Commuting - Ten to Fifteen mile commute - what do you use for winter

Summer commuting is a no brainer, carry as little as possible. But in winter:

- AM may be much colder than PM
- Intermittent storms may spring up
- you may be stuck at work a hour or so longer than expected

So what do you experienced winter commuter use to handle your changing layering needs?

It takes a bit more of logitics for winter commuting rides.

Corsaire

I wear a normal business suit, with Totes over my dress shoes. For a top layer, I have Gortex rain pants and a light, Gortex hooded overcoat Ski gloves with removable linings go on my hands.

I wear all the above at 20 F or below. If there is no precip, above 30 F the pants and Totes get rolled up and placed on the rack and above 44 F, the overcoat goes there, too (with the gloves in the pockets.)

The coat has both buttons and a zipper. Below 30 F, the zipper and buttons are both used, and the hood covers much of my face. It is just 2 ply, uninsulated, so the helmet goes over it easily. Above 30 F, I unbutton until the temperature is right.

Depending upon how the coat is fastened, it is good all the way from 0 F to a bit over 40 F. Basically, I regulate temperature with the outer windbreaker layer.

Paul

I haven't figured out what to do in the snow, because I don't have my beater together yet. It's supposed to snow tomorrow so I guess I'll find out. Otherwise, I find I just put more (wicking!) clothes on. And a hat. And gloves. I also make sure I always have my lights. But other than that it's no different.

It is amazing how little one can wear and still be warm. wicking base and long sleeve shirt with a wool sweater or windbreaker till 40-45deg for me. Gloves, and some sort of hat or headwrap. Layers though, that is the key, layers you can modify as you ride, pitzips etc. Arm warmers are the best as well in chilly but not freezing weather, when you get hot, roll them down to moderate temp. I find if I wear too much, I sweat a ton and get cold if I get caught at a light.

I wear a normal business suit, with Totes over my dress shoes. For a top layer, I have Gortex rain pants and a light, Gortex hooded overcoat
Paul

So you wear rain pants over your suit pants?
No problems with wrinkling or spotting?

Just curious, where did you get your Gortex wear? thanks

So you wear rain pants over your suit pants?
No problems with wrinkling or spotting?

Just curious, where did you get your Gortex wear? thanks

http://www.landsend.com/cd/fp/prod/0,,1_2_1931_37797_69241_47688_5:view=-1,00.html?sid=8069167840672145200&CM_MERCH=SRCH

http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?categoryId=33846&parentCategory=3810&cat4=1079&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&feat=ssdpa1079

These items together come to about $300. On the other hand, the rain parka works well as a light overcoat for non-cycling wear as well. The pants are pretty much just useful for riding, though.

Paul

Layers is the key. I usually start with enough on that I'm feeling a bit under-dressed for the first mile or so.

For around freezing or thereabouts I wear a wicking t-shirt, short sleeve jersey, arm warmers, jacket, cycle shorts, tights, hiking socks, gloves and under-helmet beanie. Much colder than that and I use a neck gator, a light fleece under the jacket, and wind/water proof pants. If I need to take any of it off on the way to work, I just stuff it in a pannier.

I always commute with two pannier bags even when I only need one - it means I can bring my PC home with me if I feel like going home and 'working from home' ;), or stop at the grocery store and pick up a few things if need be.

Thanks Paul. I like the lands end pants.

I have water resistant (not water proof) pants and wind breaker, that i use over my long pants and t shirt that i wear for work. I also have a turtlefleece balaclava, and PI fingerless gloves, and shell gloves that i use over them in rain. I chose warmer socks (wool, wicking) and boots for rain or very cold.

My bottom line, tho' is that I have dry clothes at work, for just in case.