BodyLite Gear NightVision Gilet

The BodyLite Gear NightVision Gilet is a multi-sports garment that's the right fit and shape for urban riding and other cycling disciplines that use an upright position, and where aero isn't a factor. It's well made, a good wind blocker and works well with the brand's wearable lights, though it lacks the number of reflectives I'd expect for a piece of kit designed for night time use.

For more options, check out our guide to the best cycling gilets.

> Buy now: BodyLite Gear NightVision Gilet for £66.50 from BodyLite

The NightVision Gilet isn't designed with any particular sport in mind, and has quite a relaxed shape without being baggy. That, plus the lack of a dropped tail, make it suitable for cycling round town and on bikes where your riding position is quite upright.

The material used is water resistant, and it'll cope with some light rain or a very quick, heavy downpour, and it blocks the wind well too.

When riding in temperatures above 10°C, say, or if you are pushing the effort a bit, it can get warm, but mesh panels down the sides and venting on the rear do a decent job of helping airflow.

In terms of sizing BodyLite says to go up a size on its website and I'd concur. I should take a large, but the XL here is probably as fitted as I'd want to go. The main reason for that is that around the front section, above the stomach and below the chest you'll find an elastic cord which I'm guessing is there to stop the gilet snagging under the weight of a NightVision Light – a light I reviewed at the start of the year; it's designed to attach to the Velcro pads fitted on the front and rear of the gilet.

I found it gave a bit of a weird fit to the gilet, making it feel restrictive unless I slackened the tension right off.

For a piece of clothing called NightVision I was expecting way more reflectives, as per Altura's range with the same name, but this gilet only has a few sections at the bottom of the rear and on the pockets on the front. If you don't buy the light as well then there isn't exactly a whole lot of 'night vision' going on.

As you can see from the photos, it is primarily black with yellow details, or pink detailing if you prefer.

One thing it definitely has going for it is that it is well made throughout. The stitching is neat and tidy, and my pull test didn't see any of them in danger of ripping.

There are small details included, too, like a zip garage to stop neck irritation, and a baffle sits behind the zip to keep out the cold.

The pockets also have zips, so you can keep things safe while running or riding.

Competition-wise, it's not easy to compare with many others we've reviewed as they tend to be pure cycling gilets with a closer fit.

Altura's Nightvision Storm Thermal Gilet does have a looser fit, and Stef found it cosy, if only above average overall in the final scoring. It now costs £65.

Back in 2022 we reviewed a gilet by Ridgecrest, which are made in the UK. They too have a looser fit like the BodyLite but are more cycling specific. They are still available via an eBay shop and cost £39.95.

If you're after a lot of reflective detailing then Proviz is a good choice. Its Reflect360 is fully reflective and has a looser fit than many cycling gilets, and it costs just £49.99.

Conclusion

Overall, the BodyLite isn't cycling specific, but if you want a gilet you can use for various activities then you'll find it to be weather resistant, warm, well ventilated and well made. For a garment intended for use in the dark, though, I'd like to see more in terms of reflective detailing, so it wouldn't rely so much on having to purchase the NightVision light.

Verdict

Not cycling specific and limited reflectives – but it's warm, comfortable and good for multi-sport use