The Showers Pass brand is synonymous with high-quality waterproof outerwear. Recently the company launched several items to add to the company’s eco-friendly and sustainably manufactured apparel line. This includes the waterproof Timberline jacket and pant combo and the EcoLyte jacket. These items are part of Showers Pass’ Clean Color collection which the company states use eco-friendly dyes.
For optimum fit, all three items come in men’s and women’s versions. And you know what I like best? They are cross-over items, meaning you can wear them for a variety of activities, including biking, hiking, and cross-country skiing.
Timberline Jacket
Price: $225 ($168.75 on sale at the time of this review)
Sizes: S-3XL (women’s or men’s)
Color: Black, Fatigue Green, Cayenne
Fit: Full (perfect for layering)
Obtained by: Company sample
Availability: Online, retail
RBR Advertiser: No
Men’s: https://www.showerspass.com/products/mens-timberline-jacket?_pos=1&_sid=ebc673f37&_ss=r
Women’s: https://www.showerspass.com/products/womens-timberline-jacket?_pos=2&_sid=4046b6499&_ss=r
Waterproof, Durable, and Functional
The Timberline jacket is made from 3-Layer Artex fabric, making it lightweight (13.4 oz size medium), soft, durable, and breathable. The 3-layer material consists of a waterproof membrane bonded between a biosource nylon face fabric and a recycled polyester liner fabric. This design keeps the wind and rain out while letting moisture escape.
Two large-size zipper core vents double as pockets (key clip inside the right pocket), allowing you to dump more heat if necessary. The fact that the fabric keeps the wind out makes it an ideal top layer for winter riding, especially on the fat bike.
Another nice feature this jacket offers a cyclist is a removable hood. It’s large enough to fit over a helmet yet adjustable. The rear drop hem and longer sleeves add a bit more protection when leaning over the handlebars, and the cuffs Velcro snug to keep out the wind. A bottom hem cinch adjusts using a double toggle for a tighter fit.
Speaking of fit, the Timberline jacket has a roomier fit to allow for layering. It comes in extended sizes in men’s and women’s and three colors. Reflective details throughout the jacket keep you safe and visible at night.
No matter where your next adventure takes you, on the bike, on foot, or skis, the Timberline jacket is an excellent choice for protection from the elements. It pairs nicely with the new Timberline pant. See the review below.
Timberline Pant
Price: $175 ($131.45 on sale at the time of this review)
Sizes: XS-2XL (women’s); S-2XL (men’s)
Color: Black
Fit: Regular
Obtained by: Company sample
Availability: Online, retail
RBR Advertiser: No
Men’s: https://www.showerspass.com/products/mens-timberline-pant?_pos=3&_sid=4046b6499&_ss=r
Women’s: https://www.showerspass.com/products/womens-timberline-pant?_pos=4&_sid=4046b6499&_ss=r
Perfect Bottom-Half Protection from the Elements
Like the Timberline jacket reviewed above, the pants are constructed from the same 3-layer waterproof Artex fabric. The lightweight (10 oz for medium) and articulated knee design allow easy mobility on or off the bike. The windproof fabric also makes it ideal as a top layer for protection in the winter.
The side pockets double as vents if you get too warm. Just unzip a little or a lot. With the mesh pocket not being very deep, I’m concerned that stored items might fall out.
Side ankle zippers and fly make for easy on and off, even over boots. The waist is designed to be compatible with Showers Pass’ optional 4-point suspenders, which fasten using hook and loop tabs at the front and back.
As with the jacket, there are reflective elements designed into the pants for low-light visibility.
Note the pants fabric doesn’t stretch, so be sure to size correctly if you plan on layering.
EcoLyte Elite Jacket
Price: $299 ($224.25 on sale at the time of this review)
Sizes: S-2XL (women’s or men’s)
Color: Glacier, Harvest
Fit: Full (perfect for layering)
Obtained by: Company sample
Availability: Online, retail
RBR Advertiser: No
Men’s: https://www.showerspass.com/products/mens-ecolyte-elite?_pos=1&_sid=dcfe6650d&_ss=r
Women’s: https://www.showerspass.com/products/womens-ecolyte-jacket?_pos=2&_sid=dcfe6650d&_ss=r
Lightweight, Packable, and Eco-friendly Waterproof Jacket
The new EcoLyte Elite jacket’s packable design is ideal for multi-day cycling and bikepacking adventures. The jacket folds nicely into its back pocket and weighs only 13.5 oz. The “eco” part of this jacket’s name comes from the 100% recycled face fabric and lining and recycled zippers on the side core vents and back pocket.
This jacket has a lot of great cycling-specific details, from its removable, adjustable, helmet-compatible hood to the longer rear hem for added coverage. Other features include 360 degree reflective elements, a waterproof chest zipper pocket – where I store my phone for quick pics – and a hem cinch for an adjustable fit.
The core vents are just one-way to regulate your temperature; the back yoke has a vent that allows excess heat to escape. The only negative comment I have regarding the jacket’s venting design is that when you unzip the core vents, there isn’t a mesh lining like some Showers Pass models. Without the mesh, the vents can gape open wide, possibly letting in the rain.
The EcoLyte Elite jacket comes in two highly visible colors — glacier and harvest — in both men’s and women’s versions. The roomier fit of this jacket lets you layer underneath, depending on the conditions.
Bottom Line
Showers Pass continues to expand its line of eco-friendly and sustainably manufactured apparel. The Timberline jacket and pants make for a great waterproof combo for various cycling adventures, including commuting, bikepacking, and even winter riding. The EcoLyte Elite jacket’s packable design is perfect for bikepacking or multi-day cycling trips.
For wherever your bike takes you, you are sure to find the right Showers Pass jacket.
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.
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