TESTED: Pearl Izumi Summit Shell jacket
Having a stowable jacket is essential for winter rides and summer alpine adventures. Will tested out the Pearl Izumi Summit Shell.
Words: Will Shaw | Photos: Tim Bardsley-Smith
The Pearl Izumi Summit Shell Jacket was a key item when venturing into the mountains on the Snowies Roadie. The first thing I noticed was how light this waterproof windshell is (110 grams to be exact). The jacket also folds down really well. I was able to fit it in a bib pocket with room to spare for some bars. The key to this is the jacket’s interior envelope pocket that the jacket folds down into.
The Summit Shell is impressively waterproof. We rode in pretty rainy conditions on our Snowies Roadie, and my jersey was never wet when I took the jacket off. Despite not being completely waterproof, I'd take a bit of leakage if it means I'm not overheating while riding in the rain. The summit struck a nice balance between keeping me dry, but also allowing the right amount of ventilation.
Other little touches include the hood, which can go over or under your helmet, as well as the premium YKK zippers. There are also reflective elements for the low light conditions that often accompany rain. With a jacket that’s this light and folds down so small, there’s no downsides to having it live inside your pack or throwing it inside a bib pocket before a ride.
To date, I have racked up plenty of wet and windy rides in the Summit Shell Jacket, it has become my go to for rainy rides, and the rest of the time the Summit lives inside either my bibs or my pack. It’s also handy post ride if you stop at the pub or café and it’s a bit windy outside.
RRP: $189.95
From: Pearl Izumi
