User submitted reviews
Review by Jim
6' and 170lbs. Medium is a perfect fit.
First ride - nearly 3 hours in drizzling rain at 10deg Celsius, no sweating and perfectly dry.
It's often uncomfortable zipping a jacket collar right up, not this one. Perfect cut, comfortable collar.
Review by Anonymous
I purchased this jacket to replace an aging Novara jacket of similar style. The difference is that this jacket has the back vent by the shoulder blades. I found myself getting very hot in the Novara.
My initial take after several rides is that it's colder than my Novara. It's not quite as windproof, probably because of the back vent. Still, it will serve me well when it's not as cold. It's nice and lightweight compared to the Novara.
I wished I had known about the Refuge jacket when I bought this. I probably still would have gotten this one, but it would have been nice to have had the ability to ab them. The sister store of BTD, Western Bikeworks, recently opened and has the full array of Showers Pass gear.
It's reasonably water resistant. I rode today Dec. 8 2015 in one of these raining sideways days, and it kept me dry for awhile. It's always hard to know whether it's the rain or your sweat that's getting you wet. BUT, I had my cell phone in the chest pocket and it got wet enough to cause water damage to the phone. The interior of the pocket was pretty damp. So while the pockets are water resistant, I wouldn't trust sensitive electronics underneath this shell.
Review by Anonymous
Use on my daily rides in cool or cold weather. It has adequate ventilation especially on my back that was hard to find. I like the longer sleeves with the strap closure instead of elastic. Pockets are in right places. Overall well made and of good quality which makes for a good feel as well as good looks.
Review by Anonymous
I use the jacket when it rains.
Review by SeattleCyclist
Terrific all-purpose rain jacket. Collar is perfect, just the right balance between snug and comfortable, and water never gets in. Great fabric, cut, zipper placement, breathability, and venting options for changing weather. The sleeves occasionally get waterlogged (not leaky, but heavy) and need a coat of revive-x to start shedding water, but that's pretty standard for Gore-Tex-like fabrics.
Review by Tom / Naples
After seven cross-country runs this is still the go-to rain gear. Other truly breathable jackets are waterproof in any condition except rain. At 5'10 and 190 I like the large for layering when necessary. The material refreshes in the dryer and my yellow is still fine after 8 years so I got a blue one anyway. No such thing as too much good stuff.
Tom J
Naples, Florida
Review by Colnago C40
I got tired of borrowing my friends jacket, so when the chance came up to buy the same jacket at the best price I could find, I snapped it up. There is nothing better on a wet day than cycling dry.
Review by Dork
This is a pretty good value but I waited until it was on sale at which point I felt it was a totally good value.
Jumping the gun perhaps as I haven't worn this in a heavy rain storm yet but the quality is excellent. If I could do it over I would buy a size up from my normal size just for a little more room and coverage (I am 6'2 with a long torso so XL instead of L). No need for a super tight race fit because the material is rigid enough that it won't flap in the wind. Bought the hood separately and am a little disappointed that it doesn't mesh better with the jacket. It fits and looks like an add-on and could at least 'look' a little more integrated.
Review by Maven
I wish to add that the Showers Pass Men's Elite 2.1 Jacket DOES have a zippered rear pocket, which will help keep the elements away from you and your gear. I've therefore upgraded my review to 5 Stars for the product, and 4 Stars for value (price varies; shop carefully for sales).
Review by Ken W
After about two months of daily commuting, 30 minutes daily, this jacket has yet to let me down. It has kept me dry, fits well and breathes pretty well. My arms do feel sweaty at times, especially when wearing a thick long sleeve shirt underneath. It works great for running and skiing. I have worn it on long rainy rides and I felt very comfortable. The pit zips are nice but I dont think they do that much to help with the sweaty feeling in the arms. The pocket quantity and placement are perfect. I like to keep my cell phone in the front pocket for quick access. I really like the discounts from BTD for returning customers. BTD is also really great when returning items. I sent a jacket back that was the wrong size and a week later the credit was already returned to my bank account.I am 6'1" 200 lbs and the large fits very well. Medium was too small.
