Showers Pass
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Showers Pass
Finally broke down and forked over big bucks for a Showers Pass Elite 2.1 coat in black. This is something I’ve wanted for a while, but just couldn’t justify the cost.
I plan to use it as an all weather winter commuting outer layer, so went with XL, which is a good size for underlayers. Usually wear large, which would probably be better if no underlayers. After a couple rides, I’m very happy with the jacket. No rain yet, but I really like the vents, given that both my body and my route to work get warmer as I ride. This morning, I was able to remain comfortable by opening the pit zips and the main zipper halfway through the commute, instead of stopping and removing a layer as I usually do. Looking forward to many years of use.
I plan to use it as an all weather winter commuting outer layer, so went with XL, which is a good size for underlayers. Usually wear large, which would probably be better if no underlayers. After a couple rides, I’m very happy with the jacket. No rain yet, but I really like the vents, given that both my body and my route to work get warmer as I ride. This morning, I was able to remain comfortable by opening the pit zips and the main zipper halfway through the commute, instead of stopping and removing a layer as I usually do. Looking forward to many years of use.
#2
Banned
DWR surface treatment, key to water beading up, not soaking in,
is OK when new but new does not last long.
a common issue with all breathable water resistant fabrics..
is OK when new but new does not last long.
a common issue with all breathable water resistant fabrics..
#3
Senior Member
Thread Starter
There are products that restore the DWR, but I’ve never tried them. I’ll have to see what’s available. They have a Nikwax product on their website that may work.
#4
Banned
Black seems , a less than wise color choice ,
but maybe you have fashion needs when you arrive..
but maybe you have fashion needs when you arrive..
#5
aka Tom Reingold
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,503
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Mentioned: 511 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7348 Post(s)
Liked 2,474 Times
in
1,437 Posts
I got a Showers Pass jacket a few years ago, but I went too cheap and got one without many vents. Pay the big bucks to be happy.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#6
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Black is less visible, but most of my commute is off-road, and I figured black would provide an extra bit of warmth in the winter from the sun. Plus I run lights day and night, so I’m visible enough. I have a hi-viz Performance rain jacket for warm weather if riding on the road.
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Southeast US
Posts: 921
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 318 Post(s)
Liked 149 Times
in
104 Posts
I have an old old DWR North Face rain shell that I tried to restore with spray on DWR. I used the whole spraycan and it got me a ten-minute-rain shell. After ten minutes it begins letting water in. I suppose another two or three cans might restore most of the repellance but not enough that I'd trust it on a cold wet backpack or ride. Also, the DWR chemical is toxic af.
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,552
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5224 Post(s)
Liked 3,584 Times
in
2,344 Posts
got a pic? really enjoying their waterproof & breathable Transit Pant that I got last year! I got mine a size too large (XXL instead of XL) after a cpl bad experiences with other brands. but it's OK cuz they fit over boots & have 2 velcro straps for each lower leg / ankle
how would you rate their sizing accuracy for your jacket? meaning, is the XL as big or bigger than you expected?
btw their Showers Pass Cycling Jacket Rain Hood - 8006 was on my wish list for a long time but I never bought it
how would you rate their sizing accuracy for your jacket? meaning, is the XL as big or bigger than you expected?
btw their Showers Pass Cycling Jacket Rain Hood - 8006 was on my wish list for a long time but I never bought it
Last edited by rumrunn6; 10-31-18 at 01:19 PM.
#9
Disco Infiltrator
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Folsom CA
Posts: 13,446
Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem
Mentioned: 72 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3126 Post(s)
Liked 2,105 Times
in
1,369 Posts
How soon til Compass has a tire named Showers Pass?
#11
Senior Member
Thread Starter
This is where it’s hanging right now. As you can see, the zippers are sealed, and it has a long tail and cinch cords at the collar and sides at the bottom. Fully vented in the back and long sleeves. Obviously these folks know how to design a cycling jacket. I’d go with a large if just using as a warm weather jacket, but for cold weather the extra space is necessary for layering. Today I rode with two technical layers and a fleece at 40F, and was comfortable until halfway through my commute. The start was cool and foggy, but by the time I was in Georgetown, where the river valley opens up, the temperature went up significantly.
#12
Senior Member
I have been looking for a good breathable rain jacket for a while. But I am looking for a tall version since am 6'4" with a tall upper body. Either 2XT or 3XT. Looks like Shower Pass does not offer any tall sizes. Any tall commuters out there who can recommend a jacket?
#13
I am potato.
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Pacific Northwest
Posts: 3,116
Bikes: Only precision built, custom high performance elitist machines of the highest caliber. 🍆
Mentioned: 29 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1789 Post(s)
Liked 1,629 Times
in
933 Posts
I concur. I just bought the Pro Jacket a hood & some rain pants for my kid. He's 5'10 & kind of lankey. Medium fit him well. Over-all, I'm impressed with the quality & features for the price. I'd say it was a smart buy. Time will tell.
