Gore-Tex for commuting?
 

Does anyone have any jackets or pants that they particularly love for commuting in all kinds of nasty weather? I'm going to be riding around in Bellevue and Seattle, and I want to stay dry, but I don't want anything too bulky. I was looking at the Low Alpine Fairview Jacket...

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/1...e-For-Men.html:

http://s7images.sierratradingpost.co...0,0&iccEmbed=0

.. but I'm not really sold. Willing to spend some money on it, but I don't want some sort of super bulky mountaineering jacket. I'll have business attire under my raingear, slacks and a dress shirt, etc.. it doesn't need to fit a jacket, but I might be happier if it did.

I don't commute in the rain (fair weather commuter here...hehe) but if I did, I'd definitely look into a Gore-tex jacket. Maybe a Gore-tex jacket that is bike-specific like this:

http://treksandiego.com/itemdetails....iceasc&id=1769

http://treksandiego.com/images/libra...k_06fw_gry.jpg

It has reflective material in the chest, arms, back, and rear pocket AND comes in orange too!

Ya the Gore-tex should do a great job for protection but I'd recommend making sure its got ventilation on the back at least this helps remove the extra heat build up that can lead to sweating which you don't want.

I appreciate that the jacket I linked is that hideous yellow, I figure it'll give me more visibility and hopefully less chance of getting smeared on my morning commute.

Gore-tex sucks for commuting, and overpriced. I live in Vancouver BC, it rains half of the time here, and I know how much it rains here in the Northwest coast, Gore-tex is not recommended for commuting. If it's well designed with back vents and side vents, fine, it's still an overpriced fabric.

The jacket in the OP is made of regular Gore-tex, I have a jacket made out of Gore-tex XCR and it's suppose to be more breathable but it still sucks for cycling. I don't expect the new Gore-tex Proshell to be any better, it's all marketing hype.

Those who hype Gore-tex are delusional and never tried anything else. Note that I'm only bashing Gore-tex, not the company who makes wide range of products.

If you want rain gear advice, the only people you should listen to are those who commute year round in all weather conditions in Northwest coast.

There are all kinds of waterproof "breathable" fabrics and products out there. I've tried several and they are waterproof but only "breathable" to a point. I haven't found a jacket yet that is well ventilated enough to keep me from sweating if I'm riding at a good pace. It gets worse with the more layers you might need to stay warm (for instance this week when I commuted in the mornings with temps that were 15-20 degrees... and still arrived at work sweating.)

For moderate temps 45-65, I've heard good things about the showerspass jackets... and someday I'll give them a try.

Obviously I'd rather wear a jersey, but I'll have a dress shirt on and meetings to attend upon arriving, so I need to be actually dry, not just mostly dry, or kind of dry, or well ventilated but wet. Like it or not, Gore-Tex really does work, it really is breathable as far as waterproof things go (which isn't saying a TON) and for those who need to show up looking presentable, it's a good option.

Please enlighten us, mrbubbles. I'm about to start a 20 mile round trip commute, and it's smack in the middle of the rainy season in San Francisco. What should commuters dealing with these conditions look for in rain gear?

So far, I'm finding eVent does a better job than Gore-Tex for biking.

i have a gore-tex jacket, but i only works for a while,,,after a few hours it gets soaked. or maybe it's sweat. does gor-tex lose its waterproof after a few years?

+1 on eVent jackets. I have a PI Channel jacket and I wore it in the downpour today. It kept me dry, from rain, and its also very good for cold weather.

http://www.spadout.com/images/products/o/15207.jpg

Here's my advice: look for a jacket with as most vents or as big vents as possible. The term waterproof breathable is a misnomer, if it's waterproof, it's mostly likely not every breathable. There is a reason why waterproof breathable fabric requires pitzips, it doesn't breathe that well. If the fabric breathe really well, it wouldn't need a pitzip. Does your baselayer come with a pitzip? No. Yet most companies advertise pitzips on their hardshell and softshell as a selling point, go figure :rolleyes:.

Most of the time, I don't touch fully waterproof shell unless it's pouring. I layer. Water resistant shells work well enough to some extent unless it's pouring rain. Single laminate Windstopper will work for some (it does for me) and not for others, it is water resistant to some level, but not pouring rain.

The only fabric that is close to breathable and waterproof is the eVent, Goretex Paclite will work if there is enough vent.
It's hit and miss when it comes to rain jackets for cycling, some have poor design, some have excellent design but too bulky, not very breathable fabric, etc.

The most breathable fabric I can across so far is the Schoeller Dryskin Extreme, although it is not waterproof, this stuff is the shiet. I cannot recommend it enough, get a jacket and pants made of this material, and you'll love it forever.


The current jacket I'm using for downpours is the Hydrocycle from MEC (most Canadians and locals here commute with their jackets BTW), it's better than Gore-tex but still build up a little moisture, which is the reason why I do not use this unless it's raining.
http://images.mec.ca/media/Images/Pr...9830632011.jpg
MEC had a Gore-tex XCR cycling jacket a few years back, guess why they discontinued it after one season.
It was too bulky, didn't breathe that well, and for $300 it was a poor value for the performance.

