Based in Portland, Oregon, Showers Pass know a thing or two about rain. Known for their wide range of rain repelling technical apparel, Showers Pass got into the realm of commuting jackets with the jacket named after their hometown, the Portland. Their newest offering is the Amsterdam which is based off of the successful Portland, but uses a heavier weight Herringbone material to shed water, but also to help you shrug off the cold. Like the Portland, the Amsterdam doesn’t look like your standard cycling jacket, but is feature packed to keep you dry and comfortable whether on your commute, or spectating your local cross race.
See why the Amsterdam is the perfect accessory for your Dutch bike after the jump.
To me, the mark of a good commuting jacket is obviously keeping you dry and comfortable, but also being able to walk into the office, restaurant, bar, etc. and blending right in. In fact, I would be most happy if all of my casual clothes could also double as technical cycling gear. Dual purpose. If that’s your goal, then the Amsterdam fits the bill with premium 3 layer waterproof fabric, and subdued graphics and reflective bits – the reflectors are there, but they blend in…
…or they fold away like the drop down tail. Hidden on the inside of the jacket with 3 snaps, the drop down real panel exposes a large 3M reflective panel that not only helps you stand out to cars, but will help keep your butt dry. When not in use it stows neatly inside the jacket with only the three snaps visible. The piping across the back and the chest and the back of the collar is also reflective.
Pockets are important, especially for a commuter jacket if you’re traveling light without bags, and the Amsterdam has plenty. On the outside there are two standard side pockets as well as a chest pocket with an audio port to the inside of the jacket. The pockets and zippers aren’t listed as waterproof, but due to their recessed design it seems like it would take a lot of water to make it in. If you’re really worried about things getting wet, you can use the hidden inside pockets which are obviously situated behind the waterproof membrane.
The Amsterdam also features hidden pit zips for ventilation that reveal a pop of color like the chest pocket when open.
Additionally, each wrist has a gusseted weatherguard cuff that zips closed. They’re a little bulky on the inside of the sleeve, but it does allow for a snug fit around your wrist when zipped up especially over gloves.
Further measures to keep out the water include a vertical collar and an adjustable hem with a draw string. If you want attention to detail, there is even a loop inside the jacket to keep the drawstring from being visible.
So far, the Amsterdam has proven to be an exceptionally nice piece. Ordered in a size small, trusting the sizing charts on Showers Pass’ website yielded an excellent fit. The Amsterdam retails for $200 and is available in S-XL. I’m not super excited the cold, rainy season is around the corner, but at least with the Amsterdam I’ll look good in the “off season.”
This shot was taken in complete darkness with a flash to demonstrate the reflective parts of the jacket. Since many commuters will be wearing backpacks anyways, having the large reflective panel at the bottom will help to it remain visible.
