I like a lot of the kit and clothing that I am sent to test but one product that has stood out this year has been Proviz clothing. I was given an early version of a cycling jacket to try earlier this year and I also tested a small rucksack. I now have two of their new products to test.
The Proviz products are super visible at night, especially when a beam of light is shone on them. I have seen a growing number of people wearing these products on the roads in Scotland and they are super eye-catching.
If you haven’t spotted one yet or come across a Proviz product take a look at this video.
New Proviz products
The Proviz range has been expanded. It includes:
- Women’s version of the Reflect360 jacket
- New Proviz PixElite ranges for cycling and for running, focused on performance and styling, including and manufactured in Italy:
- A softshell cycling range
- Running range
- Proviz Switch cycling range, with a reversible option for day and night and ideal for commuting:
- Proviz Reflect 360+ cycling range, improved version of the original 360 range with enhanced breathability.
There are also new men’s versions on the Proviz site.
Proviz Reflect360 jacket
I have been testing the new version of the Reflect360 cycling jacket for women. It is made from Proviz fabric, which utilises millions of highly reflective tiny glass beads and gives a hi-viz, almost ghostly appearance, when lights shine on it. The material is also waterproof and the inner seams are taped.
Features include:
- Mesh lining
- Two outer chest, one inner chest and a large back pocket. The outer chest pockets are also designed to be extra vents.
- An adjustable hardwearing cuff with hook and loop attachment.
- Elastic pull cord waist adjustor
- Large under arm zips for ventilation
- Shoulder and back ventilation
- A zip garage to avoid chin and neck chafing
- The full-length front storm zip is fully waterproof and reflective
- Micro-fleece collar for warmth and comfort
- Integrated reflective hood with meshed lining for breathability.
So far I have found it to be a far better fit than the jacket I tested earlier this year. It is created for the female physique and a UK fits my UK10 sizing perfectly. The arms are a good length as is the back hem so it’s a good jacket for cycling.
The visibility is incredible. Even in daylight when you shine a light on to the fabric it shimmers brightly. But the jacket comes into its own in the dark.
You can spot someone wearing the jacket at a huge distance when driving a car and this is really important if you are to be seen on a dark Scottish morning or evening.
The fabric is waterproof and it feels pretty comfortable to wear. This is a commuter style cycling jacket rather than something you might wear for a race (unless it was a race in the dark!)
My only criticism is that the fabric makes a bit of rustling sound when wearing it. The jacket fabric is not highly breathable although the venting helps. If you need a more breathable jacket try the new enhanced breathability cycling range.
The Reflect360 jacket costs £79.99
Also see my review of the new Proviz softshell cycling jersey.