The new Showers Pass Timberline Jacket and Pants blend biking-ready rain gear with a roomier fit that’s also great for commuting and hiking.
To get us a closer look, Showers Pass sent Man Makes Fire a Timberline Jacket and Pant. After wearing the rain gear on multiple rides, this is what we learned:
Versatile Cycling Rain Gear?
The new Showers Pass Timberline rain gear has a roomier fit to make it more versatile than typical cycling rain gear.Showers Pass makes high-quality cycling apparel, and while some of it transcends biking into multi-sport activities, the fit is usually specific to biking. The new Timberline, on the other hand, offers a non-typical roomier fit. What does this mean?
When compared to the same size, you get more torso space. When you’re riding, this means it’ll be a bit baggier than more biking-focused rain jackets. Most cyclists prefer trim fits that reduce air resistance.
The problem with rain gear tailored for cycling enthusiasts is the look and performance off the bike. Jackets and pants that feel great when you’re in the saddle bunch and flex differently when you’re walking upright. This means biking-focused rain gear looks and feels out of place on simple commutes to work or on more casual rides with friends and family.
Also, it’s hard to layer street clothes underneath trim-fitting cycling rain gear. If you’re a commuter or traveling, you likely will need to layer over a wide variety of clothes over time.
The New Timberline Jacket & Pants
The new Timberline Rain Jacket sheds rain easily — and didn’t get clammy during a 6-hour gravel bike ride.Showers Pass created a new solution: The Timberline Jacket and Pants.
The Timberline Jacket uses a 3-layer Artex waterproof, breathable fabric. It’s supple and non-crinkly and uses fully taped seams. Showers Pass gives you two long core vents, which work well. The core vents also double as large front hand pockets — the interior is a mesh, to let the air flow through. This is a pretty good way to give you core ventilation while keeping the design simple but versatile.
The new Showers Pass Timberline rain gear is bike ready and hike friendly.
The hood is helmet-compatible, as expected — and you can zip it off if you don’t need it.
The Timberline Pant uses the same 3-layer Artex fabric. The legs have roomy thighs, again, as you would expect, as well as articulated knees. They taper more at the lower legs than typical hiking rain pants, though — which is good when you’re riding. The ankle zippers are long to help you remove the rain pants over shoes.
I’m also a fan of the Showers Pass widely adjustable waistband. If you need to pull the Timberline Pants on over a pair of shorts, you can tighten it up — or loosen it if you’re pulling it over work pants.
Showers Pass included reflective trim on both the Timberline Jacket and Pants — but the reflective trim is more subtle than typical cycling gear.
Fit & Functionality
The jacket is a baggy compared to typical cycling gear — but it fits similarly to hiking-focused rain jackets. The pants are trimmer than typical hiking rain pants but roomier than serious riding pants.Showers Pass wanted to keep the fit reasonably good for cycling but tweak the sizing and cut to make it more versatile. So how did it turn out for the bike and beyond?
Very well.
I think the fit is spot on. Our review jacket and pants was a Large. They both fit my 6’1″ 189-pound frame as expected — a bit roomier than I typically wear for serious riding. I could layer a wide variety of clothing underneath the Timberline and have a good experience. If you’re planning a bikepacking trip through potentially cold weather, the Timberline should let you add appropriate layers comfortably.
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Also, I could see taking the Timberline rain gear hiking or backpacking. It is versatile rain gear that won’t look out of place on the trail — or on a sidewalk.
Better yet, functionality seems very good. For testing, I wore the rain gear on several rides, including a longer 6-hour gravel bike ride with a lot of elevation gain . . . and quite a bit of rain. The Timberline Jacket sheds rain easily and hasn’t wetted out.
Breathability seems very good — no complaints and no clammy feeling on bare arms. Of course, the extra torso space and baggier fit likely cause it to vent a bit more as you ride than tighter rain gear. Also, the Timberline uses a midweight fabric — which is good for versatility and durability. For comparison, Showers Pass rates the midweight Artex 3-Layer fabric with a 4/5 breathability rating while it ranks its lightweight Elite 3-Layer fabric with a 5/5.
The Bottom Line
The new Showers Pass Timberline Rain Jacket and Pants are designed for cyclists who want riding-ready rain gear but also want versatiliy. If you commute to work and need to layer over a variety of clothes, the Timberline rain gear will give you a roomier, comfortable fit. At the same time, if you wear the Timberline rain gear out on a hike, the fit is also comfortable. Overall performance is very good and overall quality is excellent throughout. Highly recommended.
Get the Gear:
- Showers Pass Timberline Jacket – men’s
- Showers Pass Timberline Pants – men’s
- Showers Pass Timberline Jacket – women’s
- Showers Pass Timberline Pants – women’s
