The Showers Pass Ultralight Wind Jacket is a super light and packable biking shell that weighs just 5.8 ounces.
To get us a closer look, Showers Pass sent Man Makes Fire a review unit. After testing the Ultralight Wind Jacket on mountain and gravel bike rides, this is what we learned:
Showers Pass Ultralight Wind Jacket Review
This summer I was able to test three Showers Pass products — the company’s Gravel Shorts, Merino Shirt, and the Ultralight Wind Jacket.
The first ride I wore the new gear was on a 30-mile, 2500-vertical gravel ride. The ride started out windy with an occasional rain drop, and the Showers Pass Ultralight Wind Jacket worked great. I had been looking for flyweight wind jacket for this type of ride and it delivered as anticipated — it gave a bit of warmth and light rain protection.
You should know that the Showers Pass Ultralight Wind Jacket isn’t a dedicated rain jacket, but it does have a PFC-free DWR finish that sheds light rain. At the same time, the underarm and side panels are made from a breathable stretchy mesh. The result is that I could gain the benefits of wind protection and get a boost of warmth — but I didn’t overheat.
After about ten miles the temp rose, which is where the Ultralight Wind Jacket delivers another win: It packs down super small. At 5.8 ounces (for a medium) and slightly more for the XL I wear, the wind jacket takes up very little space and is easy to carry. It comes with its own stuff sack and it will easily fit into a jersey pocket.
Great for Chilly Descents
While I ride some gravel here and there, my go-to rides close to home include spring and fall mountain biking trails. I’ll often do some big long climbs without needing a jacket . . . but I need something to help cut the chill on the descent.
The Showers Pass Ultralight Wind Jacket is perfect for those situations where you don’t want to pack a dedicated rain and mountain biking jacket but still want something ultra packable that can deliver warmth and protection when you need it.
For me, it’s the perfect shoulder season piece for the kinds of riding I do.
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Fit and Finish
I’m 6’1″ and weigh about 189 lbs. This seems to put me right in between the L and the XL on the sizing chart for Showers Pass shirts and jackets. I chose the XL. For me, the fit in the chest is perfect and slightly baggy in the midsection. Because I’m not trying to win any races, having a bit of extra torso space is fine for me. I care most about the chest and shoulder fit (because I have a bigger chest and shoulders than most riders).
Incidentally, our publisher is about 6’3″ and 225 lbs. He nabbed the XL for a mountain gravel bike ride and the XL was a bit snugger all around on him — but it still fit pretty well.
Back to the Ultralight Wind Jacket: The finish overall is excellent — great design, seams, and details.
You get 3M Scotchlight reflective bits for nighttime visibility.
The dropped tail helps with backside coverage, and Showers Pass added a bit of silicone grip to help it stay put.
The front zipper is asymmetrical, which keeps the collar comfortable when fully zipped.
When it comes to packability, the stuff sack is super small — I was surprised at the overall packability.
The Verdict
For the kinds of riding I do — mountain biking climbs with chilly descents and the occassional gravel ride sprinkled in — the Showers Pass Ultralight Wind Jacket is the perfect flyweight layer I’ve been looking for. It blocks wind and sheds light rain, but it’s still breathable through the side panels. Very highly recommended.
Get the Gear:
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