A~Bomb

I've noticed that most cycling rain jackets don't have hoods, which doesn't make much sense to me. I have a short commute, but since the weather is going to start getting crappy, I'd like to have a good rain jacket. I'd prefer a slim fit, and preferably under $150. Is there anything out there for me?

waynesworld

I have a Louis Garneau. It's hooded, has pit zips, a rear flap that can be folded and snapped up, and has full mesh lining, including the sleeves. I don't remember what I paid for it, but it was much less than $150. Maybe $60? Great jacket.

waynesworld

I just searched and can't find a jacket like mine. They probably don't make that style anymore. The closest I could find was the Seattle model. It's about $110, I think, at bicyclebuys.com. About $20 cheaper than nashbar or performance. Maybe I paid more than I'm remembering.

Greg_R

Do you commute in a more upright position? If so, you could consider a non-cycling jacket. Most outdoor stores sell options that will fit over a helmet.

cyclezealot

I found one from Performance with a hood. It's ok for cold weather. But,it's some kind of vinyl product and does not breath . but, the zips in the arm pits make it OK for cold weather..
I recommend a rain jacket with a hood. Much better than a rain proof helmet cover that allows rain to go down one's back. Seems I paid about 40 dollars on sale.

A~Bomb

I ride a fixed gear with a fairly aggressive riding position, which is why I've been looking for one that is cycling-specific (longer sleeves, longer cut on the back etc).

CornyBum

When I have the money and it seems necessary for the few times it's rainy and cold enough around here (Southern California suburbs), I plan on buying a Showers Pass Touring jacket with the Showers Pass hood to accompany it. Showers Pass seems to be so highly regarded around here, and I like that the hood is designed to minimize interference with peripheral vision and hearing, according to the description. That's over $150 even before shipping, but you can get a cheaper jacket. The hood is compatible with cheaper jackets like the Club and the Double Century. This is before shipping costs, but I hope your budget will be a bit more flexible for something like the Double Century and hood.

Cyclist0383

https://www.taigaworks.ca/cart.php?m...ct_detail&p=62 $60 Canadian.


https://www.taigaworks.ca/cart.php?m...ct_detail&p=61 $100 Canadian.

Both jackets are made in Canada, so there are no import duties into the US.

jollyGreenGiant

I've got a Pearl Izumi one that has the hood that fits over the helmet perfectly and keeps water off the back of the neck. Love it. Problem is when you don't have a helmet on the hood is too big even for my big head

A~Bomb

Good point. I don't wear a helmet on my ride (I bike to class), so a huge hood might not be a good thing.

ratell

The showers pass touring jacket is $150. You can get a detachable hood for another $20.

Shimagnolo

I had a rain jacket with attached hood.
Dumbest design ever.
All the hood ever did was interfere with vision.

Now I use a rain jacket with a snug fitting collar, and a cover on the helmet, and it works like a charm.

jtwilson

I second the Showers Pass recommendation. I exceeded my forecast jacket budget by a long shot, and sprung for their Elite 2.0 jacket + hood. It is probably the most perfect thing ever to grace my wardrobe. Since you're going to have the jacket for a long time and get a lot of use out of it - it only makes sense to invest in something that will pay off in performance and satisfaction. Now I look forward to rainy days.

BA Commuter

If you're looking for an inexpensive rain jacket, check out this model from LLBean https://tinyurl.com/yj8qr6d.

I keep it packed in my bag and if the sky opens up, I slip it on and it fits over my helmet to keep me warm & dry on those chilly days. In the really warm months, I don't bother.

A~Bomb

I've been looking at those, very nice. I definitely don't want something cheap. With stuff like this, you always get what you pay for. I don't mind spending a little more if it means getting something made better. I've also been looking for a waterproof backpack, since I really don't want my $100+ textbooks getting soggy.

trigger

I don't remember the price (they are often on sale) but the Patagonia Rain Shadow jacket works well for me. It's cut long enough not to expose my back when riding, has a hood that covers my helmet and doesn't annoy me, keeps me dry, packs down very small and looks normal when not riding the bike. I keep thinking about getting a bike specific rain shell, but as I try to avoid riding in the rain when I can for long periods, the Patagonia one seems all I need.

exile

I bought a cheap Field & Stream rain jacket from Dick's Sporting Goods for about $20. Also got a matching pair of pants for about $25. Since it doesn't seem to rain much it's enough for me. Your commute may differ.

Eddie Loves You

I am very happy with the REI Novara convertible jacket I got a few weeks ago. No hood; I do the helmet cover + poly balaclava and my neck stays dry. I wouldn't mind having a hood for when I'm off the bike but I don't like hoods while riding.

PaulRivers

Most cycling jackets nowadays appear to not have a hood, but you can buy a detachable hood seperately - like the Shower's Pass one.

A waterproof bike backpack is, surprisingly, much harder to find. The only one I know of that might even be big enough to carry books in is the Ergon BC3:
https://www.ergon-bike.com/us/en/product/bc3

But it might look kind of silly when you're wearing it, and reviews say that it ends up getting some water inside in a complete downpour.

Most of the time the "backpack for biking to school" threads end up recommending getting a regular backpack, then a big basket on the back of the bike and putting the backpack in the basket. For waterproofness...a big plastic bag?

Cyclist0383

Deuter cycling packs have a nifty stowable rain cover, and of course all the Ortleib backpacks are waterproof.

frankenmike 

Picked up a CRAFT rain jacket several years back, around 90 retail. Keeps me dry, and has an adjustable hood that works with and without a helmet.