A Useful Review – The Showers Pass Refuge Waterproof Duffel

The Showers Pass Refuge Waterproof Duffel has become my go-to gear bag for overnights and weekends. It has a main compartment with a movable divider and three small organizer pockets. The top flap is a three-side zip and has a mesh pocket in it as well. Both ends of the duffel feature big, zippered compartments and one has a lined pocket within it, perfect for eyewear. The idea is that one side is for shoes, the other for a helmet.

In a minor stroke of genius, Showers Pass made this bag as big as they were able without disqualifying it as a carry-on bag for flights. I can attest that two kits, a change of clothes, a helmet, glasses shoes and socks, not to mention some wrapper food and water bottles is a very tight fit, but it is possible. 

One of the bag’s best features, though, is the dressing mat that folds out from a small, zippered side pocket (see above). You can lay it out on whatever surface you have, from mud to gravel to broken glass, and it offers a place to stand as you change. I didn’t think the fact that the bag is made from waterproof nylon was that big a deal, but the number of times I’ve now changed in pouring rain tells me that the waterproof design was a solid move.

The Refuge Waterproof Duffel goes for $189 and comes in basic black with three different trim options.


Shimano North America pays a bunch of the bills here at TCI, which is nice of them. To be completely fair, each of us has contributed significantly to paying Shimano’s bills too. They keep making stuff and we keep buying it. Maybe they’re just enabling our habits. Pretty clever. And greatly appreciated.

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