One thing to keep in mind, be prepared to get wet, because eventually you will.
Simple tips like keep your waterproof pants over your booties, taping the insole cover of the cleat mounts with duct tape.

I don't know if this helps, but here's my experience. I have been riding into SF during this rainy season as well. I have a 22-32 round trip commute from Daly City to SF downtown. It was raining hard all day yesterday and I was using my $300 Goretex raingear (pants and Jacket). They were working good for awhile until 30 mins into my ride, water started sipping into my Gore-tex fabric. Luckily I was warm enough during my coummute, but as soon as I got to work, I was drenched, soaking wet and cold! Luckily there was a shower stall at my work and I had it to take a hot shower before work to keep myself warm and prevent from getting sick. It was a horrible commute on the way home as well.

I went to Performance to see if they had any rain gear, but other commuters got to the rain gear I wanted so I went to Target. I found a rain gear set-up, top and bottom, by Eddie Bauer for $29.00 (at the camping section)! It had mesh and nylon lining, well ventilated from the, back, armpits and the velcro wrist straps. outer fabric I think were made of synthetic rubber and nylon. The hood and neck is well protected and formed symmetrically well around my head. For $29, I thought I'd give them a shot since I couldn't find anything that day and my Gore-Tex raingear were still wet from yesterday.

So today was a perfect day to give my gear a test since it had been heavily raining all day. As for my gloves, I used latex gloves over them. I used my clear anti-fog tactical (ski) goggles ( $20 from Galls) for the harsh condition today, my clipless shoes had the all weather shoe cover from Performance and my sporty long johns from Target. I was ready to go. I suited up, put my hood over my baklava, then my helmet. At 130 pm, I was out on the road and it was raining hard, the streets were flooding, and the winds were picking up light debris. So 30 min. into the ride, the rain pounded into my $29 raingear, but it was keeping the water out and I was staying warm and dry! My goggles wasn't fogging up either and visibility were still good. I was having fun like a little kid playing out in the rain. When I got to work, I was dry from head to to toe (except my smiling face)! I had a great ride. I couldn't wait to finish work and do it all over again. Luckily for me, it was still raining and my adventure continues. It was a great ride as well.

I have an old pair of FarWest GoreTex pants I wear in the rain and winter, they work great. For a jacket I have a Louis Garneau Spotlite, it has back vents, pit vents and adjustable cuffs. Ventilation is very important, no matter what kind of waterproof material you have. I think most jackets don't have enough ventilation, I have some others without back vents, they get far too warm too fast. The LG jacket is a little heavy, but still ok in warmer temps because of the great ventilation.
With the LG jacket and FarWest pants, I can ride comfortably in +3 degrees heavy rain and stay dray for my 30 minute commute.

First you must understand how waterproof breathable products work. Breathable means that water vapor, or mist, can pass from the inside to the outside. Gore-tex is truly waterproof, but it relies on a layer of durable water repellent on the exterior (DWR). This DWR makes the water bead up and run off the jacket, but it only lasts so long. After extended periods in the rain the DWR stops working and the outside of the jacket gets wet. Note that the Gore-Tex layer is still waterproof, but with the wet exterior it is no longer breathable. At that point all the sweat from the inside can't get out, and it feels like the jacket is leaking.

DWR only lasts so many washes. Sweat, dirt, and regular detergent make it lose it's water repelling capabilities. Only wash with water or with specific detergent made for waterproof breathable articles of clothing. Heat helps to restore the DWR. Throw it in the drier or, even better, iron it. After so many washings or so much time you'll have to restore the DWR. You can buy products from ReviveX, Grangers, and others that will restore a DWR (only use fluoropolymer, not silicone).

As some people have said, some products breathe better than others, but it's usually a trade-off between waterproofness and breathability.

right, 'cause no one else gets rain year round do they...:rolleyes:

I have the same hydrocell jacket (different colour) and a completely different experience. I like its light weight, its cycling cut ,its front pocket and its ability to pack into a small space.

So far as breathability is concerned, mine is far worse than my old Eb-teck Goretex jacket. Others I have spoken including MEC staff have also concluded that its breathability is much worse than Goretex. MECs Hyrocel jacket has some merits but I don't believe that decent breathability is one of them.

David

Alas, staying dry in the saddle is the perennial Holy Grail of Cycling, never to be achieved. Think about it this way maybe. We have water in motion coming at us from every direction and we are simultaneously generating water on our skin surface through physical activity. The very technology that might keep us proof against 360-degree blowing rain will also create a moving cyclist-scented sauna. In this context (as others have addressed) the charms of Gore-Tex are quickly defeated, although in other contexts it’s good stuff.

I have found over the years that concentrating on defense against water-induced hypothermia issues is a more realistic, achievable, and important pursuit than water-proofness. Advise you embrace wetness as your birthright*, concentrate on a stable core temperature, and work on getting dry at your destination.

