Pearl Izumi Optic Vest review

The 100 per cent polyester Optik is cut from a silky soft, translucent ripstop fabric, packing down into a fist-sized ball that will easily stow in a racing jersey pocket.

Yet despite its small size and ultra-low weight, it still manages to have two pockets – a zippered one on the outside, and a mesh one on the inside. The cut is spot on: snug but roomy enough across the back and chest, with elasticated arms and a high collar to ward off draughts. Naturally, it’s not the warmest layer – but it does trap heat and it’s perfect to cut out the wind on an Alpine descent, even if the wafer thin material snaps a little noisily.