ALTURA ESKER
£100
SPECIFICATION Weight: 293g • Sizes: S-XXL • Colours: Orange, black • Women’s version: Yes • Contact: altura.co.uk
The Esker is a packable jacket that can be stuffed into its own pocket or rolled up and secured with the included elastic loop. It doesn’t pack down as small as the Specialized SWAT or the Rapha Trail Lightweight, so it won’t fit in a bum bag, but it’s useful for stowing in a pack.
Although the promotional imagery shows it in a gravel riding/bikepacking scenario, it’s also aimed at mountain biking. The fit is relatively tailored, despite being described by Altura as relaxed, with a drop hem for extra protection when bent over and hybrid elasticated cuffs that extend over the back of the hand. If you’re packing big guns you might find the sleeves restrictive, as they’re particularly tight.
In terms of practical features, there’s a decent hood that easily fits over a helmet, and a high chest pocket that’s pretty deep and can swallow a phone. Arguably it’s too big, since the only thing you’re likely to keep in it is a phone, and maybe a credit card or car key, and having that extra layer of fabric doesn’t help moisture transfer.
The fabric is relatively lightweight with a 2.5-layer construction, a waterproof zip that moves freely and a series of vents around the midriff protected by storm flaps. Below this line the fabric has a generous four-way stretch, above that it’s much less elastic. And on the bike this creates significant tightness across the back and under the armpits. It’s particularly noticeable in the elbows-out attack position, suggesting that it may have been optimised for a narrower, tucked-in stance on a gravel bike.
While the outer face of the fabric has a pleasant, soft touch, the inside of the Esker is cold and rubbery next to bare skin. In terms of breathability it’s mid-pack, and we found some moisture inside at the top of our test climb, around the sleeves and broad taped seams. Waterproofing was good, with water beading well and barely getting in.
For £100 the Esker impressed but we found the fit was not well suited to mountain biking, the fabric was slightly unpleasant next to skin and the breathability was underwhelming.