Endura MT500 Freezing Point Jacket review

Endura’s MT500 Freezing Point Jacket is designed for mountain biking.

It's intended to strike an impressive balance between warmth and breathability in sub-zero temperatures.

The quality tailoring and attention to detail are worthy of the price, although I had issues with the hood sizing.

Endura MT500 Freezing Point Jacket details and specifications

Strategically placed panels of PrimaLoft Gold Active insulate forward-facing aspects of the body and arms, while four-way stretch thermal softshell fabric runs the length of the sleeves and lower back.

Long pit zips extending from your elbow to waist should be able to regulate the internal temperature via the immediate release of excess heat and moisture.

Additional features include a chest pocket large enough for a small phone, two large zippered hand pockets that house the hidden adjusters of the hem cord, a high collar with zip chin guard and a two-way adjustable hood with a peak.

Endura MT500 Freezing Point Jacket performance

The exceptional fit and attention to detail make for an impressive hybrid softshell jacket for trail riding and fireroad blasting in temperatures at and below zero.

Although I quickly became too hot on climbs, unzipping the main and pit zips released enough heat to keep me moving without having to take the jacket off. How quickly it vents heat is one of the standout features.

At the summit of climbs, zipping back up gave an instant cosiness and warmth, even in strong squally wind and showers.

The PFC-free DWR finish sheds light rain efficiently. Where water accumulated on the fabric, it wetted out, but this dried quickly.

The insulated, adjustable hood is a good size and shape for wearing without a mountain bike helmet, although it would benefit from a longer peak to offer better sheltering from the elements.

While Endura doesn’t specify helmet compatibility of the hood, I could just about get it over my medium Giro Radix, albeit uncomfortably.

Redesigning this to fit well would improve the jacket’s usability. Wearing it down, you can adjust it to wrap closely around your neck, adding warmth.

The fabric can bunch at the cuffs, which can feel a little cumbersome and detracts aesthetically from an otherwise beautifully tailored design.

A stretch panel, as featured on Endura’s Pro SL PrimaLoft jacket is sorely needed here and would complete this high-end finish.

Endura MT500 Freezing Point Jacket bottom line

When temperatures plummet below zero, the Freezing Point Jacket ticks all the boxes for warmth, breathability, windproofing and versatility.

Having pit zips to release excess heat without having to take the jacket off was so handy.

I really like the close, tailored fit, which provides room for an extra layer underneath, while being sleek enough to wear a hardshell over the top.

If you’re prepared to overlook the fit of the hood, as I am, this is a jacket you’ll get a lot of wear out of, especially given this Scottish company offers repair and reconditioning services.