User submitted reviews
Review by AnonymousGreat for cold weatherby AnonymousGreat shell for cold weather riding.
Reviewed 12/7/2020Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Anonymous was helpful/No, review by Anonymous was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Great shell for cold weather riding.
Review by WilhelmCostly but effectiveby WilhelmCycling EnthusiastMontana1 of 3 customers found this review helpful.Well-constructed with tight stitching, wind-resistant, relatively light and compressible, somewhat tightrestrictive in the chest area, price is only major negative the mark-up must be extraordinary for an item made with cheap Chinese labor!
Reviewed 7/14/2017Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Wilhelm was helpful/No, review by Wilhelm was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Well-constructed with tight stitching, wind-resistant, relatively light and compressible, somewhat tightrestrictive in the chest area, price is only major negative the mark-up must be extraordinary for an item made with cheap Chinese labor!
Review by TerryExcellent hard shell against tough weatherby TerryDaily CommuterMN - MINNESOTAFirst time using the jacket was a 37 degree ride in raincorn snow for 68 miles in northern Minnesota. Cold, but survived 6 hours.
Reviewed 6/2/2017Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Terry was helpful/No, review by Terry was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
First time using the jacket was a 37 degree ride in raincorn snow for 68 miles in northern Minnesota. Cold, but survived 6 hours.
Review by BigBikeXXL Fitsby BigBikePortland, OR6'-4, 230 lbs. Room for layers underneath.
Would love to know why zipper is backwards from typical male coats.
Zipper pulls could be larger.
Reviewed 7/4/2020Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by BigBike was helpful/No, review by BigBike was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
6'-4, 230 lbs. Room for layers underneath.
Would love to know why zipper is backwards from typical male coats.
Zipper pulls could be larger.
Review by Starth15Serious cyclistby Starth15Cycling EnthusiastDavison, MI1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.I've been cycling since March 2011 as my main transportation. First cycling jacket I purchased was the Netti D4 that was waterproof for a few months and excellent for single digit temperatures. Like I said for a few months it was waterproof and no longer is the insides of the jacket started to fall apart. Jackets Junk.
This Showers Pass Elite 2.1 Jacket I purchased so I have a waterproof upper body cover. From how the inside was designed I'm sure this will last as a true waterproof cycling jacket compared to the Netti D4 that falls apart on the inside. I like how much the wrist area can be velcroed tight or snugged. For the waist the left and right side can be tightened to make the bottom more snugged so less to no air flow throw the bottom of the jacket.
This jacket is much warmer then I imagined it would be which is a plus for when I try it out during winter use.
Reviewed 9/23/2013Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Starth15 was helpful/No, review by Starth15 was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I've been cycling since March 2011 as my main transportation. First cycling jacket I purchased was the Netti D4 that was waterproof for a few months and excellent for single digit temperatures. Like I said for a few months it was waterproof and no longer is the insides of the jacket started to fall apart. Jackets Junk.
This Showers Pass Elite 2.1 Jacket I purchased so I have a waterproof upper body cover. From how the inside was designed I'm sure this will last as a true waterproof cycling jacket compared to the Netti D4 that falls apart on the inside. I like how much the wrist area can be velcroed tight or snugged. For the waist the left and right side can be tightened to make the bottom more snugged so less to no air flow throw the bottom of the jacket.
This jacket is much warmer then I imagined it would be which is a plus for when I try it out during winter use.
Review by paulquick followup on my review.by paulCycling Enthusiastpdx2 of 2 customers found this review helpful.I did hear back from the folks at SP and they are pretty cool. They also offered to replace the coat if it did not meet my expectations. No questions asked. Nice. As Theo mentions they intended the reflector strips to be quite subdued so when you are off the bike you blend a bit better. Not a fail then. Apologies to them. Now given that personally I'm keeping my coat for the positives and I find the lack of reflective strips to not be a significant issue. YMMV. If you are a duskdawn commuter consider some more lights. Than again you likely are not wearing black so perhaps a non issue. Gotta rate again so I will add a star. Make it two. Fast response and offer to replace deserves credit.
