Endura MT500 Waterproof Jacket II review

This year Endura overhauled its range-topping MT500 mountain bike clothing line. As part of this, its best-selling waterproof jacket, the MT500 Waterproof Jacket II, got a complete refresh.

Changes included the addition of extra hood security and adjustment, improved ventilation, as well as other neat mountain bike-friendly features.

The jacket’s material is PFC-free and utilises a PU rather than PTFE inner membrane, which Endura claims is more environmentally friendly, and it also comes with a 90-day satisfaction guarantee.

Endura MT500 Waterproof Jacket II details

The claim that the Endura MT500 II is packed with functional features is well founded. Starting at the top, the over-helmet hood can be adjusted for a complete custom fit that ensures peripheral vision is maintained.

There are strategically placed stretch panels that really do ensure unrestricted movement and the shoulders have the addition of silicone grips for a backpack.

Speaking of packs, the extensive ventilation has been designed to work in conjunction with one, and it does.

There are pockets-aplenty too, with two large ones on the front that double as vents, a hidden internal pocket and a lift-pass pocket on the sleeve. Despite all of the features, the jacket doesn't feel bulky.

A water-repellent front zip with storm flap, reflective trim on the hood and rear tail, and soft Lycra inner cuffs are finishing details that finesse the comfort.

Endura MT500 Waterproof Jacket II performance

At the heart of the Endura MT500 waterproof Jacket upgrade is its material, which Endura has reworked to improve durability without compromising breathability.

The new ExoShell40DR fabric is a three-layer construction: rugged outer layer, fluorine-free membrane, and soft inner layer. What undoubtedly helps the functional breathability is that the inner layer has wicking qualities to help move moisture away from the skin.

To aid in assessing breathability you should be looking for a MVTR figure, (Moisture Vapour Transmission Rate, expressed as grams per square metre in a 24-hour period) of at least 10,000, but ideally 30,000 for active use. This jacket has a rating of 40,000. Does it work? In a word, yes.

Riding through the sort of rain that felt like buckets of water being thrown from the sky, I remained both dry and comfortable, even on an unseasonably warm 17-degree, late autumn day.

My standard test setup is a long-sleeve Merino baselayer underneath the jacket, and there was no need to open up the vents, breathability was so good.

At 6ft 2in I sometimes find jackets lack coverage, but the MT500 II is very long at the back. The fit is slim without being skinny and the stretch panels are well placed so that there is plenty of room through the shoulders, which allow you to move freely without pulling the rest of the jacket up.

Endura MT500 Waterproof Jacket II bottom line

The Endura MT500 II is a waterproof jacket designed with mountain bikers for mountain bikers and it works. This is all underpinned by the excellence of its material, fit and all the features you need and none you don’t.