ENVE LAST RESORT WIND JACKET REVIEW

Words & Photos by Travis Reill

When thinking of the cycling brand Enve, we probably lean toward high-end carbon handlebars and wheels. Now though, we can also throw cycling apparel into the Enve conversation, with items like the Last Resort Wind Jacket. Enve sent us one to try out, and I was happy to put it through its paces and share my thoughts with you.

SPECS

• Water-resistant, taped seams, DWR coated
• Windproof, hooded
• Single pocket doubles as stow pocket
• Available in Men’s and Women’s sizes

WE DIG

WE DON’T

ABOUT THE ENVE LAST RESORT WIND JACKET

It was a bit difficult to track down information on the Enve Last Resort Wind Jacket – the info on their website is basic to say the least. After contacting Enve, they were able to send me some limited extra information. Nonetheless, all we need to know is that it is a lightweight windbreaker, and that it performs well. This full-zip windbreaker is made from 100% nylon, with a DWR coating for water resistance. The fully welded seams help to push it as close to a “rain jacket” as a windbreaker can get. The hood is adjustable and fits over a half-shell helmet. A side pocket above the right hip doubles as a stow pocket, making it easy to pack the jacket away. The Last Resort Wind Jacket is a featherweight at just over 100g.

Enve offers the Last Resort Wind Jacket in five men’s and women’s sizes (S-XXL in men’s, XS-XL women’s) and one somewhat transparent color option – Dust for men, Purple Haze for Women.

THE DIRT

I opted for a size XL for my time in Enve’s Last Resort Wind Jacket. At 5’8” (173cm) and 185lbs (84kg) and preferring a looser fit, I am happy I opted for the size up. Enve gives this jacket a “Classic Fit” descriptor, which they say is “designed for a close but relaxed fit.” The XL jacket fit perfectly, although the sleeves were a touch long, which I expected. Having to size up isn’t a knock against Enve or the Last Resort jacket, as It is common for cycling brands to have a more “athletic” fit that doesn’t necessarily work for my otherwise non-athletic body. That said, I would say the Last Resort Wind Jacket is true to size, as the one I tested fit as I expected a size XL cycling jacket would.

Winter riding here in Central Oregon takes us out of the pine tree forests and onto the many buttes of the surrounding high desert. Aside from sparse juniper trees, these buttes are fairly barren and windy, making the Last Resort Wind Jacket a perfect addition to my winter riding kit. The jacket performs as advertised, cutting through the wind well and adding that bit of extra warmth as a top layer. It also breathed reasonably well. If I got too hot, the snap near the top of the zipper allowed me to unzip the jacket most of the way and let air in, but keep the top closed so it doesn’t become a sail. Enve claims a feature of the Last Resort is “Climate Management,” which I assume refers to this snap.

And while this certainly isn’t a rain jacket, I was impressed with the Last Resort’s ability to keep me dry. To be clear, I wasn’t out in any serious downpours. But during light to intermediate rain spells, I stayed completely dry. This is all I expect from a water-resistant windbreaker, and I would be reaching for a different jacket altogether if I lived in a rainier climate.

If I can nitpick, there are two things I’m not thrilled about. First, there is only one-color option, which is also somewhat transparent. Second, while the sleeve cuffs have a Lycra band to help fit around your wrist, there is no further adjustment to make the sleeve cuffs tighter. With that said, the sleeves aren’t overly long or baggy, just some adjustment would’ve been nice.

The Wolf’s Last Word

The Enve Last Resort Rain Jacket weighs nothing, packs down small, will keep you dry in showers, and blocks the wind well. There is no reason this jacket shouldn’t be living in your hip pack, going on every ride. It is perfect when you need an extra layer on a cold, blustery winter ride or when clouds roll in and it starts sprinkling on a summer ride.

Price: $175 (on sale for $87.50)
Website: Enve.com