Rain Capes

[tromper]

I'm looking over a few different Rain Capes for our marvelous winter.

The Carradice seems nice 'nuff but I don't seen any reason to pick it over one of these alternatives.

That leaves the J & G version J&G Cape (http://www.bicycleclothing.com/Rain-Capes.html)
Nice 'nuff looks to be the best constructed but no hood option

The Campmor version Campmor Cape (http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=10130&memberId=12500226&storeId=226&catalogId=40000000226&langId=-1)
is the cheapest & looks it - unsure of durablity for daily use.

and the CAT version CAT CAPE (http://www.catoregon.org/raingear.htm)
Has an optional hood for an extra 10 bucks

Anyone out there have a reasonable basis of comparison of these, or direct experience with one or the other through a winter?
Anyone have any thoughts on hood vs. no hood?

[cooker]

Here's my thread on the topic:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?p=4332005#post4332005

[KingTermite]

I have J&G's rain jacket.
http://www.bicycleclothing.com/Waterproof-Rain-Jackets.html

It's works pretty well....I am a little annoyed about the fit, but that's because its a standard fit and I have a long torso. Also, the optional hood you can buy and attach to it, doesn't really attach that well.

But the jacket itself works very well. If you aren't a really long torso (like me) and don't want a hood, it works great. Might be warmer than the cape though.

[rnorris]

I've been curious about rain capes for awhile, so decided to go cheap for the first try and get the Campmor one. Should have it in a few days and will give a report on it. Looks like I'll have to wear its hood under my helmet, as the hood doesn't look like it's large enough to fit over it.

[cooker]

The hood doesn't make sense to me...I would worry that when it's under the helmet it would limit head movement and interfere with shoulder checking etc. I got the J&G cape because it didn't have a hood, and I got a separate waterproof helmet cover.

[KingTermite]

The hood doesn't make sense to me...I would worry that when it's under the helmet it would limit head movement and interfere with shoulder checking etc. I got the J&G cape because it didn't have a hood, and I got a separate waterproof helmet cover.

True.....logic told me I should get the hood with the jacket. First ride with the hood I realized it was dangerous. I lost a LOT of peripheral vision and neck movement with the hood.

[twobikes]

The hood doesn't make sense to me...I would worry that when it's under the helmet it would limit head movement and interfere with shoulder checking etc. I got the J&G cape because it didn't have a hood, and I got a separate waterproof helmet cover.

I used a rain cape a few times many years ago. Not only does the hood limit head movement, but it altered what I could hear. There was noise from the rustling of the cape on my ears. That distorted my ability to hear traffic noises the way I wanted to. Also the cape funneled water onto my upper legs and my pants got extra wet.

[alfanator]

I have the CAT cape. Works great, hood under helmet or just off. It kept me and my bike *completely* dry on a 60 min ride from nid shin up. Nice venting too.

[cooker]

Also the cape funneled water onto my upper legs and my pants got extra wet.
These capes have thumbstraps to hold them over the handlebars to prevent that, although I find in windy conditions I actually have to grab the hem and hold it with part of my hand on the bars, as the straps have too much slack.

[tromper]

I used a rain cape a few times many years ago. Not only does the hood limit head movement, but it altered what I could hear. There was noise from the rustling of the cape on my ears. That distorted my ability to hear traffic noises the way I wanted to. Also the cape funneled water onto my upper legs and my pants got extra wet.

Thanks Twobikes - you're the only one I've seen with that kind of issue I've seen on this or a couple other spots. - Which Cape were you using?