Rain Pants Recommendations?
#2
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: Rhode Island
I second this post. I've been looking around for some good rain pants that are fairly priced (preferably less than 50 bucks...) and the only ones I've been able to see in person are the Novara cycling rain pants at REI. However, these (like the reviews say online) don't seem like they breath at all and I can imagine you would become really sweaty if wearing them in the rain during warmer weather. Thanks!
#3
Hrumph!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 253
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, Canada
Bikes: 2007 Dahon Cadenza w/ Alfine IGH11, modified MEC Desire w/Alfine IGH8,+ 2 ebikes: Bionx PL350 & 36V eZee FHB/Tidalforce frames.
For most rain application I like Rainlegs and my MEC shoe covers.
For nasty, driving, torrential deluges of near-biblical scope I prefer full coverage rain pants to the Rainlegs, though.
The MEC Splash, Secteur and Derecho pants all look pretty good. I have an older pair of MEC rain pants that are similar to both the Splash and the Derecho. Good pants.
For nasty, driving, torrential deluges of near-biblical scope I prefer full coverage rain pants to the Rainlegs, though.
The MEC Splash, Secteur and Derecho pants all look pretty good. I have an older pair of MEC rain pants that are similar to both the Splash and the Derecho. Good pants.
Last edited by El Duderino X; 06-18-11 at 11:16 AM.
#4
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 4,144
Likes: 3
From: Burnaby, BC
I have the MEC Derecho pants and they suck. Huge and baggy down at the bottom, right where you don't want them to be. They have snaps to close them up, but they stick out funny when you do it and rub on your cranks. Drives me crazy.
#5
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,896
Likes: 6
From: Binghamton, NY
Bikes: Workcycles FR8, 2016 Jamis Coda Comp, 2008 Surly Long Haul Trucker
When needed I have some Field & Stream $30 pants from a sporting goods store. They have been water proof, but they don't let moisture escape. Since most of my rides are under 5 miles it doesn't matter much.
#6
Hrumph!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 253
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, Canada
Bikes: 2007 Dahon Cadenza w/ Alfine IGH11, modified MEC Desire w/Alfine IGH8,+ 2 ebikes: Bionx PL350 & 36V eZee FHB/Tidalforce frames.
Sucks to hear those pants are so awful. I can't remember what line my older MEC pants are but I have none of the water ingress problems you describe (though they are baggy but thats my fault for buying such large pants before dropping a ton of weight).
Last edited by El Duderino X; 06-18-11 at 04:02 PM.
#7
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,834
Likes: 0
From: Minneapolis, MN
Bikes: 05 Trek 5200, 07 Trek 520, 99 GT Karakoram, 08 Surly 1X1
I'm also curious if anyone has anything that's halfway decent.
For summer rain, my legs just get wet. For cold early spring and fall rain I just use $30 rain bottoms from REI, plus shoe covers.
For summer rain, my legs just get wet. For cold early spring and fall rain I just use $30 rain bottoms from REI, plus shoe covers.
#8
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: Indy
Bikes: Trek Soho S (sold), Bridgestone 300 SS (stolen), 1988 Raleigh Technium The Chill
#9
xtrajack
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,058
Likes: 0
From: Maine
Bikes: Kona fire mountain/xtracycle,Univega landrover fs,Nishiki custom sport Ross professional super gran tour Schwinn Mesa (future Xtracycle donor bike)
For most rain application I like Rainlegs and my MEC shoe covers.
For nasty, driving, torrential deluges of near-biblical scope I prefer full coverage rain pants to the Rainlegs, though.
The MEC Splash, Secteur and Derecho pants all look pretty good. I have an older pair of MEC rain pants that are similar to both the Splash and the Derecho. Good pants.
For nasty, driving, torrential deluges of near-biblical scope I prefer full coverage rain pants to the Rainlegs, though.
The MEC Splash, Secteur and Derecho pants all look pretty good. I have an older pair of MEC rain pants that are similar to both the Splash and the Derecho. Good pants.
My full coverage rain pants are something that I got at the local outpost of the Evil Empire (aka WalMart).
