They say there’s no such thing as bad weather, just wrong clothing choices and that can be very true! The lovely people at Showers Pass kindly sent me some of their outdoor adventure kit to try out but as we’ve recently been having a very warm spell in London I hadn’t really had the opportunity to do so. But then it rained, and cooled a bit. So last week I headed out on my road bike on a very grey day, with moisture in the air and puddles on the road and tried it out. Here’s my Showers Pass clothing review.
I always find it hard to go out if it is raining but if I am out and get wet then I just think well I am wet anyway so enjoy it! And so it was quite fun to go out and splash through the puddles in the new kit – I mean if you are going to test out waterproof items you have to get wet right?
First up was the socks – waterproof socks. I didn’t know that was even a thing and although I had heard of water resistant socks I was dubious as to whether or not they really would be waterproof. I needn’t have been worried as these socks are amazing – literally no water got in. I have done Ride London four times and the first was the year of Hurricane Bertha where they closed Box Hill and Leith Hill due to flooding for safety, but other parts of the route were so wet that all riders were pretty much soaked from head to toe and for me when my feet are wet the rest of me feels cold. These socks are going to be amazing for my training during the winter months that is for sure! I also have a lot of walking planned for 2019 so there may even be some additional pairs added to my kit wardrobe.
Next up was a half-zip long-sleeved shirt. This could be used as a base layer in colder months or as a stand alone top (as I did). It seemed forever since I had needed to wear either arm warmers or long sleeves and I worried I would overheat as I do tend to get hot pretty quickly but again it was pretty much perfect. Super soft and comfortable and although longer sleeved it was lightweight, or as Showers Pass describe ‘summer weight’, and also provides UPF 40 protection from the sun. Although no back pockets like a regular cycling jersey there is a cleverly concealed pocket on the side, which was perfect for me to take my phone along on the ride.
When I transition from summer to winter riding there is generally a period where additional layers are added i.e. moving to thicker socks, arm warmers, gillets, long sleeved jerseys, full fingered gloves, jackets and then bib tights and so these socks and jersey will be ideal in the coming months and as the weather cools. They will also be a god send for my winter commuting when the weather is always considerably lower in the earlier hours of the morning.
I was really impressed by both items and I am sure I will be getting more than good use of both over the coming months and through next year too.
More Information
Who’s it for: Showers Pass clothing is termed ‘outdoor adventure wear’ but it seems aimed at cyclists from the photos used on the website. However, the clothes are technical but not so much so that they’re specific to only cycling so trail-runners, obstacle course competitors and anyone who does outdoor sports would benefit from their range. They have clothes for men, women and kids.
Where from: You can buy Shower Pass online from their website.
How much: The waterproof socks are £27 and the half-zip shirt is £73.
Website: showerspass.co.uk
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