ENDURA PRO SL WP SOFTSHELL

£149 Great-value winter bike jacket

It’s strange to see both the words ‘waterproof’ and ‘softshell’ in a product name. The latter usually suggests a layer that is less about water resistance but more about wind resistance, plus they’re normally more breathable than full waterproof jackets. In this instance, we’d suggest forgetting the word softshell and thinking of Endura’s Pro SL Waterproof Softshell as a waterproof bike jacket, as that’s how it performs.

Rain is shed with aplomb, with the eco-friendly, PCF-free waterproof coating, waterproof fabric and internal storm flap under the zip all doing their job. Due to the use of waterproof fabrics and taped seams, the jacket isn’t the most breathable layer you’ll find, but two large pit zips offer fantastic ventilation and temperature regulation.

A size medium fit this 1.85m, 80kg tester well, delivering a racy fit with minimal flapping. Thanks to the slight stretch in the fabric, range of movement was left unhindered and we could fit a base layer and jersey underneath when temperatures demanded it. There’s no adjustment at the waist, but the hem here and the wrists are elasticated, resulting in a good seal that keeps the elements out.

The Pro SL also comes with a really strong set of features. There’s a soft internal collar, a chest zip pocket, a zip pocket on the rear and the three standard jersey pockets (complete with drainage holes). Meanwhile, reflective details help enhance visibility and a drop tail tackles road spray. We love the ‘pumpkin’ colourway, too, which stands out on the road.