Price: $339
Sizes: S – 3XL (women’s also available in XS)
Fit: Regular
Colors: Cayenne, Goldenrod, Pacific Blue
Waterproof: Yes
Pockets: Chest pocket and large back pocket
Packable: Packs into rear pocket
Hood: Compatible with Gen III accessory hood, only available in black
Availability: Retail and Online
How Obtained: Company Sample
RBR Advertiser: No
Flagship Jacket Receives an Update
The Elite III jacket, available in both men’s and women’s versions, recently received a significant update. Known as Showers Pass’s flagship cycling jacket launched in 1997, the Elite III retains the classic fit and heritage styling while introducing several improvements to enhance a cyclist’s comfort and performance.
What’s New with the Elite III Jacket?
Showers Pass uses Porlite waterproof-breathable technology for its Elite III jacket, a high-performance microporous membrane technology made from polypropylene. According to the company, it is PFAS-free and requires less energy, water, and raw materials to produce than other membranes.
The Porlite membrane is lighter and more sustainable. Thus reducing the jacket’s weight by over an ounce, making it more comfortable for long rides. Regarding sustainability, the face fabric and lining are now made from nylon thread made 100% from recycled materials.
The company changed the back pocket zipper to non-waterproof to make accessing and storing items easier. Note that the flap covering the zipper makes the pocket weatherproof ― not waterproof.
The addition of a sternum snap is a great way to let the rider partially or fully unzip for ventilation but still hold the jacket closed. Its new snap helps prevent the jacket from billowing and flapping in the wind. Then, when ready to zip back up, the snap makes the task easier.
An optional $35 black Gen III rain hood is available for the Elite III jacket. It connects to the back of the jacket’s neckline with hook and loop fasteners and is a cleaner design than previous versions.
What Features Did They Retain?
First and foremost, the classic fit of the Elite jacket has not changed. It is still designed for cycling when unrestricted movement is key. Other features include a longer sleeve length, wide cuff, and drop rear hem to keep the rain out. A zippered chest pocket is perfect for easy access to your cell phone. All the zippers use an ample pull cord, making it easy to zip/unzip with one hand, even when wearing gloves.
Core zipper vents and a large back mesh vent create flow-thru ventilation to help regulate a rider’s temperature and humidity. I prefer the design of the core vents on some of the other Showers Pass jackets, where mesh prevents the vent from being a gaping opening. However, without the mesh, you can open them to access your jersey pockets.
When not wearing the jacket, it packs into its rear pocket for convenience. The shape of the pocket allows it to lie flat, making it easier to stow in a bike bag or against the body. Inside the pocket are two webbing loops, which can be used to attach the pack to the bike’s handlebars using straps or carabiners.
Since the Elite III is used during inclement weather and reduced visibility, the jacket boasts 360 degrees of 3M reflective materials to enhance the rider’s safety.
Bottom Line
The newest version of Shower Pass’ flagship jacket combines sustainability, performance, and classic design. The Elite III is an excellent choice if you’re looking for cycling gear that is reliable and durable. With loads of cycling-specific features, you can’t go wrong with the brand synonymous with quality inclement weather gear.
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.
$339 is just way to much to pay; I’m still using my old Showers Pass Elite jacket I bought over 10 years ago and paid $110. Can’t see that the new version has enhancements worth 3 times what I paid for the original Elite rain jacket.