Nema Patrol Vest
By James Sharp

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, spring and fall are the most difficult to prepare for in terms of cycling clothing. In many places in the northern latitudes the day can start off cold and by mid afternoon it is summer-like. This is especially a problem if you commute by bicycle. You bundle up for the morning ride, only to shed layers, for the ride home. Often the rider, or anyone who spends much time outside, will need an article of clothing that will add versatility to other clothes. A wind blocking vest is a good example of this. If the temperature is 45 degrees out, I can throw a vest on over a lightweight, long sleeve jersey and be comfortable. As the temperature rises I can first unzip the vest, then remove it completely. It has minimal bulk, but offers increased warmth for my torso or body core. Nema gave us their Patrol Vest to try, and here is what we thought of it.

The Patrol Vest is made of Luxtran Nylon and has a fleece lining on the inside front and on the collar. The zipper is the most reflective zipper I have ever seen and the back of the vest is ventilated to help manage moisture. The rear also has Pocket Ports, these are openings that allow you to access your jersey pockets without having to unzip the vest. They are held shut with small hook-and-loop patches.

Vests are fairly simple things that can give that much needed extra warmth on chilly days. I have used the vest to extend the range of true cold weather jerseys or to add a little warmth to lighter jerseys when the sun is shining but the air is cool. The Patrol Vest is essentially wind proof and is water resistant, though I wouldn’t rely on it in serious rain. It packs small and is lightweight, perfect for morning rides on or off road. The reflective zipper adds a level of comfort when riding at night.

Summary: At $49.99 the Patrol Vest belongs in every cyclist’s closet. It is lightweight, packable, has the right amount of ventilation, provides access to your jersey pockets and is useful in almost any season, or climate. It is one of those pieces of clothing that makes other clothes more useable. If you ride anywhere but Panama, maybe, you owe it to yourself to try it out. It has become a staple in my wardrobe

James Sharp is a contributing editor for GearReview.com specializing in road biking, mountain biking and staying warm in the winter.

For more information, contact:
NEMA International
16651 Gothard St, Suite E
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Phone: (714) 841-8384
E-mail: info@nema-usa.com
www.nema-usa.com