EUROBIKE 2015 | New Backpack for Endura’s MTB line
Scottish based company Endura are no strangers to a challenging climate and have been producing the right clothes for poor weather since 1993. It’s a common name in the mountain bike world which riders have learnt to trust, knowing that when they cough up the dollar for some new Endura kit then it is going to be top quality. Endura in recent times may have been criticised for being on the conservative side where their use of colour is concerned but at Eurobike 2015 they have presented kit that shows this is on the change.
The most exciting new items from Endura have to be two new backpacks, the MT500 Enduro Backpack and the Singletrack Backpack. I have to confess, like most women I have a bag fettish but for me its all about the technical packs, I was keen to see what Endura had to offer in this market. Both packs are pretty sweet looking, ready to get in the faces of their competition combining a myriad of useful features into one pack.
The 15L MT500 Enduro shouts loudly in the faces of other packs with removable back protectors. Endura use a system called Koroyd, a honeycomb effect material, thermally welded together to give efficient energy absorption properties. When taking on an impact the Koroyd core of the back protector crushes in a controlled manner, decelerating energy and reducing trauma. On handling the EN1621-2 level approved back protector it felt lighter than alternatives already on the market, a great way to save weight and stay safe. The protector slots neatly in behind the water bladder closest to the riders back where ventilation is aided by the mesh covered foam back panel. The price sits nicely alongside other brands at £99.
The Singletrack pack is a smaller 10L size, costing less at £59 but does not combine with the back protector. It comes in two colour options, the blue/red you see here and a green where at the MT500 Enduro is only available in the yellow/black colourway. Features shared by both packs are the pre-shaped, lightweight perforated shoulder straps, easy access waterproof pocket, removable tool roll and a robust looking helmet carry system that can be fully removed from the pack.
Trail and all mountain clothing wise Endura are offering up new print designs for the mens MT500 Print jersey and the women’s Singletrack jersey (both £35) with limited edition colours running in both pieces. Both have a relaxed but flattering fit Endura say, they also state in their catalogue ‘ride faster with styled outfitting’ – it looks like they have the answer to our performance woes!
In the short department there is a new choice in the women’s lineup, the Singletack Lite (£55), a slim fitting short using four way stretch fabric which Endura advocate are perfect for nailing technical climbs and hammering descents. It will be interesting to see how these shorts fit and whether they are compatible with bulky knee pads.
The MT500 waterproof jacket has also had a makeover with Endura claiming it is now made from the most breathable material yet using ExoShell60, a three layer fabric. New additional features include silicone gripper on the shoulders, longer under arm vents with two way zips for ease of access and large hand pockets doubling up as extra venting.
The last product catching my ‘eurobike beady eye’ was the FlipJak reversible jacket (£99). A lightweight, windproof and showerproof shell filled with Primaloft, a insulating material giving a soft packable shell bound to be warm on the coldest of mountains. Endura is out to be seen in 2016, combining colour with kit that they state they know will work.
Fore more info, check endurasport.com
Words & Photos: Endura
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