Still on the lookout for winter kit? TWC writer Beth Hodge takes a look at the gear available from Sportful to keep you toasty. She had a ‘first look’ at the full range in October, but now after several months in the kit brings you a thorough long term review.
The bottom half: Sportful Women’s Fiandre NoRain Bibtights Reviewed
Following my first look at the Fiandre Light Women’s Wind Jacket, I was excited about getting this jacket on for long term testing. Needless to say I wasn’t disappointed. It’s a killer jacket, and really packs a punch with everything Sportful says it can do. It’s described as the ‘go-to piece for the cold, wet and wind’, and even though it seems quite lightweight with appropriate layering it is a brilliant piece of kit that I am convinced would do three seasons (Spring/Autumn/Winter) really well.
Fit and features
The jacket is super lightweight and let’s be honest looks the absolute business. The fit on this jacket is beautiful, aimed at the performance rider who wants as little faff as possible to get in the way of a solid ride on a testing day. The Fiandre Wind Jacket has a super high neck keeping out blustery wind chills and works perfectly with a buff or neckwarmer underneath.
Sleeve length as always with Sportful garments is spot on. The body length is good, coming down nice and low on the back to provide a performance fit whilst on the saddle.
The Fiandre has three pockets. Two large pockets on the lower back, and one side pocket which I hadn’t seen on a garment before and I have to say it’s a great idea. The pocket was easy to reach into for small necessary on the go items such as jelly babies and a phone.
The zipper is of note, Sportful have used the YKK Vislon waterproof zipper which looks and feels seriously heavyweight, it does a good job and it’s great to have this jacket sealed as much as possible. However, I can’t but feel that it spoils the ‘svelte’ look- but that is being particularly picky.
Reflective detailing is added to the jacket making it a solid seasonal all rounder for long days in the saddle.
Material
The Sportful Fiandre Light Women’s Wind Jacket is lightweight, and therefore not to be relied on as the warmest layer you might have on. It is not supposed to be an insulated jacket, more so a lightweight wind and rain defender using the quality Gore Windstopper 4 Way Light material. It is given the maximum rating for wind resistance which I can testify, it really cuts through the wind keeping stopping it from getting through and keeping you moving more comfortably for longer whilst being breathable. An amazing top layer for many days in the saddle, which can be beefed up as you please with a choice of underlayers.
The jacket also benefits from the proven (to me!) Sportful NoRain material on the side panels and did a fine job keeping me dry in a light shower. I would be hesitant relying on it as a full on waterproof but for a day with light showers I would wear it again.
Pros:
- Amazing looking fit and feel
- Packed full of technical details
Cons:
- Could do with a zipper pocket
See it on the Sportful site here in sizes XS – XXL for £160.
