In my opinion, the Gilet or vest is an absolutely essential piece of cycling kit for any rider. It protects you in the summer months on long descents and on early starts and it extends the wear-time of your summer wardrobe, from early spring into late autumn. It does all this while remaining stowable and needs no more than a jersey pocket to keep it out of the way when not in use.
With the advent of laminated 'shell' fabrics back in the 80's, the first cycling Gilets began to appear. Developed specifically for Professional riders as the ultimate expression of versatility and essentialism, capable of offering a broad range of protective features with minimum volume. Since then the Gilet has diverged into two distinct categories: the windproof/rainproof Gilet and the thermal Gilet, used as protection against the cold. This is largely a result of the employment of specific fabrics with particular beneficial traits that lend themselves to one or other application.
The Q36.5 gilet eliminates the distinction between the two categories with their hybrid 4-season 137g Vest, the L1 Essential. This is achieved primarily through the use of the UFHybridShell material that they have developed in-house. As with all their products, they have retained their design goal of ensuring optimal body temperature stabilisation and guarantee 4-season Body Temperature Stability.
UF HybridShell is a non-laminated double-woven fabric that is able to mimic qualities of a shell (laminated fabric with membrane) without many of the associated drawbacks, as well as performing the thermal functions of a fleece material.
The fabric is woven at right angles at such a high density that the finished fabric has technical values within range of materials that use membranes. For example it is twice as breathable as “Windstop” shell fabrics and over 20 times more wind resistant than typical fleece fabrics.
Q36.5 achieve this wind resistance through the density of the material and it is this novel approach that significantly increases the fabric’s versatility making it far more breathable than a shell and as a consequence, it performs better in high-intensity conditions where the rider achieves high body temperatures and significant levels of perspiration.
The inner side of the fabric is brushed to create a ribbed fleece pattern. The ribbed pattern enhances the thermal properties of the material by creating microclimates, much like hairs on the skin and in combination with the Hollow fibre threads used for this inner side, further improve insulation, helping to keep the rider warm when the temperature falls or when descending after climbing.
To further refine the L1 Vest's functionality, the threads that are used for the UF HybridShell fabric are treated for water resistance before being woven. Unlike the majority of manufacturers who apply waterproofing treatments to the finished fabric (usually with the inclusion of a resin or coating that 'seals' the fabric), treating the threads before they are woven allows them to maintain their ‘natural’ structure and this is a key element in helping the fabric maintain a high level of breathability. If you have ever worked hard in a 'Windproof' Gilet or a Gabba jersey, for example, you will have noted how quickly you heat up and how wet you get from perspiration.
You can immediately appreciate the advantages on long descents, where a sweat soaked jersey is able to wick through the gilet and properly dry, an entirely novel sensation for riders used to the gilets currently available on the market. The improved drying times are again, thanks in part to the pre-treatment of the fibres.
The Q36.5 Vest L1 Essential is cut on the same fit block as the Short Sleeve L1 jersey, there are no rear pockets but the provision of 2 invisible slits provides easy access to the rear pockets of the jersey or jacket worn underneath.
To finish the L1 Vest, Q36.5 have used a 4mm Riri Aquazip. Often found adorning products from Hermes (among notable others) these are recognisable from their striking appearance - the teeth are visible unlike most - but they are much more than a cosmetic touch. The Aquazip is water-resistant and Riri’s plastic moulded teeth, injected directly onto the tape, create a highly water-resistant seal without the need for further protection. The result is a cleaner and more minimal jacket design as well as a moderate weight saving.
The Q36.5 L1 Essential Vest is the ultimate of ultimates. The most versatile of versatile garments. New fabrics and construction techniques once again ensure that the product is unique functionally and tactically, a key element of the Q36.5 brand - nothing is ever a gimmick.
Available as a unisex piece in 3 designs : Black, Camo and Snow