Autumn/Winter Special: Proviz REFLECT360+ Range

by Paul Horta-Hopkins · 04/02/2017

Autumn/Winter Special: Proviz REFLECT360+ Range

Paul Horta-Hopkins

A preview of the Proviz REFLECT360+ Range.

Winter is here and for a lot of cyclists who commute being seen is one of their major concerns. While lights are an obvious – and legal – requirement, many cyclists appreciate the reflective details that adorn a lot of cycling kit. Whether tags or prints on clothing and kit, these shiny eye-catchers really help pick you out on a dark night, but sometimes they do seem a little, small? Do you ever worry that they might not quite pick up the light or be seen? Well with the Proviz REFLECT360+ Range you needn’t worry any more. With a whole jacket reflecting a vehicles beams back at the them, drivers can no longer use the excuse “sorry mate, I didn’t see you”!

With Proviz REFLECT360+ clothing, you’ll have no problems standing out at night!

We have a full commuter’s outfit on test from Proviz, jacket, trousers and a gilet. Not only are these highly reflective they are also waterproof, keeping you safe and dry on wet winter rides. Using an improved version of Proviz’s reflective material, that first came out in 2014; REFLECT360+ is lighter, more breathable, with improved waterproofing and fit. According to Proviz the “material has exceptional waterproofing (10.000mm) capability for those rainy days and enhanced breathability (10.000gm/24hr).”

The REFLECT360+ cycling jacket was the world’s first to be designed using a 100% reflective outer-shell. Millions of tiny glass beads reflect light back at the source, turning what looks like a light grey jacket under normal conditions into a glowing white one. Extra vents have been added into the design to aid with breathability by adding two front vents. Unzipping these mesh lined vents allows air to flow through and out the rear vents; as a bonus these can also be used as extra pockets when not needed. There is also an internal chest pocket and a large external, rear pocket which can easily hold gloves or a map.

A mesh lining and fleece collar keep the inside comfortable, and taped seams and waterproof zip make sure you stay dry. Extra ventilation is provided for with large, zipped armpit vents and the sleeve cuffs have adjustable velcro closures. Elastic cords around the bottom of the jacket allow you to customise the jacket’s fit and stop any flapping. All these details sound like a commuter’s jacket wish list.

If you’re commuting in ‘normal’ clothes, waterproof trousers are a must in the rain

We also have a pair of Nightrider Waterproof Trousers. These waterproof and breathable trousers have reflective trim and logos and come in either black or yellow. Poppers at the end of the legs allow you to adjust the length, while a long zipped opening makes getting them over your shoes easier. The leg ends can also be tightened with velcro closures to stop them flapping about and getting stuck in your chain.

The Proviz REFLECT360+ gilet offers the same reflective and waterproof qualities as the jacket

While the jacket and trousers make for a full wet weather ride wardrobe, we also have one of Proviz’s REFLECT360+ cycling gilets. The gilet uses the same REFLECT360+ material as the jacket, but is un-lined and the rear has a tiny cut outs to allow some heat to escape. Fitted arm holes and waist help keep the warmth in and cold draughts out. Two side pockets allow for some storage and are easier to access than traditional rear pockets; handy if you take it for a run.

We’ll be trying out Proviz’s products on the winter commute and will let you know how it performs. If you haven’t see just how reflective REFLECT360+ clothing is, check out their video below.