Giordana

FormaRed Carbon Compactible Wind Jacket

Giordana takes the wind jacket to unseen thin-ness with their FormaRed Carbon Compactable Wind Jacket. Why thin? Thinner compacts better; this is important because a measure of a wind jacket is how easily you can stuff it. And this one stuffs easily; it even has an interior mesh pocket into which the entire jacket stuffs if you want it to be a super-compressed single item. The pocket is 3" x 4" and is found stitched to the right inside seam near the waist. It has a drawstring and even when the jacket is inside the pouch, it can be compressed further, down to the size of a tennis ball. Cool note about the pocket; the jacket can dry itself out while stuffed into its pocket. A Large weighs in at a mere 100 grams.

Wind jackets are different than rain jackets. They're windproof, breathable, and water-resistant. You can wear it in the rain, but it will eventually soak through. Not everyone sees this as a problem. Many prefer this to a full-on rain jacket in moderate temperatures because they find wind jackets don't retain as much heat when going hard. No reason to have a waterproof jacket if the proof is taking a shower on the inside.

But the jacket is about more than being thin. It's about fitting well. It is designed to fit in the riding position; great for aerodynamics and for reducing or even eliminating that distracting flapping that too many wind jackets have. It isn't a running jacket repurposed; it's a riding jacket first and only. 11 panels in all cut to fit you right when your chin is hitting your stem as you scrabble onto the last wheel of that winning break. The jacket might tug a bit at the shoulders when you're standing tall, but it fits great when hunkered down on the drops.

The Giordana FormaRed Carbon Compactable Wind Jacket has a mesh liner at the collar for comfort. The zipper is a cam-lock for both ease and security. Behind the zipper is a draft flap to keep the wind from seeping through the zipper. The cuffs and hem are closed with elastic. The Giordana logos are reflective.