gbcb

It looks like we're in for a week of terrible weather. I'm finding that my standard rain gear (a gore-tex shell and waterproof, but not cycling-specific, pants) doesn't cut it.

So: I'm looking for recommendations for:

- Waterproof, light-ish weight jacket (my Gore-tex is really a winter shell, and gets very warm)
- Waterproof light-ish weight (but durable!) pants

I'm also finding that my feet get wet, and wouldn't mind a way to prevent rain from getting through my helmet. Any tips for those? And any other wet-weather commuting tips would be welcome, too... my previous longish commute was in a very dry region, so I'm not as set up for this as I thought!

It's fairly warm here, and I've been considering the no-rain-gear-just-getting-wet option — but that would require packing too many clothes. Any tips from commuters in rainy climes?

Thanks in advance!

boog

Just get wet!

But seriously, it is the best way to go in warm weather. A jersey and shorts and some quick drying socks. A change of those does not take up that much room. If it's warm enough, skip the socks and ride in Teva style sandals, depending on what type of pedal you are using.

If it is a cooler clime, then a waterproof shell makes sense. Gore-Tex can be a bit too heavy, as you've noticed. I've had good luck with the stuff from J&G clothing. linky They do jackets and helmet covers as well.

Hope this helps!

boog

ratell

I use a pair of REI rain pants which are pretty good. They work great when it's cool. Once it gets really hot I'm sure they'll get sweaty. Showers Pass has pants I looked at which were better though they're $80.

For coats I don't have personal experience though people seem to universally love Showers Pass. They aren't cheap though. Their elite Jacket sells for $200.

Bekologist

Epic shell fabrics. great for warm weather, no laminates.

it's not a raincoat but works like one.

google epic by nextec

shells available from wild things outdoor gear in NH.

KLW2

Cool to warm weather; Rainshield jacket, clear shower cap over helmet with visor, any quick drying shorts, sandals (with or without wool socks).

adebrunner

I think people have found that it's impossible to stay dry. Either you're wet with sweat or rainwater, you can pick either one no matter how expensive or nice your gear is. I've heard rain capes get around the sweat thing which puts them high on the list of things to try, you need fenders to prevent spray from underneath though. My suggestion would be to, as mentioned, get wet and deal with it after you get where you're going. Keep a towel in a garbage bag and dry off when you get there. I prefer rainwater to sweat because once you're off the bike you stop getting rained on but can continue sweating.

gbcb

Thanks for the responses! Perhaps not the ultimate rain gear thread yet, but we're getting there...

The getting wet could work in some situations, but occasionally I need to ride to meet people *after* work as well. That's when actually staying dry could be useful.

I am going to get a larger messenger bag, so I could conceivably carry an extra pair of shoes and more clothes (not leaving my office shoes in the office, since I like to wear them other times, too) for when I don't mind getting wet on the way in.

I hadn't heard of Showers Pass, but will take a look. The J&G rain jacket looks quite a bit like one I saw at MEC in Toronto a while back. Interesting.

gbcb

Forgot to reload before writing — thanks for the extra suggestions! The Epic shell sounds fantastic.

Jarery

Showerspass Elite jacket is the ultimate winter rainjacket/shell. For a warmer weather jacket check Featherlight gear from Montane. I wear their Marathon jacket when cycling, it weighs 4 oz's and packs smaller than an orange.

(BB)

For warm and wet I would just get wet, maybe look at some of the cleated sandals so your not sloshing around.
For cold and wet I like my Novara rain pants, a thin shell of a jacket for wind and then a light wool sweater. For my feet I wear booties to keep out the rain. My feet sweat a bit, but they are never cold.

newbojeff

1+ on Showers Pass Elite. I wear it -10 to 40 degrees and from 40 to 55 or 60 degrees F if it is going to be wet. Above 55-60 degrees F, just get wet. If you take it real easy on the bike -- hard to do when raining because splashing in puddles is so much fun -- you could probably wear the jacket up another 10 degrees without turning into a sweat mess.

Sixty Fiver

I want a rain cape...

Sixty Fiver

And to complete the geeky look...

gbcb

With those I'd actually blend right in ... Rain capes are everywhere here.

Actually, maybe that's not a bad idea. Hmmm. Anyone know of good quality ones? The ones I've seen here are awfully thin, and not built to last.

Sixty Fiver

This might help...

https://www.bikeforums.net/commuting/165902-rain-cape-north-america.html

gbcb

Not sure why I didn't bother to do a search... but thanks, 65er!

ignant666

Here's my next purchase (from the very reliable UK vendor St. John Street Cycles):
https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/product-A...-all-16945.htm
I figure that cape, with these gaiters
https://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___11613
and fenders should keep me as dry as possible in all rain conditions.

sharkey00

Well this is entertaining. I was about to recommend Gill bike pants. I just went to look up the link and found something a bit different.

It turns out Gill actually makes boating gear. They might not even know what a bike is or that their gear works great for a bike. I picked them up at my LBS last year. Thats right I have been using them for a year and had no idea they were not biking gear at all. It certainly explains the two heads look I get every time I mention them.

They work great, are cheap and have all of the articulated knee, velcro tightened ankle goodness you could ever hope for.

https://www.gillmarine.com/section_he...sub_cat_code=6