Reviewed 1/23/2013Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by paul was helpful/No, review by paul was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I did hear back from the folks at SP and they are pretty cool. They also offered to replace the coat if it did not meet my expectations. No questions asked. Nice. As Theo mentions they intended the reflector strips to be quite subdued so when you are off the bike you blend a bit better. Not a fail then. Apologies to them. Now given that personally I'm keeping my coat for the positives and I find the lack of reflective strips to not be a significant issue. YMMV. If you are a duskdawn commuter consider some more lights. Than again you likely are not wearing black so perhaps a non issue. Gotta rate again so I will add a star. Make it two. Fast response and offer to replace deserves credit.
Review by Seattle NateBest jacket I've ownedby Seattle NateCycling EnthusiastSeattle WA1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.I have been an every-day cycle commuter for the past five years. I commute on my road bike, no fenders, and I live in Seattle so I deal with wet weather a lot. I had a Novara hard shell jacket that I bought at REI, but it had lost all semblance of rainproofiness. Seattle has a lot of hills, and I always seemed to steam up in my jacket on wet days riding up hills. I needed something waterproof and vented. From the reviews I have found online, this seemed the best. So far, so good. I still get a little damp heading uphill from sweat, but that is primary because I ride fast uphill with a backpack. This is much, much better than the rain jackets I have owned in the past.
Reviewed 8/9/2012Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Seattle Nate was helpful/No, review by Seattle Nate was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I have been an every-day cycle commuter for the past five years. I commute on my road bike, no fenders, and I live in Seattle so I deal with wet weather a lot. I had a Novara hard shell jacket that I bought at REI, but it had lost all semblance of rainproofiness. Seattle has a lot of hills, and I always seemed to steam up in my jacket on wet days riding up hills. I needed something waterproof and vented. From the reviews I have found online, this seemed the best. So far, so good. I still get a little damp heading uphill from sweat, but that is primary because I ride fast uphill with a backpack. This is much, much better than the rain jackets I have owned in the past.
Review by WillRide in comfortby WillCycling EnthusiastPittsfield, MAThe jacket accompanied me on a bike ride of the Natchez Trace from Tennessee to Mississippi. We went through some rough storms but through all the rain I stayed dry and comfortable inside. There was great ventilation while peddling. Riders in nylon rain jackets were as wet inside as the rain was outside. The only thing I felt should have come with the jacket was a detachable hood.
Reviewed 4/19/2012Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Will was helpful/No, review by Will was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
The jacket accompanied me on a bike ride of the Natchez Trace from Tennessee to Mississippi. We went through some rough storms but through all the rain I stayed dry and comfortable inside. There was great ventilation while peddling. Riders in nylon rain jackets were as wet inside as the rain was outside. The only thing I felt should have come with the jacket was a detachable hood.
Review by SiobhanachuDurable, light and reflective...oh yeah, and WATER RESISTANT!by SiobhanachuCycling EnthusiastPortland, OrI bought this hoping for three major things staying dry, being visable and durability. I got that and more! I love this jacket and plan on buying the hood to take it camping. It packs nicely and I wear it at night even if it's not raining. It fits me 5'1, lady 125 lbs. Bought a size small and the only thing that doesn't fit perfectly is to be expected as I have a giant headneck so zipping up the collar is comfortable albeit snug.
Reviewed 4/19/2012Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Siobhanachu was helpful/No, review by Siobhanachu was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I bought this hoping for three major things staying dry, being visable and durability. I got that and more! I love this jacket and plan on buying the hood to take it camping. It packs nicely and I wear it at night even if it's not raining. It fits me 5'1, lady 125 lbs. Bought a size small and the only thing that doesn't fit perfectly is to be expected as I have a giant headneck so zipping up the collar is comfortable albeit snug.
