It’s getting nasty out there… winter has set in and we’re up against the cold, wet and windy weather. The trails are riddled with puddles and getting filthy. We look at the latest winter kit and protection from Scottish brand Endura.
Words: Sean White Images: Dirt
ENDURA WINTER 2017/18
With a location just outside Edinburgh and a stone’s throw from the wilds of the highlands as well as the 7stanes trail centres, the test team at Endura have ideal testing grounds for product development. With Danny MacAskill on board as a brand ambassador, his feedback has played a big part in the latest mountainbike kit from this 25-year-old brand. Endura say it has ‘a no-nonsense commitment to advancing the performance and function of cycle apparel’. When you’re wanting to ride – regardless of challenging weather – the function and performance (along with the latest fabric technology) of the latest riding kit should keep you out there. Here we check out some key products from Endura’s latest winter range.
ENDURA MT500 WATERPROOF PULLOVER
The full-zip version of this waterproof was launched back in the autumn of 2016 and was an evolution of a true favourite. The original MT500 was (and still is) a jacket that we turned to for both high mountain adventures as well as truly wet days knocking out trail centre loops. Tough, reliably waterproof and with all the features we look for in a four season hard-shell jacket. Here’s a quote from one of our previous testers:
“This one is just never going to fail me. It’ll keep out the heaviest of rain and retain warmth in the depths of winter. With zippers and pockets galore this jacket is also the most tailor–able and versatile out there. I love it.”
The MkII version raised the game, with a great fit, Endura’s incredibly breathable Exoshell 60 fabric (64000g/m²/24hrs) and sorted ventilation control. Now Endura has launched a limited edition pullover version of this jacket – a style that’s popular with British outdoor brands such as Buffalo Systems, Montane and Paramo. The Exoshell 60 3-ply fabric and fully taped seams remain, as does the excellent hood. So why go for a pullover? Surely a full-zip jacket is more user friendly?
With long two-way waterproof side zips that run from hem to almost the elbow ventilation is as good as it gets. There’s an added benefit though – unzip one side and this pullover is easy to put on and remove. The lack of a full zip results in an uncluttered front of the garment, feels less bulky and a touch more comfortable. Zip it back up, adjust the drawcord hem and you’re sealed in against the elements. With a full ‘kangaroo’ front pocket and a smaller zipped phone pocket this jacket also performs well when off the bike. Other details are all up to Endura’s usual standards – silicone pack strap grippers on the shoulders, internal insulating stretch cuffs and excellent hood adjustment are all good to see.
Highly breathable, storm proof, as tough as they come and at around 500g it’s a good weight for the protection it offers. This MT500 shell is certainly not cheap but we’ve big respect for the full-zip jacket and this pullover version looks an interesting alternative.
Khaki or Black, S – XXL.
WEIGHT: 512g (Size XL)
PRICE: £189.99