#10
I'm a fan of Showers Pass
https://www.showerspass.com/catalog/m...nvertible-pant
https://www.showerspass.com/catalog/m...nvertible-pant
#11
Hrumph!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 253
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, Canada
Bikes: 2007 Dahon Cadenza w/ Alfine IGH11, modified MEC Desire w/Alfine IGH8,+ 2 ebikes: Bionx PL350 & 36V eZee FHB/Tidalforce frames.
Rainmates, like rainlegs with extra leggings for your lower limbs. Could've used that or my full rain pants this morning after an oncoming car hit a puddle in his/her/its lane just perfectly to propel the majority of water across two lanes and all over my (more or less) unprotected shins.
Soaked shins. That really pissed me off this morning.
Soaked shins. That really pissed me off this morning.
#12
Senior Member

Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 12,948
Likes: 9
From: England
My Montane Atomic DT pants have a slim cut, high enough waist and a bit of reflective stuff. They are not cycing specific.
I would go for some with a long lower zipper + velcro tabs. There are lots of pants without the zipper but these are too baggy.
I would go for some with a long lower zipper + velcro tabs. There are lots of pants without the zipper but these are too baggy.
#13
Senior Member

Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,280
Likes: 322
From: Sherwood, OR
The only ones I've been able to see in person are the Novara cycling rain pants at REI. However, these (like the reviews say online) don't seem like they breath at all and I can imagine you would become really sweaty if wearing them in the rain during warmer weather. Thanks!
#14
Senior Member

Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,471
Likes: 1
From: Gig Harbor, WA
Bikes: Surly Long Haul Trucker, Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo, Dahon Mu P 24 , Ritchey Breakaway Cross, Rodriguez Tandem, Wheeler MTB
I use my normal cycling clothes in rain, as others above have said nothing will prevent you from getting wet on the inside. So unless a ride is particularly short, I don't see the point of anything special. I carry rain gear only to help me stay warm if I were to flat on a rainy day.
#15
Banned
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 10,082
Likes: 1
J&G are a great budget pant. I'd buy them again if I was on a serious budget. Made in the USA. https://www.bicycleclothing.com/Water...ain-Pants.html
ShowerPass fell apart on me. They split at the seam next to the pocket. I wouldn't waste my money on them. Made in China. https://www.showerspass.com/catalog/m...nvertible-pant
Taiga are bomb proof, and the full side zips are great for adding ventilation. They are top notch and worth their high price due to the quality and extremely well thought out design. Made in Canada. https://www.taigaworks.ca/cart.php?m...ct_detail&p=63
ShowerPass fell apart on me. They split at the seam next to the pocket. I wouldn't waste my money on them. Made in China. https://www.showerspass.com/catalog/m...nvertible-pant
Taiga are bomb proof, and the full side zips are great for adding ventilation. They are top notch and worth their high price due to the quality and extremely well thought out design. Made in Canada. https://www.taigaworks.ca/cart.php?m...ct_detail&p=63
#16
Banned
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 43,586
Likes: 1,380
From: NW,Oregon Coast
Bikes: 8
I've taken to using a Cycling Rain Cape recently ,
the umbrella effect keeps my legs dry, pretty much, hands stay dry too.
I have a Spats, a shoe- shin cover legging to use when the weather gets heavy
this winter..
$50 will be low for a Waterproof breathable fabric feature , coated nylon will work,
who sells it and markets it is kind of secondary..
I find the seams tape bonding on my 3 layer WPB rain over-trousers goes away
after a while..
where they are sat upon, the rest of the seam tape is fine..
all brands use the same sort of seam sealing tape machines.
but ..
The inner surface of the 3 layer stuff does protect the coating.
the umbrella effect keeps my legs dry, pretty much, hands stay dry too.
I have a Spats, a shoe- shin cover legging to use when the weather gets heavy
this winter..
$50 will be low for a Waterproof breathable fabric feature , coated nylon will work,
who sells it and markets it is kind of secondary..
I find the seams tape bonding on my 3 layer WPB rain over-trousers goes away
after a while..
where they are sat upon, the rest of the seam tape is fine..
all brands use the same sort of seam sealing tape machines.
but ..