Review by WWDefyExceptional shell for the wind and wet! by WWDefyCycling EnthusiastWalla Walla, WA0 of 2 customers found this review helpful.This is my road cycling shell from the mid-30's thru the upper 40's. Love the pit vent and long back to keep me dry.
Reviewed 2/13/2012Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by WWDefy was helpful/No, review by WWDefy was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
This is my road cycling shell from the mid-30's thru the upper 40's. Love the pit vent and long back to keep me dry.
Review by Sequim SyclerGreat jacket for the ever changing weather in in Pacific Northwest.by Sequim SyclerCycling EnthusiastSequim, WA5 of 5 customers found this review helpful.I live on the Olympic Pennisula of Washington State, and I cycle year round. This jacket has been the perfect addition to my cycling gear. Encountering cold weather, rain, and wind, this jacket has made my rides more bearable, and comfortable. Have not found anything yet I don't like.
Reviewed 1/27/2012Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Sequim Sycler was helpful/No, review by Sequim Sycler was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I live on the Olympic Pennisula of Washington State, and I cycle year round. This jacket has been the perfect addition to my cycling gear. Encountering cold weather, rain, and wind, this jacket has made my rides more bearable, and comfortable. Have not found anything yet I don't like.
Review by Anonymous100 percent satisfied with my purchase of this jacket. by AnonymousCycling Enthusiastphiladelphia1 of 2 customers found this review helpful.Vents provides breathability.
Superior craftsmanship.
Very light.
Reviewed 1/19/2012Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Anonymous was helpful/No, review by Anonymous was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Vents provides breathability.
Superior craftsmanship.
Very light.
Review by OldMarineOn the pricey side. But exceptional performance.by OldMarineCycling EnthusiastOahu. Hawaii5 of 5 customers found this review helpful.I use this jacket in rain or when it is on the chiily side (which happens rarely here in Hawaii). I have the hood also and leave it on the jacket (except I remove it when riding my roadbike because it inpedes view to the rear somewhat). I have tried a number of breathable rainjacketsraincoats and was disappointed in them all. This jacket is not perfect (it still gets sweaty in there when temperatures are warmer and relative humidity is high). These are the most difficult conditions for any breathable jacket (including the Elite 2.0), but this jacket does much better than anything else I've tried. Not only does it breathwick very well, it also has an EXCELLENT venting system consisting of a front zipper, pit zips, a vent across the shoulders in the back, and large cuffs which will let a lot of air into the jacket if they are open wide and the wrists are in a favorable posiion. (The cuff openings are a little stiff-which is good-but it would be even better if there was a built-in device of some sort for holding the cuffs fully open in a circular shape if the rider so desired.
Reviewed 11/4/2010Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by OldMarine was helpful/No, review by OldMarine was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I use this jacket in rain or when it is on the chiily side (which happens rarely here in Hawaii). I have the hood also and leave it on the jacket (except I remove it when riding my roadbike because it inpedes view to the rear somewhat). I have tried a number of breathable rainjacketsraincoats and was disappointed in them all. This jacket is not perfect (it still gets sweaty in there when temperatures are warmer and relative humidity is high). These are the most difficult conditions for any breathable jacket (including the Elite 2.0), but this jacket does much better than anything else I've tried. Not only does it breathwick very well, it also has an EXCELLENT venting system consisting of a front zipper, pit zips, a vent across the shoulders in the back, and large cuffs which will let a lot of air into the jacket if they are open wide and the wrists are in a favorable posiion. (The cuff openings are a little stiff-which is good-but it would be even better if there was a built-in device of some sort for holding the cuffs fully open in a circular shape if the rider so desired.
Review by somabillGreat companyby somabillCycling EnthusiastArizonaThis 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.
Reviewed 1/5/2024Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by somabill was helpful/No, review by somabill was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
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.
Review by epbobAlmost Perfectby epbobCycling EnthusiastEl Paso, TX3 of 3 customers found this review helpful.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.
Reviewed 4/9/2023Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by epbob was helpful/No, review by epbob was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
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.
