The Showers Pass 2-D Helmet Cover is a wind and rainproof cover designed to keep us dry and comfortable, whatever the gods bestow. However, its internal climate control is not as good as Gore-Tex helmet covers.

Available in day-glow yellow or stealth black with 3M reflective detailing, it's made from durable polyester with waterproof taped seams. Being a one-fits-most product, it employs elasticated draw cords with finger-friendly toggles to achieve a precise fit.

It's proven fully compatible with assorted road, trail and commuter helmets. The detachable hood-cum-gaiter, which looks rather like the back of a French legionnaire's hat, might not win any style awards but channels rain/sleet/snow on to the shoulders, not down the neck. It adjusts for rider size via a Velcro tab and apparently doubles as a LED mount.

November's stormy start was an been ideal testing ground and I can confirm the cover works extremely well. Despite two hours' relentless rainfall, I remained completely dry and while a smattering of hail stung my face, icy particles just pattered harmlessly atop the fabric.

Crosswinds could be felt streaming through the fibres, so the cover doesn't completely hinder ventilation but without inducing painful 'ice cream' headaches on long, exposed descents. That said, while I've never come close to feeling boiled in the bag, my head felt decidedly clammy after two hours at a steady 20mph. This hasn't been my experience with helmet covers made from more breathable fabrics such as Gore-Tex or eVent.

Unlike cheaper, 'shower cap' helmet covers, there's none of the annoying flutter that can impair concentration, hazard perception or just casual conversation on group rides. Our day glow yellow model stuck out like the proverbial sore thumb, a real boon on murky mornings, albeit a faux pas down the pub.

Trucks and similarly large vehicles seemed more aware, noticing me sooner, although one construction worker decided he'd use me as target practice, passing within a few inches.

As the blurb says, blinkies can be tethered to the Velcro tab but anything larger than a bobby dodger tended to rattle against the helmet, which tested my patience over washboard surfaces.

Speaking of washing, it hasn't developed a particularly grimy patina despite regular traffic-jamming. Showers Pass recommend hand-washing in cool water with mild detergent. However, I'm pleased to report ours responded well to low temperature machine washes with similar technical wear and using liquid soap.

Verdict

Unique and capable foul weather cover, not quite as breathable as some

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