Endura Women’s Xtract

One step up from a windproof, but not as waterproof as some of its ‘proper’ shells, this is Endura’s ‘lightweight packable waterproof’ – so it’s right up our street for this test. It comes with a stuff sack (which I immediately lost) and is available in more retiring colours, too.

It’s one of those perverse garments that seems to take up less room when it’s stuffed haphazardly into a corner than when it’s neatly rolled – either way, the lack of features beyond the most essential means there’s no unnecessary bulk in there and it will fit into even the most minimal backpack (or a pocket). There’s a single zipped hip pocket, an open mesh-backed vent across the back, a couple of reflective flashes and a nice high neck, and that’s it. As Endura says, it “packs down smaller than a can of Irn Bru” – even without the Irn Bru can-sized stuff sack to stuff it into (ahem).

As far as fending off the weather goes, it does a grand job in light rain or drizzle, persisting for a surprisingly long time once the inevitable segue from merely changeable into full-on dreich begins. It dries quickly once the sun comes out again (or you’re sitting in the café), too, making it excellent for those on/off/on rides the British mid-seasons seem to excel at. And it’s comfortable to wear next to skin, with the added bonus of a fleece-lined neck – and the simple cuffs close snugly around gloves to keep out drafts.

Overall: Excellent value weatherbreaker – won’t stop you getting soaked in a downpour but it will stop you being cold and miserable while it happens. 

Jenn

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