I had an Endura packable jacket that lived in the bottle pocket of Dakine 2L bum bag. Not waterproof and no hood or pockets but as an ESJ, it was awesome. Windproof enough to take the sting out of a stiff northerly and I kept the DWR in good nick for just in casies.
It gave up on me a couple of months ago after a 8 years of faithful service (I didn't buy even it, it was a shot prize at race I entered!) and despite just coming out of winter down this way and Spring still being pretty damn unpredictable, replacement ESJ options are thin on the ground.
I opted for a Giro Stow. Windproof again with a good DWR coating. Three pockets, none of which are seen very secure (I think they're more for hands than stuff), but the fit is really nice while also being able to fit in the Endura jacket's old bag (about the size and shape of a beer can)
I also run hot so the full zip is a must have. I've only had a chance to wear it once so far but it definitely feels more robust than the endura.
ESJs FTW. Nice review, Andrew.
Sept. 20, 2021, 11:35 a.m. - Karl Fitzpatrick
I had an Endura packable jacket that lived in the bottle pocket of Dakine 2L bum bag. Not waterproof and no hood or pockets but as an ESJ, it was awesome. Windproof enough to take the sting out of a stiff northerly and I kept the DWR in good nick for just in casies. It gave up on me a couple of months ago after a 8 years of faithful service (I didn't buy even it, it was a shot prize at race I entered!) and despite just coming out of winter down this way and Spring still being pretty damn unpredictable, replacement ESJ options are thin on the ground. I opted for a Giro Stow. Windproof again with a good DWR coating. Three pockets, none of which are seen very secure (I think they're more for hands than stuff), but the fit is really nice while also being able to fit in the Endura jacket's old bag (about the size and shape of a beer can) I also run hot so the full zip is a must have. I've only had a chance to wear it once so far but it definitely feels more robust than the endura. ESJs FTW. Nice review, Andrew.