What makes gravel cycling clothing different from road cycling clothing?
Road cycling is all about aerodynamics and weight. Gravel cycling is all about functionality over many hours on mixed terrain – tarmac, gravel, mud and singletrack. The requirements differ in three respects:
- Storage space rather than aerodynamics. Gravel jerseys typically have five or more back pockets, including zipped pockets for valuables and slip pockets for energy bars when out and about. A close-fitting road cycling jersey with three pockets isn’t enough for rides lasting several hours without any café stops.
- Durable materials. Fabrics used for road cycling kits are designed to minimise aerodynamic drag. Gravel fabrics, such as TechnoStretch Light or the woven TechnoStretch fabric used for trousers and jackets, are more durable and can withstand the occasional minor fall on gravel.
- Packing capacity over weight. On long gravel rides, the weather can change. If you’ve got a windproof jacket with you that can be stuffed into your back pocket, you can adapt as the situation demands. A classic cycling jacket is too bulky for this. Löffler has developed the SKYS collection – between Sky and Sand – specifically for this purpose: modular, weatherproof and compact when packed away.
Our gravel clothing is renowned for being manufactured in Europe, for its proprietary transtex® moisture-management technology, and for the SKYS collection, which was developed in collaboration with Velo Kartell.
Layering for long days
Gravel rides have a dynamic all of their own. On the climbs, you overheat in your jersey; on the descents, you feel the cold. In the morning you put on three layers; by the afternoon you’re riding in a short-sleeved jersey. The principle of layering:
- Base layer: A transtex® base layer actively wicks moisture away from the skin. When gravel cycling with long climbs and cold descents, this makes all the difference between a comfortable ride and an unpleasant few hours in the saddle. The transtex® lining, which is integrated directly into many Löffler shorts, performs the same function for the kidney area.
- Jersey as top layer. For gravel riding, a slim- or mid-fit jersey is recommended – not as tight as tight-fit road cycling jerseys, but close-fitting enough to allow for efficient movement. The jerseys from the SKYS collection are particularly breathable, cooling and feature a 5-panel back pocket.
- Roll-up windbreak. The Löffler Bike Zip-Off Jacket Windshell (item no. 30349 M / 30355 W) is the key piece for modular gravel layering. Windproof, water-repellent, minimal pack size, zip-off sleeves – it can be converted into a vest or stowed away completely in the back pocket. If you don’t want a separate jacket, opt for the Bike Vest WPM Pocket (item no. 30352), which protects the upper body whilst leaving the back exposed.
Gravel jerseys: Overview
| Model | Article number | Gender | Material | Features | Temp. | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SKYS Escape Jersey | 30362 (M) / 30364 (W) | M / W | Race Elastic Light + Race Vent | 5-piece back pocket, highly breathable, cooling | > 15 °C | EUR 99,99 |
| SKYS Storm Mid Jersey | 30375 (M) / 30378 (W) | M / W | Race Elastic, Mid Fit | 5-piece back pocket with zip, stand up collar, sturdy | 10–20 °C | EUR 89,99 |
| SKYS Block Mid Halfzip | 30373 (M) / 30382 (W) | M / W | Race Light RC (recycled) | Half-zip, side zip pocket, soft and comfortable | 10–20 °C | EUR 69,99 |
| SKYS hotBOND® RF L/S Jersey | 30361 (M) / 30366 (W) | M / W | Race Elastic | Long sleeved, hotBOND® reflective cuffs | 5–15 °C | EUR 119,99 |
