Showers Pass is best known for its waterproof jackets and other high-end outerwear that withstands the wet, often unpredictable weather of the Pacific Northwest. Earlier this year, the Portland, Oregon company turned its attention to waterproof bags and duffels.
Showers Pass Refuge Waterproof Duffel bag features
Outside:
- 100% waterproof, fully welded construction with a single-side TPU coating
- 840-denier 100% Ballistic strength nylon
- Three separated waterproof compartments keep clean clothes away from dirty
- Soft grip carry handle and adjustable removable shoulder strap
- 3M reflective trim for high visibility from all angles
- A waterproof 36"x24" changing mat folds out from back waterproof pocket
- Length 23", Width 10.5", Height 11.5"
- TSA-approved carry-on size
- 3.4 lbs
Inside:
- 3,130 cubic inches / 51.3 litres
- Main compartment wide tooth zipper is weatherproof (not recommended for submersion)
- Inside of top flap features zippered mesh pocket
- Ridged divider in center compartment is removable/adjustable
- Two water bottle nylon pockets
- One large mesh pocket with key clip
- Ridged bottom board is removable
- Fleece-lined media pocket
- Bag is self-supporting for easy packing
Serious construction
The no-joke construction of the Refuge is immediately noticeable. The 840-denier 100% Ballistic strength nylon looks, feels and even sounds tough, and the welded seams are flat, straight, and evoke quality. The main zipper has huge teeth and is covered by a flap. The carry straps and handles are all heavy duty and properly stitched to the bag.
How the Refuge hauls those 51.3 litres of gear is what's most impressive
The quality extends to the inside of the bag as well, with a moveable center divider that actually stays in place and upright. And possibly the best thing, the fact the bag is self-supporting, meaning it doesn't fall in on itself and is easy to load, unload and sort through. What it all boils down to is that the Refuge is a super-high quality bag.
Bring it all
The Refuge duffel can haul 51.3 litres of gear, which is a good amount. But how it hauls those 51.3l is what's most impressive.
First off, there are pockets everywhere. Under the main flap, in the side pockets, in the main compartment, you name it there's a spot to stash your stuff separately. Two pockets really stood out as brilliant, the fleece-lined pocket in the side pocket which backs to the inside of the bag to protect electronics, and the dual water bottle pockets which snugly hold the bottles upright.
The internal divider can be moved thanks to Velcro and is a boon for keeping dirty gear separate from clean gear. However the Refuge is loaded, the removable bottom board and upright construction give the bag structure making it so simple to sort through the stuff inside.
I can envision how nice it is to have the changing mat, but honestly I'm not the type of rider who would use it simply because it's just one more thing to fold up and tuck away. With that said, the mat does store neatly and completely out of the way when not in use.
It seemed odd at the time, but in the name of gear testing I left this bag (and my stuff inside it) out in the rain to test Showers Pass' claim of waterproofing. I'm pleased to report dry contents (and to not have to do laundry).
Cycling gear can be very expensive and while the Refuge duffel bag is far from cheap you can be certain that anything stored inside is bound to be organized, protected and most importantly, dry.