Originally Posted by
Kindaslow
This is definitely opening a door to much debate. Given I live in the Seattle area and commute by bike, I believe I have more experience than most with this. And, the reality is that if you are a furnace, even the best of jackets only breath so good. I am currently using what might be the current best, which is Endura's newest jacket. It is light for a real rain jacket, breaths good, and is extremely well made. However, it is well over $200. My Showers Pass jacket is heavier and does not breath as well, but it was the best I had had, prior to this new jacket. I have not found pants that are on the level of the jackets. So, with pants, I go with pants that are easy to get on and off over my shoes, cannot remember the model, but they are from Showers Pass. I don't put the pants on unless it is raining, versus drizzle.
Good Luck.
Come on, give us Oregonians a break
In the last 10 years, I have owned 2 Showers Pass and 2 REI Novara rain jackets. When I was working, I rode almost every workday; and still ride every day to the gym, post office, etc. Not to mention recreational rides and multi-month, self supported bike tours every year.
I like the REI jackets the best. However, the Showers Pass Elite is the jacket I use the most on long tours. It is a good jacket, but it is a little more restrictive than other jackets I have used. My older REI jacket has just about worn out after 10+ years of hard use. However, it still sheds water. It is still used almost every day during the winter. The cheaper Showers Pass jacket that I used for only a couple of years was put in the trash a few weeks ago, when I picked up a new REI jacket on sale. The cheap Showers Pass jackets don't seem to hold up well. I have not had a chance to wear my new REI jacket very much, but it seems to be a nice jacket, and could end up being my "go-to" jacket. My REI rain pants , also 10+ years old, are still in good shape.
None of these are what I'd call "packable." I think of something that is packable as being able to stuff in my jersey's rear pocket.
This is my 10-year old REI Novara rain jacket. It was worn so much that it almost faded to white. REI outlet has their cycling rain jackets on closeout sale right now for $75.
https://www.rei.com/product/883098/n...ke-jacket-mens
My wife uses a Showers Pass " Tourist", and it has done a good job. However, the breathable layer is starting to delaminate after about 7 years of use. We are not that enamoured with Showers Pass products.
We tend to give our rain gear hard use. On one long tour, 3 months, we experienced 35 days of rain. Showers Pass Elite Jacket, and REI pants.
