The Skyline Pant from Showers Pass is a performance-oriented 3-season cycling pant designed to excel in adverse riding conditions. Designed to be weatherproof in all the right places, it features a mix of hardshell and softshell materials to provide a mix of mobility, breathability, and water resistance.
Showers Pass has had the Skyline Pant in their lineup for some time, though it disappeared for a while. The new iteration returns with some minor changes to the long standing design and features, but there are a number of small differences. It’s also being produced by a new factory for the brand.
Unlike most of the other wet weather commuter-oriented hardshell pants from Showers Pass, the Skyline has a streamlined fit. As opposed to an “over pant” design, the Skyline wears like a cycling-specific pant. The team at Bermstyle has extensive experience wearing previous iterations of the Skyline, and it’s been the pant of choice for urban rides when desiring comfort and warmth over any significant distance. When motivation to get on the bike is lacking, having comfortable gear makes a big difference.
Features
- Elite Waterproof fabrics – breathable hardshell fabric panels at top of the thigh and lower leg
- Waterproof Softshell material at knees for comfort and stretch
- Overtape at the knees
- Stretch Side pedals for mobility (not waterproof)
- Elastic waist with drawstring
- Drop-down ankle gaiters
- Reflective trims for visibility
- Compatible with Showers Pass Suspenders
- Single zipper key pocket on right leg
On the bike
When the latest iteration of the Skyline Pant arrived at Bermstyle HQ, we knew the perfect person to put them to the test: Geoffrey Bee. A simulation engineer and die hard commuter, Geoff commutes by bike daily, rain or shine switching off between his steel gravel bike and an ebike. He’s also owned an earlier version of the pant and ridden it until the seams blew out – after over a decade of regular use.
We’ll let Geoff take it from here:
The Skyline Pant is a great riding pant for all but the wettest days. Since acquiring the newest iteration of the Skyline, I’ve put them to use, wearing them for my regular commute, logging 12+ miles a day Monday-Friday.
The water-resistant panels are placed optimally to keep one dry and warm. The various fabrics used throughout the pants feel of high quality and the stitching and construction look as if they will go the distance. I found they needed a minor breaking-in period before they stopped slightly constraining my movement; since then, however, they’ve been very comfortable.
Fit and sizing
The fit feels “performance-oriented” AKA form-fitting, which is nice as they don’t billow in the wind like a lot of commuter-specific gear designed for the elements. At 5’10” and weighing in at 155 lbs I am wearing the size medium, which for the most part fits great everywhere apart from what I would consider a low back. The pants have velcro attachment points so that suspenders can be utilized, but we agreed the pants would really benefit from a back yoke with additional back rise and a bit of stretch.
I was able to resolve any sliding-down issues by cinching and tying the drawstrings securely, but there is room for improvement. This minor tweak would further optimize what is already a good product and make it truly great. Both Jason and I also both agreed the addition of a second zipper secured hand warmer pocket would be worth any increase to the retail price of the pants.
Long Term Durability
I can attest to the long term durability of these pants, having purchased my first pair of Skyline pants in 2009. After 14 years of use and at least 10,000 miles,(not to mention more than one instance of failing to keep the rubber side down) I’m pleased to retire them and upgrade to the latest edition of the Skyline. With over 200 miles logged to date, these pants continue to be an excellent choice for riding in the elements.
Modest incremental improvement of a great product can’t be taken for granted, and I think they’ve achieved this difficult task. When I need another pair, I’d look to the Skyline first again.
The Showers Pass Skyline Pant retails for $175.00. Check it out at ShowersPass.com, or use the affiliate link to support the site and shop for Showers Pass gear with retail partner CompetiveCyclist.com.
