First Impressions

As the name would imply, the outdoor apparel designers at Showers Pass focus on gear that’ll stand up to inclement weather. These guys should know since they’re located in Portland, Oregon — one of rainiest cities around (they just set the record for one of the wettest winters ever). If you don’t get out in the rain in Portland, you don’t get out, simple as that. The Syncline Jacket is one of the company’s newer products designed to overcome the elements. Our sample arrived in a subdued orange hue called “rust.” We immediately liked the look and immediately apparent weatherproofing features.

Features

The Shows Pass constructs the Syncline Jacket from a proprietary Artex 2.5 layer fabric. It’s a nylon outer layer laminated to a breathable, waterproof liner. The liner is permeated allowing for perspiration to escape and has a slightly raised print that keeping you from becoming “laminated” to that inner liner yourself. That way, Showers Pass can eliminate the extra mesh lining and reduce bulk. It’s a good compromise from what we could tell spitting the difference between approaches taken on products like the Marmot Oracle and the Pearl Izumi WXB and Endura Singletrack (previously reviewed in our Cycling Jacket Reviews from February). It seemed to work in our wearings.

Specs
Materials: Artex hardshell
Insulation: None
Weight: 12.675 oz (mens medium)

Other features contributing to the water-resistant nature of the Syncline are taped seams, heavy-duty zippers and a double-lined placket to keep moisture from penetrating the front of the jacket. To aid in the breath-ability, Showers Pass places two zippered vents underneath the arms. The company also includes a hood designed to be worn underneath a helmet.

Although Showers Pass targets mostly the cycling market with their products, the Syncline can be used for hiking and other pursuits. As such, the Syncline foregoes the typical rear storage pockets found in most cycling apparel and goes for two handwarmers and two interior pockets. Showers Pass constructs these as essentially one unit and they’re made from a polyester mesh. They’ll hold your smart phone, keys, sunglasses, energy bars and the like.

Fit

Unlike a lot of cycling apparel that fits almost skin tight, the Showers Pass Syncline features a more full fit. It accommodates multiple layers underneath if necessary. Hook and loop closes the generous sleeves and the waist — which true to cycling form hangs nice and low at the back — can close with a elastic drawstring. We liked the fuller fit and found it true to size, no reason to size up or down.

Final Verdict

We walked away impressed with the Showers Pass Syncline. It delivers solid water resistance without too much of the clammy feel that some other liner=less jackets provide, thanks to the texture of the Artex fabric. Other detailing was top notch including the zippers, seam taping and the like. The Syncline fit good too, although some die-hard cyclers will want something tighter and more aerodynamic. At about $125, the Syncline delivers good value for money. If you’re in the market for a versatile jacket for biking, hiking and around town, check out the Showers Pass Syncline at places like REI.

Thanks for reading another outdoor gear review from GearGuide. And thanks to Showers Pass for providing a sample for this review.