Apparel: Preparing for the unpredictable with Specialized’s utility reversible vest

When the greens and blues of summer give way to orange foliage and chilly, silver skies, the weather when you first leave on your ride may not be the same weather that takes you home. After all, no matter where we live across this country, it seems like each province has its own version of the old adage: “Don’t like the weather? Just wait five minutes.”

Canadian cyclists, it goes without saying, have a particularly unique understanding of what that can mean.

As protection against those elements, Specialized’s utility reversible vest is designed with the season’s very inconstant weather in mind. A warm, breathable shell that fits over your jersey, the vest is also water-resistant, with a full-length front zipper that allows for adjustable ventilation. Its reversibility also enables the wearer to be more visible as light levels plunge, with high-visibility orange that all but beams to motorists.

Other features of the Specialized utility reversible vest, according to the company’s website, include:

• Deflect™ construction is mated with Polartec® Alpha® to form a wind- and water-resistant, warming, breathable, and protective layer of insulation.
• Two front zip pockets and one back zip pocket provide secure storage for your ride essentials.
• Reversible with high-visibility interior to achieve maximum visibility while out on the road.
• Reflective elements increase your visibility to motorists in low-light conditions.
• Deflect® UV 50+ protects your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays.