Issue #026 Review

GONSO SURA PLUS long-term review – Discreet women’s jacket for every ride?

Attention girls, if you value a discreet and well-cut outfit, the GONSO SURA PLUS rain jacket is a must-have item that even Coco Chanel would have been jealous of. To find out whether this little black number can perform just as convincingly in other respects, we tested it for 6 months.

Whether on the bike, while hiking or as a backup when sightseeing downtown, the GONSO SURA PLUS rain jacket always cut a fine figure while defying bad weather. Its cut is simple and comfortable and it has 4 pockets, giving you enough space to carry essentials. The two zippered outer pockets are big enough for even the biggest smartphone and the two spacious inner pockets can be used to stow any other accessories that you need.

Big
The zippered pockets are roomy.
Even bigger
The inside pockets are even bigger, giving you added storage space.

The cut is loose fitting and comfortable, the sleeves are ergonomically pre-shaped and keep your wrists dry in the rain thanks to the extended cuffs. The hood is also pre-shaped but, unfortunately, it doesn’t fit over most helmets, which is a drawback. We really liked the patch of soft fabric inside the front part of the collar, making it more comfortable against your chin with the zipper done up. The long tail with the reflective logo also does its job.

Well-designed
The extended cuffs keep your wrists dry.
Pleasant on your chin
The patch of soft fabric inside the front part of the collar makes the jacket comfortable to wear even with the zipper done up.

The water and windproof membrane has a hydrostatic head of 10,000 mm for optimal performance on your ebike, no matter the weather. The outer fabric and the membrane of the 2.5-layer jacket are bonded together and there’s an inner coating to protect the membrane. The highly functional G-TEX material and taped seams should offer optimal rain protection. During the last 6 months, the SURA PLUS has accompanied our tester, Susanne, on all her rides. Thanks to the 2.5-layer material, the inside of the jacket never feels clammy. It’s very comfortable to wear even in slightly cooler weather, allowing you to get away without a baselayer if you’re packing light. That said, we would have liked some more ventilation options, such as zippers under the arms or a 2-way zipper to open the jacket from below. As is, things can get steamy inside the jacket, especially on warm summer days above 20° C.

Well protected
The SURA PLUS features an extended tail with a reflective logo.
Watertight
The taped seams offer additional protection and have been absolutely leakproof during our test.

Conclusion

The GONSO SURA PLUS rain jacket is a basic piece of cleverly designed kit made of high-quality material, featuring a clean cut and delivering good performance. The jacket is timeless and you don’t have to worry whether it will match your current outfit. Those who prefer louder colours will be glad to know that it also comes in a bright blue or red. Overall, we were impressed with the quality of the workmanship and the jacket held up well in bad weather.

Tops

  • comfortable to wear
  • windproof and breathable
  • high-quality workmanship
  • versatile

Flops

  • the hood doesn't fit over a helmet
  • no ventilation

Tester: Susanne
Duration: 6 months
Weight: 272 g in size 44
Price: € 149.95
More information: gonso-shop.de


Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of E-MOUNTAINBIKE, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality cycling journalism. Click here to learn more.

Words & Photos: Susanne Feddersen

About the author

Susanne Feddersen

With her background as a copywriter and conceptual designer at renowned advertising agencies, head of the Stuttgart copywriting school and former product marketing manager at Ferrero, it’s clear that Susanne’s passion is for writing copy, conceptual design and communication. Susanne also loves organisation and planning. No matter the hustle and bustle she's got her eye on the ball, primarily supporting our management team in implementing numerous projects and coordinating marketing campaigns. Susanne is a long-time mountain biker and, along with her entire family, has recently caught the ebike bug!