I’m generally a big fan of kit from European outdoor-active behemoth Decathlon. Occasionally they miss the mark, but generally you get the sense that it’s designed by people who actually use it. It’s rarely flashy, but it tends to be functional and durable, and sometimes with neat details like the cuff flaps on their Rockrider All-Mountain Waterproof Jacket, or the trash pocket on the Rockrider Slim-Fit Softshell Mountain Biking Jacket.
The Essential Cycling Base Layer from their cycling sub-brand Van Rysel is a case in point. It does the basics of being as dry and breathable against the skin as most of the pricier alternatives in our buyer’s guide to the best winter base layers, and it feels just fine. It’s only got three sizes each for men and women, so you might not get the exact fit you want, but for us it was an easy to wear all-rounder.
