Tall Cool One

I'm looking for an all purpose cycling jacket that is water proof and that is versatile enough to wear between 30 degrees (with base layers) up to 60 or so degrees. I would prefer it to be as "unbulky" as possible.

I am 6' 7" with 38" sleeve length and I just can't have my precious wrists exposed to the harsh elements. I am thinking about pursuing a career as a wrist model (just kidding).

Anyone have any personal experience with such a jacket?

WonderMonkey

I don't have a particular jacket in mind but.... I would say get the jacket that is waterproof and worry about taking care of the cold with layers of other clothing. That allows you to use it in any temperature. Also, you can protect your precious wrists with things that just cover your wrists and have a loop that goes over your thumb to keep it in place. That helps cover the gap from the end of the sleeve to whatever it is you may be wearing on your hands, which are apparently not as precious.

I'll find examples here in a bit.

WonderMonkey

Something like the below but not the below. You want something that can handle the rain and cold and sweating. Wool comes to mind.

AlphaGeek

Check out Showers Pass. Awesome jacket that runs long, I have been using their jacket for 5 years and it is literally wind and rain proof. Excellent gear.

vesteroid

I have an aero tech tall cycling windbreaker. It's "ok". It's too flappy for me but as far as the tall part I think it would have you covered. I am 6'5" and it's plenty tall for me.

Its not extremely pack able.

I know you wanted waterproof and I am not sure this jacket is, but thought I would post this for fit reference...see if they have a totally waterproof one.

I would say this one would work for light rain or showers, but would wet through in probably 15-30 minutes.

TrojanHorse

I have a performance bike windbreaker made from something called "illuminite" that lights up like a beacon when headlights hit it. It's also completely waterproof and breathes like a hefty bag (which is to say, not at all). It's great in cooler weather or when I actually ride in the rain. They probably don't even make anything that unbreathable anymore.

mtalinm

totally agree. I have a showers pass jacket and it is remarkable. pit zips and a vent in the back keep you cool, and the thing is completely waterproof. I got rained on all 31 miles of commuting today but stayed super dry

Seattle Forrest

What you need is a better layering system, not a magical jacket.

Tall Cool One

I'm simply looking for the water proof layer that can be worn at any sub summer time temp.

jethro56 

I have a 37" sleeve length I bought this. https://www.jensonusa.com/Jackets-and...ng-Rain-Jacket in an XXL . Its baggy but at least the arms are long enough.In fact the 36" claim seems very understated. Not the most breathable as I had a good sweat going on in 48 degree temps.

Seattle Forrest

You won't be happy wearing anything waterproof over your core while you're doing aerobic exercise at 60 F. It would be great if we had waterproof fabrics that worked miraculously (the way some advertisements imply), but we don't.

The outer layer is the least important one in the group.

If you want to find out the hard way, here's a great cycling jacket for 35 degree (F) rain. It's got a long hemline so it'll cover your lower back while you lean forward; you can also sit on it while wearing the jacket if you hike in a downpour. You'll soak yourself on your own sweat if you ride this at anything but the slowest pace when it's 60 F out:



Here's one that's NOT waterproof, but is resistant. It's my go-to jacket on the bike. The outside is coated with DWR, so it'll keep me dry a while, but not indefinitely. I adjust my other layers to make it work. I'll start with a merino base layer, and add a cashmere insulation layer if it's below about 50 F. The wool tolerates being wet like nobody's business.



The difference is that this one ^ is actually comfortable at 60 F, with only a base layer underneath. Both are great at 30 F, with appropriate layers below.

I'm speaking from years of personal experience, and summarizing the collective knowledge of the hiking community - who also do aerobic exercise in changing weather.

chefisaac

I agree for the most part with Seattle. Waterproof at higher temps (ofor me it was 50 degree or more) didnt work. I tried. Then when I got to work, I was sweating like a dog and it sucked.

vesteroid

I have a significant mount of long distance hiking experience. Two really different thing really. I carry both a windbreaker with a dwr and a helium rain jacket. In light rain in warmer temps I will use the windbreaker and be fine.

However if it's 50 and heavy rain, there is no jacket that is going to keep you warm that's not waterproof.

Yes I know you sweat in the jacket, but that moisture quantity wise is small in comparison to direct rain, and it's body temp, not 50 degrees.

Andrew surka did over 5000 miles in Alaska unsupported. He was interviewed and asked what he was afraid of...he answered something along the lines of 32 degrees and rain.

Of course if you are talking about being able to get home in an hour, then jacket selection is not nearly as critical as when the nearest road is a days hike away.

WonderMonkey

Agree all the way. When I kayak I go for waterproof as I am not working up a sweat. When I hike I either layer like this or I use a poncho which allows more airflow yet still warms you up. Game time decision.

WonderMonkey

Agree with this as well. It's all a different game. Knowing the handful of situations and being able to anticipate them is key.

Harhir

Guys

I am pulling this thread up again. I am 6'4", 275 lbs with a tall upper body. I am looking for a breathable rain jacket I can wear above my other clothes. Currently I am wearing a Columbia 3XT rain jacket. It holds off water great but I am sweating a lot since this jacket does not breathe at all. There are no vents. I would't mind a little sweat but my t-shirts are always soaked.
Recently we had a lot of rain here in Texas. I am talking about several inches within very few days. When it rains here it pours. So something water repelling does not work. In addition the jacket needs to be long in the back and front since I am either riding very upright on European style Trekking/city bike or on a recumbent most of the time. Meaning jackets which are just longer in the back don't work for me either. I guess I have to look more into the hiking gear than cycling gear.

rumrunn6

this has been on my wish list for a year. just can't justify the price especially since I don't ride that much

Pearl iZUMi Men's Versa Barrier Jacket

jsigone

few yrs ago I got a The North Face Venture jacket, designed for MTB, vents n all w/ hood that fits over helmets. They have TWO version, seems more Hiker now but comes in tall sizes
https://www.rei.com/product/112409/t...cket-mens-tall