Searching for the best midlayer: Endura Pro SL Primaloft II Jacket review

Has Endura found the best way to add standalone insulation to a shell?

Endura Pro SL Primaloft Jacket II
(Image: © Josh Ross)

Cyclingnews Verdict

If you prefer a tight, more structured, fit then the Endura Pro SL Primaloft II Jacket isn’t ideal but it does a good job with breathability and adds a lot of warmth to a shell. It’s workable as both a midlayer or a jacket depending on the weather and frequently shows up at a highly discounted price. Shop around for the best price but this is a piece worth adding to your arsenal of options.

Pros

  • +

    PFC free DWR coating with no membrane

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    Two-way zipper

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    Fourth, zippered, valuables pocket

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    Comfortable tailoring

Cons

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    Narrow centre pocket

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    Fit is low in structure and long both front and rear

You can trust Cyclingnews Our experts spend countless hours testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

When it comes to winter cycling, I've put in more than my fair share of time. I've spent hours upon hours in miserable weather trying to figure out the best way to stay warm. Eventually I came to more of a stopping point than a resolution, then I worked on the best winter cycling jackets buyers guide. What I learned is that the more you understand, the less you know. 

In the past, my strategy was all about insulation with little regard for the various technologies. I didn't have a lot of trust in what was being promised but I managed to keep myself riding. As I investigated more, I learned about the science of layering and why there might be a better way. Midlayers have taken on a whole new importance and the Endura Pro SL Primaloft II Jacket once again made its way to the forefront of my winter cycling rotation. With a fresh eye and new information, I've taken a whole new interest in this jacket from Endura. If you are also looking to upgrade your understanding of what works to stay warm during winter cycling, keep reading to see what I think of this option. 

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Testing scorecard and notes
Design and aestheticsFit is tidy and the look isn’t bad but hardly high-fashion.7/10
Thermal managementEndura does an amazing job on this piece. Moisture moves to the outside layer and it’s warmer than you’d expect.10/10
StorageWhile storage is good you can’t really utilize it because of a lack of structure in the overall design. 6/10
Comfort and fitNot a race fit piece but it follows industry norms and is exceptionally comfortable. 9/10
ValueMSRP isn’t anything amazing but there are a lot of discounts out there and opportunity for a true bargain. 8/10
OverallRow 5 - Cell 1 80%
Josh Ross

Josh hails from the Pacific Northwest of the United States but would prefer riding through the desert than the rain. He will happily talk for hours about the minutiae of cycling tech but also has an understanding that most people just want things to work. He is a road cyclist at heart and doesn't care much if those roads are paved, dirt, or digital. Although he rarely races, if you ask him to ride from sunrise to sunset the answer will be yes. Height: 5'9" Weight: 140 lb. Rides: Salsa Warbird, Cannondale CAAD9, Enve Melee, Look 795 Blade RS, Priority Continuum Onyx