Showers Pass Men's Hi Vis Torch Jacket

The Showers Pass men's Hi-Viz Torch jacket is a super refined, weather cheating model that meets its multi discipline design-brief without feeling overly generic. However, though breathability is far from poor, it doesn't rival more sophisticated fabrics.

That's perhaps because the MapReflect fabric that comprises the main body of the Torch isn't claimed to be breathable. Only the side panels are made from breathable fabric, Showers Pass's elite, cloth which is a rip-stop three layer polyester laminate. It's 100% waterproof, yet still permeable, so rider generated heat and sweat can escape.

Buy Showers Pass Men's Hi Vis Torch Jacket

There's also some rider-tuneable ventilation. Despite being less extensive than some, the back vent and two zippered sides do an excellent job of scooping cooling air in and allowing heat to escape when temperatures and rider efforts fluctuate.

Showers Pass acknowledges breathability isn't comparable with others in the range. Nonetheless, at this end of the market, many riders will be looking for super-efficient wicking prowess too.

A brushed nylon lining also retains warmth. Wearing a medium weight long-sleeve jersey and base layer, I've felt perfectly comfortable in temperatures between -2 °C and 10°C for two hours or more and at a steady 18-22mph.

On a commuter/touring jacket I like hip pockets for carrying keys, and parking hands on cold days when mooching about. Given the slightly 'everyman' design-brief, I was slightly surprised to discover Showers Pass have stuck to the more typical cycling jacket combination of chest and rear (diagonal) poacher pockets.

Read more: 21 of the best waterproof cycling jackets — wet weather protection to suit all budgets

Both are very sensibly proportioned. The chest easily manages a long travel zoom compact camera or 5 inch smart phone and average sized wallet without feeling overburdened. There's also an earphone port, if you like a bit of musical accompaniment. The diagonal poacher is smaller than some but still swallows a medium sized mini pump, spare tube, keys, multi tool and a banana.

On paper, taped seams sound less desirable than taped and welded seams. My experience with similarly priced competition suggests this is academic in practical terms and the water repellent YKK zipper rounds things off nicely.

I had no problems with water getting through during heavy downpours, or when blasted at close range with garden hose. A thin pile fleece collar with drawstring keeps the neck area snug, preventing rain, sleet and snow from slithering inside.

I rode long, steady miles without mudguards on plenty of waterlogged roads and found the back provides excellent protection to the lower back and buttocks.

Sizing is crucial and in this instance, medium, rather than my large default, was best. There's plenty of room around the shoulders and when shuffling around mid-ride but no danger of blustery winds inducing annoying, energy sapping flutter either.

Descending at 30-plus mph in these conditions, I've been inclined to draw the zippered sides up a bit but haven't felt unduly warm when things turn milder. Really hammering along, or in stop-go town centre sprints, some warm clamminess kicks in, lingering for moderate periods before the fibres do their thing.

Retro-reflective silver bodies, rather than logos and detailing are becoming more popular. Showers Pass MapReflect fabric combines this with a street map of cycling friendly cities, which softens the technical look sans bike without diluting its potency along unlit roads. Friends reckon they could spot the jacket from a good 300 metres.

Day glow panelling along the sleeves and removable LED lights with three flashing modes take care of murky conditions. Well sealed, the lights are fuelled by the single CR2032 cells commonly found in bar mounted computers, heart rate straps and tiny on-bike lights.

The original cells only lasted a few hours and had leaked though fortunately without damaging the contacts. This is an expensive way to power lights compared to having a single rechargeable main battery unit, though CR2032s can be found at sensible prices on line if you buy in multiples. However, this configuration is simpler, especially when it comes to removal for washing.

Need more light? There's a dedicated LED loop sewn into the upper back, brilliantly positioned for hooking driver attention, especially bus and HGV drivers. However, it could do with a steroid shot; all but the lightest blinkies tended to bob about, whacking me in the back as I rode.

Ultimately, I've been impressed by the Torch, which does everything it's supposed to and very competently. In many respects, it's all the cycling jacket I could want for general riding and weekend touring.

Good, rather than great breathability might not be a problem in the depths of winter but for me personally (and I suspect this goes for a lot of riders) at this end of the market, I'm expecting something that protects and breathes equally well.

Verdict

Impressive overall but breathability is good, rather than great and disappointing given the price