British weather demands that a warm, softshell jacket that is for the most part waterproof, warm and hopefully not too tight be a staple part of any cyclist's wardrobe. The Galibier Mistral Pro jacket looks to tick all the boxes, offering insulated, comfortable protection for those many slow base miles we do over the winter, when it's not nice, but necessary to get out on the bike.
Similar to much more expensive jackets, the Galibier Mistral Pro has an inner base layer/jersey that is zipped up separately from the main jacket, which allows you to unzip the main jacket when it gets a bit warmer - a valuable feature for autumn and spring weather when it's cold in the morning and mild in the afternoon. The separate zips let you keep your core warm but allow some air flow so you don't overheat.
The front of the jacket features a full-length offset zip, which means no annoying zip in your throat, potentially causing discomfort on longer rides. A Velcro-sealed zip garage keeps the inner layer clean and fully sealed from the elements.
The overall fit of the Mistral Pro is perfect for winter riding: not too tight so you're able to fit layers underneath, but not flappy in the wind at all.
The rear of the jacket has a dropped tail to protect your bum from getting too wet, with three large, deep pockets that fit phones to pumps without fear of them jumping out on typically unkempt British roads. There is also a zip up valuables pocket that allows for phones from pre 2008, wallets and anything else you want to fit in.
The rear also features silver reflective trim that is a boon for all those concerned with being seen (unlike anyone who buys the new hedgerow green Rapha jerseys).
The black and red colour is sits well with me, as red is well known to be the fastest colour out there, and black goes with everything.
Using just this jacket and a warm wool baselayer I have been out in ~1 Celsius and rain, the Mistral Pro keeping me warm and dry for the entire ride. It's impressive, considering that jackets twice or three times the price will barely do the job better.
Now the weather will in theory be picking up to double digits more often, the Mistral has proved itself as a one item solution; there's no need to layer, as it's got two layers in one.
I'm planning on wearing it for the Gent-Wevelgem sportive and I think there will be no better test of this jacket; however, I have full confidence that the Mistral Pro will keep me warm and dry even in the Belgian climate.
Galibier Mistral Pro Jacket, £79.55 from galibier.cc.
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