The inner surface of the 3 layer stuff does protect the coating.
Last edited by fietsbob; 06-19-11 at 02:11 PM.
#17
stringbreaker
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,463
Likes: 2
From: wa. State
Bikes: specialized crossroads hybrid 2006 Raleigh Cadent 2 1971 Schwinn Varsity, 1972 Schwinn Continental, 1977 Schwinn Volare (frame)
Don't know what size you are but I have a nice pair of never worn Showers Pass gore-tex size medium
for sale. Cheap
for sale. Cheap
__________________
(Life is too short to play crappy guitars) 2006 Raleigh Cadent 3.0, 1977 Schwinn Volare, 2010 Windsor tourist. ( I didn't fall , I attacked the floor)
(Life is too short to play crappy guitars) 2006 Raleigh Cadent 3.0, 1977 Schwinn Volare, 2010 Windsor tourist. ( I didn't fall , I attacked the floor)
#18
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 6,431
Likes: 44
From: Minneapolis, MN
#19
Senior Member

Joined: May 2010
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
From: Burnaby, BC
[QUOTE=El Duderino X;12805963]For most rain application I like Rainlegs and my MEC shoe covers.
Can you get Rainlegs and/or Rainmates in Metro Vancouver? Seems like a good solution for my reluctance to ride in anything more than light rain.
Can you get Rainlegs and/or Rainmates in Metro Vancouver? Seems like a good solution for my reluctance to ride in anything more than light rain.
#20
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,536
Likes: 4
From: central ohio
Bikes: 96 gary fisher 'utopia' : 99 Softride 'Norwester'(for sale), 1972 Raleigh Twenty. Surly 1x1 converted to 1x8, 96 Turner Burner
I bought a pair of RAINSHIELD 02 3FLOW PERFORMANCE SERIES PANTS about 4 years ago when I started commuting daily. They've been a good pair of rain pants. In the warmer weather when I do wear them they work real well. I just roll up the pant leg, like shorts. And they keep me and my shorts dry. Good 4 season rain pant. I think they breathe extremely well. I was going to go with the Showers Pass but these were cheaper. When I bought them they were $55. But I've worn them in all kind of rainy conditions from a light rain to a downpour and they've kept me dry everytime. Highly recommend.
https://www.gottaridebikes.com/page/GRB/PROD/JAC/JAC0012
https://www.gottaridebikes.com/page/GRB/PROD/JAC/JAC0012
#21
stringbreaker
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,463
Likes: 2
From: wa. State
Bikes: specialized crossroads hybrid 2006 Raleigh Cadent 2 1971 Schwinn Varsity, 1972 Schwinn Continental, 1977 Schwinn Volare (frame)
Whatever you want to call them.Ok lets split hairs and call them waterproof breathable. They are the older model that have the vents at the knees.
__________________
(Life is too short to play crappy guitars) 2006 Raleigh Cadent 3.0, 1977 Schwinn Volare, 2010 Windsor tourist. ( I didn't fall , I attacked the floor)
(Life is too short to play crappy guitars) 2006 Raleigh Cadent 3.0, 1977 Schwinn Volare, 2010 Windsor tourist. ( I didn't fall , I attacked the floor)
#23
Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Manhattan, NYC
Bikes: Specialized Crossroads
I bought a pair of RAINSHIELD 02 3FLOW PERFORMANCE SERIES PANTS about 4 years ago when I started commuting daily. They've been a good pair of rain pants....Highly recommend.
https://www.gottaridebikes.com/page/GRB/PROD/JAC/JAC0012
https://www.gottaridebikes.com/page/GRB/PROD/JAC/JAC0012
#24
Hrumph!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 253
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, Canada
Bikes: 2007 Dahon Cadenza w/ Alfine IGH11, modified MEC Desire w/Alfine IGH8,+ 2 ebikes: Bionx PL350 & 36V eZee FHB/Tidalforce frames.
For most rain application I like Rainlegs and my MEC shoe covers.
#25
Take a look at Rainlegs. I have some, they're a great WP/B pants compromise that keep you dry up to the point where you really shouldn't be riding anyways.