| SKYS Merino T-Shirt | 30395 (M) / 30401 (W) | M / W | Merino wool / PES-Mix | Casual gravel shirt, odour-resistant | > 15 °C | EUR 59,99 |
Gravel-Trikots: Übersicht
SKYS Escape Jersey
Art.-Nr.: 30362 (H) / 30364 (D) | H / D
Material: Race Elastic Light + Race Vent
Besonderheiten: 5-tlg. Rückentasche, besonders atmungsaktiv, kühlend
Temp.: > 15 °C
EUR 99,99
SKYS Storm Mid Jersey
Art.-Nr.: 30375 (H) / 30378 (D) | H / D
Material: Race Elastic, Mid Fit
Besonderheiten: 5-tlg. Rückentasche mit Zip, Stehkragen, robuster
Temp.: 10–20 °C
EUR 89,99
SKYS Block Mid Halfzip
Art.-Nr.: 30373 (H) / 30382 (D) | H / D
Material: Race Light RC (recycelt)
Besonderheiten: Halfzip, seitliche Zip-Tasche, weicher Komfort
Temp.: 10–20 °C
EUR 69,99
SKYS hotBOND® RF L/S Jersey
Art.-Nr.: 30361 (H) / 30366 (D) | H / D
Material: Race Elastic
Besonderheiten: Langarm, hotBOND® reflective Armabschlüsse, 5-tlg. Tasche
Temp.: 5–15 °C
EUR 119,99
SKYS Merino T-Shirt
Art.-Nr.: 30395 (H) / 30401 (D) | H / D
Material: Merinowolle / PES-Mix
Besonderheiten: Casual-Gravel, geruchshemmend
Temp.: > 15 °C
EUR 59,99
Pants for long-distance
The saddle is more crucial to comfort on gravel rides than on short road bike rides, because you spend more time in the saddle and the terrain adds to the vibrations.
The right seat pad. Löffler’s rule: density beats thickness. For a sporty, forward-leaning riding position, the SQlab XP/6 Pro (360 kg/m³, 6 mm) is the top choice – high density, precise padding, minimal bulk. Those who sit in a less forward-leaning position will find the Comfort Extreme (120 kg/m³, 14 mm) well suited to rides lasting over 4 hours. The Comfort Gel Air (90 kg/m³, 16 mm) is recommended for a more relaxed riding position over medium distances.
SKYS XT Bibshorts (Men, Item No. 30405). The centrepiece of the SKYS collection for the legs: Comfort Extreme padding, 4 open pockets made from embossed Race Elastic, transtex® lining in the kidney area, elasticated mesh straps. Feature: The pockets are integrated directly into the shorts – no separate saddle bag required. EUR 199.99.
SKYS GEL Tights (Women, Item No. 30440). Equivalent model for women: Gel-Air padding, 4 side pockets, transtex® lining in the kidney area. Without straps. EUR 139.99.
Cycling shorts as an option. If you prefer to wear shorts or cargo trousers, opt for cycling base layers. The hotBOND®-SQL cycling base layer (item no. 28727 M / 29232 W) with SQlab XP/6 Pro pad is the premium choice for long days on gravel (EUR 99.99). Find out more in the cycling base layer overview
Gravel pants: Overview
| Model | Item number | Gender | Seat pad | Featues | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M Bike Bibshorts SKYS XT | 30405 | Men | Comfort Extreme (120 kg/m³) | 4 side pockets, transtex® lining, mesh straps | Long rides > 4 hours, bikepacking | EUR 199,99 |
| W Bike Tights SKYS GEL | 30440 | Women | Comfort Gel Air (90 kg/m³) | 4 side pockets, transtex® lining, slim fit | Changing conditions, medium distance | EUR 139,99 |
| M Bike Shorts SKYS-E TSL | 30448 | Men | Comfort Elastic | SKYS shorts, made from elasticated TechnoStretch | Summer gravel, short to medium distance | EUR 99,99 |
| W Bike Shorts SKYS-E TSL | 30456 | Women | Comfort Elastic | SKYS shorts, stretchy | Summer gravel, short to medium distance | EUR 99,99 |
| hotBOND®-SQL cycling undershorts | 28727 (H) / 29232 (D) | Men/ Women | SQlab-XP/6 Pro (360 kg/m³) | Cycling base layers to wear with shorts or trousers | Active seating position, every distance | EUR 99,99 |
Gravel-Hosen: Übersicht
M Bike Bibshorts SKYS XT
Art.-Nr.: 30405 | Herren
Polster: Comfort Extreme (120 kg/m³)
