Review - PEdAL ED Polartec Alpha Tokaido Wind Vest

The Polartec Alpha® Fabric is exceptional. Designed in collaboration with the U.S. Special Forces, it is made to be incredible light, insulating, and adaptable to varying temperatures. Japanese brand PEdAL ED have utilised the wonder fabric in the new Tokaido Wind Vest, and the results are good.

The Tokaido Wind Vest was designed by PEdAL ED after experiences in the Transcontinental Race and Silk Road Mountain Race—both ultra-distance cycling events, where kit is demanded to be super lightweight, and adaptable to incredibly varied temperatures.

The Tokaido uses Polartec Alpha in its purest form: with no internal lining or layering, so that the garment is super light and packable. On the outside of the vest is a lightweight windproof fabric to protect the wearer from wind-chill.

In terms of features, the Tokaido Wind Vest is refined for lightness. There are two large rear cargo pockets, a high-cut neckline, reflective detailing, and an internal pocket that the vest packs away into. It is a compact package with no unnecessary bells, whistles, or weight.

The fit of the wind vest is on the roomy side, with my Medium being comparable to garments from the likes of Gore Bike Wear or Vaude in terms of fit. The extra room is beneficial if you are using the vest with layers, but it does make it a little flappy (especially given how lightweight it is), if you are riding in high winds. If you are between sizes, you could size down from the usual size you wear in Castelli or Sportful, for example.

It is not cheap, but it is exceptionally light, very well made, and incredibly insulating for its weight. The PEdAL ED Tokaido Wind Vest is a great piece of bikepacking and ultra-riding kit.

>> View the PEdAL ED Tokaido Wind Vest here <<





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