Showers Pass Elite 2.0 Jacket

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!

This jacket was bought after falling for the hype about the fake Goretex fabric. I have never been so disgusted with a piece of supposed raingear. After a three week cycling trip in Italy, riding in the rain for almost two of those weeks, I can't think of how this jacket is any better than a Hefty bag. It doesn't breathe at all compared to Goretex, leaving you soaked and shivering. The underarm vents feel like a couple of pieces of licorice shoved into your armpits because of the close fit, and stiff zippers. The black cuffs leach water, the back pocket is a vertical zipper down in the very bottom of the rain flap, not at the waist. The Gigantic - extra $, even though the jacket is $250 - , does not fit closely. It is sized to fit a pumpkin, and the long floppy visor hangs down over your face in the headwind so that it covers your face to your mouth. Also, the velcro is so wimpy on the hood that it comes loose from the jacket while riding if you pull the hood off your head. I swore at this jacket and extra-cost, poorly designed hood through 600 miles in Italy. I've had great luck with two excellent Goretex jackets over the last 20 years of cycle trips in New Zealand, Scotland, Italy, Northern Ireland, Austria, Wales, Ireland, Germany, and England. Next time it's REAL Goretex for me. This is truly a product designed by someone who's never ridden in rain. It is overpriced by 2-3X.

Pros The Elite 2.0 is my 'go' to' rain wear for all-day soakers, long training rides and commuting. I rate it 5-stars all the way around, in spite of the price. With a long sleeve jersey or arm warmers it makes a pretty decent windbreaker. The pit zips and back vent make it easy to regulate temperature.

Cons It's a little heavy to carry all day just for afternoon storms in the summer. Although I can fit it in a jersey pocket it's a little heavy. Maybe if I had a bag to last it to?

Bottom Line Find the tool for the job. I didn't expect this to be my summer jacket. I also didn't expect to enjoy riding in the rain so much when I have this on. A quality product made in Portland, OR.