FWIW ... here is my input.

After a particularly cold ride (planned for upper 40s ... actual temperature in the upper 20s), I told my self that I would spare no expense to get a decent jacket. I asked my friends in the Northwest (who else would know better?) for advice on a good jacket wearable in the rain. Their answer was Showers Pass.

I have three of them, and I use them all ... depending on the situation.

The Elite2 ($250): The most robust yet breathable of the three, it has what every jacket should have.

1. Removable (optional) hood.
2. Pit zips (water resistant zippers)
3. Velcro Cuffs (water resistant)
4. 2-way zipper (water resistant).
5. Pull at the neckline and waistline.

it also has some other cool stuff ... a waterproof pocket in the back and on the chest. Good for a cellphone or a camera.

But it is NOT packable in a rear pocket or a seat bag. So I use it for commuting of if I'm pretty sure I'll be wearing it all day.

The Double Century ($175): Not as robust (not good for a commuting jacket), but water proof, versatile and packable. If I could only have one jacket, this would be it.

1. Removable (optional) hood.
2. Pit zips (zippers not water resistant)
3. Velcro Cuffs (water resistant)
4. 2-way zipper (water resistant).


The Pro Tech ($120): As and packable as a light windbreaker, but it's waterproof. I once threw this in my seat bag "just in case" and got rained on all day. It kept me dry! On non-commuting rides, this is the one I use most often.

1. Velcro Cuffs (not water resistant)
2. 2-way zipper.


Other rain gear (pants, etc.)? My friends informed me to give up the notion of rain pants that keep you dry. Instead, focus on being warm. For that, they recommended Pear Izumi's Amfib tights. I've yet to use them, but have loaned them to friends who loved them.