Showers Pass is a Portland based apparel company best known for reliable, high-performing waterproof commuter jackets. Last year they expanded their line with the introduction of the MTB Collection. Featuring summer weight merino wool-blend tops and nylon blend MTB shorts, the summer weight apparel is well suited for mountain biking as well as general cycling and commuting, with a casual, sporty aesthetic that works well on and off the bike.
Team Bermstyle was brought in to assist with modeling the collection for the spring launch and as you’d expect, we happily complied with a full day of shooting at Post Canyon and Syncline. Coming away sporting a full collection of gear, we’ve put it into heavy rotation over the last year, sporting it on a number of riding trips and adventures as well as on the daily.
After a full season running the gear, it’s time to share our favorites.
Showers Pass Men’s Cross Country Shorts and Cross Country DWR Shorts
Showers Pass offers two different short models in the men’s MTB collection, the Cross Country Shorts and the IMBA shorts. My preference is for the Cross Country Shorts, as they’re a bit more fitted and have more of a casual look, which offers a bit more versatility. Not only are they great on the trail and have POCKETS but I can wear them daily and post-ride without funny looks at the supermarket. As I try to ride bikes every day, it’s nice already being ready to spin. I also like to carry a pocket knife with me everywhere as part of my EDC; most “performance” MTB shorts lack a basic rear pocket, which makes the XC shorts stand out in my wardrobe.
Cross Country Shorts Features & Specs (via Showers Pass)
- Breathable Nylon-Spandex blend 4-way stretch fabrics with heavier weighted fabric on the back panel
- Adjustable waist cinch and stretch articulation on the low back for the perfect custom fit, on or off the trail
- Silicone grip on elastic waistband
- 6-panel, 4 pocket design, all pockets are constructed with mesh for better ventilation
- Floating rear pockets with hidden zippered pocket on right side
- Reflective accents of the sides provide low-light visibility
- 2 snap closure with hook and bar for durability
- Gunmetal hardware
- Men’s 11.5” inseam
On the Trail
The Cross Country Shorts are casual enough in their appearance I’ve commuted to work wearing them and worn them all day in the office, so they’re definitely up to wearing post ride to beers or dinner. The only detail that stands out is the reflective stripe. With the original colors, I prefer the gray over the blue as it’s more covert.I don’t just wear them to the office though, they’ve been to the Top of the World and down, so they’re game for anything.
The waistband features a 2 snap closure in addition to a hook and a bar. It’s a great system that prevents the shorts from accidentally coming unsnapped – its been super reliable. The elastic waistband also features silicone grip to help keep them in place and has an adjustable waist cinch.
The nylon-spandex material used in the shorts have been holding up well considering all the use they’ve gone though. The fabric has excellent recovery – meaning when it stretches, it bounces back without getting stretched out in spots.
The black DWR edition is a new addition to my wardrobe but I foresee similar results to be in the cards. Considering how often the shorts are in rotation, they’re wearing in very well.
I have the gray Cross Country short in a 32″, and ideally would size down to the 30″, so when I added the black Cross Country Short DWR edition, I sized down to the 30 and I like the fit quite a bit. I seem to have slimmed down to a 31 these days thanks to a gluten-free diet (I recently was tested found I have sensitivies to wheat and dairy) and a lot of my shorts fit loose on me now. It’s especially noticeable as I typically wear a waist pack on rides, which pushes shorts down, even with waist adjusters.
As always, I’d recommend trying them on first, as the waistband has a bit of mechanical stretch. Fit, of course, is personal, and I wear both sizes depending on how snug of a fit I’m feeling that day. (Or whatever’s clean.)
The 11.5″ inseam is great for XC rides but a bit short for pairing with knee pads. It was never an issue wearing the Leatt Airflex Pro knee pads, but they gave up their life for me earlier in the season to be replaced with the IXS Flow Pad. Paired with the Flow pad there is a bit of a skin gap which is a bit of a bummer, but IXS is sending some of the new models to try which should help allieviate the dreaded “gap”.
Coincidentally, Inga borrowed my black Cross Country shorts one day when she packed a pair of mine my accident; she liked the length of the men’s short so much she ended up getting a set in her size. She’s 5’9″ so the length really worked for her and took care of her knee pad gap issues as well.
Check it out: Showers Pass Cross Country Shorts and Cross Country DWR Shorts at Showerspass.com or shop Showers Pass gear on Amazon.
Showers Pass Apex Merino Tech T-shirt and Hi-Line Merino Short Sleeve Shirt
The men’s Apex Merino Tech T-shirt and the Hi-Line Merino short sleeve shirt utilize a fabric that’s a merino blend that’s primarily made up from merino wool, with polyester and nylon weaved in. The idea behind the blended fabrics is to pair the best performance-enhancing qualities of each; wool for the anti-odor and breathability, polyester for the quick-drying and nylon for durability.
The Apex tee has a casual tech tee look, which is a basic staple these days. My go-to is the blue top for a pop of color in photos, and its a great option that looks sporty without screaming “bike nerd”.
It’s available in both men’s and women’s, with a small variation in color.
It has a slightly more relaxed fit than the henley, without being baggy and works well regardless of whether you’re riding pavement, gravel or trail.
Features & Specs (via Showers Pass)
- Merino Wool blend fabric provides antimicrobial protection from odors, natural breathability and stretch for comfort during aerobic activities
- Soft and durable 50% Merino Wool, 50% Polyester blend on the sleeves and back
- Reflective label on back
- Quick-drying
- UPF 40+ protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays
- 150 gsm summer weight fabric
- 73% Merino Wool, 19% Polyester, 8% Nylon (Hi-Line)
- 67% Merino Wool, 27% Polyester, 6% Nylon (Apex)
Disclaimer: We’ve had the opportunity to test and review a number of products from Showers Pass over the last few years. We’re not only fans of what they do but have also participated in photoshoots, both behind and in front of the cameras, which we have received compensation for. That said, this is an unpaid review and our thoughts are our own, and if you’re looking for some great gear check out the Showers Pass gear on Amazon.com or support the site by shopping for Showers Pass gear at retail partner REI.com.
