Assos UMA GT Spring/Fall Airblock Vest

The Assos UMA GT Spring/Fall Airblock Vest is a comfortable, close-fitting gilet that provides ideal protection from nippy winds and surprise showers. The quality is excellent, and it's slim for its protection and warmth. The lack of an integrated stuff sack makes it harder to pack away, though, and while the rear gives access to pockets below, you may not find it so easy in practice...

This gilet uses a combination of fabrics for weatherproofing where you need it and comfort where you don't.

The front panel is Assos' patented 3L windproof softshell, constructed with a PU bonded membrane. This 260g/m2 front blocks wind incredibly well and brushes off short showers, too – it's water-resistant to a rating of 10,000mm (meaning it won't leak under the pressure of a 10 metre water column, which is pretty good).

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Even if you are caught in a deluge, the fabric is thin and doesn't hold water.

The Airblock provides a pleasing amount of warmth that's surprising given its thin construction. The upper back panel has a fleecy lining, as do the sides, and this provides a cosy feel.

The full length zip is smooth, and the tag is chunky enough for grabbing with full-fingered gloves. It's only a one way zipper though, so it doesn't allow you to upzip from the bottom.

Assos's sizing guide recommends a small for me. The Airblock is Assos's 'regular fit,' which is more relaxed than its second-skin 'racing fit,' and the small was tighter than I expected. It's not restrictive at all, though. The main body is stretchy in all directions, which helps create a flattering, form-hugging fit.

While race-oriented jerseys tuck neatly beneath the Airblock, slightly more casual ones tend to peak out at the bottom.

There's also a label with the spec written on the extended zip garage, and it's visible as you pull the zip down – the text, while informative, doesn't look so smart in my opinion.

Rear pockets

This doesn't have its own pockets, but provides access to jersey pockets below. There are two slots to reach through, tucked under a 1.5cm flap for protection. They're useful, as it means you don't need to empty your pockets each time when removing and packing away.

Most jerseys have three pockets, though, and although the two openings are fairly wide, I found it awkward to reach anything out in the outer pockets. Also, on occasion things would get caught on the flap. Inevitably the middle pocket is even harder to reach – I chose not to pack anything in that one after a few outings.

Plus if your jersey has ridden up underneath, the whole thing gets fiddlier still. I can be a little frustrating fumbling around. That said, it's still significantly better than having no openings at all.

Weight

At 148g for size small, this is rather light. The Airblock is considerably lighter than the well-designed Endura Pro Primaloft Gilet II at 175g for size medium, though the dhb Aeron Polartec Alpha beats both at 147g – also in medium.

Lacking an integrated stuff sack or pocket, the Airblock is quicker to stuff into a pocket, but it's both messier and bulkier. I'd certainly prefer one for keeping my drawers tidy at home, and for taking to events.

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If black isn't your thing, this also comes in 'caleumBlue' and a much brighter 'galaxyPink'. All have reflectives on the sides of the outer pockets slots.

Value

At £130 this is one of the more expensive options out there. Café Du Cycliste's Women's Albertine thermal gilet is more expensive at £176, but also provides a significant chunk of warmth and is easier to regulate thanks to a two-way zip. The Albertine also has four pockets, though it's bulky.

Endura's Pro Primaloft Gilet II is £119.99 and impresses with its generous pockets and 'serious core warmth,' as Mike Stead puts it, but it's also heavier than the Airblock.

There are still cheaper options, such as the light and minimalist dhb Aeron Polartec Alpha Gilet for £100, which offers impressive warmth and breathability. It's mesh pockets aren't so good though, as your kit will get wet.

Overall

The Assos Airblock vest combines brilliant windproofing with a comforting, form-hugging fit. It lacks pockets or a pouch for packing though, so while it can be stripped off, it's not the most compact or practical of tops.

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Verdict

Close-fitting and effective gilet that gives pleasing core warmth, but pocket access is awkward