#14
Banned
Good evening!
I've read quite a bit about people considering showers pass. I looked at them when I wanted a cycling jacket as they're in the same price range as GORE bike wear. However, in both cases I couldn't find breathability specifications (in g/m2) or waterproof specifications (in mm). Is this a cycling-specific phenomenon? As I can easily find it for my XC skiing and other outdoor equipment.
I ended up going with a CMP jacket last year instead as I could confirm that it is 7K/1K, which isn't great but it solid for short commutes.
MAN JACKET FIX HOOD HYBRID, Abbigliamento sportivo uomo CMP Campagnolo
and my current jacket which I continue to get a lot of complements on (3 today from random Brits actually, which is quite nice ... and very rare!)
https://www.rain-couture.nl/us/rain-...nch-green.html
which is at least 10/5, which is solid, plus it goes right from the bike into the boardroom without changing, which is nice.
However, with both GORE BIKE and Showers Pass as I can find is "breathable" and "waterproof" but no actual specs.
Did I perhaps miss them by chance?
Have a nice evening and enjoy the new jacket!
I've read quite a bit about people considering showers pass. I looked at them when I wanted a cycling jacket as they're in the same price range as GORE bike wear. However, in both cases I couldn't find breathability specifications (in g/m2) or waterproof specifications (in mm). Is this a cycling-specific phenomenon? As I can easily find it for my XC skiing and other outdoor equipment.
I ended up going with a CMP jacket last year instead as I could confirm that it is 7K/1K, which isn't great but it solid for short commutes.
MAN JACKET FIX HOOD HYBRID, Abbigliamento sportivo uomo CMP Campagnolo
and my current jacket which I continue to get a lot of complements on (3 today from random Brits actually, which is quite nice ... and very rare!)
https://www.rain-couture.nl/us/rain-...nch-green.html
which is at least 10/5, which is solid, plus it goes right from the bike into the boardroom without changing, which is nice.
However, with both GORE BIKE and Showers Pass as I can find is "breathable" and "waterproof" but no actual specs.
Did I perhaps miss them by chance?
Have a nice evening and enjoy the new jacket!
#15
Member
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Milton, MA
Posts: 28
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 14 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 15 Times
in
6 Posts
I have the Shower's Pass Storm jacket, in just an L, and find it fits pretty well. If it's raining I'm probably also wearing long fingered gloves with a longish cuff, and no wrist is exposed. I do find the torso length is a tad short in front, but the tail of the jacket is extra long to accommodate a normal riding position, so it works well on-bike and doesn't bunch up in front. The XL was just too baggy and flappy for me.
The breathability of the Storm jacket isn't great, in my opinion. Even though the jacket is well vented it still gets damp inside pretty quickly. A colleague has their Transit jacket and that seems to work much better (but it's also heavier and bulkier when packed).
I also have the Transit pants, in XL, and they fit well. The velcro features to cinch the pant legs are convenient.
I usually wait for the REI 20%-off member days for these types of purchases!
#16
Senior Member
Thread Starter
I'm also 6'4". 36" inseam, pretty long arms - I usually wear a LT or XLT for shirts.
I have the Shower's Pass Storm jacket, in just an L, and find it fits pretty well. If it's raining I'm probably also wearing long fingered gloves with a longish cuff, and no wrist is exposed. I do find the torso length is a tad short in front, but the tail of the jacket is extra long to accommodate a normal riding position, so it works well on-bike and doesn't bunch up in front. The XL was just too baggy and flappy for me.
The breathability of the Storm jacket isn't great, in my opinion. Even though the jacket is well vented it still gets damp inside pretty quickly. A colleague has their Transit jacket and that seems to work much better (but it's also heavier and bulkier when packed).
I also have the Transit pants, in XL, and they fit well. The velcro features to cinch the pant legs are convenient.
I usually wait for the REI 20%-off member days for these types of purchases!
I have the Shower's Pass Storm jacket, in just an L, and find it fits pretty well. If it's raining I'm probably also wearing long fingered gloves with a longish cuff, and no wrist is exposed. I do find the torso length is a tad short in front, but the tail of the jacket is extra long to accommodate a normal riding position, so it works well on-bike and doesn't bunch up in front. The XL was just too baggy and flappy for me.
The breathability of the Storm jacket isn't great, in my opinion. Even though the jacket is well vented it still gets damp inside pretty quickly. A colleague has their Transit jacket and that seems to work much better (but it's also heavier and bulkier when packed).
I also have the Transit pants, in XL, and they fit well. The velcro features to cinch the pant legs are convenient.
