Endura Pro SL Waterproof Softshell Jacket review

The Endura Pro SL Waterproof Softshell sits close to the top of the Scottish brand's exhaustive range of road jackets.

Endura labels this jacket as a softshell, but I’d place it into the hard/softshell borderlands also occupied by Rapha’s Classic Winter jacket.

As a result, it offers impressive waterproofing, and a number of rider-friendly features, but look elsewhere if you want softshell-style warmth.

Endura Pro SL Waterproof Softshell Jacket specifications

Features include two zipped vents for under-arm aeration, five gargantuan pockets and plenty of reflective elements to go alongside the jacket's Pumpkin tone (there's a plain old black option, too).

There’s a cosy inner collar and brushed inner fabric for added comfort and warmth, with Endura targeting this jacket at long winter rides, though I'll come on to its cold-weather performance.

A PFC-free and non-toxic durable water repellent (DWR) finish adds some eco appeal.

Construction quality is high, with the internally taped seams adding another layer in the battle against water intrusion.

The elasticated rear hem keeps the jacket in place and the gently elasticated cuffs prevent chilly wafts of air or rain from sneaking up the sleeves.

Endura Pro SL Waterproof Softshell Jacket performance

As I've already described, the jacket occupies a position somewhere between a softshell and a true waterproof hardshell, like the superb Endura Pro SL Shell Jacket II, which we awarded five stars in our review.

That hardshell flirtation offers a fully waterproof shell and fully taped internal seams that, as hard as I and the skies above tried, refused entry to precipitation.

Endura’s trove of tricks includes five mighty pockets (two zipped, one on the front and four on the rear) capable of carrying a five-course buffet (take note, GBDuro riders) and easily stashing a smartphone without a wrestle.

Features like this mark the jacket out as one to be worn all day on grim winter rides, as you don't have to reach underneath into a jersey pocket.

A smart touch for breathability is the addition of two zipped vents for underarm aeration, which was especially welcome come midday on weekend rides.

They also helped me find a more welcome core body temperature given there are more breathable materials and jackets out there than this soft/hardshell combo.

Alongside that bright Pumpkin colour, there are a host of effective yet understated reflective elements on the sleeves and rear that boosted my confidence of being seen on the roads.

The cosy inner collar and brushed inner fabric are nice touches, but I still prefer the warmth-enhancing capabilities of something like Castelli’s Alpha Ros 2 Light for lower single-digit (centigrade) temperatures.

Endura Pro SL Waterproof Softshell Jacket bottom line

For wet riding in the winter, there are few cycling jackets better at beading and beating precipitation.

The pockets and underarm vents are good examples of the rider-friendly features we've come to expect of Endura, same for the reflective elements and bright colour scheme.

However, there are warmer, fully softshell jackets on the market, so you’ll need to layer up in lower single-digit temperatures.