Originally Posted by
jefnvk
Since you all have used them, how did you guys find them actually holding up to the rain? Looking at various store and gear reviews, there seems to be a real love-hate relationship with the coat, some saying you'll be wet within 15 minutes and others finding to be the best thing ever invented.
Ideally, it'd be layered over a merino wool long sleeve shirt that I have, or my long sleeve cycling jersey, for actual riding. Coats are the one thing I am indecisive over on any vacation more than anything else, whatever my rain shell turns out to be will likely be accompanied by my cycling softshell (which can take care of light rain amply enough, meaning the other coat has to actually perform the role of a heavy rain coat), and a small compressible down layer (for sitting around in the evening) if the weather around departure is calling for considerable time in the 40s-50s.
It kept the rain out, but it gets damp if you're riding and it's warm out, that can't be helped. However having said that, it is one of the few jackets that I have owned that will dry out while your wearing it, which suggest that the fabric "breathes" quite well. Last year I wore it over merino wool tops, I have now dumped the merino and simply wear light weight fleece for better moisture management and weight savings.