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Giordana AV Versa Jacket is a soft shell windproof jacket with eVent DV stretch fabric to protect you from wind when riding in cool weather. It is breathable enough that you can work hard in your jacket without feeling uncomfortable.
Although this fabric does not claim to be waterproof, and the seams of AV Versa are not taped, there is a layer of DWR coating on the outer surface, and the eVent DV PTFE membrane (DV stands for "direct ventilation") will keep the winter drizzle on your Closed during riding.
Buy now from Giordana for £159.99
The AV in the name stands for acqua e vento-water and wind.
The selling point of DV Stretch fabric is its high degree of elasticity-eVent means up to 50%. This may be more than what you actually get in the thicker backing main panel of the AV Versa jacket. But there are non-wool inserts on the back of the sleeves and the sides of the jacket, which are thinner and more elastic.
The colors of the two fabrics are slightly mismatched.
Over time, DWR coatings tend to lose their effectiveness, but eVent fabrics seem to be very strong. Washing instructions recommend using a cool tumble dryer to restore its water resistance.
The elasticity of the jacket allows you to fit snugly against the wind, but it also provides sufficient riding comfort. I found that the cut was just right and the arms were long enough so that they would not be pulled up when you stretched on the hood or water droplets.
Other advantages for increased comfort on cold days include significantly lowered tails and wide, stretchy, well-fitting cuffs, which are made of thinner unbacked fabric with rough edges. There is a windproof cover behind the main zipper, and a lined high collar.
When I was wearing an AV Versa jacket and Giordana's thin merino wool blend long-sleeved base layer at around 7 degrees Celsius in the typical wet, cloud-covered British early winter, once I warmed up, I was at the right temperature. The mid-size AV Versa jacket weighs 380 grams, which is a mid-weight soft shell.
The three back pockets also prove the all-weather performance of the AV Versa. They are deep and have a seam turned over at the top to help hold the contents in place.
At the bottom, hidden under the folded gusset, each pocket has a laser-cut drainage hole. When I went out to see how effective they were, it was never wet enough, but if you are flooded, they are a reassuring feature.
There is some extra visibility in bad weather, so I'm very happy that Giordana's jacket is in this daylight orange instead of the more typical black. The pixelated blue fabric used under the back pocket enhances this.
Buy now from Giordana for £159.99
Again, there is a lot of stretch here. The upper left arm has more pixelation.
The £200 price of AV Versa is similar to what you would expect from a quality softshell jacket, and I like that it is not too heavy, while providing a reasonable level of waterproof and warmth. It is suitable for typical British off-season conditions.
All reviews are completely independent, and the companies in the reviews did not pay any fees
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