Showers Pass knows rain and inclement weather and they have taken protection from those elements to a new level with the Showers Pass Refuge jacket.
What makes this jacket so impressive is its versatility. It’s a rain jacket for cycling and hiking. It’s a windbreaker. The Showers Pass Refuge jacket makes you want to intentionally go out in the weather.
What I Loved
Reinforced Shoulders. Cyclists and backpackers pay close attention to the shoulders. Not only do they allow for a full range of motion for your arms, but use reinforced fabric to protect the jacket from rubbing backpack straps.
Magnetic Drop-Down Tail. The days of worrying about rainy day road spray or caking snow chunks are gone. This unique feature is a flap that tucks away via a set of magnets that is tapered to the size and width of most butts. Longer rain jackets will also do this but they don’t have an aerodynamic cut and style for cycling. Even backpackers will appreciate this feature as it allows them to sit on a wet log or rock and remain dry. The drop-down tail also has a pair of reflective grommets that are compatible with Showers Pass Beacon Lights (not included but can be purchased for $25).
Hood. It is removable, bike helmet-compatible, and fully adjustable. When removed, it packs easily into any of its five pockets. It is also deep so when the rain is pouring, the bill of the hood extends far around your face for excellent protection.
Reflectivity. The shorter days of fall mean riding before and after daylight so visibility is important. Even more so when it’s raining. The trim of the Showers Pass Refuge is constructed with 3M Scotchlite Reflective Material to offer 360 degrees of eye-catching visibility for motorists. Even the zipper pulls are reflective.
Fit. Unlike the traditional cycling rain jacket, the Refuge easily accommodates one heavy layer underneath or a light layer and a midweight layer, making it useful as an outer shell for wind and rain protection. Lengthwise, the size small that I tested hits at the hip bone. The shoulders are roomy enough to not impede any range of motion or feel the least bit constricting, even with layers on underneath. For a recent camping trip, I paired this with a down sweater and a lightweight base layer for extra warmth. The down sweater did make for a more constricted feeling but for just standing around camp on windy and chilly mornings, I only needed enough range of motion to make coffee and get a fire started.
What Could Be Improved
Compressibility. The Showers Pass Refuge is a packable jacket but it will take up a considerable amount of space in your pack or pannier when stashed. Whereas a traditional cycling rain jacket generally packs down to the size of a softball or tennis ball, the Showers Pass Refuge packs down to the size of a volleyball.
Available in Men’s and Women’s $279 | showerspass.com