Castelli Go Jacket Review

The Go Jacket is a new addition to the Castelli range, and it shines with its versatility thanks to the breathable and insulating Gore-Tex Infinium Windstopper fabric, and a cut that allows you to adjust the level of protection according to the number of layers chosen.

By Guillaume Judas – Photos: Vincent Lyky / All rights reserved

With its Gore-Tex Infinium Windstopper fabric, the Go Jacket stands out primarily for its wind resistance and breathability. If you’re looking for a bit more warmth, it’s better to turn to the Castelli Alpha RoS 2 jacket, which uses the same fabric but also has an inner lining. And if you’re looking for a bit more waterproofing, the Perfetto RoS jacket is the one to choose. But the Go Jacket is not without its qualities, thanks to its finish and its versatility, made possible by a slightly looser fit than the other two products mentioned. This allows you to add a thermal jersey underneath, if necessary, in addition to a good base layer to extend its possibilities, especially when approaching 0°C, thanks to the fabric’s stretch.

Tested in temperatures from 4 to 8°C, the Go Jacket proved sufficient when paired with only the Castelli Flanders Warm base layer. Whether at the neck (which goes high) or the wrists, no drafts are felt. When the effort is sustained, you don’t suffocate, and at the end of the ride, the base layer is completely dry. In case of a roadside stop for a flat tire, you also avoid getting cold after sweating. The insulating properties of this fabric are truly astonishing, especially given its relatively thin thickness.

Gore-Tex Infinium Windstopper resists splashes and short showers, but it’s not truly waterproof. Nevertheless, even when wet, it continues to protect from the wind, which can allow you to get home safely in cold rain without too much damage, although in this case, it’s advisable to bring additional rain protection.

Attention to detail

The Go Jacket’s cut is a bit looser than most Castelli jackets of equivalent size, which gives it a slightly less sporty look. Some prefer this, and it can even make the choice easier for those who usually find themselves between two sizes. It’s also possible to choose the jacket one size down. This is noticeable in the three rear pockets, which are very easy to access, but with contents that are slightly less snug against the back than with other jackets. The lower back also extends further down than with other products from the brand. At the arms and shoulders, the fit is less aerodynamic. But overall, all of this does not affect comfort, offering total freedom of movement first, and then because drafts are completely contained inside the jacket.

In terms of finish, we note the superb feel of the outer part of the fabric, seamless hems, concealed internal cuffs, as well as a colored zippered chest pocket. A large reflective strip across the entire width of the lower back offers good visibility in winter conditions. Finally, note that the Go Jacket is available in six colors and seven sizes.

Even if the price of €199 doesn’t make it particularly cheap equipment, the Castelli Go Jacket is perhaps one of the most essential models to acquire, especially for those who haven’t yet experienced highly technical winter products, notably because of its versatility and its adaptability to different conditions.

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