MEC rain gear choice
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MEC rain gear choice
Having my first go at commuting. Its a 25k trip each leg. Im fine for the current weather, but as soon as the rain starts, im hosed.
I live Vancouver BC's suburbs, and was in mec on the weekend.
They basically have a chocie of 2 jackets
https://www.mec.ca/Products/product_d...=1126020753800
https://www.mec.ca/Products/product_d...=1126020753801
My work has no showers, so I cant do much more than change when i get to work, and then put the same back on when its time to return home.
So....would either of them do me for riding in pacific north west cold wet weather during the coming winter months ?
Anyone in the Vancouver area whos commutes year round ? If so what jacket have you liked and where did you get it
I have mec whirlwind pants, which are water repellant and windproof. I still need a good belaclave and some neoprene booties though. Oh and some good gloves for wet.
All suggestions welcome but mainly looking for stuff i can buy localy. Sugoi and Activa lines I can also find since they are made localy. I just dont know if i should go the expensive thick goretex route, or a thinner shell.
I live Vancouver BC's suburbs, and was in mec on the weekend.
They basically have a chocie of 2 jackets
https://www.mec.ca/Products/product_d...=1126020753800
https://www.mec.ca/Products/product_d...=1126020753801
My work has no showers, so I cant do much more than change when i get to work, and then put the same back on when its time to return home.
So....would either of them do me for riding in pacific north west cold wet weather during the coming winter months ?
Anyone in the Vancouver area whos commutes year round ? If so what jacket have you liked and where did you get it
I have mec whirlwind pants, which are water repellant and windproof. I still need a good belaclave and some neoprene booties though. Oh and some good gloves for wet.
All suggestions welcome but mainly looking for stuff i can buy localy. Sugoi and Activa lines I can also find since they are made localy. I just dont know if i should go the expensive thick goretex route, or a thinner shell.
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I prefer the Whoosh since it has underarm zips. I dont think gore-tex is that great in high humidity and at high level of exertion. You need to be able to select layers of clothes to wear underneath according to the weather. You may not have a shower but you can still change your clothes when you get to work
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I'm a poncho man, myself. I generate WAY too much heat when I'm riding to wear any kind of jacket. I got my big yellow poncho at 3 Vets for about 30 bucks. I also wear booties that I picked up at MEC. Unless it's a deep-puddle kind of day, I get to work 94% dry. The caveat: disastrous aerodynamics.
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I'm a poncho man, myself. I generate WAY too much heat when I'm riding to wear any kind of jacket. I got my big yellow poncho at 3 Vets for about 30 bucks. I also wear booties that I picked up at MEC. Unless it's a deep-puddle kind of day, I get to work 94% dry. The caveat: disastrous aerodynamics.
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I use a Sugoi rain jacket for wet riding in Vancouver, its got plenty openning bits for ventilation. Even with those, it still gets a bit steamy, (I have a shower available). You'll have to ask my wife where she got it. Good chance it was Rocky Cycle in Newton.
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Is that the 'Defiant' jacket by Sugoi ?
I already own their Viper shell. I like it for summer rains, but its not good enough for winter riding. Too snug to allow enough layers underneath, and no pit zips.
I thought about the poncho style, but i already crap myself and feel like im getting sucked under a semi truck as I go over the quinsborrough bridge.
I already own their Viper shell. I like it for summer rains, but its not good enough for winter riding. Too snug to allow enough layers underneath, and no pit zips.
I thought about the poncho style, but i already crap myself and feel like im getting sucked under a semi truck as I go over the quinsborrough bridge.
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You're right that goretex doesn't really keep you dry in high humidity. It's not a problem with the fabric, it's a meterological problem. When the humidity is near 100% perspiration won't evaporate, no matter how well the fabric breathes or vents.
In a steady rain, goretex is just like a regular, cheaper, raincoat. The big advantages come when you wear it in scattered showers, or on wet roads after a rain.
In a steady rain, goretex is just like a regular, cheaper, raincoat. The big advantages come when you wear it in scattered showers, or on wet roads after a rain.
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Originally Posted by Jarery
Is that the 'Defiant' jacket by Sugoi ?
I wear a long sleeve jersey underneath for Dec/Jan, I find that's plenty warm. My cold problems are at the extremes, fingers and toes, any suggestions?
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many layers of wool that vary depending on the temp and amount of precipitation...
much better than any "waterproof" thing you'll ever use if you tend to sweat.
for me at least i get wet either way.... i'd rather it be from cool non-smelly rain than from steaming in my own juices under a waterproof shell.
much better than any "waterproof" thing you'll ever use if you tend to sweat.
for me at least i get wet either way.... i'd rather it be from cool non-smelly rain than from steaming in my own juices under a waterproof shell.
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Heres the Sugoi Defiant i was talking about.
Has 10" pit zips accordign to the info on it.
https://www.sugoi.ca/consumer/product...6931&color=COS
Its not goretex, but a different material, and its a stretchy tight fighting coat. Which i prefer as long as i can get say an 'underarmor' long sleeve base layer and a regular long sleeve jersey on uderneath. I dont like the loose fit, flapping in the wind type coats.
Has 10" pit zips accordign to the info on it.
https://www.sugoi.ca/consumer/product...6931&color=COS
Its not goretex, but a different material, and its a stretchy tight fighting coat. Which i prefer as long as i can get say an 'underarmor' long sleeve base layer and a regular long sleeve jersey on uderneath. I dont like the loose fit, flapping in the wind type coats.
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Just my $0.0237741CAD,but do you really want a cycling-specific jacket? I've got a Gore Wear jacket,and quite frankly I think I wasted my money. It's ok as long as the humidity's not bad,but it has no pit zips,no hood,and isn't as bright as I'd like. Last winter I rode with a Kelty technical jacket;this year I've replaced it with a bright yellow EMS. They're water/windproof,breathable,have pockets/pit zips/hoods,and since I get them one size larger than what I wear the hood fits over my helmet and my small bag fits underneath. I can regulate my temperature,carry small items,and I don't need a helmet cover or waterproof bag in the rain. I got the Kelty on close-out for $39 and the EMS on sale for $60.
Look around outdoors sites for sales and close-outs of technical jackets and you can save money and get more versatility to boot.
Look around outdoors sites for sales and close-outs of technical jackets and you can save money and get more versatility to boot.
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