PEdAL ED Odyssey Vest

PEdAL ED's Odyssey Reflective Vest is part of a range designed for long distance riding, coping with all that demands and giving you loads of storage options for stuff that won't fit on the bike. The vest is the final bit that fits over the top. It comes with plenty of neat little details and works seamlessly with other parts in the line-up.

• Pros: Full but discreet reflective design, works on its own or as part of the range
• Cons: Pretty pricey for a gilet

With the increased popularity of bikepacking and adventure riding, and events like the Transcontinental, it's no surprise that someone has developed a range of clothing to suit. I've been testing the Odyssey bib shorts (full review to come) and the jersey too.

> Buy this online here

For long rides like the Transcon and long-distance audaxes in the UK it's likely you'll be riding through the night, which is why this vest has been designed to be highly reflective.

See those little silver dashes all over the red fabric? During the day it just looks like a random pattern (inspired by Japanese symbolic rice, apparently)… 

…but once it becomes dark and they are bathed in light the vest looks as though it is completely silver.

From the rear it covers your shoulders and a noticeable stripe down your back. And those mesh panels aren't just there to let body heat escape, they are also positioned to allow the reflectives from the Odyssey jersey, which I've also been testing (it's excellent!), to do their work.

The red panels, 100 per cent nylon, work as an excellent windbreaker, and although it isn't massively breathable it doesn't need to be as those mesh panels do a good job at venting.

I was comfortable from around 8°C up to 16°C or so, which makes it perfect for summer night rides and early mornings.

On the inside at the rear there is a small mesh pocket for you to stuff the gilet into, and it packs up tiny so there is no real pressure on finding space for more luggage.

On the chest, the small zipped pocket is ideal for valuables.

The cut is reasonably close to reduce excess material but it isn't exactly race fit so it's quite flattering. As I said about the Odyssey jersey, stick to the PEdAL ED size guide and you'll be fine.

PEdAL ED clothing is never what you'd class as cheap, and that doesn't change here with the Odyssey Vest coming in at £105.

It's not alone – and it does have a few more details than the £99 Neon Velo Lightweight Gilet – but still, it's quite a price for something so simple and doesn't require a huge amount of material.

The Orro gilet gets pockets and is also water resistant, though it's only available in black, and that still costs £89.99.

You can spend a lot less, though – check out our previous baselayer reviews or the buyer's guide below.

> Buyer's Guide: 9 of the best cycling gilets

The Odyssey Vest might be pricey, but it is also very well made and ties in nicely with the jersey and shorts in the range. The reflectives are a highlight (boom boom), and go a little way towards justifying the cost.

Verdict

Pricey for a gilet but it performs well and the reflectives are great in the dark