The crew over at Showers Pass and eVent Waterproof Fabric sent over the Mountain Elite riding jacket for review. This year has been a perfect testing ground for a jacket that is both waterproof and keeps a barrier between me and the cold weather.
More About Showers Pass
“This product was born from the desire to develop innovative, technical gear that will inspire more people to get out on their bikes, regardless of the weather. We live in the Pacific Northwest where changing weather IS the environment. We ride, we run, we spray each other with garden hoses to make sure our waterproofing is as good as it gets. So go ahead and play outside. We’ve got you covered.”
- Showers Pass, Portland, OR
I really like the thought process behind Showers Pass mission statement. The laid back attitude with a serious focus on making great cycling products is a welcome change from the more serious side of things. After some testing, we’ll see if this jacket lives up to their promise. I might just have to throw a garden hose test just to make sure…
Some Specs on the Mountain Elite
“Everything you want in a mountain bike jacket – just add dirt”
We designed this jacket with mountain bikers in mind, but bike messengers and commuters have gone so gaga over it we might change the name.
- eVent 3-Layer body keeps out rain and mud without feeling like a sauna on the uphills
- Abrasion and tear resistant SuperFabric elbow patches
- Non-slip SuperFabric should patches keep pack straps in place over bumpy terrain
- Waterproof front zipper and chest pocket with audio port
- Drop down, protective rear flap with reflective logo
- Core vents accessible with backpack in place
Out of the box…the Showers Pass Mountain Elite feels like a very high quality jacket. The non-slip sections on the elbows and shoulders is a great added feature. Overall…the jacket is comfortable and is ride ready. Now it is time to get it out on the trail!
A Little Bit More On eVent Fabrics
“let the sweat out”
“We all sweat. A lot. Humans simply walking produce 0.25 to 0.5 liters of sweat per hour, and up to 1.5 liters during strenuous activity. eVent fabrics allow sweat to quickly evaporate to the outside, keeping you dry on the inside. Simply said, eVent fabrics let the sweat out.”
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- Event Waterproof Fabric
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- Showers Pass Mountain Elite Back
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- Showers Pass Mountain Elite Elbow
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- Showers Pass Mountain Elite Front
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- Showers Pass Mountain Elite Inside
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- Showers Pass Mountain Elite Tag
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- Showers Pass Logo
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- Showers Pass Mountain Elite Tag
This looks like a really good jacket and I like how Showers Pass operate their company…all good stuff.
Have you ever seen those commercials with the old lady and her son testing outdoor gear in crazy ways like tying him to the top of a range rover in a storm. That’s just what came to mind when I read that you might do a garden hose test.
You make a video and have someone throw a bucket of mud on you then have them hose you down. I’d pick a warm day though.
Looks like a great jacket and eVent Fabric is THE BOMB! Honestly, I’m not a big fan of Gore-tex when it comes to breathability. They say it breathes, but I’ve yet to test a Gore-tex laminated jacket that breathed well.
Every eVent jacket I’ve tried (currently flogging the Backcountry.com Stoic Jacket) breathes hundreds of times better than Gore.
Gore Windstopper laminate, on the other hand, does breathe well.
I can’t believe I am saying this…
I need it to get cold again so I can test this baby out! Can you believe it is actually sunny and 70 in Atlanta right now? Craziness…
I am seriously considering a garden hose test because it is so warm out.
-198
That jacket has been the envy of everyone riding with 198 lately.
Lots of good stuff here, thanks for your post. I’d like to add your feed to my site at http:www.bikerunity.com, do you have one available? I will come back later for your answer. Thanks!
Lots of good stuff here, thanks for your blog. I would like to add your feed to my site at bikerunity.com, do you have one available? I will come back later for your answer. Thanks!