The Showers Pass Transit Trousers are a great pair of rain pants with a good waterproof rating. They have some intelligent features that are especially useful for cyclists.
Editor’s note: Unfortunately, the Showers Pass Transit Trousers appear to have been discontinued. We’d recommend the Rab Downpour Eco as a good alternative, and you can read our review of these here.
- Cinch straps on lower leg
- Elasticated waist with cinch cord
Cons / Reasons to Avoid
- No Pockets
See the Showers Pass Transit Pants in more detail:Â
While these rain pants have been designed specifically for cyclists, they also appeal to hikers. They are very waterproof, and they will keep you dry in everything but the most extreme downpours. Their breathability isn’t fantastic, and there are no vents, but it is more than adequate for normal levels of exercise. Features such as cinch straps on the lower legs and reflective strips down the outside of the leg are great for cyclists but also helpful for hikers. These pants come with a handy mesh bag so you can pack them away neatly when you don’t need to wear them. We chose the Showers Pass Transit Trousers as our best cycling rain pants.
Compare to Similar Products:Â
Product | Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Pants | Marmot Minimalist Pant | Outdoor Research Helium Pant | Arc'teryx Beta AR Pant | Mamot PreCip Eco Pant Full Zip | The North Face Men's Antora Hiking Pants | Rab Downpour Eco Pant | Columbia Rebel Roamer | Rab Dounpour Eco FZ |
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Buying Options | |||||||||
Our Award | Women's Performance | Women's Best Lightweight | Men's Performance | Women's Best Rain Pant for Hiking | Men's Best Value | ||||
Waterproof Fabric | 2.5L Dry.Q Stretch Ripstop | 2.5L Gore-Tex with PacLite Technology | 2.5L Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse | Gore-Tex Pro | Nono Pro Eco | 2L DryVent Seam Sealed | Pertex Shield Membrane | Omni-Tech Waterproof/Breathable | Pertex Shield Membrane |
Face Fabric | 100% Recycled Polyester | 100% Polyester | 30D 100& Nylon Ripstop | N40r-X Gore-Tex Pro | 100% Recycled Nylon Ripstop | 100% Recycled Nylon Ripstop with DWR Finish | Recycled Polyester | 70D 100% Nylon | Recycled Polyester |
Cost | $85.36 | $120.22 | Price not available | Price not available | $100.00 | $99.97 | Price not available | $36.00 | No products found. |
Read our main guide: 9 Best Waterproof Rain Pants for Hiking
Analysis and Test Results
The essential feature hikers look for in rain pants is waterproofness, and the Showers Pass Transit Trousers will keep you dry for hours. The 3-layer Artex Hardshell fabric has a tricot lining that wicks sweat and doesn’t get clammy against your skin. These pants are more breathable than expected, but there are no vents to help with ventilation, and they can’t cope with vigorous exercise. The Artex Hardshell material has a ripstop top layer to increase durability without being stiff and uncomfortable. It is also flexible enough to be easily packed down into the small mesh bag.
There are long zips at the bottom of the pants so they can be pulled over boots, and two Velcro straps on each leg can be used to contain any excess material neatly. The waistband is elasticated and has a drawcord, and the knees are articulated to increase comfort. There are no pockets, however.
Performance Comparison
Water Resistance
The Showers Pass Transit trousers are made from 3-layer Artex Hardshell fabric. While they don’t give precise data, this material has a waterproof rating of between 3,000 and 15,000 mm. Independent testers have rated it as 10,000 mm. The seams are all taped, and there is a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating. All this adds up to making these pants very waterproof. They should keep you dry for hours in most weather conditions.
Breathability
Even though they are made of 3-layer material, these pants have decent breathability. Showers Pass says the fabric has a breathability rating of 10,000g/m2/day, and independent testers also estimate it to be 10,000g/m2/day. This is a good rating for waterproof trousers; you should have no issues unless you exercise very hard. The inner lining wicks moisture and stops the pants from feeling clammy against your skin.
Comfort and Mobility
These are very comfortable pants to wear. The tricot lining is soft against your skin, and the material is flexible and not too stiff. They have articulated knees, so the fabric moves with you when you bend your knee. They are wide enough to fit comfortably over layers, but the cinch straps on the lower leg ensure there’s no excess material flapping around. Showers Pass says these pants run small, but they have detailed size charts on their website so you can check you are getting the correct size. They are also longer than most rain pants, so they cover your boots without any gaps.
Materials
Showers Pass uses 3-layer Artex Hardshell fabric, which has a waterproof membrane bonded between a face fabÂric and a liner fabÂric. The lining is laminated tricot, which feels soft against your skin. This protects the membrane in the middle. The top layer is made from ripstop fabric that has a DWR coating.
Durability
These pants feel well-made and finished. The top layer of the Showers Pass Transit Trousers is ripstop fabric, which is more resistant to tearing. The articulation and cut reduces tension in the pants’ material and means they are less likely to rip without the pants being so baggy they will snag easily.
Showers Pass unconditionally guarantees their Jackets and Trousers for two years from the date of purchase. If there is a problem with your pants, they will either repair or replace them.
Weight and Packability
Although they use 3-layer material, the Showers Pass Transit Trousers are lighter than expected. They also pack down surprisingly easily. They come with a mesh stuff-sack so they can be tucked away tidily when not in use. These rain pants weigh:
Men
11 oz / 312 g
Features
One of the most popular features of these pants is the cinch straps on the legs. Two Velcro straps on the lower half of the legs can be adjusted to pull in and tighten the material. Cyclists in particular appreciate this as it keeps fabric away from a bike’s chain and gears. Hikers also like the cinch straps as they make the pants neater without being tighter and more comfortable when walking.
The waist is elastic and also has a draw cord. The elasticity gives a good fit while also accommodating layers. The addition of the drawcord helps secure the pants without impeding a harness or rucksack belt. There are also four Velcro flaps that are designed to be used with Showers Pass suspenders but may be compatible with other brands.
The zippers on these pants’ cuffs make it easy to pull them on over boots or shoes. Although they are described as ankle zippers, they open almost to the top of your calf. On the outside of each trouser, there is a full-length reflective stripe to make you more visible in low-light conditions.
Sustainability
Showers Pass says that “caring for our people and our planet has always been central to the way we do things’. They have set several sustainability goals for 2025 that they are working towards. Currently over 16% of their products contain some recycled materials, their main factory and fabric mill are Bluesign certified and they are certified Climate Neutral.
Conclusion
The Showers Pass Transit Trousers will keep you dry and comfortable whether you are cycling or walking. The two Velcro straps that cinch in the lower leg and the full-length reflective strips down the outside of the legs are designed for cyclists but hikers also appreciate them.
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