Commuting - Rain gear

What rain gear do you pack?

I was looking for a rain poncho or something...the tops (rain jackets) they show in the performance magazine look short...How do you stay dry..I don't want to stay in because of what the weather may or may not do. Thought this might be a logical forum to ask in.

FXjohn

What rain gear do you pack?

I was looking for a rain poncho or something...the tops (rain jackets) they show in the performance magazine look short...How do you stay dry..I don't want to stay in because of what the weather may or may not do. Thought this might be a logical forum to ask in.

FXjohn

I pack a breathable/waterproof jacket from Northface and a pair of b/wp pants from Red Thunder -- they keep me dry and I tend not to sweat too much on the way to work and back. The two items of clothing were also on sale from Campmor.com and totalled less than $90. My commute, however, is shorter than most (about 2 mi), so the value of the breathability may be overstated.

see recent thread:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=54876&highlight=waterproof

In some of the downpours I've ridden in, staying dry is simply not going to happen. Not even concrete walls could stop the one we copped (and I rode in) last February. I think you need to accept getting wet as a fact of life and concentrate on the more important aspect of staying warm. That Assos Jacket that I bought for my Tasmanian trip seems to work pretty well in that regard.

In some of the downpours I've ridden in, staying dry is simply not going to happen. Not even concrete walls could stop the one we copped (and I rode in) last February. I think you need to accept getting wet as a fact of life and concentrate on the more important aspect of staying warm. That Assos Jacket that I bought for my Tasmanian trip seems to work pretty well in that regard.

Doesn't sound like much fun, riding around compoletely soaked, wet feet too...yuck

Lately most of our downpours have only lasted an hour or under, I have just been taking a break under trees. Cabelas might have something like what I'm looking for.

FXjohn

Burley rain jackets are among the best. Lick Bike has excellent prices on them. In hot weather I keep riding. In warm weather (but cool rain) I might use a 3m jacket ($30). I always have a Burley waterproof/beathable helmet cover on the bike. Saturday it was too hot for a jacket, so I just put on the helmet cover. Which looks like a
huge shower cap. Musta looked weird.

Doesn't sound like much fun, riding around compoletely soaked, wet feet too...yuck

Lately most of our downpours have only lasted an hour or under, I have just been taking a break under trees. Cabelas might have something like what I'm looking for.

FXjohn

As long as the stuff dries for the return trip. Wet stuff is hard to put in.

You can get waterproof shoes from Diadora but most pants are TOO short so you'll need a gaitor to keep your legs dry. I stiched mine to the pants so there's one less thing to loose. Now my legs stay pretty dry. They get sweatty but at least I arrive mud-free.

Light nylon waterproof jacket and pants. Look for good ventilation - avoid elasticated cuffs. Zips under the arms and down the sides make them a lot more comfortable. Mountain Equipment Coop has a jacket like this for about $70 Can. Breathability of the fabric means nothing for the level of exertion in cycling so dont pay extra for it.

I havent figured out a good solution for keeping feet comfortable except pack a dry pair of socks.

AndrewP-

My feet have been loving my aqua-socks. You know, those things you can wear while walking, wading, or swimming at the beach. I find that they're much more comfortable to wear while wet than shoes are.

When it rains here I get as wet as I would be right after swimming. But I'm dressed in clothes I wouldn't mind wearing while swimming, so I don't see any problem.

In colder weather, I'd go for dry feet in rubber boots, though.

I havent figured out a good solution for keeping feet comfortable except pack a dry pair of socks.

When shoes get wet repeatedly, they don't last. I have the waterproof Diadora Pablano H20's. But these are better because of the high top (so you don't need a gaitor and your feet stay dry).

LOOK they're on sale NOW! I paid full price for mine but it was worth it 'cuz I use the same pair year 'round. Great price!

http://www.gitabike.com/cgi-bin/shop/sc_searchz.cgi?user_id=87539&database=dbase_shop.exm&template=dia_sr2.htm&0_option=1&0=di-explo-br

A columbia rain coat.

waterproof Diadora...on sale NOW! Great price!

http://www.gitabike.com/cgi-bin/shop/sc_searchz.cgi?user_id=87539&database=dbase_shop.exm&template=dia_sr2.htm&0_option=1&0=di-explo-br


One more try. They look like this. Well made, Easy to walk in and waterproof. I use mine with a cleat but you can check this web site...I think you can use these with a regular pedal also.

http://www.gitabike.com/cgi-bin/shop/sc_searchz.cgi?user_id=87539&database=dbase_shop.exm&template=dia_sr2.htm&0_option=1&0=di-explo-br

The short rainjackets should have a drop-down flap, or a dropped back.
The type of protection you need depends on the temp. Hot, cool or cold, as well as the intensity of rain. Take advice from people in your climate zone.
Do you want an all-weather jacket, or a carry-along for the occasional shower. Do you want to use a waterproof together with a much more breathable windproof?

Doesn't sound like much fun, riding around compoletely soaked, wet feet too...yuck

Actually, it's more fun than you think. I think riding in the rain is one of those things (I could rattle off a whole list of them!) that people seem "reluctant" to do, but I can honestly say that I've never had anyone who has ridden in the rain with me offer any form of complaint about it. :)

In anycase, if you're going through a downpour that dumps 10 inches of rain in the space of five hours (like ours did last Feb), you don't have much alternative to getting wet!

In Florida I get rained on pretty often this time of year on my way home from work. However, since it's hot and humid already I don't mind. I have a trunk bag on a rack and the only rain protection I use is a ziplock bag for my wallet, cell phone, and keys. When it's colder it doesn't rain nearly as often here, and so far I have taken the car then. This year I may be in the market for a real light windbreaker type jacket. It's rare that it's so cold here a few minutes on the bike doesn't make it feel good. As far as advice that means something for your conditions I'll have to agree with MichealW and hope someone from your area has some tips.