Showers Pass Elite Pro jacket

This Showers Pass Elite Pro jacket is the official rainwear of team Katusha so you'd expect it to perform. And it does.

At just 249g this is the lightest three-layer waterproof I've tried. It's genuinely packable: you can fold this jacket up and stuff it in your pocket without any problem. The three-layer construction means that the membrane is fully sandwiched between and outer layer and a liner, meaning that you don't get the clammy feel of the membrane next to the skin like you do in some lighweight jackets.

The Elite Pro has fully taped seams, and incorporates stretch panels at the sides and along the arms to keep a snug fit on the bike. The rear is well dropped and the arms are nice and long for full coverage in a race position.

You get zipped side and neck vents for temperature control and a single back pocket which the jacket stuffs into for stowage. At the neck there's a a soft liner, and the zip is located off-centre to reduce chafing. The cuffs have velcro closures and there's 3M reflective all the way round the jacket.

I've used this jacket in a variety of conditions, most recently struggling through the back-end of hurricane Bertha on this year's Exmouth Exodus. And I'm impressed. For a super-light jacket it does an excellent job of shrugging off the rain. The Elite fabric beads well on the surface, and even when it inevitably gets fully wet the water doesn't seep in through the fabric or seams.

The fit on the bike is excellent, although I'd suggest you try the Elite Pro on before you buy. I'm normally an XL in jackets but I'm happy in a large for this one. Assuming you want it to be a snug fit, you may need to pick what would usually be a smaller size. Sleeve length is just right for a road bike position, as is body length. I didn't have any problems with chafing at the neck, even though it's snug, and the sleeves tighten down to keep the weather out there.

Breathability is very good. In light rain when the water is still running off the fabric it's excellent, the performance degrades once the outer layer is wetted, as you'd expect. Regular treatment with a hydrophobic agent like Nikwax TX-Direct will help there. Even when wet the vents are well-placed to give you some ventilation without letting in too much rain.

One thing this jacket isn't: particularly warm. It's a really thin fabric, and when it gets wet it can cool you quite quickly if it's next to the skin. Worn with full-length layers underneath it's excellent, but. Just make sure you're wearing enough gear to stay warm without relying on the Elite Pro if it's wet. If it's cold and dry, it's an excellent windproof which does help you to stay a bit warmer.

Lightweight rain jackets that perform well are generally expensive, and this one is no exception. You can pay a lot more than £180 for your outer layer, so although it's pricey it's reasonable value, considering the performance.

Verdict

Very good performance and excellent on the bike fit; lightweight and packable too