Besonderheiten: 4 Eingrifftaschen, transtex®-Futter, Netzträger
Best for: Lange Touren > 4 h, Bikepacking
EUR 199,99
W Bike Tights SKYS GEL
Art.-Nr.: 30440 | Damen
Polster: Comfort Gel Air (90 kg/m³)
Besonderheiten: 4 Eingrifftaschen, transtex®-Futter, Tight-Schnitt
Best for: Wechselnde Bedingungen, mittlere Distanz
EUR 139,99
M Bike Shorts SKYS-E TSL
Art.-Nr.: 30448 | Herren
Polster: Comfort Elastic
Besonderheiten: Shorts-Variante SKYS, elastischer TechnoStretch
Best for: Sommer-Gravel, kurze bis mittlere Distanz
EUR 99,99
W Bike Shorts SKYS-E TSL
Art.-Nr.: 30456 | Damen
Polster: Comfort Elastic
Besonderheiten: Shorts-Variante SKYS, elastisch
Best for: Sommer-Gravel, kurze bis mittlere Distanz
EUR 99,99
hotBOND®-SQL Radunterhose
Art.-Nr.: 28727 (H) / 29232 (D) | H / D
Polster: SQlab-XP/6 Pro (360 kg/m³)
Besonderheiten: Radunterhose für Kombination mit Shorts/Hose
Best for: Sportive Sitzposition, jede Distanz
EUR 99,99
Packability and weather protection
Gravel rides rarely rely on weather forecasts. Changing conditions over long distances are not the exception, but the rule.
Windchill prodection. At temperatures of 10 °C and above, and when riding into the wind, the wind chill effect is significant: a sustained headwind quickly cools the body down when it is covered in sweat. A windproof windshell jacket blocks the wind and allows water vapour to escape – without increasing the risk of overheating on climbs.
Water protection. For one-day gravel rides in a temperate climate, the Windshell’s DWR finish is sufficient. For multi-day bikepacking adventures, the Bike Jacket WPM Pocket (item no. 27791 M / 28704 W) is the more reliable choice: 2.5-layer waterproof fabric, taped seams, and a minimal pack size made from 100% recycled polyamide.
Packing size. The SKYS Windshell can be rolled up into its own inner pocket and fits into the middle back pocket of your jersey. That means: no extra bulk whilst cycling. For a bikepacking setup with a frame bag or saddle bag, this makes little difference – but for day rides alone, it’s crucial.
Gravel Jackets & Vest: Overview
| Model | Item number | Gender | Type | Protection | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bike Zip-Off Jacket Windshell | 30349 (M) / 30355 (W) | M / W | Windshell, zip-off sleeves | Windproof, water-repellent (DWR), compact pack size | Alle gravel days, modular weather protection | EUR 179,99 |
| Bike Vest WPM Pocket | 30352 (M) | Men | Wind vest, Race Vent back | Windproof, very light, compact when packed | Warm days with a cool breeze, 15–20 °C | EUR 129,99 |
| Bike Jacket WPM Pocket | 27791 (M) / 28704 (W) | M / W | 2.5-layer rain jacket | Waterproof, heat-sealed seams, recycled PA | Heavy rain, bikepacking, multi-day tours | EUR 229,99 |
Gravel-Jacken & Westen: Übersicht
Bike Zip-Off Jacket Windshell
Art.-Nr.: 30349 (H) / 30355 (D) | H / D
Typ: Windshell, Zip-Off-Ärmel
Schutz: Winddicht, wasserabweisend DWR, minimales Packmaß
Best for: Alle Gravel-Tage, modularer Wetterschutz
EUR 179,99
Bike Vest WPM Pocket
Art.-Nr.: 30352 (H) | Herren
Typ: Windweste, Race Vent Rücken
Schutz: Winddicht, sehr leicht, minimales Packmaß
Best for: Warme Tage mit kühlem Wind, 15–20 °C
EUR 129,99
Bike Jacket WPM Pocket
Art.-Nr.: 27791 (H) / 28704 (D) | H / D
Typ: Regenjacke 2,5-Lagen
Schutz: Wasserdicht, verschweißte Nähte, recyceltes PA
Best for: Starkregen, Bikepacking, mehrtägige Touren
EUR 229,99
Recommendations by riding style
The best gravel clothing for long rides (> 4 hours): SKYS Escape Jersey + SKYS XT Bib Shorts + Windshell Zip-Off Jacket. No compromises: maximum storage space, well-fitting pad, modular weather protection.
