Pearl Izumi Pro Escape Softshell Jacket

Pearl Izumi's Pro Escape Softshell Jacket is a very warm, well-made and breathable softshell that keeps all the bad stuff out and all the good stuff in. It's Pearl Izumi's top-of-the-line jacket, designed to be used in temperatures from -10 to 0 degrees, which – 'luckily' – the UK has managed a few times during the review period.

The jacket's primary role is to keep you warm, which it does through fleece sides and a fleece panel down the centre of the back panel. As it isn't throughout the main body, it leaves a decent area for breathability, which works well. I didn't find myself overheating when using the jacket up to around 5 degrees, although any warmer than this and it gets a little too warm – though there are two well placed vents either side of the front panel, and these help with ventilation. It also has a full-length wind flap-backed YKK zip with a large handle that's simple to use even in gloves, so zipping/unzipping is simple.

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Pearl Izumi has used a three-layer membrane system, which kept out everything that a UK autumn/early winter threw at me, from driving rain through to vicious winds, despite the seams not being taped. 

It isn't just about the material though, it is also nicely designed to keep you warm and dry, with elements such as the high fleece-lined neck and the longish back panel stopping your lower back getting soaked when in the drops. This back panel feels different to the rest of the jacket, more like neoprene, while elsewhere it feels more like traditional softshell material.

The jacket has two pockets: one huge zipped one at the back with divisions to keep things separate, and one smaller one on the chest for valuables. Both are zipped, but although they aren't completely watertight, even in intense downpours only a small amount of water got in. The back pocket can fit a large amount in – I even managed to fit a medium size pump horizontally across the bottom – while the smaller chest pocket is just large enough for an iPhone 6, though that's probably the upper limit.

In terms of fit, the jacket is closer to racer than casual on the sliding scale, but by no means too tight; Pearl Izumi describes it as 'Form Fit' and it manages to hit a decent sweetspot. A smooth wrinkle-free fit helps water to flow off the jacket, and makes it more comfortable to wear. One thing that helps here is the contoured shape of the sleeve, with a seam/flap at the elbow; it can look a bit odd off the bike, but looks absolutely fine while on it. The jacket does jersey duties well, too, worn under as well as over other layers.

There are also some other elements you might expect from a modern softshell, such as reflective elements on the sleeves, back and front panel, as well as silicone grippers to keep everything in place when riding. The reflective details are relatively small but work surprisingly well.

> Check out our guide to the best winter cycling jackets

It comes with an RRP of £169.99, which is about what I'd expect to pay for a well-made, warm softshell that keeps the elements out and the warmth in. As well as that, it has a decent fit, loads of storage and breathability is also strong. Yes it's at the pricier end of the scale, but ultimately those who are prepared to spend over £150 won't be disappointed. It would be good to have taped seams and taped zips on the pockets, but it was only found wanting in the heaviest rain, and even then it took close to an hour for anything to seep through.

Verdict

A warm, well-made and good looking jacket for the coldest weather