem to be wearing cargo bibs or shorts these days, so it hasn’t been a problem.
Polartec’s Alpha material is both warm and breathable.
(Image credit: Future)
Ciovita describes it as a classic fit, a bit looser than an aero top, which worked well for my less-than-race-like figure. The extra room also made layering up underneath much more manageable, further enhancing its usability. I went for a size XL, which worked well for me at 83kg / 183lbs (ish) and 175cm / 5’8″ tall. It fitted closely but not restrictively tight over summer jerseys and winter thermal tops, which was perfect for me, as I find more aero race cuts too tight and uncomfortable on long rides.
The ride
The more I use this product, the more I like it. It’s such a versatile bit of kit that always seems just right. I first used it in late summer, when its packability and excellent breathability made it a great choice for combining with a jersey and arm warmers for evening rides with changeable temperatures. It somehow manages to be neither too hot nor too cold, to the point that you forget you’re wearing it most of the time.
Paired with a long sleeve jersey the Apex Adventure Gilet keeps the weather at bay.
(Image credit: Future)
But it was on a multi-day bikepacking ride across Ireland where I really grew to love it. On a particularly wet, windy and wild section through Connemara, I experienced every season in a matter of hours. I combined the gilet with a long-sleeved jersey, and would generally expect to be wet and cold for the rest of the day once the heavens opened, yet it kept the worst of the rain off, dried quickly and kept me warm enough to be comfortable until the end of my ride. I’ve not been as impressed with an item of clothing since my first race wearing a Castelli Gabba, such was the performance of this otherwise unassuming item.
There are no rear pockets but we didn’t miss them.
(Image credit: Future)
I’ve also continued wearing it through the winter months, with its thermal properties and windshielding working wonders at keeping my core warm. When paired with a thermal top, it’s good for temps down to around 4-5 °C / 39-41°F on road or gravel on the Peak District roads and trails, where chilly descents follow long climbs, and the extra breathability and adjustability are a definite bonus. On a few very cold rides, I also wore it under a classic windproof winter jacket, with the Alpha material providing plenty of extra warmth without being too sweaty when combined with a good Merino base layer.
Value & conclusion
Although it’s not cheap, at £113/ $139, it’s far from the most expensive option, and considering its versatility, I’d consider it excellent value. For example, it’s cheaper than the Santini Alpha Pack vest, which uses the same Polartec material, at £160 / $204, and slightly more affordable than the Castelli Espresso vest, which has a racier aero look compared to the Ciovita option.
It’s rare to find such a versatile product that works well over such a broad temperature and weather range, and the fact that I rarely, if ever, head out for a ride without it, whether on or off-road, speaks volumes.
I’d like to see more reflective details and a wider colour range, but these are minor issues with a product I loved testing, used heavily, and would happily recommend to anyone.
