Support road.cc

Like this site? Help us to make it better.

review

Endura Xtract Jacket

9
£54.99

VERDICT:

9
10
Superb waterproof packable jacket at a great price
Weight: 
188g

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

What the road.cc scores mean

Good scores are more common than bad, because fortunately good products are more common than bad.

  • Exceptional
  • Excellent
  • Very Good
  • Good
  • Quite good
  • Average
  • Not so good
  • Poor
  • Bad
  • Appalling

As summer becomes a distant memory and the temperature begins the steady decline into winter, now is the time of year for a lightweight jacket like the new Xtract from Scottish firm Endura.

There's really so much choice of clothing these days that there is no excuse to get caught out by the weather, or dodgy weather forecast. The pitch with the Xtract jacket is a waterproof jacket that is light enough to be rolled away and stuffed in a jersey pocket when not needed. This sort of jacket is hugely useful whether you're commuting every day or doing sportives.

The fabric Endura use is surprisingly breathable and proved comfortable for wearing through a short shower the other day. Endura claim it's completely waterproof and that certainly appears to be the case. I've used it on a handful of rides, both starting in the rain (the downside of testing clothing!) or pulling it on during the ride when the weather made a turn for the worse, and it's kept the rain out.

It's a reasonably fitted jacket, though I still found the size small came up a little on the large side, despite Endura labelling it as an athletic cut. However, there is plenty of space for a good few layers underneath though. Endura offers a range of sizes to suit most body shapes and sizes and as with most clothing, it really is best to try it on before you part with your money, if you can.

When you don't need to wear the Xtract, it packs down small enough to fit into a typical jersey or jacket pocket. It comes with a separate stuff sack but I binned that off immediately as it's just unnecessary really except as a handy way to store it in the wardrobe.

The jacket is well constructed and has proven very durable so far, which is a good thing as it's the sort of jacket that can see a lot of abuse as it's first to be flung on the floor when you get back from a ride, and could spend a lot of its life scrunched up in a pocket.

A couple of mesh panels around the back further help with the movement of hot air away from the body. There's a dose of reflective details and the full-length zipper is lined with a storm flap. The fit is improved with elasticated cuffs, neck and hem, and there's a small zipped pocket on the side.

All things considered, this is a great performing lightweight waterproof jacket that is breathable enough to be worn for an entire ride, whether it's a sportive or the daily commute. It's packable enough to serve as a good emergency jacket so you have no excuse to get caught in the rain.

And the best thing about is it costs just £55, which is really good value. You could spend a lot more, but why would you when this one works so well?

It's available in a range of colours, and men and women-specific versions.

Verdict

Superb waterproof packable jacket at a great price

If you're thinking of buying this product using a cashback deal why not use the road.cc Top Cashback page and get some top cashback while helping to support your favourite independent cycling website

road.cc test report

Make and model: Endura Xtract Jacket

Size tested: Small, red

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

The Xtract Jacket's fabric is not only technically impressive, it also features a lovely soft touch outer and a smooth inner surface. The minimalist jacket is cut in an athletic fit that still leaves a bit of room for layering, and it comes with a neat little stuff sack, packing down to the size of a can of Irn Bru. Mesh ventilation on the back aids breathability further. The jacket also features a spacious concealed security mesh pocket, elasticated cuffs, neck and hem for a great fit, reflective trims, and a full length zip with internal storm flap and zipper garage.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

100% Polyester

Lightweight waterproof / breathable ripstop fabric

Reflective trims on sleeves and rear centre back

Elasticated cuffs, neck and hem

Full length zip guard

Centre back mesh vents for optimal breathability

Concealed security pocket

Complete with stuff sack

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10

Keeps the rain out, which is what you want when it's hoofing down, without the bulk and weight of a regular waterproof jacket. And it's light enough to pack down small when the rain stops.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

No problems so far. Even been using it mountain biking diving through brambles and it's looking just fine still.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
8/10

Light enough to stash into a jersey pocket, and light enough when you're wearing it to still be comfortable.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
8/10
Rate the product for value:
 
9/10

Brilliant jacket especially when you consider the £55 price tag.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Does what it sets out to do.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Waterproofness and decent breathability.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Fit could be a bit closer, or I could eat a few more biscuits to fill it out I suppose.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.

Would you consider buying the product? Yes.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.

Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?

A great jacket even without taking into account the great price

Overall rating: 9/10

About the tester

Age: 31  Height: 180  Weight: 67

I usually ride:   My best bike is:

I've been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, cyclo cross, commuting, touring, mtb,

 

David worked on the road.cc tech team from 2012-2020. Previously he was editor of Bikemagic.com and before that staff writer at RCUK. He's a seasoned cyclist of all disciplines, from road to mountain biking, touring to cyclo-cross, he only wishes he had time to ride them all. He's mildly competitive, though he'll never admit it, and is a frequent road racer but is too lazy to do really well. He currently resides in the Cotswolds, and you can now find him over on his own YouTube channel David Arthur - Just Ride Bikes

Add new comment

6 comments

Avatar
Spiny | 9 years ago
0 likes

I've had one of these since the Autumn & really like it.

Breathability seems fine. You definitely don't get the "boil in the bag" feeling from this jacket. As you might imagine it's doing a very good job of keeping these chill December winds at bay.

When I bought it, I went for an XL as the L was a little tight on the chest. Now I'd probably get into a L as I've lost a few lbs. (5'8" / 85Kg)

Avatar
JWB | 9 years ago
0 likes

I'm about your size and weight (179 cm, 64kg).
Would you recommend me an S or XS (that would be a first :+)?

Edit: nvm, they don't offer XS  2

Avatar
amazon22 | 9 years ago
0 likes

There's a very useful article here - the Xtract is a simple coated fabric which simply can't breath as well as a membrane type one. That said, the stuff is getting better all the time!
www.evo.com/waterproof-ratings-and-breathability-guide.aspx

Avatar
belgravedave | 9 years ago
0 likes

Thanks for the info amazon22.

Avatar
amazon22 | 9 years ago
0 likes

Pretty badly I imagine - Endura quote 5000 (mm?) against the Endura Photon jacket, which I have, at 10000, and which is not very breathable at all. I also have an Endura Flyte which they quote at 28000 and I have to say is fantastic, impossible to overwhelm, but then it is a) twice the price of the Xtract and b) a rather heavier winter jacket. I believe the PTFE fabric (of the Flyte) is very similar to eVent fabric. As ever with waterproofs, more money = better breathability.

That said, this looks a nicely featured jacket, rather better than the more expensive Photon.

Avatar
belgravedave | 9 years ago
0 likes

Good review but would appreciate more info on breathability. How does it rate say against Gore-Tex?

Latest Comments