Storage space and visibility: The Albion Visibility Cargo Vest put to the test in ultracycling

Visibility and storage space are rarely compatible. With many hydration vests, you have to wear a reflective vest over the top at night or in poor visibility. Albion takes a different approach, combining storage space with high visibility.

Quick summary

The Albion Visibility Cargo Vest in Hi-Vis Orange is the most visible vest tested to date in this category. High-performance reflectors ensure visibility from all directions – front, side and rear. Four large front pockets provide easy-access storage without the hassle of fiddling with zips. Price: approx. €175 – a lot of money for a vest that doesn’t come with a hydration bladder and lacks a zipped pocket for valuables. Nevertheless, it comes highly recommended for ultracycling and long bikepacking trips that include night-time riding. Anyone with a very narrow or very broad torso should check the one-size-fits-all fit beforehand.

Product details

• Manufacturer: Albion Cycling
• Model: Visibility Cargo Vest (Hi-Vis Orange/Reflective)
• Price (RRP): approx. €175
• Weight: 145 grams (weighed)
• Storage space: 8 litres
• Bags: four front pockets and a large back pocket
• Colours: High-visibility orange/reflective, black/reflective
• Sizes: Unisex, one size fits all
• Special feature: Hi-Vis Orange + all-round reflective tape; 360° visibility
• Compatibility: Hydration bladder up to approx. 2 litres (not included)
• Packed dimensions: Can be rolled up to roughly the size of a can (330 ml) and stowed away in its own front pocket

The Albion Visibility Cargo Vest put to the test

Tested at the ultracycling event ‘The Grit’ (Regensburg–Regensburg, approx. 450 km), on day rides and even during a trail run.

Visibility: in a league of its own

Instead of narrow reflective strips, the London-based label opts for wide, all-round reflective bands that make the wearer visible from the front, sides and rear in the headlights. Added to this is the hi-vis orange colour: Anyone choosing the orange colour option benefits from significantly greater visibility even without direct headlight illumination. This is the key difference compared to the black version – orange is effective during the day and at dusk, whilst the reflective strips work at night. I have compared various high-vis vests over the past few years; none of them attracted anywhere near as much attention during a night-time ride as this one. According to the manufacturer, the vest is designed for everything from ultracycling races to commuting – for use in low-light conditions, at night or on long rides requiring extra storage space.

Something worth bearing in mind: Albion does not state that the high-visibility vest is EN1150-certified – it therefore does not meet the legal requirements for night-time cycling in countries where high-visibility vests are compulsory, such as France. This is not currently an issue on German roads, but it is worth checking for international events.

Pockets: better than any jersey pocket

Four front pockets and a large rear compartment provide space for food, extra layers of clothing and whatever else you want to keep to hand – all without a zip and without having to go out of your way. This has its pros and cons. We didn’t store any valuables in the vest during the test; my smartphone, for example, went in the cargo pocket of my cycling shorts. During the test, the lower pockets held energy gels and packets of gummy bears, right within easy reach. The upper pockets held empty packaging. After 450 km, it’s clear: the design works. The pockets can hold a great deal. Sometimes, however, I had to rummage around to find what I was looking for when various gels, leg warmers and other items were all mixed together in the pocket. The back pocket is accessible via a double side zip, even whilst cycling. The hydration bladder is secured with straps – Velcro fastenings would be more convenient here. There’s no integrated hose routing. You won’t find a zipped pocket for ID, cash or keys – if you want to keep your valuables safe, you’ll need an external solution.

Fit and fastening: the downsides

When cycling, it’s striking how fundamentally different the Albion is in design compared to standard hi-viz vests. Thanks to the lightweight fabrics and lack of reinforcement, the vest actually feels like a vest. You can feel a full hydration bladder straight away. When it’s very cold, this can feel chilly against your back.

The fastening system, comprising loops, elastic straps and carabiners, is easy to adjust. One criticism is the small carabiners, which can sometimes be fiddly to open. Putting it on and taking it off takes longer than necessary. The one-size-fits-all design suits average body types well; on a very slim build, the vest fits quite loosely, whilst on a broader upper body it can feel tight.

On price: Comparable products such as the POC Ultra Vest or Enduras Singletracks Vest are in a similar price range. What clearly sets the Albion apart is the combination of daytime visibility thanks to its orange colour and night-time visibility thanks to its reflective features – this is almost its unique selling point, which it lives up to in the test.

Pros and cons

​Who is it for – and who isn’t it for?

The Albion Visibility Cargo Vest is the right choice for anyone travelling long distances at night or in poor visibility: ultracycling, multi-day bikepacking, and autumn and winter rides. If you have a medium-sized torso and value easily accessible storage space, this is the vest for you. Not unreservedly recommended for very slim or broad body types, for anyone wishing to stow valuables securely inside the vest, or for short rides that do not include a night-time section.