Endura MT500 Jacket 2015
Reviews / Jackets
77,505
At A Glance
The MT500 Jacket has been in the Endura line up for a few years now, it’s a hard shell jacket built to withstand the worst the weather can throw at it. It is made using a 3-layer PTFE Protection fabric, but in addition it utilises Cordura in certain hardwearing areas like the shoulders. The jacket is rated for 28k breathability and 12k waterproofing.
Buy Jackets on
The MT500 is of a medium weight and does pack down, but this is a jacket to don when the weather is grim before you head out the door, rather than a stash in a pack and forget garment.
The more technically minded riders out there will get excited by the many features the MT500 packs in. Lets start at the top with the integrated hood, this doesn’t pack away and isn’t removable but it does sit exceedingly well over your helmet. In addition there are two lazer cut vents in the sides of the hood at eye level to improve your peripheral vision.
There are also removable internal cuffs, which are elasticated and fit snugly around your hands. These are great for keeping the wind out and mean that you don’t have to tighten up the external Velcro cuffs to keep the elements out.
A drop tail helps to keep your derriere dry and the hem of the jacket can be cinched up if needs be. There are two chest vents on the side, these double up as the side pockets too. In addition there are under arm zips to further expel air. A chest pocket on the left hand side is big enough to stash the more modern smart phones out there such as the Galaxy S5 with ease. In addition there is a headphone port so you can listen you your tunes.
On The Trail
The MT500 has a very MTB specific cut to it, low at the back and short at the front with long arms. It all makes perfect sense once you are sat on the bike if that all sounds a bit strange. The 3-layer fabric is comfortable against the skin and the double wrist cuffs are a real bonus with this jacket, offering unrivalled comfort and great weather protection.
It’s arguably the most breathable jacket we have tried especially when you ride without a pack. Even with a decent pack though we never really noticed a huge build up of sweat. The side vents do a great job of creating some good airflow should you need it and the under arm zips are also useful on the warmer days.
The hood is brilliant on this jacket and that feature, combined with the cuffs makes it one of our favourites. We never ride with the hood up, but on the days when the weather is bad and we are waiting for punctures to be fixed or just stopping for some food it’s a welcome addition. On the windy days the cuffs keep the wind out without you having to crank on the Velcro closures too.
Overall
The MT500 is a real favourite of ours and I’ve been lucky enough to own a couple over the years. It’s hard wearing, my last one is still going strong after three years, and it also looks like a mountain bike jacket. That’s a bonus, as you won’t feel bad when it’s covered in mud and being used for its purpose. A purpose it fulfils with great aplomb!
Buy Jackets onThis review was in Issue 32 of IMB.
For more information visit EnduraRelated
By Rou Chater
Rou Chater is the Publishing Editor of IMB Magazine; he’s a jack-of-all-trades and master of none, but his passion for bikes knows no bounds. His first mountain bike was a Trek 820, which he bought in 1990. It didn’t take him long to earn himself a trip to the hospital on it, and he’s never looked back since. These days he’s keeping it rubber side down, riding locally and overseas as much as possible.
