Industry Ticker: Showers Pass debuts “Cloudcover” waterproof bag line

Two of the three models in the new Cloudcover line.(Photos: Showers Pass)
Two of the three models in the new Cloudcover line.
(Photos: Showers Pass)

First it was rain jackets, then a hydration system, then came gloves, device covers, baselayers, and an apparel line.

Now southeast Portland-based Showers Pass is rolling into the bag market with the release of the Cloudcover line.

The line includes three models: the Utility Backpack ($214), Transit Backpack ($264) and Refuge Duffel ($189). As you’d expect the bags keep water out thanks to a special fabric coating, fully welded seams and waterproof zippers. Another cool feature are the integrated and removable LED lights that slip into the sides and back of the bags to help you be seen by other road users.

Here are a few more images of the bags followed by the company’s press release:

The Duffel.
The Refuge Duffel.
The lights are removable.
The lights are removable.
Utility Backpack.
Utility Backpack.

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Cloudcover-Waterproof-Backpacks-with-Beacon-Light-banner-landing-page

Transit Backpack
Transit Backpack

Showers Pass announces new line of Cloudcover Waterproof Bags designed to withstand the elements and provide unique functionality for year round cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts. The Cloudcover line includes the Utility Backpack, the Transit Backpack and the Refuge Duffel, all made with durable waterproof construction, self-supporting design, and featuring integrated/removable red LED Beacon Lights for safety. The bags are made with 840 denier ballistic strength Nylon with a waterproof TPU coating, fully welded seams, and waterproof zippers for durability and exceptional weather protection. All three styles of bags are equipped with reflective trims for improved night visibility and your choice of green, gold or silver colored anodized aluminum hardware to provide a lightweight yet durable alternative to plastic with an added pop of color.

“When we branch out into new categories we aim to solve problems for the end user. On one side of the industry there are many functional non-waterproof backpacks and duffel bags, while on the other side there are many great roll-top waterproof bags that don’t provide much organizational utility” says Kyle Ranson, Showers Pass president. “We designed a line of bags that combined functional design for better organization with waterproof construction, and with many innovative features.”

Providing superior comfort both on and off the bike, the Transit and Utility Backpacks feature ergonomic padded shoulder straps that are kept in place with a new low profile sternum strap clipping mechanism. 3-D mesh spacer panels on the back provide cushion and airflow. The padded waist strap features two zippered pockets, and can be worn around the waist, buckled to the front of the bag or removed completely and worn alone as a hip pack. The Utility and Transit Packs also feature suspended laptop sleeves that keep computers or tablets secure and off the ground during sudden drops.

The Transit and Utility Backpacks stand out from the crowd with 4 points of integrated removable LED lighting. Each bag also includes four red LED Beacon lights which snap into metal grommets. The small, silicone-clad LED’s run on watch batteries, and offer a solid mode, as well as 2 flashing modes. With a 200 hour run time, these lights are programmed with an automatic shut-off feature to conserve battery life (auto shut-off after an hour on flashing mode).

The Transit Backpack is designed for urban commuters seeking a spacious, and comfortable pack that will keep their gear protected and well organized. Its self-supporting and lightweight design makes packing and unpacking a breeze. Weighing only 4lbs with a 42 Liter capacity, this bag is the ultimate travel companion.

The Utility Backpack is designed for the outdoor enthusiast who seeks extra room for essentials and plenty of space for hydration. Equipped with a separate hydration bladder pocket, and nylon webbing on the front, this rugged bag provides ample space for clip on accessories. At just 3.4 lbs with a 26.8 Liter capacity, the Utility Backpack provides space without the added weight.

The Refuge Duffel Bag is an essential all-in-one bag for athletes and outdoor adventurers. Easily separate clean clothes from dirty items with 3 separate waterproof compartments. This duffel bag also comes with a fold-out waterproof changing mat, providing a dry place to stand during kit changes. Weighing only 2.81 lbs with a 51.3 Liter capacity, this bag lets you do it all.

Learn more at ShowersPass.com.

Check the Industry Ticker archives for more news about local bike products and businesses.

— Jonathan Maus, (503) 706-8804 – jonathan@bikeportland.org

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Jonathan Maus (Publisher/Editor)

Jonathan Maus (Publisher/Editor)

Founder of BikePortland (in 2005). Father of three. North Portlander. Basketball lover. Car owner and driver. If you have questions or feedback about this site or my work, feel free to contact me at @jonathan_maus on Twitter, via email at maus.jonathan@gmail.com, or phone/text at 503-706-8804. Also, if you read and appreciate this site, please become a supporter.

