Endura’s Pakajak is a lightweight, windproof and water resistant jacket to provide an extra layer of defence against the autumn/winter chill.
The first thing you notice about the Pakajak is how small it packs down, coming in a stuff sack easily carried in your jersey pockets. Crucially, however, the sack has enough room in it to get the jacket back in fairly comfortably once your done. That means you can start your ride with the jacket off and pull it on, and perhaps take it off if you start to overheat, with little fuss.
The Pakajak is made from a ripstop polyester fabric and its primary function is to keep the wind at bay. It succeeds in that regard and can be quickly pulled on during a ride when the temperature dips.
The jacket avoids the boil-in-a-bag effect by way of underarm vents, which allows some heat to escape, while on the outside the vents are covered by material flaps to help keep rain or road spray out. A word of warning, however. You’ll need to be wearing long sleeves underneath the jacket otherwise if your skin comes in contact with the material it can get pretty clammy.
That aside; while the Pakajak isn’t waterproof, it does a good job of keeping out the odd shower or two when the weather’s unpredictable, although if prolonged rain is forecast it’d naturally be better to head out with a meatier jacket in tow.
The cut is slim and while you can comfortably wear it while carrying the essentials in your jersey pockets, anything much bulkier can leave it feeling a little tight across your back. The upshot of the fit, however, is that the jacket remains aerodynamic; and that’s what we’re all after, right? A generous dropped tail ensures every inch of your rear is protected from road spray.
Elasticated cuffs, rear neck and hem help keep everything in place, while there’s reflective trim on the sleeves, shoulders and rear. A full-length zip at the front helps regulate your temperature. There’s a storm guard to cover the zip, which could provide an entry point for water, and a chin guard too, although this can make it a little fiddly to pull the zip up the way to the top.
There’s been a noticeable dip in the temperature over the past week after the second warmest autumn on record and it’ll soon be time to dig out your warmest winter cycling jacket, but the Pakajak remains a solid emergency jacket for ‘balmier’ winter days, when you’re not quite sure what the weather will do, and will come into its own again as spring arrives.
Retail price is £39.99 and five colours are available (black, green, red, white and yellow).
