Showers Pass Gravel Shorts: Getting Rolling

Showers Pass Gravel Shorts: Getting Rolling – by Guitar Ted

Showers Pass, probably best known for rain gear, does have a new pair of shorts out called the “Gravel Shorts”. Of course, this distinction is the ‘buzzword du jour‘ these days, but it does differentiate this pair of shorts from the similarly plainly named “Cross Country Shorts” which we reviewed back in 2018. Those Cross Country shorts were impressive and are still in the rotation for rides to this day. By the way, they are holding up quite well. But this review will focus on the Gravel Shorts, so let’s take a closer look at what we have here.

Showers Pass distinguishes the Gravel Shorts from the other offerings they have by giving you a bit shorter leg length and a different assortment of pockets. Here is what Showers Pass has to say from the webpage for the shorts:

• Lightweight, breathable 4-way stretch Nylon-Spandex blend fabric is exceptionally quick drying
• Waist specific sizing with the addition of an internal waist cinch system for clean look and perfect fit, on or off the trail
• Silicone grip on elastic waistband
• Gusseted crotch for exceptional freedom of movement
• 6 versatile pockets, 5 sized to fit your latest technology
• 2 zippered thigh pockets can also act as vents while a rear pocket features a hidden zippered pocket
• Locker loop for convenient hanging
• Athletic trim fit
• Men’s 10” inseam

Our sample is in one of the new colors for 2021- Fatigue Green. The Gravel Shorts are available in Men’s 30 – 40 waist sizes and Women’s 2- 14. Price is $89.00 USD. Showers Pass claims these are their lightest and most versatile shorts to date. They also boast a 4-way stretch fit to enable the material to move with you as you cycle.

First Impressions: Out of the box impressions were very good. I am immediately reminded of the previously reviewed Cross Country shorts due to the Gravel Shorts having a very similar cinch waist adjust system, two snap-one clip closure at the front of the waist, and also the silicone gripper material on the backside of the inner waist band. These shorts definitely feel light and supple to the touch. The color is a pleasing green- not at all bright or showy- and also is not too ‘military’ looking, despite the name of the color Showers Pass chose.

Slipping into the Gravel Shorts, I am able to notice the slightly shorter leg length and the tailored fit. These should not be confused with ‘baggies’ at all. In fact, once on the bike, I would reckon that these shorts are much more akin to the feel of a typical cycling short than any baggies I have tried for gravel riding. Pedaling revealed no restrictions to movement and no flapping leg material to catch the breezes.

So Far… I’ll be putting these through their paces in the coming weeks and will report back with a final review soon. Stay tuned, but as of now, I am very impressed with the Gravel Shorts. If they live up to the high standards set by the Cross Country shorts, they will be a winner. We will see……

Note: Showers Pass sent over the Gravel Shorts for test and review at no charge to Riding Gravel. We were not paid, nor bribed for this review. We always strive to give our honest thoughts and view throughout.