Showers Pass

I specifically bought this rain jacket for my 500 mile bike ride on the Camino de Santiago, Frances Route, in mid-spring though northern Spain. It worked well through the cold, rain, hail, wind and a combination of all the above. With a tee shirt and a medium thick merino wool base layer, I never felt any biting cold on my arms or chest. I also used a merino buff to cover my face when the cold wind whipped up. I can easily recommend this jacket for cycling in rain and 30F to 60F temperature range.

This jacket is extremely versatile. Blocks the wind completely, yet breathes while you're exerting yourself fully. Waterproof. Fits is a little roomy so that many layers can be worn in extreme cold. Very well constructed. All zippers and velcro very durable. Nice high collar to keep neck warm. Plenty of pockets for keys, phone, nutrition. Back of jacket hangs low enough to defend against wheels spray. Purchased on sale as Bike Tires Direct offers. Great service and communication with BTD.

This may not be okay, but here goes. I bought a Showers Pass Elite jacket in 1996, and it has been in use since. Two years ago, the pit zippers on both sides became unbonded, making them ineffective. I contacted Showers Pass about a repair on my then-26-year-old jacket, and they said to send it back to them along with prepaid postage, and they'd look at it. About two weeks later, Showers Pass returned it fully repaired with stitching and new waterproofing. Best customer service ever on a great product.

I bought this jacket to take on a cycling trip to New Zealand's south island last month. Was traveling fairly light so I intended to use this a general purpose jacket off the bike as well. It worked great on the bike, kept me dry and warm. When it got a little warm, the pit zips provided enough air to cool things down. At 5'10" & 165#, I ordered a size L to allow a little layering. Good thing I did, it fit a little tighter than I expected but fit well while wearing a jersey with base layer underneath and had enough room for a light fleece when I was off the bike, although it was a little short to cover the waste in front. While wearing it off the bike, I kept searching for a place to put my hands when it got a little cool but no hand pockets. I know, it's a cycling jacket but my older REI Novara jacket, that I ahem outgrew, had them. The quality of the material and construction is top notch. I also got the optional hood which worked OK but it would separate from the velcro attaching points easier than I liked when I wasn't using it. The chest pocket is big enough to hold my phone and the rear pouch stored held my route maps and brochures easily and is big enough for a pair of full finger gloves.