Commuting - Anyone ever use a trash bag?

There I was, on my way to work, and it started to rain. No biggie, happens all the time.

Then, low and behold, I see another biker. Not sure if it was Glad or Hefty, but it was a first time sight for me. The guy was using a garbage bag for a makeshift rain jacket. Looked like he just slit a hole in the bottom and sides for his head and arms. I'm not sure how well it worked, but I suppose it would help to some degree.

Personally, I'll just keep my nylon rainshell folded up neatly on top of my trunk bag. Quick, compact, easily accessible, and I don't have to throw it away after using it. Also, I won't need Tom Bosley telling me to "Get GLAD!!!". :D

Yeah, done that. A day I was going away for the weekend, when it was a lovely sunny day until 5 minutes before I had to leave to catch my train, and I hadn't packed my jacket. The heavens opened, for about 25 minutes. Couldn't wait it out, had to cycle 4 miles to the station.

It's a good look!

http://static.flickr.com/26/91764651_3089f1f9be.jpg?v=0

Glad or Hefty? ;)

How well did it work? (you look soaked to the bone)

I was! It worked pretty well for my body. But I only had jeans with me, and they got nasty. Unfortunately it was one of those flash downpours where the roads turn into large puddles, and the spray was bad. I had to wring my gloves out at the station. My jeans made me very cold after 2 hours sitting on the train. The hot tea I have in that photo did help a bit though.

Jeans?

Oh, poor girl. Now, I do feel sorry for you. Wet jeans are one of the worst.

Never done that on a bike, but used to do it while hiking or at sports games. Anytime I get caught without a real jacket, that's my first resort. Though sometimes it's better to be wet than stuck in a garbage bag.

If I'm wearing bike gear, I just get wet, it doesn't really matter.
I do wear rain gear if it's going to be cold and rainy; say, < 60*F. If it's warm and rainy, there's no point in putting on rain gear because I'll be just as wet and twice as stinky if I wear something that makes me sweat even more and keeps it from evaporating.

I keep two tucked away in my backpack. One is for the back pack and one is for me :). I have a raincoat also but sometimes I forget it and the trash bag saves the day. :) Hey, better than wet on a 40 degree day.