The Showers Pass Double Century EX waterproof jacket packs to a small size and breathes well, making it great for general winter riding.
Showers Pass are based in Portland, Oregon. It’s a city in the north west of the USA that receives about 950mm of rain each year; more than London (650mm) and Manchester (810mm). Like British cities, Portland receives moderate rain for a few days at a time, rather than short, intense downpours.
The similarity of weather conditions between the city in which this jacket was designed and our own boded well for its performance in British weather, and this is what we found.
It’s made from Cocona Xcelerator waterproof fabric, which, as advertised, kept out the rain. It did so via a durable water repellent coating on the outside, which caused most of the water to run off, and with a membrane in the fabric that prevented the remaining moisture from penetrating.
A cycling jacket must also let out sweat. Here the membrane, made from microporous charcoal particles derived from coconut fibres that Cocona claims makes for very high breathability, seemed to work.
Despite some deliberately high-effort attempts on the commuting land speed record, and high-intensity assaults on hills, we didn’t get as sweaty in the Double Century EX as we’d expect to in most breathable jackets.
The large vent on the back helps to release sweat from the Double Century EX. Armpit zips provide additional ventilation. Velcro closures prevent ingress of wind and water at the wrists and a drawstring at the hem tightens the fit.
It can be rolled to impressively small proportions (similar to those of a 440ml drink can), making it easy to tote in a rucksack.
A waterproof zip protects the contents of the chest pocket, while a headphone port provides a discreet channel for cables (although we’d recommend keeping the volume low to hear traffic, of course).
We were slightly baffled by the absence of a drawstring from the comfortable collar; one lined with a thin, light fleece.
Our final word concerns the sizing, which, being American, is quite generous. I tested a large, where typically I need an XL in anything Italian.
This is a great all-rounder, which, with minor changes to some of the details, could make an excellent jacket for mountain biking, too.
The Showers Pass Double Century XL jacket is available in orange or white and costs £199.
