Hot
- Fully seam-taped 2.5-layer waterproof fabric, lightweight and packable rain jacket
- Fabric has stretch for more mobility on or off the bike
- Carbon-printed lining provides natural odor-resistance and drier next-to-skin feel
- Reinforced shoulders protect jacket fabric when wearing a backpack or hydration pack
- Side vents help with ventilation
- Removable zipper hood
- 360 degrees of 3M™ Scotchlite™ reflective piping for added visibility
- Inside chest pocket with audio port and two side zippered pockets
- Eco-friendly dyes used in the manufacturing process
- Versatile jacket for riding, commuting, hiking or running errands
Not
- Dark color not as visible on overcast rainy days
- Placement of core vent zippers a bit awkward. Kept thinking I was unzipping the pocket.
Price: $199 MSRP
Color: Titanium/Clay & Night Ride/Black (men’s): Night Ride/Mustard (women’s)
Sizes: S-2XL (men’s); S-XL (women’s)
Fit Style: Regular
Availability: Online, retail
How Obtained: Company Sample
RBR Advertiser: No
Showers Pass Element Jacket – Men’s & Women’s
Versatile, Lightweight, Packable and Waterproof Jacket
This October, Showers Pass launched their Elements jacket, just in time for fall trail riding. This jacket is available in both men’s and women’s versions and is perfect for protecting you from wind and rain. The jacket fabric has a bit of stretch for more mobility and is stylish enough to use off the bike for hiking or running errands.
As with all Showers Pass apparel I’ve tested, the Elements jacket did not disappoint. It is extremely well constructed, thoughtful details, comfortable and stylish. It’s lightweight and packable in a small backpack, frame bag or hip pack. I wasn’t able to fit it in a small jersey pocket, but the deeper ones it works when rolled tightly.
The fully seam-taped 2.5 layer fabric is waterproof, keeping you perfectly dry. The fabric also provides protection from the wind. One of my test rides was during a cold windy day with intermittent drizzle. I felt zero wind coming through the jacket, so I stayed warm and dry.
I used the side core vents to control body temperature. The vents have a mesh fabric backing which prevents them from gaping open. As on other Showers Pass jackets, I always struggle with the placement of the core vents. I think I’m unzipping the vent when I’m unzipping the pocket and vice versa. I understand that the placement of the vents were designed not to interfere with backpack straps, but I’d like to see a slight modification in future jackets.
Showers Pass touts this jacket as being breathable, but I did overheat on hilly section of my ride. Like any waterproof garment, it won’t be totally breathable. But this fabric was better than others I’ve tried. The Elements jacket has a carbon-printed lining that the company says will provide natural odor-resistance and drier next-to skin feel. When I did perspire during the climbs, the jacket was soaked from the inside. Removing it after the ride though, the inside was not wet like I’ve experienced with other rain jackets.
The construction of the jacket includes reinforced shoulders to protect from backpack or hydration pack straps rubbing. There are two outside zippered pockets and one inside pocket that includes an audio port. A removable hood comes with the jacket that attaches with a zipper and two Velcro tabs. The high collar keeps you dry and warm even without the hood. To keep the wind and rain out, the cuffs have Velcro tabs for a trim fit and easy on/off.
The “regular” fit of the jacket combines with the stretchy fabric to allow for layering underneath. The silhouette is one without any excess fabric, reducing the “parachute” look or flapping in the wind when cycling at higher speeds.
The women’s version comes in one color called Night Ride which is like a dark green/grey. The yellow front, vent and pocket zippers give it a nice pop of contrasting color. The men’s version comes in two colors. First in Night Ride, but with black zippers and Titanium with orange accent zippers.
All versions come with 360 degrees of 3M Scotchlite reflective piping for added visibility. This is key since the Night Ride color is dark and not very visible in low light settings. The dyes used in manufacturing the Elements jacket fabric are eco-friendly and the process helps to protect people and the environment from harmful chemicals.
Bottom Line
As with all Showers Pass apparel I’ve tested, the new Elements jacket had the same high quality and thoughtful features designed for a cyclist. This is the first waterproof jacket from the company that I’ve test which is truly packable. It’s great for trail rides, hiking or just running errands when you need protection from the cold and rain.
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.
I would never buy a jacket this color for riding in the rain. Insane!
Agree. It is too dangerous to wear while riding on roads in the rain. The Scotchlite trim alone is not enough especially if you use it on a dull rainy day and many drivers do not have their headlights on.