Showers Pass NEW Century Jacket – Quick Review
Showers Pass Century Jacket – Men’s | Women’s
Price: $219
Sizes: Small to 3XL
Fit Type: Regular cycling
Colors: Leaf Green, Firecracker
Weight: 250 grams (medium)
Fabric: Artex Gold Ultra
Venting: Yes, two core vents and a large back vent for flow-through ventilation
Waterproof Rating: 25,000mm
Breathability: 25,000 gsm/day
Visibility Elements: Yes; Scotchlite reflective trim for 360-degree visibility
Packable: Yes
Taped Seams: Yes
Hood: Optional, Gen III hood only available in black – $28
Availability: Online and Retail
How Obtained: Company sample
RBR Advertiser: No
Iconic Century Jacket: A Complete Technical and Fabric Overhaul
In May, Showers Pass launched a complete technical and fabric overhaul of their Century jacket. The company’s iconic rain jacket, around for three decades, is specifically designed for cyclists, keeping riders covered even in the drops. The elongated sleeves keep arms and wrists covered even when riding in the drops. A shorter front hem prevents the jacket from bunching up, and a drop-tail rear hem protects the rider’s bottom from road spray.
New Artex Gold Ultra Fabric
The latest version of the Century jacket uses Showers Pass’ new Artex Gold Ultra 2.5-layer fabric. It is noticeably lighter, less bulky, and softer than previous versions. According to the company, the fabric is 2.5x more waterproof than previous generations, weighing in at only 250 grams for a size medium.
With less bulk, the jacket is packable and folds into the rear pocket. It’s a tight fit to stow the jacket in a rear jersey pocket, but you can easily secure it in a water bottle cage. The lightweight, packable design makes it perfect for taking on a ride when showers are in the forecast.
A waterproof chest pocket is perfect for storing your smartphone, and a large back pocket lets you stow car keys with zero worry.
Breathability and Comfort
While waterproof fabric isn’t the most breathable, the Century jacket offers plenty of venting to keep you dry from the inside. First, the cuffs use hook-and-loop closures, allowing you to adjust the fit around the wrist. Tightening keeps water out, while loosening the cuffs lets air flow up the arms and out through the back cape vent. Two large core vents also help circulate air to keep you cool. Finally, opening the full-length front zipper moves a lot of air over your body to keep you cool. Then snap the chest clip to prevent the jacket from flapping in the wind. For future iterations of the Century jacket, I’d suggest a two-way zipper for added ventilation options.
The new Artex Gold Ultra is soft to the touch and actually quieter than previous versions. No more crinkling and crunching noises while you ride. A soft collar lining feels nice against your skin. However, the lining absorbs perspiration and rainwater.
Bottom Line
The new Showers Pass Century jacket and Transit rain pants were two items I brought on my recent GAP and Mesabi Trail trips. Luckily, they never needed to come out of my gear bag, but I was glad to have them in case it started raining.
At only $219, the company’s improvements to its iconic Century jacket have made an already great jacket even better. Choose the men’s or women’s version in Leaf Green or Firecracker Red, with extended sizes from small to 3XL. This durable, packable jacket will give you years of wear and protection from the rain. The Showers Pass unconditional 2-year performance guarantee adds another layer of protection.
Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women’s cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri’s full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.