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.
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!
I bought this after a lot of reserach. The biggest challenege was getting reliable sizing info, especially since I had no choice but to buy it online as none of the local stores either carried it or had the right size. According to the sizing chart I should have been a medium (based on chest measurement), which is what I ordered. It was definitely a little tight in the chest but way too short in the arms so I sent it back for a large. The large was a much better fit across the chest (if a little loose) and the arms are marginal, but acceptbale. I am tall with relatively long arms so I do sometimes find it difficult to find clothes that fit well. However, given the specific purpose of the jacket (cycling) the arms should be a little longer. I also ended up contacting Showers Pass directly to discuss their sizing, which varies by jacket type. If the elite 2.1 in a large fits you there is a very low likelihood that the sizing will apply to other Showers Pass jackets. As an aside their rain pants are too short for me by a couple of inches (I have 32 waist and 34 inseam) - very frustrating.
Aside from the sizing the jacket is very light, has proven to be waterproof (and mostly breathable but it can get moist under heavy efforts). It does provide wind protection but is not a wind barrier. Love the layout and pockets - well thought out. Great ventilation.
Highly recommended, even at the price.
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).
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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!!
This is my second Showers Pass jacket. My Transit jacket lasted about three years and I only paid less than half the price. For the price it should last at least 10 years. Not too confident, however, I will see.
Apparently, you are supposed to wash them 'regularly'. I am not sure how often that is, I know every other jacket has failed to be waterproof after washing despite following the manufacturer's directions.
I live in the Washington Cascades and use wear this jacket for by rainy day rides. It does an excellent job keeping me dry but do get some internal condensation after a long ride.
Showers Pass Elite 2.1 jacket is what I use and like best. The underarm ventilation zippers make a big difference. Just wish for a more traditional 3 back pockets, the zippered back pocket is not very practical. Dealing with it while riding is difficult.
Great in the rain
This is a great jacket with plenty of room for layering. Only (minor) complaint I have is that Shower's Pass jacket sleeves tend to run on the long side and bunch up near the wrist. Or maybe my arms are just short...
Roomy enough for layering, vents for temperature regulation.
I bought this to replace an old REI rain jacket that wore out. The Elite 2.1 is kind of expensive, but it is very nice. It seems well-made. I expect it to last a while. I like the more snug fit, but I can still wear it over a sweatshirt without problem. My use is primarily for commuting, but I'll take this out on other rainy rides as well. I'm 5'11, 175 lbs.
Breathes with out the draft. Wear it down into the upper teens. Little pricey but works great
I live in the Pacific Northwest where rain and wind are constant riding companions. This is, quite simply, the best cycling rain jacket I have ever owned.