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Spiffy
7 years ago

it certainly doesn’t LOOK waterproof since I’ve never seen a zipper that was…

fabric coating? so it’s going to turn into a regular bag after some use…

anybody have current experience with a “waterproof” Showers Pass zipper? my experience with one of their jackets is several years old and now I will not give Showers Pass another chance on anything without a zipper flap…

jered
jered
7 years ago
Reply to  Spiffy

TPU coated 840 nylon is not going to turn into a regular bag – that TPU coating is super tough (and what makes it weld-able). It is a full coating not a DWR surface treatment.

The RCPU zippers in this application should be more than adequate as long as you stay above water! Especially as the zippers are welded into the bag. Usually the stitching is the weak point on RCPU zippers, though true a zipper by definition can’t be 100% waterproof.

Spiffy
7 years ago
Reply to  jered

I guess I’m taking issue with the false “waterproof” claims since the zipper nor TPU are waterproof… sure, they’re highly water resistant, but my experience is that after hours in the rain they soak through, especially the zippers…

Todd Hudson
Todd Hudson
7 years ago
Reply to  Spiffy

“anybody have current experience with a “waterproof” Showers Pass zipper?

You mean the zipper that frequently jams and doesn’t appear to be waterproof? That zipper? Plenty of experience!

Doug Duguay
7 years ago
Reply to  Spiffy

Spiffy,

I own a Transit bag and I love it. It simply hasn’t rained so I’m not sure about the 100% waterproof claim.

Years ago, I had my friend shoot water from a pressure washer on the old “waterproof zipper.” See the enclosed video https://youtu.be/dGwrrjFrjas
If you look closely, you will see that the old zipper did leak. For the generation after that they switched to a flap zipper and I haven’t had any problems with leaks after that.

Doug

MB
MB
7 years ago

Is it made in the USA or oversees?

Lester Burnham
Lester Burnham
7 years ago
Reply to  MB

Considering where all their other stuff is made it’s a pretty safe bet somewhere in Asia.

Beth H
7 years ago
Reply to  Lester Burnham

Pretty hefty price for something made in China. Even if it’s made in Taiwan. Chrome’s “classic” bags are still made here in the USA and the pricing is comparable. What gives?

J_R
J_R
7 years ago

I find the placement of the lights on the backpacks to be really poor.

The lights are located on the flap for the back pocket. Being on the flap, there will be a tendency for the flap to point the light up, especially when the pocket is stuffed full. Combine that with the rider bending forward and the result is that the back lights point skyward.

How many times have you seen a cyclist with a strobe mounted near the top of his/her backpack and been unable to see the light because of the cyclist’s forward lean? I see it often. Better to put the lights near the bottom of the backpack so they’ll be visible under more conditions.

Huey Lewis
Huey Lewis
7 years ago
Reply to  J_R

“How many times have you seen a cyclist with a strobe mounted near the top of his/her backpack and been unable to see the light because of the cyclist’s forward lean? I see it often.”

Impossible to answer. Because as the light is on the top of his/her backpack it points skyward and I’m unable to see the strobing light attached to the bag.

J_R
J_R
7 years ago
Reply to  Huey Lewis

When I catch up to them at a stop light or when I’m in a car (sorry, but I do use one sometimes) and pass them.

Huey Lewis
Huey Lewis
7 years ago
Reply to  J_R

Only giving you a hard time, J_R

Todd Hudson
Todd Hudson
7 years ago

Will they be as high quality as my SP jacket?

SupportIBD
SupportIBD
7 years ago

They look cheap and designed by people who don’t actually ride much….

Andy
Andy
7 years ago

I’ve been riding with this bag for my commute this summer and absolutely love it. If you ride heavy like I do (clothes, laptop, documents, lunch on a typical day), it’s great in that it’s roomy but keeps the weight off your shoulders with the hip belt. Pockets are roomy & make it easy to separate things, and it takes heavy rain and hail like a champ. This is an “only bag you’ll ever need” kind of bag, as it’s weatherproof and roomy enough to work for years – clearly designed with everyday commuters in mind.

Doug Duguay
7 years ago
Reply to  Andy

+1 to Andy’s comment.

Emily
7 years ago

Awesome review, great bag for a commuter!

Emiliano
Emiliano
7 years ago

The Transit looks great but I’m still undecided whether to buy the TRANSIT WATERPROOF BACKPACK or the Timbuk2 Especial Tres Cycling Backpack. Anyone can recommend one of these?