Bikepackers will be spending long, long days in the saddle, and with this they will inevitably encounter a wide range of weather conditions. There may be precipitation. In fact, there almost certainly will be: let’s face it, you’re cycling up that mountain pass in the Highlands or the Alps for the scenery not the balmy weather.

With this in mind, cycling brand Rapha have in one fell swoop, turned out what will swiftly become one of the most versatile garments in your wardrobe with the Brevet Vest. So much so, it’s almost become a modern classic. And while Rapha’s focus is on road cycling, this is the perfect winter gear for bike packing or, well, anything really.

“While Rapha’s focus is on road cycling, this is the perfect winter gear for bike packing or, well, anything really.”

The key to its versatility is down to Polartec’s Alpha insulation inside. It was originally developed for the US Special Forces who were looking for an insulation that was warming even when wet, but also remained very breathable for high activity sports. Basically, they were looking for something you could keep on all day, rain or shine. Alpha has since been used in many outdoor garments, but it’s those designed for activities such as cycling and winter running, where it excels.

Graeme Raeburn, lead designer of product innovation at Rapha, said: “If you’re riding in the desert, it’s obviously going to be hot. But the temperature can drop a huge amount during the night, and the same goes for changes in altitude. The growing trend in bike packing and adventure riding requires durable, versatile products that can be ridden hard but also keep you warm when the riding day ends.”