Pakajak windproof shell available in men’s and women’s
Hot!
- Truly packable and fits in a jersey pocket
- Tapered fit allows for some layering
- Windproof ripstop mélange fabric
- Underarm mesh vents for enhance breathability
- Sleeve length provide ample coverage on the bike
- High collar and bonded storm flap keep the wind out
- Reflective elements on sleeves, shoulder and rear
- Stuff sack included with jacket
Not!
- No pockets
- Only a one-way zipper, two-way would make it easier to access jersey pockets
Pro SL Short Sleeve Jersey II (available in men’s and women’s)
Hot!
- Full-zip for easy on/off and ventilation
- Breathable and wicking fabric for moisture management
- Next to skin soft Italian fabric
- Ample storage with 3 open rear pockets and one zipper security pocket
- Silicon hem keeps jersey from riding up
- Sleeves stay in place with raw edge and silicone grippers
- Bright color enhances visibility on the road
- Fabric provides sun protection with UPF50+ rating
- Collar protects back of neck from sunburn
- 90 Day satisfaction guarantees
Not!
- No reflective elements for night riding
FS260 Pro Bib Shorts with Drop Seat
Hot!
- Compressive fabric reduces muscle fatigue
- Zippered DropSeat™ enables fast bathroom breaks without removing bib straps or jersey
- Comfortable women’s specific 600 series pad
- Pre-curved race fit provides better fit on the bike
- Mesh bib straps for better breathability
- Raw edge leg hem with silicone grippers keep fabric in place
- Reflective elements for visibility in low light
Not!
- Rear zipper opening has wardrobe malfunction worry
Price: Pakajak ($69.99); Jersey ($94.99); Bibs ($139.99)
Colors: Jersey & Pakajak (Hi-Viz Coral, Pacific Blue); Bibs (Black, Black/Rose Pink)
Sizes: Jersey & Pakajak (XS-XL); Bibs (XXS-XL)
Fit: Jersey (Fitted)
Material: Jersey (Lycra); Pakajak (Nylon)
Available: Online
How Obtained: Company Samples
RBR advertiser: No
Quality, Comfort and Fit
Endura Sport is another new company I met with at CABDA Midwest back in February. I stopped by the booth and the reps took me through their line of road and MTB gear. What impressed me was the quality of the fabrics and construction, as well as the breadth of their product line. I narrowed down my request to three items to test and review. The first is a packable windproof jacket that is available in both men’s and women’s versions. Second, is a summer lightweight jersey, also available for men and women. Lastly, in my quest to find bibs that take into consideration the needs of women when nature calls, I selected Endura’s DropSeat™ design that gives a new twist to the solution.
Featherweight, Windproof and Packable
Endura’s Pakajak is a truly a packable jacket and stows easily in a jersey pocket. It is windproof and ideal for Spring rides where the temps are chilly at the start, then warm up. This jacket is available in men’s and women’s versions including sizing and colors. I tested the women’s hi-viz coral which is very visible to drivers. I liked the coral color as it wasn’t the obnoxious construction cone orange, but a richer deeper color making it more fashionable.
Besides the hi-vis color, the jacket has reflective elements down the full length of the zipper and on the back for night time visibility. The jacket is made from ripstop nylon with elastic cuffs and hem. The high neck and storm flap keep the wind out, but the underarm mesh vents help with breathability.
I would describe the jacket fit somewhere between fitted and relaxed cut. There was room to layer for a cool day, but not so much extra fabric that you flapped in the wind like a sail. It was just right. The sleeve length was also perfect, leaving no gaps at the wrist when riding the hoods or drops.
The jacket lives up to its namesake, Pakajak. It is featherweight making it great for travel and fits in a jersey pocket when on a ride. Endura includes a small stuff sack to store your jacket, but I’m not sure I’d use it when cycling. The picture below shows how small the jacket it packs down.
Pakajak comes with its own stuff bag
The only feature missing on this jacket are pockets. Since it doesn’t have pockets, then there should be a two-way zipper to make it easier to access items stored in your jersey.
All in all, this is a great windbreaker with solid performance features at a reasonable price.
Breathable, Fashionable and Ready for Summer
The Pro SL Jersey II from Endura also comes in both men’s and women’s versions. It finally warmed up for a few days in Chicago so I could test it out. It’s designed to fit close to the body, so I really like the soft feel of the fabric. The breathability and wicking features of this fabric and a full-zipper front kept me totally dry even after a 40 mile ride in 70+ degree temps!
Even with the fitted design, the sleeves and bottom hem stayed in place. The sleeves have raw edges and silicone grippers for a non-binding comfortable fit. The bottom hem also has silicon grippers that kept it in place.
Raw cut edges and silicone grippers on the sleeves
This jersey has ample storage with 3 open rear pockets and one zipper security pocket for keys or money.
Enjoy long summer rides without worry since the jersey is made from sun protection fabric rated UPF50+ and a collar that provides coverage for the back of the neck. The bright hi-viz coral color enhances visibility during the day, but unfortunately no reflective elements for night riding. The hi-viz coral is a fashionable hue just like the Pakajak.
You can buy this jersey with confidence as Endura offers a 90-day satisfaction guarantee on their Pro SL line. They will refund or replace your purchase if not entirely satisfied.
Nature Breaks Just Got Faster
If you are a frequent reader of my reviews, you know I’m always looking for bibs that are designed with women’s needs in mind. Removing a jersey and straps when nature calls is time consuming and cumbersome. Endura’s zippered DropSeat design solves this problem. They’ve incorporated a zippered opening along the rear that provides ample room to pull the shorts away in order to use the bathroom. When done, just zip back up and away you go.
Zipper opens a flap in the back for quick nature breaks
Initially I was concerned about chafing from the zipper, but I never was bothered by it. The fear of a wardrobe malfunction while riding was also in the back of my head. But after several washings and rides, the zipper is holding up just fine.
The FS260-Pro bibs use compressive fabric which helps to reduce muscle fatigue and raw edge leg hems with silicone grippers keeps material from moving around. There are reflective elements on the hem at the back of the leg to help with visibility.
To enhance comfort on the bike, Endura designed the bibs with a pre-curved fit. For those of you who are not familiar with this design, the bibs fit the body in the on-the-bike position vs standing. To round out the design, wide mesh bib straps provide breathability and comfort.
Endura uses their women’s 600 series pad in the FS260-Pro bibs, which is designed for 4+ hour rides. According to the company, it is ergonomically designed to mold to the female form and the Italian 3D multi-density stretch pad incorporates Silver Dry® antibacterial technology for enhanced hygiene.
All in all, a very comfortable, durable pair of bibs.
Bottom Line
I was very impressed with the quality and performance of the Endura gear I tested. The attention to details, quality fabrics and affordable price make it a good choice if you’re looking to add some Spring/Summer gear to your wardrobe. With Endura’s amazing breadth of product for both men and women you’re sure to find something you need (or just want).
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