The Shield is thin, lightweight and compressible - though the Pearl Izumi Optik vest packs down smaller. However, it's got some interesting extras, including a comfortably lined collar that's soft against the chin, four good-sized reflective patches and two plastic toggles with elastic cord at the bottom.
Most of the back is airy open mesh for good ventilation over a jersey. The cut is trim and straight, or 'tight fit' as Scott calls it, and doesn't billow too much. What really makes the Shield though, is the tight, elasticised armholes - they keep out draughts and give it a protective feel in foul weather. They feel a little restrictive at first, but as soon as I got riding I didn't notice them. A full-length zip and (dinky) zipper pull is still easy enough to yank open, and the ripstop material stood up well to a week's off-roading without any snags.
