A Closer Look at the Elite III: What's New

Elite III is the first update to our flagship cycling jacket in over a decade. We’ve made several minor updates over the years without updating the name and model number, so you’re probably wondering what could possibly drive this generational leap. Well, here’s the full rundown.

What’s New

• Porlite waterproof-breathable technology
• Porlite is a high-performance microporous membrane technology made from polypropylene.
• Porlite is PFAS-free and requires less energy, water and raw material to produce compared to other membranes.
• Elite III features a bi-component membrane. An ultra-thin polyurethane coating applied to the microporous polypropylene membrane. It wicks moisture and prevents micropores from becoming clogged by oils from sweat or topical products, ensuring your jacket’s performance doesn’t wane over time.
  

• Recycled Content
• The face fabric and lining are now made from nylon thread derived 100% from recycled materials. 

• Improved back pocket entry and accessibility
• A non-waterproof zipper securely covered by a flap is easier to operate while wearing the jacket, but still fully weatherproof.
• Larger opening allows for easier storage of bulky items and easier
• A proven design used on other popular styles, including Ecolyte Elite and Spring Classic Jackets. 
  

• Jacket packs into back pocket
• Elite III jackets easily pack into their back pocket.
• The pocket features two webbing loops which can be used with your favorite fasteners (straps, carabiners, etc) to create a variety of storage options. 
• Flat pocket shape allows for stowed jacket to be easily slid into bags or carried against the body. It can also be or rolled for aditional conventient ways to carry.
  
  

• Updated hood attachment system
• The Gen III hood offers a cleaner look at the collar with no exposed hook and loop when the hood is not attached.
• Offers better access to the main zipper

• Sternum snap
• A multifunctional feature, the sternum snap helps to hold the jacket closed when unzipped or partially zipped. This can allow for additional venting options and can make the jacket easier to zip back up on the go.
• We moved away from using double zippers that could be opened from the bottom up because they wear out more quickly and are more prone to malfunction. The sternum snap allows the wearer to replicate the effect of opening a double zipper from the bottom up for ventilation. 
  

• Reduced weight
• Elite III has shed over an ounce of weight compared to its predecessor, mostly thanks to the reduced weight of the Porlite membrane.
  
  
• Reinforced seam tape
• Key areas have been reinforced to mitigate the risk of peeling. 

What we kept

• Classic Elite Jacket fit. 
• Our cycling jackets are cut to fit a body on a bike, allowing them to provide unobtrusive weather protection and #enjoytheride. Armholes are oriented slightly forward. A shorter front prevents bunching and billowing. A longer tail provides full coverage for your rear. Generous sleeve lengths and wide cuffs ensure full coverage and can be easily snugged down over the cuff of gloves.

• Double-Line ripstop face fabric
• A perfect balance of lightness and durability with an excellent hand feel. This fabric punches above its weight class when it comes to toughness.
  
  
• Flow-thru Ventilation
• Two large core vents and a back vent allow for air to flow through the jacket, helping regulate temperature and humidity. 
• Core vents allow most people to access pockets of garments worn under the jacket, including cycling jerseys.
   
• High-quality water-resistant zippers.
• Main zipper: YKK aquaguard vislon, the gold standard in for outerwear. 
• The chest pocket and core vents are unique zippers from O’reach. The stripe seen on these lightweight water-resistant coil zippers is a special thermoplastic injected between the zipper teeth, creating a seal when the zipper is closed. They are smooth to operate and provide the best protection available. 

• Heaps of high quality refletive material
• 360 degrees of 3M reflective materials provide critical visibility in low light and nighttime environments. 

• Heritage styling
• Elite III is the direct descendant of the very first Showers Pass jacket. The signature goldenrod color with black color-blocking has become a symbol of quality recognized by cyclists and discerning outdoor enthusiasts worldwide.