Marmot Precip pants are the only waterproof pants I know that fit this bill. Unfortunately the membrane is less flexible that more expensive fabrics and eventually it becomes brittle and flakes apart (after about 2 years of daily use, in my experience).

when it's just sprinkling my Novara Headwind Pants are sufficient. but when it's worse, I'm happy w the pair I mentioned above. I think they look like cycling pants so I only wear them cycling. and there's room for another layer when it's super cold Showers Pass Transit Pant

Black seems right for winter to me.

It has reflective strips for night, Got the yellow myself.

I have one of these too. I find it better for cold winter weather than the elite. It is a bit looser and better for layering IMO. But I think it is too loose a fit for more moderate weather than the Elite.

I do, too. Got mine in a larger size, so there's even more potential for "proper" layering. With a thinner, wicking underlayer, it'll tolerate up to mid-60s or so. With a good underlayer plus a light wool layer, I've had it down to 0ºF without problems.

But, you're right, it's a bit loose of a fit for warmer weather. Wish it had the thumbholes on the wrist area, to allow for opening up the straps for airflow but still allowing the cuff to stay in place. Wish it had a couple of chest area vents. And wish it weren't quite so heavy/stiff on the material. Though, as-is it's still a wonderful jacket. Great value.

+1 I didn't study the field. I heard good reports from local riders re: the jackets of the local Sowers Pass. 15 years ago; an unlined jacket. I was new to 'breathable" jackets, didn't treat it kindly enough and started ripping the vapor barrier (doing things like putting it on over wet clothes, wearing gloves while riding). Bought the much more substantial lined jacket as a daily commuter. That jacket has been a rock and is still serving very well. Bought a third, unlined, as a good ride jacket. It is and I plan to treat it with respect. The original is still my everyday non-rain jacket. It will need a new zipper soon but that is the first anything I have done for it and it has many hundreds of rides.

Showers Pass jackets work really well as jackets for riding. They are designed and made by people who ride year 'round wearing them and it shows. (They also incorporate a feature I consider a must - a double zipper. I nearly always start the bottom and climb hills with the zippers meeting and sleeves pushed up.)

(For frame materials - I love the ti ride and ride two ti customs but I trust the builder to spec the right tubes for the job. I don't say it has to this tube, this alloy. Or go to another builder because he uses this tube.)

Ben

I bought the Elite 6 years ago. Used it for 2 car-free years in Buffalo NY. Love it! Still use it here in the northern AZ mountains, but not as often (warmer and drier here).

I have the Shower Pass Elite 2.1 also and it worked for a while but now I use it more as winter wind breaker than anything else as it stopped working long time ago. Thanks to the tips on here I am currently washing it with Nikwax Tech Wash and if that doesn't help, I will try the TX.Direct Wash. Thanks for the tips!

IME people spend more time talking about their rain gear than they spend riding in the rain.

B. That's probably true of cycling in general as well; but then again...

3. I'm not so sure. A couple of 45 minute rainy commutes this week (fairly common in the winter) covers a lot of time surfing and posting to BF.

I do a long ride with gravel for Black Friday. Most years I'm covered.

Ben

I wore my Showers Pass jacket today. It worked, but I got hot. No big complaints. I wear this jacket as infrequently as possible.

A frustrating experience with a SP hi viz vest. Returned it because the zipper came apart. Got an email yesterday that they can't fix the zipper, and later in the email they referred me to a repair place that fixes zippers. Odd, so I asked about it. Response to my question was that it would cost them too much to replace the zipper, but I could have it replaced if I so chose. They said they will send the vest back to me so I can return it to REI for a refund. I've worked in and I've been around the outdoor industry since the early '80s. In industry parlance, this is is a "sh*tty" warranty. There are many reputable companies making outdoor wear. I no longer count SP among them.