feethanddooth

ive been shoping for my winter weather gear lately but am having trouble picking a jacket. im new to winter cycling and what would make it easier would be if the jackets were tempature rated. like "good til 10 degrees F". much like sleeping bags if anyone has any insight into where i can get these ratings it would be helpfull. thanks!

feethanddooth

also, does anyone have any helpful insight into the Louis Garneau Blizzard Jacket? i found one for sale and was possibly thinking about picking it up. tag says it is windproof not wind resistant. it also says water resistant not water proof. whats the difference?!?

Blue Order

Water resistant will eventually get you wet, if you're in the rain long enough. Water proof will keep you dry no matter how long you're in the rain. However, unless you get a breathable waterproof fabric like Goretex, you'll get wet anyway in a waterproof garment because of your own perspiration.

joejack951

You won't find a temperature rating for a cycling jacket because how warm the jacket is depends on so many other factors. In any aerobic activity, your best bet for staying comfortable in the cold is to wear layers. Starting out with a heavy jacket on is a recipe for overheating. I think a lightweight, windproof (waterproof if you intend to ride in the rain) jacket is all you need. I have a Gill Prospeed jacket (there's basically nothing to it) that I've worn on rides down to 10F. I've been plenty warm at that temperature with just a longsleeve jersey and thin base layer shirt underneath. Most of my rides entail a lot of climbing though so I tend to build up heat quickly. On a flatter, faster ride, I might have needed more layers. Being able to vent your various layers to some extent is the only way to stay truly comfortable throughout a cold weather ride. How cold of temps do you plan on riding in?

feethanddooth

i plan on riding in temps probably down to 0 since i am without a car for the whole winter. i do road and commuting so i need somthing rugged as well.

late

Try a rugged shell and just layer underneath it.
https://www.ems.com/catalog/product_d...=1157144898978

Portis

Study the sticky threads at the top of this forum. Pay close attention to the "today i wore" thread. TEmps are listed and everything. This is the closest thing you will find to what you want. You have to keep in mind that everyone is different and there are no real standards but if you study the stickies you'll get a pretty good idea of what you need for what temp.

CBBaron

I think you need something wind proof, breathable and water resistant. Keep the jacket light weight so you can use it in a variety of temps. I got a light weight Polartec Powershield jacket last year that worked really well for temps from 8F to mid 30sF. I could easily layer to go lower but we didn't get weather that cold last year. For me once I got much above freezing a jacket was too much and I overheated.
If I had to buy it again I would give up a little water proofing for better breathing and I would want closeable vents. That would keep me dryer in most conditions as I sweat alot. I think something like the Ibex Breakaway jacket would be nice.
Still this jacket was much better than the cheap windproof cycling jacket I had used the previous year. It did not breath very well so when I used it I was always soaked.
Craig