Showers PassMen's Refuge Rain Jacket(Return to Product Page)

I'm a year-a-round commuter. I need solid gear that can handle anything mother nature throws at me...this is it. Keeps the water and wind out. It is not a thermal product so you will need your layers underneath to compensate for the level of cold that you may encounter. Only thing that falls short is the hood that doesn't actually fit over the bike helmet as claimed. Not a big issues as Taiga has the best product on the market for this solution that fits all helmets and has the proper features that no other manufacture covers inclusively for a helmet cover.

Very breathable. Pit zips allow adjustment of ventilation. Keeps me dry even in pouring rain.

This is an otherwise very well designed jacket but the front-facing ventilation zips are problematic. I found them very stiff. They compress my torso when in a prone position, i.e. when riding on the hoods or drops. They rubbed uncomfortably against my ribcage when seated. It was so annoying I couldn't wear the jacket more than an hour or two. As to how well the vents work perhaps too well, because in my case I found it difficult to ride without opening them.

I notice Showers Pass is putting them on lots of their items (like the Atlas and IMBA) which is worrisome. I hope they don't do this to the Elite or spring classic.

Otherwise the jacket is very well fitted, which makes this particular design issue all the more frustrating. The front is a bit long for riding but a good compromise length for an around-town jacket. The gray jacket looks sharp and wears well over street clothes. I know the eVent fabric from the Elite jacket and it's a good balance of waterproofness and breathabilty. With the right underlayers I imagine this is a good jacket for snow sports

I recommend wearing this jacket on a test ride before buying it. Pay close attention to how those vent zips feels, because after a couple of hours they might drive you nuts.