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vulpine ultralight quilted gilet

i know that i mentioned this a number of years ago, but it still fascinates me that, despite several recent warnings from space scientists about the ever-increasing number of satellites orbiting the earth, both functional and defunct, that there still exists a flat earth society. this association, first mooted by samuel shenton as the flat earth research society, in 1956, succeeded the even more bizarrely named universal zetetic society. despite the launch of russia's sputnik satellite into earth orbit in october 1957, he countered by asking whether sailing round the isle of wight would prove that it too, was spherical?

of course, not everyone who claims to follow the philosophies of the flat earthers does so without tongue firmly planted in cheek, but there's no denying that there is still a substantial number of individuals who believe not the description of planet earth as an 'oblate spheroid'. and to a certain extent, we experience the same situation with those who deny that we are currently experiencing climate change. oddly enough, i am acquainted with a number of folks who claim that such changes in the earth's climate have been experienced several times in the planet's history, ironically unaware that, even if true, the current evidence on climate change would suggest we're in for a rough time in the near future.

it may well be that the so-called industrial revolution has increased pollution levels and increased global warming beyond the levels that would have been experienced naturally; perhaps this is the earth's perfect storm, where naturally occurring climate change has met with pollution generated by the planet's principal occupants. but apportioning blame while rome burns is possibly a tad counter-intuitive. it's hard , however, not to acknowledge that climatic conditions across the world seem to have recently changed from their more expected tendencies, causing mayhem across several continents.

it may seem a tad trite, therefore, to minimise what might be an impending ecological disaster to the level of just what to wear when doing our bit for the planet, and choosing to cycle rather than drive the car. but, bearing in mind the epithet, 'even a journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step', making such individual choices, possibly multiplied many thousands of times, surely couldn't do any harm? and unlike the oft castigated lycra louts, the majority who could effect a change in transportational habits, are those who ride their bicycles as commuters or for leisure, the apparel needs of which are catered for by companies such as vulpine clothing.

they too are cognizant not only of the change that can be effected by cycling to and from work or school, but of an inherent need to create their own best practice. this is demonstrated, in part, by the relaunch of their best selling, thermal gilet, a garment that now possesses not only a recycled outer shell, but also that of the insulation, offering every bit the same performance as its predecessor. that outer fabric is constructed from recycled nylon, given a durable water repellency coating to fend off drizzle and road spray. the garment's insulation is formed from recyled plastic bottles, creating a highly pragmatic garment that offers a minimal, if not altogether non-existent carbon footprint.

and its efficacy is pretty much beyond reproach. as we begin to ease ourselves from spring into early summer, in the northern hemisphere at least, not only are the days stretching in length, but proffering amenable temperatures even as dusk begins to fall. in many cases, a full jacket may be regarded as overkill, even over here on the outer edge, and particularly if riding energetically home from work, or simply taking a gravel ride out to gartbreck point to watch the sunset. i cannot deny that i'm rarely up early enough to watch its counterpart at the break of day, but the impression is that the vulpine gilet would be every bit as effective as the dawn chorus commences.

and its superpowers do not end with those impressive thermal properties. with many commuters needing a backpack of one sort or another, the reinforced shoulders will come as something of a welcome boon. and it is not short of pocketage, offering two zipped, front hand-warmer' pockets, a zipped internal chest pocket and a rear 'drop-in' pocket that comfortably swallowed a not quite compact, compact digital camera, along with my house keys. it is a comfortable fit, allowing gracious space in case you need to wear a thicker than usual jumper 'neath its thermality, and despite keeping torso and neck as cosy as you'd hope, it weighs next to nothing.

i appreciate that there are many who have yet to be convinced of the usefulness of a gilet as an alternative to a full-blown jacket (vulpine do offer a similar garment, but with sleeves), but it might surprise you just how often you'd reach for this, when a jacket just seems too much. aside from wearing it on bike rides, it was handy in the evenings when a touch of necessary bike fettling was required and when attending early-evening events which included outdoor activities. alone, it won't solve climate change, but it's as well to remember that first step.

vulpine's ultralight thermal gilet is available in petrol colour (as reviewed), in sizes ranging from xs to xxl and is priced at a tidy £100. | vulpine ultralight gilet

tuesday 3 may 2022