Endura's latest women's offering is the aptly named Pakajak jacket, in a fetching bright pink shade. On day that's threatening rain this jacket gives you no excuses to stay in.
What we have here is an ultralight packable showerproof jacket made from ripstop fabric that turns out to be a bit better than showerproof. It's just perfect for popping in your saddle bag or back of your jersey when the sun comes out.
This jacket has bonded and laser cut storm flaps, a comfortable edge on the wrists and hips with an added zip guard to stop chafing on the neck. Reflective trim on sleeves is a welcome touch, with added shoulders and rear underarm mesh vents for breathability, although in my opinion it could do with more vents as I still got reasonably hot in the jacket even with only a breathable layer underneath.
Performance wise this jacket works well. While riding in heavy rain the droplets beaded off and left me dry as a bone. Unzipping in a hurry revealed an indicator of a well-crafted jacket: no catching on the fabric. It should be noted that this jacket is just an outer shell and therefore a greater amount of undergarments would be required on milder days.
Endura provide elasticated cuffs, rear neck and hem and they did just the job in keeping me warm and dry with no parachute effect when riding along. The Pakajak could use a draw-string for those chilly evenings and early mornings, but you really can't complain at £34.99.
You are really paying for the peace of mind of a 'just in case' jacket here, which is why it's nowhere near as expensive as a fully waterproof, seam-taped storm jacket. But if you're looking for a water-resistant, lightweight jacket this pink Pakajak is a steal and you will certainly stand out for all the right reasons.
If pink's too cliched for you, the Pakajak's also available in black, blue, purple and white. Endura offers size from XS (8/10) to XL (16/18).
I love this jacket. It feels great to wear and fits perfectly, though it does lack obvious features such as pockets. Its handy paca-mac bag makes up for that though as it can be easily packed away when the sun comes out.
Verdict
A well fitting, flattering jacket that is plenty waterproof and great value, but missing a few key features.
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road.cc test report
Make and model: Endura Women's Pakajak
Size tested: Medium
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
From Endura's product page:
Ultra lightweight jacket with showerproof ripstop fabric.
Performance Ultra packable Showerproof Jacket
Ultra lightweight and showerproof ripstop fabric
Bonded and laser cut storm flap with zip guard
Reflective trims on sleeves, shoulders and rear
Underarm mesh vents for optimal breathability
Elasticated cuffs, rear neck and hem
One standout feature was the zip was nicely covered by a flap of material, giving it a smart look.
Kept me dry. Job done.
No issues.
You get what you pay for here.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
I got rained on considerably in this jacket and had no wetness issues.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
* Colour - Easy to spot while not offendingly fluorescent .
* Length - Good coverage of my bum and didn't ride up my back.
* Cuffs - Nice soft edge that gripped around my wrists comfortably.
* Concealed zip - prevented chafing.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
* No pockets.
* No tightening cord around the bottom.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.
Would you consider buying the product? Yes.
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.
About the tester
Age: 0 Height: Weight:
I usually ride: My best bike is:
I've been riding for: I ride: I would class myself as:
I regularly do the following types of riding: