If rain is likely on my bike commute I will cover my bag in advance, and keep my rain cape/poncho at hand and ready.

You can see my backpack covered with a plastic trash bag with reflective belt, and my orange cape/poncho tucked between the bag and seat with the bungee straps securing it in place.

After trying to dig the gear out of the bag and then cover the bag after it starts raining, I found this to be a better solution, as out takes only a few seconds to stop, don the cape and get back to riding.


Just thought I'd share.

The timig of this is funny to me. I've been looking for a very nice pair of rain pants. I have a great jacket and I've figured out how to pack it in my pannier so that it's easily accessible. The ***** in my armor is the lack of protection for the legs.

my commute is only 20 minutes but my previous feeble attempts at wearing quick drying pants or shorts resulted in embarrassing tent city-esque clothes drying strategies at my cubicle that didn't go over well with my boss.

I think the Cape is great for those who like it, but I cant seem to get over the look of it. Good for you for figuring out a better way. There always a better way.

nice, I like compactor bags cuz they are thicker

Nothing keeps you warmer in than rain than smugness. On yesterday's ride home I pulled up next to another cyclist at a light.

"Think you'll make it home before it rains?" he asked.

"Doesn't matter," I said, "I've got rain gear ready!"

Two miles later it started raining. I pulled over, donned my rain cape, and 90 seconds later I was riding again, passing a couple of wet, unprepared riders.

I may not be fast or stylish, but I am slightly dryer.

you mentioned you got rain jacket. Did you buy it online? Can you show me the recommendation? I'm having hard time online. None of my lbs sells jacket.

I had used a generic, non-cycling rain jacket but found it too hot. So I made my own rain "cape" hoping for for more "breathability" and it has worked great!

Here are the deets:
Rain Cape Musings
DIY Rain Cape 1.2

I like my Novara cycling rain jacket I bought on sale from REI. They are expensive & I think I got it on sale for $75. But that was many years ago & it still works great. here's a big used one for $25. maybe not my exact same model/size but it was pretty easy to find. you might also check ebay or Poshmark

https://www.vnbcnmarket.top/mens-nov...3xl-p-9087.htm

Out here, again, it's only the return of the rainy season,
that really puts out the many fires..





...

Me and RumRunn may have similar tastes. i bought my rain jacket on clearance at REI. i'm a clyde at 5/9 255 lbs so i'm alwasy worried about things fitting me correctly.

the jacket that i bought is a Novara as well - i forget which. there were a few complaints about the zipper and something thing about the neck collar rubbing the neck funny. i just bought the jacket. it's been nothing short of wonderful for my commutes and rec rides. it has a lot of what i consider to be smart features however falls short when it comes to ventilation. i wish it had a covered back vent like some other jackets do but it's honestly been great. has the butt flap thing that can be tucked away. chest, back and side pockets. lots of reflective decals and such.

good luck!

gotta check my model cuz I think mine has a covered back vent & pit vents. no chest pocket & I had to add reflective tape. you must have a newer model!

I got this jacket from KickStarter. It's should be arriving within a week or two I believe. I'll let you know if it's any good but the demo I saw at a cycling show seemed very good.

For my Ibera PakRak I use this.

i use an ALtura night vision jacket in the rain in winter months. it looks something like this . it works well but very warm unless it is 50F or below. in the summer i just get wet.

Although I have rain gear, I find it useless at temps of 40 F and above, when I arrive just as wet wearing it or not.

Being warm and wet over cold and wet anyday.

I cover my panniers with the stretch trash bags also. One on each side held in place with two black clips. 4 years and still works great. I need to get to work on my fall wet gear.

i had panniers with their own covers. I would always wrestle with is it raining hard enough to stop and put them on or just keep riding.

I bought ortlieb hi viz panniers and they are great, just ride and things stay dry.