..........................................................................................................................................................................................................
endura gv500 waterproof jacket
the word unreliable, when apportioned to the weather, takes on different connotations than when applied to something like calmac ferries, for instance, even if the latter has more to do with the age of the boats, than any timetable shortcomings. for example, it is none too long since i reviewed several items pulled from endura's gravel range of clothing, one of which was their gv500 waterproof jacket. in common with the commentator's curse, which ensures that praising any particular rider will become the precursor to his or her downfall, whenever waterproofs become part of the equation, i can almost guarantee that rain will be conspicuous by its absence.
such was the case with this paprika coloured waterproof at the time of its arrival.
but such unreliability then took on the other side of the coin following eager perusal of the easter weekend weather forecast. according to all reports, in common with the rest of the hebrides, islay was due to experience persistent and often heavy rain from sunday morning until well after nightfall. the ideal time to implement the cunning plan of attempting to get wet on the outisde, yet remain cosy and dry underneath. as a bit of a spoiler alert, i can confirm that an example of this hoped-for situation occurred, but not quite in the manner initially hoped for.
the unreliability factor made itself known after a mere forty-five minutes of pedalling, sufficient to test the veracity of the gv500's construction, but not quite long enough to observe its actions under prolonged duress. in other words, the rain went off.
the gv500 jacket consists of three layers: a waterproof outer layer, or exoshell (as endura like to describe it), a highly breathable membrane, and a mesh inner layer to protect the membrane from wear and tear. the latter is apparently impregnated with a compound designed to enhance moisture transfer. what differs the gv500 from endura's other waterproof jackets is both its light weight (70g) and packability. there is a zipped, chest pocket into which the entire jacket swallows itself, making for a handy pouch to stuff in a rear pocket or bikepack.
the majority of breathable membranes possess a somewhat intransigent constitution, often mitigating against allowing a jacket to compact to this degree, without some sort of compromise along the way. and i cannot deny that, having scrunched and stuffed the jacket unceremoniously into itself, i did harbour certain misgivings about it being able to fit it into a rear jersey pocket, or that of my primaloft thermal jacket. but on each occasion, fit it certainly did. in the grand scheme of things, sunday morning's rain was persistent rather than torrential, but the endless stream (pardon the pun) of little beads of water rolling off the sleeves and torso, is the very vision that warms the cockles of a cyclist's membrane.
the jacket features a built-in, adjustable hood, about which i would dearly love to offer the same comments, but as one with more than just a mild distaste for hoods in general, and cycle-jacket hoods in particular, i opted to fold it inward when donning the jacket to keep it out the way. unworn hoods, in an islay headwind, tend to exhibit similar properties to that of an aircraft drogue chute; it's hard enough cycling into headwinds without an anchor around your neck. and secondly, i find that hoods have a tendency to block out traffic noise, an undesirable trait on single track roads during holiday season. your mileage may vary, depending on preference. however, folding it inside the collar worked just fine for me.
if nothing else, basing a cycling apparel company in scotland brings with it the benefit of understanding the often more demanding needs of your customers. admittedly, endura are based on the east coast of the nation, a side of the country that tends to be colder but drier than that which sits upon atlantic shores, but at least we continue to be one nation dancing to the same groove. and in common with almost every breathable jacket i have ever worn, none ever breathe quite as much as you'd hope for, but the alternative is considerably less palatable. the gv500 does offer a commendable level of breathability, perspiration really only observable on my jersey sleeves after over two hours in the saddle.
but we are a demanding lot. if riding in dry weather even in a short-sleeved jersey, there's every likelihood of patches of perspiration at ride's end. yet, wear a breathable jacket, and there's the bizarre expectation that we'll arrive home totally dessicated.
the gv500 jacket's secret weaponry is not only its packability, but its light weight robustness. though road-riding is unlikely to unduly trouble a garment such as this, gravel riding, for which it was designed, can be a tad more rough and tumble. but why should that be my problem? assuming you don't want it to be your problem and you expect to remain dry no matter what, i may have found the very solution.
endura's gv500 waterproof jacket is available in paprika (as reviewed), olive green or black, in sizes ranging from xs to xxxl. it is priced at £159.99.
endura gv500 waterproof jacket
tuesday 19 april 2022
..........................................................................................................................................................................................................