Review by Jim
I am a commuter who puts on about 2500 miles a year riding to work. The jacket was on a good sale and my previous rain jacket that was 15 years old was leaking so I figured I would try this one. It is about 3 years old and is already leaking. Of course it is just beyond the warranty. Disappointing considering it was not cheap.
Review by tarwheel
Very impressed with my Showers Pass Elite 2.1 jacket so far. Ventilation is excellent, which is the most important feature in a rain jacket for me. Lots of reflective items and bright yellow color are nice safety features, although I personally would prefer neon yellow for even more visibility. Nice pocket in the front. I am actually wearing this as a my everyday rain jacket, not just for cycling, and was surprised to get some compliments on its appearance from non-cyclists.
Sizing was a little tough for me, as I seem to fall between a Medium and Large with Showers Pass sizing. I initially ordered a medium based on the SP size guidelines, but it felt too small. The large is a little too roomy, but that is better than being too small. The large actually fits perfect when worn over street clothes, but is a little bag when worn over a cycling jersey and/or base layer. The jacket is shorter than expected in the front with both sizes, but I think it is purposely cut that way so it doesn't bunch up when leaning forward on a bike.
Review by Northwester
I have used this jacket in a few downpour start to finish rides and love it. Nice and light,No flapping etc...works great! I have no issues at all with Zippers and it appears to be of good quality. Very happy with the blue colour. Size is M and I am 5'6, seems to fit well, just a touch long on the arms but no real issue there. Seems to breath well, with zippers in the armpit region. Nice setup for a headphone jack in the breast pocket (I don't use a lot, but did once). Has reflective material on it in back and front. I was considering the MEC Derencho and compared the weight and colors and think this jacket was far superior. All in all good value. I live in the Northwest and wanted a jacket from a company that is based in the Northwest, that understands our weather. Thanks!
Review by Anonymous
lightweight sprint rain jacket, perfect for biking in PDX spring showers. Quality materials, easily packed into a bag when the sun comes out. Bright high visibility colors and tape make you easy to spot when visibility is low.
Review by Lunchrider
Does a great job of keeping you dry, I miss the two way zipper of the old style but use this jacket when its raining
Review by NW BG
Very light weight, easy to store and use as needed.
'Elite' means the fit is for buff riders, so over size by one if needing to layer, over size by two if carrying a spare through the middle.
This jacket will save some $ by extending the riding season.
Review by Robert
Great in the rain
Review by Mike
I was looking for a rain jacket that I could use for cycling in bad weather, either by choice or by circumstance. I often ride my bike to and from work, and tend to watch the weather closely so that I do not ride to work in the rain. But will ride to work knowing that the ride home might be a wet one. Its okay to arrive home a little bit wet and cold, because there is always a dry towel and change of clothes. But its not the kind of chance one would take going into the start of a work day. And I will go out for a ride on a bone work day as long as its above 30degrees and not falling. So I needed a jacket for that. And most cycling gear is made for slim people. And Im not slim. I wanted a jacket with a double zipper. So I could unzip the bottom and reach into a pocket. And I wanted a jacket that I could keep in my truck for when I was caught out unprepared. And a jacket that could help automobile drivers see me in low light so that I didnt get crushed. And eventually I found this jacket from Shower Pass. I love this jacket. It comes in XXL, and it fits over several layers of riding gear. Vents that zip open when you start to get too warm, chest pocket for stuff. And Velcro at the cuffs. Long tail to shed the rain water, so it doesnt run down your backside and into your shorts. I bought a second one to keep in my truck.
Review by Anonymous
I just replaced my old Showers Pass Elite. My first one last 12 year of daily commuting 6 months of the year plus road rides in the Pacific Northwest. I consider it a bomb proof jacket and though the zipper did finally wear out 12 years is a great life span for such heavy use and why I replaced it with the same.. With pit zips, the elite has a wide temp range, rarely needing more than a vest for mid-winter commutes and unzip for fall and spring. I also finally splurged on the Showers Pass Spring Classic jacket for the road rides as it is much more trim and fits easily in a pocket to carry...but not the jacket for a commute.
Review by Anonymous
This is not just a rain jacket, I have used this jacket in the snow to provide a most excellent wind breaker. I love the fact that it is bright yellow. Hopefully, those distracted drivers will see me!!