Ok, so I've been enjoying commuting to work a couple of times per week since April. I think I'm going to keep on through the winter months. This will necessitate a new rain jacket, since my old Gore Tex jacket just doesn't seem that waterproof anymore.

A quick search seems to indicate that, if you have the funds, Showers Pass is one of, if not, the best available, with most people giving the nod to the Elite 2.1 (or its predecessor, the 2.0). I notice that SP has a new model, the Refuge. It costs a little more than the Elite, but it comes with a removable hood, and it has hand warmer pockets.

The other major difference is the fabric. The Elite uses the acclaimed eVent fabric, a 3-layer, waterproof, breathable laminate. The Refuge uses Elite (go figure), a 3-layer, waterproof, breathable laminate.

Since the Refuge is so new (I think it came out in May or June), there really are no reviews of this model. I don't need anything for a couple of months, but I'd like to get it sooner rather than wait, just in case we get an early season rain.

Does anyone have any information about this new model? How about the fabric? Experiences with other Showers Pass rainwear also appreciated, as is recommendations/experiences with other brands. Breathability is a must.

Thanks,

KB