Review by StaciaStill waterproof after all these years...by Stacia (WesternBikeworks.com Staff)Cycling EnthusiastPortland, OR28 of 28 customers found this review helpful.I have owned the Elite 2.0 jacket since 2008 (I think) and have worn it pretty much daily for winter commuting for most of those years. Except for dirt stains on the yellow fabric, it still looks brand new - ZERO loose threads, worn fabric, anything. On a long bike tour a few years ago, I brought another Showers Pass jacket (the Century, maybe? - trying to save weight) and loaned my Elite 2.0 to my riding partner. By the end of my three-month tour, the lighter jacket was destroyed - no longer waterproof, with the fabric layers peeling apart, the pit zippers stuck. The Elite 2.0 was still kicking, and continues to keep me totally dry and comfortable in all kinds of weather.
I am a woman, but have the men's cut of this jacket. It fits fine and I can fit it over another jacket or sweater easily. I do find that it's cut a little too short in the front, but the long back hem is awesome. It's possible this is improved in the new 2.1 cut, which I haven't tried.
My only caveat is the cuff fabric. It soaks up water like crazy and takes a loooong time to dry. Why Showers Pass didn't make the cuffs out of the same awesome eVent fabric that the rest of the jacket is made of, I will never understand.
Reviewed 9/23/2013Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Stacia was helpful/No, review by Stacia was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I have owned the Elite 2.0 jacket since 2008 (I think) and have worn it pretty much daily for winter commuting for most of those years. Except for dirt stains on the yellow fabric, it still looks brand new - ZERO loose threads, worn fabric, anything. On a long bike tour a few years ago, I brought another Showers Pass jacket (the Century, maybe? - trying to save weight) and loaned my Elite 2.0 to my riding partner. By the end of my three-month tour, the lighter jacket was destroyed - no longer waterproof, with the fabric layers peeling apart, the pit zippers stuck. The Elite 2.0 was still kicking, and continues to keep me totally dry and comfortable in all kinds of weather.
I am a woman, but have the men's cut of this jacket. It fits fine and I can fit it over another jacket or sweater easily. I do find that it's cut a little too short in the front, but the long back hem is awesome. It's possible this is improved in the new 2.1 cut, which I haven't tried.
My only caveat is the cuff fabric. It soaks up water like crazy and takes a loooong time to dry. Why Showers Pass didn't make the cuffs out of the same awesome eVent fabric that the rest of the jacket is made of, I will never understand.
Review by JayWorth the extra dollarsby Jay (WesternBikeworks.com Staff)Cycling Enthusiastpdx23 of 23 customers found this review helpful.I've been using the Shower's Pass Century jacket for the past couple years. The jacket has held up well, fits well and keeps the rain out, but it really doesn't breath particularly well. After a hard workout in Portland drizzle, I'm almost as moist as if I hadn't been wearing a jacket.
So this season, I decided to break down and spend the extra money on the Elite 2.0 jacket. Wow, what a difference. This jacket keeps me warm and dry without feeling like I'm wearing a plastic bag. Extremely well made with lots of venting options and the fabric seems to breath surprisingly well. I also feel a bit safer riding in the dark with the reflective stripes on the back and sleeves. Highly recommended.
Reviewed 1/11/2012Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Jay was helpful/No, review by Jay was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I've been using the Shower's Pass Century jacket for the past couple years. The jacket has held up well, fits well and keeps the rain out, but it really doesn't breath particularly well. After a hard workout in Portland drizzle, I'm almost as moist as if I hadn't been wearing a jacket.
So this season, I decided to break down and spend the extra money on the Elite 2.0 jacket. Wow, what a difference. This jacket keeps me warm and dry without feeling like I'm wearing a plastic bag. Extremely well made with lots of venting options and the fabric seems to breath surprisingly well. I also feel a bit safer riding in the dark with the reflective stripes on the back and sleeves. Highly recommended.