I usually wait for the REI 20%-off member days for these types of purchases!
While I do a lot of shopping at REI, particularly for clothing items, biketiresdirect has a good sale right now with a discount of 25% plus points toward a future purchase and no tax or shipping.
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Twin Cities, Minnesota, USA
Posts: 1,257
Bikes: 2017 Salsa Carbon Mukluk frame built with XT, 2018 Kona Rove NRB build with Sram Apex 1,2008 Salsa El Mariachi, 1986 Centurion Ironman
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 286 Post(s)
Liked 100 Times
in
65 Posts
Hard to see
how the SP jacket really differs much from the REI Novarra that I wear. The Novarra has a long tail that can be snapped up to wear "normally." It has no back vent, but decent vents under the arms. The neck is high and close fitting, so I've never had rain come in. I ride warm, so a light or midweight Merino does well into the 20s. Teens and below I'm now wearing a Black Diamond First Light with active insulation.
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Boston
Posts: 927
Bikes: Death machines all
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 297 Post(s)
Liked 86 Times
in
63 Posts
The SP jacket looks like a nice option, I have their pants and they have served me well..
I now have a Gore Active bike shell that I can use for temps down to 20 F (it is snug, lower than that I need more room for layering). The fabric is nice and *supposedly* Gore's most breathable hard shell, but maddeningly I cannot find published waterproofness/breathability information to back that up. In my own experience the breathability is pretty good and the waterproofness is very good; I therefore wish this jacket had vents, but overall I'm pretty satisfied.
I now have a Gore Active bike shell that I can use for temps down to 20 F (it is snug, lower than that I need more room for layering). The fabric is nice and *supposedly* Gore's most breathable hard shell, but maddeningly I cannot find published waterproofness/breathability information to back that up. In my own experience the breathability is pretty good and the waterproofness is very good; I therefore wish this jacket had vents, but overall I'm pretty satisfied.
__________________
Work is the curse of the drinking classes - Oscar Wilde
Work is the curse of the drinking classes - Oscar Wilde
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 5,974
Bikes: 2015 Charge Plug, 2007 Dahon Boardwalk, 1997 Nishiki Blazer, 1984 Nishiki International, 2006 Felt F65, 1989 Dahon Getaway V
Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1364 Post(s)
Liked 1,678 Times
in
827 Posts
I know that feeling of waiting for rain (or snow) to try out some new gear. As far as the venting, it sounds like it was well thought-out, unlike some of the venting on bikeforums.
#20
Banned
The SP jacket looks like a nice option, I have their pants and they have served me well..
I now have a Gore Active bike shell that I can use for temps down to 20 F (it is snug, lower than that I need more room for layering). The fabric is nice and *supposedly* Gore's most breathable hard shell, but maddeningly I cannot find published waterproofness/breathability information to back that up. In my own experience the breathability is pretty good and the waterproofness is very good; I therefore wish this jacket had vents, but overall I'm pretty satisfied.
I now have a Gore Active bike shell that I can use for temps down to 20 F (it is snug, lower than that I need more room for layering). The fabric is nice and *supposedly* Gore's most breathable hard shell, but maddeningly I cannot find published waterproofness/breathability information to back that up. In my own experience the breathability is pretty good and the waterproofness is very good; I therefore wish this jacket had vents, but overall I'm pretty satisfied.
Unfortunately, they lost a sale that way. Mind you, this was in a German sporting goods shop and they were quite frustrated as well and were considering reducing their floorspace as they weren't selling as well as expected at a very high price point.
Anyway, I wonder if they do testing but don't release the info or just don't test at that level?
Would be interesting to know.
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: northern Deep South
Posts: 8,904
Bikes: Fuji Touring, Novara Randonee
Mentioned: 36 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2604 Post(s)
Liked 1,933 Times
in
1,213 Posts
The Transit is a bit heavier as a full three-layer jacket, which has a few implications. As noted, it doesn't pack too well. The fabric also isn't as breathable as some of the lightweight DWR jackets, though this is mitigated by long life (I've been commuting in mine for 4-5 winters, IIRC). It's got good vents, which helps in warmer (i.e., 45-55F) weather, and the neck and sleeves are comfortable against bare skin.
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: northern Deep South
Posts: 8,904
Bikes: Fuji Touring, Novara Randonee
Mentioned: 36 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2604 Post(s)
Liked 1,933 Times
in
1,213 Posts
I now have a Gore Active bike shell that I can use for temps down to 20 F (it is snug, lower than that I need more room for layering). The fabric is nice and *supposedly* Gore's most breathable hard shell, but maddeningly I cannot find published waterproofness/breathability information to back that up. In my own experience the breathability is pretty good and the waterproofness is very good; I therefore wish this jacket had vents, but overall I'm pretty satisfied.