The best gravel clothing for bikepacking: SKYS Storm Mid Jersey (more storage space, more durable fabric) + SKYS XT or SKYS GEL Tights + WPM Pocket Jacket. The Storm Mid’s back pockets can hold enough energy bars to last for hours.
The best gravel clothing for changing temperatures (15–20 °C): SKYS Block Mid Half-Zip Jersey + WPM Pocket Wind Vest + SKYS XT/GEL Trousers. The half-zip allows for quick ventilation adjustment without having to stop.
Compact men’s gravel bike setup: The SKYS range covers all segments – jerseys in slim and mid fits, bib shorts and tights, and windshell jackets.
Compact women’s gravel bike setup: For the women’s gravel category, featuring the full SKYS range: SKYS Escape, SKYS Storm Mid, SKYS GEL Tights, Windshell Zip-Off.
FAQ
What kind of gravel cycling kit do I need?
For gravel rides, you’ll need a breathable jersey with plenty of storage space (a 5-panel rear pocket is recommended), bib shorts or tights with a sturdy pad for long distances, a packable windproof jacket for changing weather conditions, and, optionally, cycling briefs for maximum comfort. Modularity is key: every item of clothing must be adaptable to changing temperatures and terrain.
How does gravel clothing differ from road cycling kit?
Gravel clothing is less focused on aerodynamics than road cycling kit; instead, it prioritises comfort over long distances, packability and versatility. Jerseys have more storage space, the cuts are mid-fit, and shorts feature additional pockets. The materials are more robust, as mixed terrain presents different challenges to those of the road.
Which clothing is best for long days on varied terrain?
A modular set-up: a breathable jersey as a base layer, bib shorts with high-quality padding (from the Comfort Extreme range onwards for rides lasting over 4 hours), a packable windproof jacket that can be rolled up and stored in the back pocket, and, in cooler temperatures, a transtex® base layer for moisture management.
Which seat pad is suitable for gravel riding?
For gravel rides lasting over 4 hours, the Comfort Extreme pad (120 kg/m³, 14 mm) is ideal for a forward-leaning riding position. Riders who adopt a sporty, forward-leaning position will benefit from the SQlab-XP/6 Pro, with a density of 360 kg/m³ and a thickness of just 6 mm. The basic rule: density trumps thickness.
Do I need a rain jacket for gravel riding?
For gravel tours, a packable windproof jacket with a water-repellent, PFC-free DWR finish is usually sufficient. For tours lasting several days or where thunderstorms are expected, a fully waterproof WPM jacket is the better choice.
Why are zip-off sleeves useful on gravel jackets?
Gravel rides often start early and finish late – temperatures can vary considerably. Zip-off sleeves allow you to quickly switch from a jacket to a vest without having to stop for long. This means you can adapt your kit on the bike to suit the current weather.
What is the difference between SKYS and other Löffler gravel products?
SKYS is Löffler’s dedicated gravel collection, developed in collaboration with Velo Kartell. Key features: plenty of storage space, a compact pack size, robust zips and race-oriented fits offering greater freedom of movement than those found in the pure road cycling segment.
