Whirlwind (2025)

The Whirlwind windproof and insulated vest protects your torso from the wind and cold. Layer it over your riding top or under your rain jacket to boost warmth - or shove it in your pack as insurance against plummeting temperatures on the trail or around the hut. Give it a whirl.

+Features

• WindFoil™ micro-fleece softshell blocks cold winds.
• Breathable Thermostat™ side panels.
• Full front zip with integrated windflap.
• Rear zipped security pocket and twin elasticised storage pockets.
  
• 360° Hazard!™ reflectivity.
• WhaleTail™ cut keeps your back covered.
• Weight: 260 gm
• Designed & made by us in Aotearoa | New Zealand.

+Tech

+WindFoil™

WindFoil™ combines the insulative benefits of a polyester micro-fleece liner with a smooth, water resistant, softshell exterior. A totally windproof, yet highly breathable membrane is sandwiched between the inner and outer fabrics providing effective protection in cold, dry conditions.

• Composition: 100% polyester with PU membrane.
• 100% windproof.
• Water repellent finish on face fabric.
• Breathability: 4000gm per sq.m per 24hr.

+Thermostat

A non-windproof version of WindFoil™ - Thermostat™ is a lightweight, quick-drying and breathable laminated fleece with a water repellant finish. Constructed from a knitted polyester face fabric with brushed polyester fleece on the inside. Its hyper-soft finish makes it delicious to wear against your skin. Yum. Thermostat has an excellent warmth to weight ratio. For cycling, low bulk is important - both when you're wearing the garment and when it's stashed away in your back pack or pannier. The advantages of heavier fleeces are mainly for sedentary types. 

• Composition: 100% polyester
• Water repellent finish on face fabric.

+

Outskirts™ garments are designed specifically for women. However If you're struggling to find exactly what you need in the Outskirts™ women's range, check out our men's products for further size options. Jackets, tights and baggy tops often fit both men and women equally well.

+Hazard!™

Night travel is a spooky experience. Many Ground Effect garments feature our Hazard!™ reflective logo and piping to help remind traffic that we're on the road too.

+WhaleTail™

Ground Effect tops are cut with extra length in the back... and in the sleeves too. So when you stretch out in search of the perfect downhill position, neither your shirttail or sleeves will ride-up to expose your back or wrists to the elements.

+More than Kiwi Made

Ground Effect clothing is crafted right here in Aotearoa | New Zealand. Has been ever since we started back in 1994. Manufacturing locally works for us. We operate a quick-response system - holding minimal stock of any one item, but churning out a few more quick-smart when the pile gets low. The upshot is that we are seldom caught with our shelves empty, so orders get despatched the same day you place them.

+Washing

• All Ground Effect clothing enjoys a warm 40ºC machine wash.
• As a rule of thumb, a laundry product that is easy on the planet is also easy on your body. Select a mild plant-based soap like Ecostore, Earthwise or Aware.
• Hand washing is sometimes the only option on tour, but a washing machine rinses more thoroughly and is preferable if you have the choice.
• Avoid cold-water detergents and those with bleach, 'oxygen whitener' or fabric softener.
  • The cold-water varieties have little enzymes that are super-charged to brave the cold but can damage technical fabrics and cause skin irritation.
  • Bleach rots natural fibres like merino, strips the dye, attacks laminates of waterproof fabrics and can also cause skin irritation.
  • Sodium Percarbonate (the main ingredient in oxygen whitener) can make colours run.
  • Fabric softener and wool wash destroy the water repellent finish on waterproof fabrics, and can also cause colours to run.
• Most Ground Effect gear dries super-fast, so hanging on the line or draped over the bedpost is generally the best option.
• High heat can damage some fabrics so if you do take your threads for a spin in the dryer, set the device on 'medium' or 'warm' rather than hot.
  

+ Shipping

• Items are generally packed and sent the same day your order is received.
• Costs $9 by overnight courier within New Zealand.
• NZ$12 by tracked airmail to Australia.
• Around NZ$15-25 by tracked airmail to destinations elsewhere in the world - calculated in our shipping cart as you check out.
• More shipping and tax details in our FAQ.