* - We are a water based biological phenomenon after all.

I commute an hour each way, all year round in vancouver BC.
I have gone through a LOT of jackets, and goretex is crap.

You have 2 choices, go for 100% waterproof or non 100% waterproof.
The absolute best 100% waterproof shell i've been able to find is made from eVent, the elite from www.showerspass.com .

http://www.eventfabrics.com/images/g...ss_elite_2.jpg

Its a hard shell, with the most breathable material, lots of venting, and made in a cycling cut. That covers me for middle of the winter downpours, and can be worn all winter in dry climates also, up to about 50 degrees F for me.

For spring/fall where its in the 40/50/60's I use a ultralight pertex shell from montane. Weighs 4 ounces, packs in a jersey pocket, and keeps me dry for about 45 min to an hour.

http://www.thetristore.com/products/marathonflouro.jpg

I love the look of that jacket, Jarery. Definitely going to pick one of those up and see how it treats me. I appreciate that it has the cycling cut, ventilation, and then reflectors and bright coloring. Cycling jacket through and through.

Epic better than windstopper better than goretex better than DWR pertex.
Have yet to try eVent.

My fav is a Mountain Designs jacket made of (siliconised nylon fibres) Epic by Nextec cloth with pit zips. It would be even better with a back vent. The material is water resistant and pretty windproof. Good breathability, between pertex and windstopper. The Epic jacket with pit zips is the most comfortable for me, cycling in cool rain (5-15 dec C).

My impression is that you will get a little wet no matter what you wear if it is (a) raining hard and (b) you are cycling reasonably hard.

Forget the business suit unless you want to buy a new one each week. The only way to keep street clothes dry would be to pedal so slow you don't sweat; in which case goretex would be fine.

Get a cheap waterproof jacket. It must be well ventilated, not tight at the cuffs, poppers as well as zip at the front, and preferably with pit zips. To keep dry dont exert yourself.

Hi again Anogar.

One thing that might fit your requirements better is if you at least change shirts when you get to the office. I find that when I cycle (hard) in the rain there's no way to avoid some moisture build-up inside my (goretex) jacket. Luckily, if I have a good baselayer on, the moisture is not on me; it's wicked away and it's on the inside of the jacket. (I have been using the long-sleeve synthetic long underwear that's available at REI and really like it).

Though it looks like you plan to commute in your business clothes, maybe just swapping out the shirt when you get to work might be a bit more comfortable.

Gore-Tex does not lose it's waterproofness.

All Gore-Tex articles have a coating of DWR repellant on the outer shell. This repellant causes the water to bead. Without it your outer membrane will get soaked and heavy with water. It will not, however, leak. The sogginess will make it difficult for vapor to escape and it will create a micro-climate next to your skin that is humid and chilly....also known as clammy.

I think for biking in a downpour there is nothing better than a good gore-tex fabric unless you are comfy getting wet and going without. Most are not.

I definitely would consider carrying the work clothes rather than counting on staying dry with any type of rain gear. I wear a quick dry T-shirt under a rain jacket, then put my wrinkle resistant dress shirt on over that after I get to work.

(Of course I'm not from the NW so I actually don't know what I'm talking about. Our rain in Michigan is simply a lot drier than the rain out there. ;))

The acronym of DWR is durable water repellent, which Gore-tex is certainly not. It's just another marketing misnomer by WL Gore, it does wear off and it has to be reapplied once it wears off. Why do you think they sell after market Gore-tex fabric care products such as Granger and Nikwax?

Good luck on staying dry enough while commuting to roll into work off your bike and be presentable. I have long given up staying dry while commuting. Instead, staying warm is the key. That is much simpler and cheaper. I just get wet and deal. I'm still warm and it isn't bad. Trying to stay dry from the outside simply makes me wet from the inside. Gore-tex is ok waiting for a bus or mountaineering in dry air but it hasn't found a place for me on my bike commuting here in the PNW. It is quite humid while raining here and the moisture simply piles up. You will get wet if you ride any distance or go up any hills. There isn't anything wrong with that.

I carefully fold and pack good clothes, and use a good poncho or raincape that can breathe. The only time I wear form-fitting raingear is when I'm on a motorcycle and not physically exerting myself. For relatively sedentary activities like hunting or when it's super-cold Gore-Tex works great, though.

Yeah, I decided it was a dumb idea. I'm flying up in the morning to check out my new office and such (I'm working in San Diego right now, but the new office is in Seattle), and I think I'll just figure out how to have a set of office clothes to change into. I'm crossing my fingers that I get a nice office to myself that I can just close the door and change in, so we'll see how that goes.

I'm trying out the eVent Elite 2.0 from Showers Pass. It's pretty much precisely what I'm looking for, so I have high hopes. Should show up soon, I'll be sure to report.

Either way, I think getting there presentable just isn't realistic, so I'll figure out how to transport a change of clothes dry, and show up early!