Showers Pass. The name evokes a sense that you were just hit by a rainstorm and it has moved on from you. You were out pedaling on two wheels when the downpour hit but you are totally dry. Of course you are, you were wearing the Showers Pass IMBA Jacket.
Showers Pass IMBA Jacket Features:
- Fully seam taped, Artex 2.5 layer waterproof-breathable hardshell fabric
- Reinforced shoulders protect the fabric from backpack straps
- Extra Long core vents prevent overheating
- Ergonomic easy-grip zipper pulls
- 360 degrees of 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material trim for maximum visibility
- Velcro cuffs for trim fit and easy on-off
- Removable, adjustable hood fits over a helmet and stows in inside pocket
- Double toggle hem cinch for adjustability
- Soft, moisture-wicking lining at collar
- Light loop at collar
- Front hand warmer pockets and inside chest pocket with audio port
- Price: $199.95
Showers Pass knows weather protection
Showers Pass has made a name for themselves in the cycling community. Based in Portland, OR they know rain and they know how to stay dry. Being a cycling focused company they ticked all the major boxes of a cycling focused jacket.
The fit on the Showers Pass IMBA Jacket is great! They took into account body and arm positions. I have long arms and my number one challenge with any cycling jacket is sleeve length. Throw in a reach to the bars or the hoods and that problem becomes even more pronounced. Thankfully, the sleeves on the IMBA Jacket are plenty long, staying in place when I’m reaching long into the hoods.
The body fit is just roomy enough to allow the dynamic body movements that come from riding trails. The jacket didn’t constrict or constrain as I moved around while riding. It’s also roomy enough to allow for some layers underneath, helping you to extend your seasons. The hem is cut longer in the back, and provides excellent coverage against water flipping from a wet back tire.
The paradox of rain jackets
The IMBA Jacket is top-notch at keeping water out! “That’s to be expected, Miller.” Well of course it is but not all rain jackets do it well. I could watch the water bead and roll off. After a bit of an extended time in the rain the jacket took on a “dimpled” appearance but none of the water made it in.
Like all rain jackets, breatheability is tough. I tested in somewhat cooler weather without any vents open and it didn’t take long for me to overheat and start sweating. To combat this Showers Pass includes two, long-zippered vents in the front of the jacket. These did an okay job but could have benefited from a vent or two in the back to allow air to flow through, even when riding.
I’m mixed on my feelings about the hood. It’s a nice hood but doesn’t quite cover my helmet (I ride in a POC Octal X helmet). On the plus size, the hood is removable so you don’t have to worry about it if you so choose.
A few small details
I love the small details that companies put into their products. The IMBA is focused on MTB and wearing a hydration pack. Showers Pass includes, protective patches on the shoulders of the jacket to protect against rubbing shoulder straps. These stout patches will certainly increase the durability of the IMBA Jacket.
Let’s round things out with a few small details. The reflective trim is nice, with enough details worked in throughout the jacket without being over-the-top. I’m firmly in the camp of “every little bit helps” when it comes to visibility. Don’t rely on just that, make sure you have lights (like the Bontrager Ion 200 RT and Flare RT). Additionally, they included a light loop to the back collar of the jacket to clip a light. I’ll also mention that the media pocket was large enough to swallow my plus-sized phone and the zipper pulls are easily-grabbed even with gloves on.
The Good
- Water repellancy is top-notch
- Good fit for layering
- Full set of jacket features
The Bad
- Breatheability is challenged so manage your layers and effort
- Hood didn’t fit over my helmet
Bottom Line: Showers Pass IMBA Jacket
If you ride in the rain, the Showers Pass IMBA Jacket should be on your list of consideration. It’s top of it’s class in keeping water out and the features make this a great jacket to wear when you’re on the trails.
Buy now: Pick one up at REI.com
