When the temperatures drop to freezing, yet you plan on a tough ride, no matter the conditions, you need a winter cycling cap that not only gets you through the ride, but through the ride in comfort, while staying as warm and dry as possible. The Italian word for defense is difesa, hence Castelli named this superior winter cycling cap the Difesa Cap. The challenge in making a true winter cap isn't getting the right level of insulation, protection or breathability, it is developing to those requirements with a proper fit that isn't too thick or bulky while wearing a helmet. The Difesa Cap was designed with a massive effective temperature range (32-59°F) with a multi-panel construction and gathers that ensure a great helmet fit. The materials chosen allow for this range and fit capability. Castelli has selected Gore's incredible Windstopper® X Lite for the wind and weather front and side panels, and their own Nano Flex fabric for better heat release from the back panel, without sacrificing water repellency or stretch required for fit. This is a high-tech winter cycling cap that delivers.

The very notion of a traditional cycling cap is that it has a short, rounded visor to keep your eyes and eyewear shielded from precipitation. You can adjust the angle of coverage by shifting the cap to your preference. For this winter cap, Castelli adds ear and neck protection from a flap that offers great coverage, but can be folded up inside when you feel like you'd rather feel a little more air. Our concern with this is how folding up the flap affects fit and bulk, as well as adding more insulation. If the general thought is that the temps are warmer and dryer, do you desire more warmth under the cap? That is an individual preference, but our take is that the Difesa will be used largely in cold, wet conditions, even if it is intended for a larger temperature range. Yes, the flexibility is nice if conditions change drastically on a long winter ride, but unless you are expecting such changes, you likely won't opt for the Difesa on a cool dry day with the temps over 50°F.

The levels of stretch, protection, insulation and breathability are at the top of the charts, making the Difesa a top performer on the those cold wet winter rides. The seaming runs vertically to the center of the skull, which actually generally works well with todays's helmet designs. The interior finish is excellent, and despite the varying materials and seams, comfort is paramount. Castelli considers the Difesa to be the best complement to the Gabba jacket/jersey lineage, and we prefer to think of it as the best winter cycling cap available, no matter what else you are wearing.