For the record, I think the best bike frame material is the one a knowledgeable and skilled designer uses to make a great bike.
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2014
Location: USA
Posts: 1,823
Bikes: 1996 Trek 970 ZX Single Track 2x11
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 614 Post(s)
Liked 565 Times
in
429 Posts
Good choice.
Did a Showers Pass Transit jacket, a few years back. Great investment. Wonderfully long pit zips, back vent, tall neck area, very waterproof. Wish it could be a tad lighter/thinner and more breathable, but then I've yet to get soaked while wearing the thing ... and that's far more than I can say about any other "waterproof" clothing I have ever owned.
Nice gear.
I'll bet that the Elite jacket is pretty sweet.
Did a Showers Pass Transit jacket, a few years back. Great investment. Wonderfully long pit zips, back vent, tall neck area, very waterproof. Wish it could be a tad lighter/thinner and more breathable, but then I've yet to get soaked while wearing the thing ... and that's far more than I can say about any other "waterproof" clothing I have ever owned.
Nice gear.
I'll bet that the Elite jacket is pretty sweet.
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Boston
Posts: 927
Bikes: Death machines all
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 297 Post(s)
Liked 86 Times
in
63 Posts
Crotchety is fine if you are nearing or have reached retirement age, so I am approaching full swing on that score.
Although irritated by the absence of lab test information on Gore fabrics in general, I can offer a more detailed opinion about the Goretex Active material/jacket than my earlier post provided, all based on my own experience with a variety of fabrics while biking, hiking and skiing off the grid. I sweat pretty hard,so I'm particularly critical about fabric breathability.
My Gore "Active" Scorecard:
Although irritated by the absence of lab test information on Gore fabrics in general, I can offer a more detailed opinion about the Goretex Active material/jacket than my earlier post provided, all based on my own experience with a variety of fabrics while biking, hiking and skiing off the grid. I sweat pretty hard,so I'm particularly critical about fabric breathability.
My Gore "Active" Scorecard:
- Waterproofness: "Excellent", a good as Goretex Pac-Lite and Pro Shell, far better than any softshell
- Breathability: "Quite Good", better than Pro Shell, Pac-Lite, Schoeller C-Change, Marmot Precip. Not as good as Schoeller softshell (which is hard to beat)
- Packability: "Very Good", as good as Pac-Lite, not as packable as Precip
- Abrasion Resistance/Durability: "Quite Good", not as good as Pro Shell, as good as my Shower's Pass pant material, much better than Precip. I took a hard fall on pavement and the material was roughed up but did not tear.
- Flexibilty/Feel: "Excellent", better than any other hardshell I've tried, and almost softshell-like
Excuse me if I start sounding crotchety, but this kind of focus on the breathability of a jacket's fabric reminds me of the endless debate on which material makes a better bicycle. After a manufacturer gets through waving a material specification around, there's still the matter of designing and building the darn thing. Some jackets feel like sheets of rubber, or plastic wrap, against your body. In a cool (not cold) light shower, the rider gets to choose whether they're going to get soaked from rain or from sweat. Euch. Some manufacturers take a nice fabric, add thoughtful features like two-way zippers, adjustable sleeve cuffs, pit vents, etc., and make a jacket that's comfortable to wear and which seems to minimize rider dampness at the end of the ride. Or perhaps the design goal is something that will block the wind on a brisk ride in low humidity to prevent evaporative cooling leading to hypothermia. It seems difficult to meet both design goals with a single jacket, unfortunately.
For the record, I think the best bike frame material is the one a knowledgeable and skilled designer uses to make a great bike.
For the record, I think the best bike frame material is the one a knowledgeable and skilled designer uses to make a great bike.
__________________
Work is the curse of the drinking classes - Oscar Wilde
Work is the curse of the drinking classes - Oscar Wilde
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Western, MA
Posts: 323
Bikes: 2016 Felt Z85 105, 2016 GT Grade Sora
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 117 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
in my case, I used the two pack nikwax - the tech wash and the DWR wash in product. I have used the spray on dwr restorer but it didn't work as well. The results were dramatic. Water beads up and rolls off as it did when new. I cant speak to the durability of this as I just did this three weeks ago, but in the 8 times its rained since, I've been very impressed with my rain gear. I recommend giving it a shot if you feel so inclined.
additionally, I wanted to get some rain pants and couldn't ever find any good reviews on here. Us commuters are a stubborn bunch to some degree and people have come up with all types of strategies on mitigating getting their legs wet or why getting their legs soaked is ok. Anyone have any insight into a good pair of pants that will keep your legs dry, but that dont make you look like an astronaut or some type of safety worker and wont break the bank? I'm not averse to spending up to $100 USD but not without some information first.