Review by Andrew S.A great Jacket for the wet PNW. by Andrew S. (WesternBikeworks.com Staff)Cycling EnthusiastPortland, OR.32 of 43 customers found this review helpful.I love my Elite 2.0! I mostly commute but If it looks like I'm going to brave the downpour to get a great rain ride in, this is what I'll be wearing. Excellent waterproof quality, without over heating, or becoming drenched in my own sweat. If you need a top of the line do all waterproof jacket, this is it!
Reviewed 10/30/2009Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Andrew S. was helpful/No, review by Andrew S. was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I love my Elite 2.0! I mostly commute but If it looks like I'm going to brave the downpour to get a great rain ride in, this is what I'll be wearing. Excellent waterproof quality, without over heating, or becoming drenched in my own sweat. If you need a top of the line do all waterproof jacket, this is it!
Review by JRinTXGreat rain jacketby JRinTXCycling EnthusiastCleburne, TX7 of 7 customers found this review helpful.I bought this rain jacket in anticipation of encountering rain on RAGBRAI this year. I knew from weather patterns in Iowa that there would be a great chance this jacket would come in handy. Guess what, on Friday of RAGBRAI we had a big storm come through and we got to ride in very heavy rain. This jacket stopped the rain very well and I found it much more comfortable than typical cheap rain jackets. The breathable material worked great and the two vents under the arms worked great
I had a great ride in the rain that day while others thought they encountered their worst day ever. Based on that difference of opinion, I'd say the Showers Pass jacket is well worth the money.
Reviewed 8/29/2014Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by JRinTX was helpful/No, review by JRinTX was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I bought this rain jacket in anticipation of encountering rain on RAGBRAI this year. I knew from weather patterns in Iowa that there would be a great chance this jacket would come in handy. Guess what, on Friday of RAGBRAI we had a big storm come through and we got to ride in very heavy rain. This jacket stopped the rain very well and I found it much more comfortable than typical cheap rain jackets. The breathable material worked great and the two vents under the arms worked great
I had a great ride in the rain that day while others thought they encountered their worst day ever. Based on that difference of opinion, I'd say the Showers Pass jacket is well worth the money.
Review by WICrazyGuyOnABikeDurable rain jacket that doubles as a cold weather wind breakerby WICrazyGuyOnABikeCycling EnthusiastEast Central Wisconsin3 of 3 customers found this review helpful.Long Torso 6'1" 200 lbs - bought size XL for ability to layer extensively for use in long rides down into the 30s. Besides terrific moisture resistance, this works as an exceptional wind breaker in cold weather when properly mated with underlying layers, with much more comfort than riding in a parka. Lightweight, and rolls up fairly compactly for space saving on long distance trips or bike trunk storage. I particularly like the adjustable cuffs to close tight on my riding winter gloves. Durable - my 2018 model is still working great after many rides.
Reviewed 6/4/2021Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by WICrazyGuyOnABike was helpful/No, review by WICrazyGuyOnABike was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Long Torso 6'1" 200 lbs - bought size XL for ability to layer extensively for use in long rides down into the 30s. Besides terrific moisture resistance, this works as an exceptional wind breaker in cold weather when properly mated with underlying layers, with much more comfort than riding in a parka. Lightweight, and rolls up fairly compactly for space saving on long distance trips or bike trunk storage. I particularly like the adjustable cuffs to close tight on my riding winter gloves. Durable - my 2018 model is still working great after many rides.
Thanks for the update. We're glad to hear that things have worked out and that you had a good experience with Showers Pass. We've found them to be great about warranty issues as well as repairs.
The subdued reflective strips on the black jacket are certainly a plus for some, but we agree that riders who are looking to increase visibility in darker conditions should not rely solely on this jacket for visibility. Red rear lights are great for being seen (and, in Oregon, for example, a legal requirement). One might also consider one of the other colors of the Elite 2.1 Jacket if visibility is a primary requirement.
Thanks
Theo
Customer Service