illusiumd

Have to return this Columbia Men's Watertight II XXL jacket cause the sleeves just aren't long enough as you lean forward. Would buying a bike specific rain jacket make more sense? Also - would like to get as light as possible as this would be going over my normal jacket. Any suggestions appreciated!

LGHT

I got one like this and it's great as it's big and has long sleeves, but if it's not raining it's no good as it doesn't breath at all and there are no vents.


Sportful Reflex 2 Jacket Black | ProBikeKit.com

SCEvan

I would try the same jacket in a 2XT I recently got the Columbia Glennaker in that size and the sleeves are quite long.

smather

If you have the budget, you might consider an Arc'teryx Jacket. They are made with Gore-Tex, so they're much more breathable then the Columbia Jacket you just returned, and they are built with mobility in mind, and have a newly launched urban cycling line. Outdoor Clothing, Technical Outerwear & Accessories / Arc'teryx However, I'm a big guy and sometimes I find the XXL a little tight around the stomach, so trying them on is important.

If you don't want to spend that much, consider another outdoor/climbing brand...perhaps Marmot? If you get a jacket designed for rock climbing, you'll often get something that's longer in the back, longer sleeves with articulated sleeves, helmet compatible hoods and occasionally stretch fabric.

A few options:

Marmot Crux Jacket
Crux Jacket | Marmot.com

Marmot Precip Jacket
PreCip Jacket | Marmot.com

Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Jacket
Men's Stretch Ozonic? Jacket | MountainHardwear.com

Arc'teryx A2B Commuter Hardshell
A2B Commuter Hardshell Jacket / Men's / Shell Jackets / Arc'teryx / Arc'teryx

Arc'teryx Alpha SL Jacket
Alpha SL Jacket / Men's / Shell Jackets / Arc'teryx / Arc'teryx

Columbia EvaPOURation Jacket - Big
Men?s EvaPOURation Waterproof Breathable Rain Jacket - Big

Try them on if you can, and keep an eye on sales as you can often scoop up most of these jackets for a good price.

Hope these help! I manage an outdoors store, and know how it can be tricky to find just the right jacket!

smather

Also worth trying!

CliffordK

I've done well with the cycling specific jackets. I have an old Burley, and an REI jacket. I like the ventilation of the bike jackets to help reduce sweating. Also better butt protection.

However, look at the Showers Pass Jackets (considered the best Burley replacement).

For the XL, they're listing about 39" from the neck to the sleeve cuff, and 40" for the XXL (may vary by model). Does that help?

BigDB67

Look at LL Bean. Sometime you can get their stuff in XXLT or XLT.

Men's Trail Model Waterproof Rain Jacket | Free Shipping at L.L.Bean

Maybe not the version I just linked, but I find the stuff I buy there runs large. ALSO, all of their products have a lifetime guarantee!

illusiumd

Thanks everyone! Good suggestions all around. If I had 250 and I lived in Portland I'd go for a Showers Pass - those look like awesome jackets. I'm probably not going to intentionally ride in downpour if I can help it - I just want something for when I get caught in a Tsunami. The Storm Cobra by Chrome looks pretty cool. That LL Bean jacket that BigD recommends might be the ticket too. THanks Smather for the list of exotic brands I've never heard of - I'll have some fun researching those jackets

illusiumd

I'm an idiot I can't believe I didn't see that there was a TALL version of this jacket.

smather

You're welcome!

bassjones

Aerotechdesigns.com has a few cycling specific jackets. Might be worth looking at. I've found their sizes are true to size.