How Much Space Does a Rain Cape Take Up?
 

I was thinking about getting a rain cape and keeping it in my backpack. Would it take up too much space when rolled up? Weight isn’t a problem just space. I live very close to the coast where it rains a lot. I’ll be commuting five times a week. Would a rain cape be a good choice? Also wouldn’t it cover up a headlight which I need by state law at night?

You can roll it up really tight, but it you just fold it haphazardly and stick it in your backpack, it'll be as thick as a folded bathroom towel. I have the "classic" rain cape that provides a 'tent' for your quads. Also, my rain cape comes with to loops to tie it around your handlebars so it won't go back with the wind as your riding.

If the cape takes up too much space in your backpack, you can roll it up and attach it to the rails behind your saddle with two small bungee cords.

Sounds good. What about the headlight? Is there some kind of long attachment that could stick further forward beyond the cape or would it not be a problem?

Never thought of that. Just wonder about theft at school taking my cape lol. Think it would be overkill taking lights off or a cyclocomputer? I don't have any of this stuff yet.

Why take the chance? I take mine off and toss them in my helmet before going inside. Twice last year I forgot and left them on the bike, but the Cycling Gods smiled upon me both times and the lights and computer were still there. Years ago I parked my bike with the light still attached long enough to have a coffee at a local café. The light was gone when I came out, so now I try to remember to take them with me.

BTW I keep a dollar-store poncho in my pannier that takes up virtually no room at all. Not the best thing for cycling in the rain, but it works just fine for a short commute. If you will be riding in the rain a lot then perhaps some cycling-specific waterproof clothing is in order. I have some cheap PVC stuff that works okay, but it doesn't breath at all and I wouldn't want to travel more than 20 minutes or so with it on. Otherwise the suggestion of a rolled-up cape under the saddle sounds good to me, and IMHO wouldn't appeal to most thieves.

I take off my lights and computer whenever i have to lock up outside or even just when the bike is on the car carrier...

The problem is I never know if it's going to rain or not. It's so unpredictable where I live. There are lots of thieves at school. I don't know if they would take a cape. I'll take my chances with the cape but not the other stuff. I have good mini U-lock with a cable. I think I'll just keep the lights in my backpack until it gets dark and take off the computer when away.