ColinJ said:
I normally wear XL but I read that the Montane sizes are very generous so I ordered a L. I'll report back on the sizing when the gilet arrives.
Okay, my Montane Featherlite Gilet has arrived so here are my initial impressions...
Weight - I don't think you could get a large adult gilet much lighter than this. Very light indeed.
Size packed - It comes in a little stuff bag with a draw cord. When the gilet is packed away, the bag is about the size of a good-sized apple. It fits neatly in the palm of my hand. It has a velcro strap for attaching it to your bike, but it would easily fit into part of a jersey pocket.
Gilet size - Having been warned that the sizing was very generous, I went for L rather than my usual XL. That was a good decision - I'm a 42" chest (unexpanded, 44" expanded) and the chest sizing is perfect. I have a big waist at the moment (39"
) and the gilet just accommodates that so it will be a bit roomy if you are slim. It is comfortable round the arms. It has an elasticated extended back to give your rear end some cover. The neck size is spot on for me (15.5" neck).
Gilet appearance and detailing - I bought it in black because I think it suits me, but obviously the fluoro yellow one would be better from a visibility perspective. There are reflective Scotchlite strips front and rear. There are covered ventilation flaps under the armpits. There is a flap behind the zip to increase wind-protection. The gilet is made from a very lightweight pertex material and gets crammed into a small bag, so inevitably it comes out heavily creased. In my opinion, that is a small price to pay for the convenience and comfort of a tiny garment like this.
Functionality - I'll have to report back later on this once I've ridden with the gilet in various conditions. I think that it will be very good for what I want it for - I don't expect it to be waterproof. I want it to keep the wind off my chest, and give me some shower protection.
Initial verdict - bargain!
PS I wore the gilet yesterday for a long ride. It was cool when I set off and a bit breezy and it certainly kept the chill off. I kept it on as the day warmed up and was comfortable until the sun was high in the sky, when I should have taken it off. I kept it on too long really. When I finally did take it off, it scrunched up nice and small and was easy to squeeze into a corner of my bag.
just not small 
) which I just bought for a spare.
