PEARL iZUMi ELITE Escape Barrier Convertible Jacket - Men's for Sale, Reviews, Deals and Guides

8.0
out of 10
9 Positive, 3 Mixed & 0 Negative
from 12 Reviews
Retail Price:
$74.95
Used Value:
$44.97
Sale Value:
$67.46

The ELITE Escape Barrier Convertible Jacket from Pearl Izumi is one of the most versatile jackets in its lineup as it offers water and wind-resistant protection as well as a thermo-regulating vest for your core on cooler, windy days and descents. The beauty of this top is its ability to convert from a protective shell to a heat-retaining vest in a matter of seconds with its zip-off sleeves, before or during your ride, that extends its use year round. Like its other Elite Barrier products, the shell shields you from the wind, while repelling precipitation and road spray. And to keep you from overheating, its Direct-Vent panels improve ventilation when you're climbing towards the heavens or dropping the hammer on fast group rides.

To increase its visibility after dark, the convertible jacket features BioViz reflective elements for safe riding at dawn and dusk. Underneath its full-length zipper is a draft flap to block wind from weaseling its way in and giving you a chill. Other key features include elastic at the hem and sleeves for a dialed fit, as well as zippered hand and one rear pocket for holding riding accessories or other items.

Specifications

Brand:
Claimed Weight:
215g
Fit:
Semi-Fitted
Length:
hip
Manufacturer Warranty:
lifetime
Material:
100% polyester
Pockets:
2 hand, 1 rear
Recommended Use:
road cycling
Reflective:
BioViz elements
Season:
winter, spring, summer, fall
Venting:
[back] Direct-Vent mesh panel

Full Reviews

6
Wow, wanted this to work. Best fit, long arms, high collar, breaks down to a vest, and yet even with all the venting on the back and double front zips it really humid fast. And I don't sweat much. Reluctant return.
James C., backcountry.com
December 18, 2020
8
This jacket runs true to size but fits pretty loose. The version before had draw strings at the waist for a more snug fit. But, for the sale price it's not bad. The best part of all is you get a two-for-one jacket.
Dennis C., backcountry.com
December 18, 2020
10
I love this Jacket. It is great for mildly cold or windy days. Sizing works nicely as opposed to the Italian brands which is often hit and miss with sizing. The convertible feature is great. It is light and can easily be packed up and put away if you get warm. Pearl Izumi products are usually well made and good quality and again sizing for us in the USA works very well.
Eli Gabayan, backcountry.com
December 4, 2020
8
Really nice jacket. The body of the jacket fits just how I wanted it to (fitted but not tight) but the sleeves are a too tight. It probably has more to do with my body type (185lbs athletic built). Returning this size Large and hoping the XL fits better.
Ray Hollans, backcountry.com
November 12, 2020
8
This jacket is lightweight, blocks wind, and versatile. Love how it can be turned into a vest, and how it can fold into itself into the backpocket. When folded, it fits easily into a jersey pocket. I removed one star because the arms could be a little slimmer. I have average sized arms, and the excess material flaps when riding >22mph. This might not be a problem for others with bigger arms. Aside from that, the fit is pretty good to me. Pleasantly surprised with the sleeve length. It's long enough for my lanky arms.
Cory C., backcountry.com
November 4, 2020
10
I look super cool in this jacket , I like the fit, a little tight across the chest/shoulders/upper back but I have an athletic build so I expected that. I have a 30 - 31 inch waist and the fit is great there. Like all my other PI tops it works best with bibs but not a deal breaker with shorts. Overall happy with the jacket so far. So, If your a US medium then this jacket in medium is for you. If you have man boobs and or a bit of a belly order the next size up.
scott F., backcountry.com
September 24, 2020
10
I’m 5-11, 190 and the large fits perfect. Fits close to body. I got The blue. Looks cool. Great lite jacket for lite rain, wind and chill morning.
Konrad D., backcountry.com
June 24, 2020
10
Love this convertible jacket. It’s a super light designed for chilly mornings where you might warm up later and zip off the sleeves. It does a good job of blocking wind and shedding heat through the vented back panel. A few cons: with the sleeves on, it can get a bit “flappy” in the wind or at higher speeds. It’s more of a sound issue than anything but I’ve never had another similar jacket so perhaps most windbreakers have this issue. You’ll need to hop off your bike to detach the sleeves. Not a big deal, but this not an in-bike procedure. But it’s easy to do and it rolls up neatly and fits in the back zippered pouch. A bit tougher to get back on at first, but easy enough. I’m 5’ 9” and a barrel-chested 215lbs. XL fit me snug and well. A tad tight in the chest but not noticeable while riding. A bigger size would flap around too much. Better to be snug. Overall a great piece I’ll use for years.
Phisto, backcountry.com
May 3, 2020
10
Very versatile jacket. High quality zippers and removable sleeves. Easy to fold into a jersey's back pockets. Good looking too.
Eugene K., backcountry.com
January 28, 2020
8
Great Jacket! I purchased this looking for a spring / fall option and it works great for that. The jacket exceeded my expectations with a little winter riding mixed in. Recently I've used this jacket with just a Columbia Omni- wear long sleeve under shirt under a riding jersey and have been able to ride comfortably down into the low 40's (even sweat a little). Does an amazing job for how it was designed, blocking the wind up front and venting out the back side. Additionally love the versatility that once spring does arrive I now have vest to use. It's a two-fer! The jacket only received four stars as the fit is a little off. I'll normally wear a medium shirt size. With Pearl Izumi I typically order large due to their European sizing. This garment however was too loose for my liking, so exchanged for a medium which fit much better, however was oddly tight across the back in the shoulders. It wasn't a deal breaker by any means and is still comfortable to ride in. Competitive cyclist was awesome to deal with, exceptional customer service and made the exchange happen fast!!! All in all if you can get this garment on sale I wouldn't hesitate, but would recommend your normal size wear.
Anthony W., backcountry.com
December 14, 2019
4
Sizing is okay, but i have a broad chest and this jacket is pretty tight across my upper body. I have several Pearl Izumi tops, but this is the only one that is not comfortable. Despite the tight fit across the upper body, the jacket manages to catch air and flap wildly on fast descents starting around 30MPH. It is so annoying that I just hit the brakes to make it stop. The full jacket is too hot to wear in the rain but too minscule to wear when it is cold. The vest gets occasional use because it is easy to stuff in my smallish seat pack when I get hot. I do, however, love the two zippered pockets on the sides.
clinton H., backcountry.com
December 12, 2019
4
I'm 6'4" with a slim-average build and used to one able to count on Pearl Izumi jackets for a good fit in XL. Unfortunately, this jacket has no mechanism to adjust the waist and as a result it is far too large. Size large is too confining in the upper body.
John D., backcountry.com
May 4, 2019