When I think about rain trousers, I think large and flappy sails, getting caught in my chain and I start to get sad. In the past, I have always used inexpensive variants, and that’s what you get with that territory. The Showers Pass Skyline is different, it comes with a whole list of features that you might not know you need. It’s not cheap at $175 but it’s also not super high end either.
On the scale of Commuter to Road Racer, the Skyline trouser fits squarely in the middle. This trouser can keep you dry and comfortable on a long weekend ride in the rain, or offer high protection from the wind on a cold day. If you have a longer commute the Skyline might be the perfect sweetspot avoiding the frustration with lower end products.
The fit is slim verging on snug and feels a tad awkward when just standing. But, just like bib shorts, this is a good indication that they will fit well when cycling. Worth noting, this trouser doesn’t have a pad / chamois and you don’t wear over them other trousers so you will need some cycling shorts, padded shorts or regular underwear for short trips.
From top to bottom, The waistline is elasticated with an internal drawstring and there are also belt loops if needed. I didn’t feel the need.
Upper thighs, (where you get pummelled the most with rain) are covered in a 3-layer breathable and waterproof material, known as hardshell, This material does not stretch and acts as a hard waterproof barrier. This performs exceptionally well, and keeps your quads from getting chilled and numbing up on cold and wet days.
Just below the knee the design transitions to a softer stretchy waterproof material, then at the shins changes back to a hardshell to give you max protection from the front wheel spray (if you don’t have mudguards)
The back of the trousers are made from a thicker slightly stretch material that feels beefy and durable in the hand, then there’s ultra stretchy material stripe running down the outside of the leg about 1.5″ wide for making a good fit and offering some ventilation.
At the ankle, an 9″ zipper on the front for easy access to your boots or shoes. Additionally, there is a hidden gator “flap” around this area inside which can be unfolded and tucked into the top of your shoes or shoe covers for extra water protection.
The trousers are highly appointed with reflective tape areas, both back and front to keep you safer on the dark nights. Also a nice touch is a slim, super minimal key pocket so you don’t have to dig in your clothes or bag after a ride while standing in the pouring rain. This is the only pocket and there are no zippered vents etc.
Summary : The good and the bad
Slim, durable and comfortable but a sizing issue for some
The trousers are slim, durable, and have a great set of features to keep you dry. The garment is on the heavier side, which attests to the better materials used, indicating they will last some time and be a good investment.
The winning feature for me has to be the material used on the top of the thighs; it’s excellent, highly waterproof, and thicker, stopping your large muscle groups from getting cold and underperforming. (Roadies, you know that feeling.)
The fit while on the bike is great (only a little niggle below); the slim design around the lower legs and ankles means you never have to worry about the pant getting caught in the chain or chainwheel. Cycling 60 miles in these pants is not a problem; I would be hard-pressed to say this about other rain garments.
However, the sizing seems off for me personally. The large size fits me well everywhere except at the ankle cuff. I’m 6ft 3″ tall, 164 lbs, with a 34″ inseam, thus i’m a little odd- 90th percentile. The length is slightly shorter for me, so I either have an uncomfortable seat area or a gap at the ankle cuff. Having an extra 1.5 – 2″ at the ankle cuff would have been great, especially in heavy rain, as it would prevent water from getting into my shoe. This is not a deal breaker but the trouser can run short and is slim fit so make sure to check the sizing on their website.
- My 2025 Top Indoor Training Accessories for a more enjoyable ride and Better Performance
- Product Review : Maximize Your Cycling with 4iiii (Foureye) Power Meters – Precision 3+ Review
- The best handmade bikes at Portland MADE 2025 !
- Editorial : Tubeless or Not to Tubeless! that is the question
- Reviewing Pirelli P Zero Race TLR RS: Top Road Tires
Discover more from Buckyrides
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Buckyrides 
Leave a Reply