The Showers Pass Cloudburst Hoodie is a three-layer waterproof/breathable rain jacket designed for cyclists or trail runners with many features that will appeal to hikers and backpackers. It has an adjustable hood and a matching hipbelt for torso vents lined with mesh that can be opened for more ventilation or used as pockets. The exterior has a soft velvety hand that sheds rain easily, quietly, and wears well. The fit is “athletic,” so size up if you want to wear it over a mid-layer.
- Construction: 3L waterproof/breathable w/eliteAir membrane
- Gender: Male – Female available
- Waterproofing: 15,000 mm
- Breathability (MVTR): 40,000 gsm / 24hr
- Seam-taped: Yes
- Bags: 5
- Fit: Athletic (size up if you plan on layering)
- Packable: Yes, back pocket with zipper
- Weight: 11.9 oz in L for men
There are few waterproof/breathable rain jackets designed for hiking and backpacking, despite hiking being the most popular form of outdoor recreation in the United States. Most are made for skiers, hikers, hunters, or trail runners, which is why, as a hiker, you often have to put down hood design, face coverage, breathability, wind resistance, weight, or other factors when shopping. While the Cloudburst Hoodie is designed for cycling, I was interested to see if it could be adapted for hiking and backpacking, given its high breathability rating and functional pocket structure.
The Cloudburst is a 3L waterproof/breathable jacket with a good waterproof rating (15,000 mm) and an exceptional breathability rating (40,000 gsm/24hr), which I found to be effective when I was tramping in the rain. The outer and inner fabric has plenty of built-in squareness and a soft, blended feel, unlike the stiff “shiny” fabrics you find in most hardshell rain jackets. The interior is seam-taped, and the waterproof front zipper is supported by a storm flap with a zipper garage at the top. I found the jacket to be more comfortable and warmer than most rain jackets in cooler spring temperatures, similar to a lightweight soft shell jacket, but with the weather resistance of a hard shell rain jacket.
Torso Vents and Pockets
The Cloudburst also features hipbelt-compatible vents on the sides of the torso, which are mesh-backed and can double as chest bags. You can put your hands in these to keep them warm when it’s raining, and they’re great for releasing excess heat when you’re working hard, so you sweat less.
In addition to the two vents/torso pockets, there are two zippered pockets on the inside and a zippered back pocket on the outside of the jacket, over the lumbar area. This back pocket contains your key fob and is large enough to hold multiple snack bars or a smartphone. Unlike the back pockets on cycling jerseys, this one has a zipper but is still accessible, offering value to cyclists or runners, although it’s a little too much for backpackers. You can also put a jacket in this back pocket for storage, using the key fob to attach the pocket to the riding harness.
The Cloudburst hood has an adjustable opening face but is still best used with a billable cap to keep rain off your face or glasses. The hood is controlled by external drawstrings at the neck, a design that Montbell has also used in their other rain jackets, such as the Versalite. This makes them very easy to adjust on the go, without stopping.
The wrists are covered with light cuffs, and there is an adjustable hem to prevent drafts from below, which improves the retention of warmth on cold and wet days.
Fit and Sizing
The Cloudburst Hoodie runs true to size with a sporty cut. It’s designed to fit over base layers or lightweight mid-layers, but may feel snug over bulky clothing. For layer flexibility, moderation is recommended. I usually wear a large men’s jacket and found the jacket too snug on the chest for my liking.
Total Price
Priced in the mid-range of performance rain jackets ($259), the Shower Pass Cloudburst Hoodie offers excellent value considering its comfort, weather protection, and thoughtful design. If you’re looking for a rain jacket with hipbelt pockets, effective heat management features like torso vents, and an adjustable hood, you should definitely consider them. The fact that it is suitable for many outdoor sports, from cycling and running to hiking and backpacking, is another plus.
Disclosure: Showers Pass provided the jacket for review.
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