Endura packable jackets - any views?

conorpass

Looking to get a packable waterproof jacket that will fit in back pocket of a jersey. Something that's reasonably breathable. Have been looking at the following Endura jackets in the local bike shop:

- Helium Jacket
- FS260 Pro rain cape
- Photon jacket

Have seen some mixed reviews online particularly about breathability so it would be great to hear any views/experiences from this forum. Other recommendations also welcome - budget upto €100/€120 .

t'bear

conorpass wrote: »

Looking to get a packable waterproof jacket that will fit in back pocket of a jersey. Something that's reasonably breathable. Have been looking at the following Endura jackets in the local bike shop:

- Helium Jacket
- FS260 Pro rain cape
- Photon jacket

Have seen some mixed reviews online particularly about breathability so it would be great to hear any views/experiences from this forum. Other recommendations also welcome - budget upto €100/€120 .

Any endura stuff I have I think is very good but no comments on those particular items. In the market for something similar and have seen positive comments on both castelli and sportful jackets. Crc and wiggle are your friends for q&a and reviews

conorpass

Thanks for that. Any particular jackets in the Castelli or Sportful ranges you have in mind ?

t'bear

conorpass wrote: »

Thanks for that. Any particular jackets in the Castelli or Sportful ranges you have in mind ?

No experience of this but it's on my short list
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/sportful-hot-pack-4-jacket/

conorpass

Good reviews, although need to be careful on sizing by the sounds of it, and good price. Half the price of the Endura Helium I was thinking of.

AmberGold

Don't buy the Castelli Sottile, it's really awful. Akin to a portable Sauna and discolours over time. Stay away from other brands with the same type of material, they all discolour.

This is what happens when a company passes off what is essentially a plastic bag as high performance technical sportswear.

I was in your position some time ago considering jackets in the €100 bracket having had the experience with the product above and a few others.

I bit the bullet upped my budget and bought a Gore Oxygen, you won't regret it.

conorpass

Thanks AmberGold. Certainly can't stretch to the price of a Gore Oxygen at the moment - they're €250 approx. but i take your point about quality/value for money and I certainly don't want to spend €100 on a jacket that ends up being not much better than a boil in the bag one. Any sizing issues to be wary of with the Gore jacket if I can bite the bullet?

AmberGold

Keep an eye out they are reduced significantly from time to time on sites like Evans. Re size they seem to suit tall and thin more so. Jackets have tight body and long arms.

brownian

t'bear wrote: »

No experience of this but it's on my short list
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/sportful-hot-pack-4-jacket/

I have one of these and my impressions over several rides in various types of weather are

- very small (really very small) and light, good stuffsack, no problem in jersey pocket with phone and bag of jelly babies.
- waterproof enough for showers but not the boy for leaving the house when it's already raining, and going to keep raining
- reasonably breathable...but wets out. When it's cold and windy and you want an extra layer, it's just grand. When it's warm and muggy and raining, you're sweaty.
- not immensely durable. I haven't ripped mine yet, but the fabric is of course very thin.

Overall, recommended for showery days.

Sportful seem to do pretty good stuff. I have their norain (or similar) arm and leg warmers, and they are good gear too.

dragratchet

posted about this before.. cant recommend this jacket enough

http://www.montane.co.uk/range/men/windproof/featherlite-vlo-jacket

picked it up from evans i think for less than 50 quid two years back and its still going strong. had it on and off me constantly through the catastrophic weather in this years ww200. pretty rainproof, windproof yet really breathable. my no.1 bit of cycling clothing

WithCheesePlease

I have one of these and I love it - http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/endura-pakajak-jacket/rp-prod61519

It's comfy, a great fit, cheap as chips and it packs away to nothing. Looks pretty good too (I have it in green).

Not sure it'd keep you dry in a downpour, but it's good in showers and as a wind-breaker.

conorpass

Thanks for all the helpful suggestions. Lots to consider. That Montane jacket looks interesting and gets some good reviews. Could be tempted to take the plunge on the Gore Oxygen if it comes up anywhere at a decent discount.

t'bear - let me know how you get on if you purchase.