Rain Gear
 

I'm sure this must've been covered before, so, I open myself up to slight. Still, what recommendation do you wet-weather riders have for a light, packable, visible rain jacket that's breathable enough for summer...

Thanks for all input. And yes, the bike in question does have fenders.

This is definitely opening a door to much debate. Given I live in the Seattle area and commute by bike, I believe I have more experience than most with this. And, the reality is that if you are a furnace, even the best of jackets only breath so good. I am currently using what might be the current best, which is Endura's newest jacket. It is light for a real rain jacket, breaths good, and is extremely well made. However, it is well over $200. My Showers Pass jacket is heavier and does not breath as well, but it was the best I had had, prior to this new jacket. I have not found pants that are on the level of the jackets. So, with pants, I go with pants that are easy to get on and off over my shoes, cannot remember the model, but they are from Showers Pass. I don't put the pants on unless it is raining, versus drizzle.

Good Luck.

How summery summer?

Once the temperature climbs above 80 or 85 degrees I don't worry about it. I just finish the ride with whatever I happen to have on. Anything that will keep the rain off will also keep the sweat in and you'll be just as wet and even more uncomfortable.

Temperatures below 70 are another story. The wet isn't the issue so much as the cold. I used to mountain bike with a group of guys every Saturday of the year. No excuses. Below zero might be cold but, for pure misery, temperatures in the 30's with rain are much worse. Years ago I bought a Craft rain jacket that is made from some miracle breathable fabric and has underarm zippers for ventilation. It's a favorite of mine for a variety of weather conditions. I also have a couple of long sleeve "wind shirts" that are made from some coated fabric. They are great for 50's and dry or 60's into the 70's with rain. I always keep one in the bike gear tube that I keep in my car.

The best I've found is the Voler Jet jacket in HiVis: Voler: Jet Men's Wind Jacket

I wear this jacket year-round, from 37° and raining on up. It's been my only rain jacket for a few years. Very high quality, nice fit, and inexpensive.

FWIW ... here is my input.

After a particularly cold ride (planned for upper 40s ... actual temperature in the upper 20s), I told my self that I would spare no expense to get a decent jacket. I asked my friends in the Northwest (who else would know better?) for advice on a good jacket wearable in the rain. Their answer was Showers Pass.

I have three of them, and I use them all ... depending on the situation.

The Elite2 ($250): The most robust yet breathable of the three, it has what every jacket should have.

1. Removable (optional) hood.
2. Pit zips (water resistant zippers)
3. Velcro Cuffs (water resistant)
4. 2-way zipper (water resistant).
5. Pull at the neckline and waistline.

it also has some other cool stuff ... a waterproof pocket in the back and on the chest. Good for a cellphone or a camera.

But it is NOT packable in a rear pocket or a seat bag. So I use it for commuting of if I'm pretty sure I'll be wearing it all day.

The Double Century ($175): Not as robust (not good for a commuting jacket), but water proof, versatile and packable. If I could only have one jacket, this would be it.

1. Removable (optional) hood.
2. Pit zips (zippers not water resistant)
3. Velcro Cuffs (water resistant)
4. 2-way zipper (water resistant).


The Pro Tech ($120): As and packable as a light windbreaker, but it's waterproof. I once threw this in my seat bag "just in case" and got rained on all day. It kept me dry! On non-commuting rides, this is the one I use most often.

1. Velcro Cuffs (not water resistant)
2. 2-way zipper.


Other rain gear (pants, etc.)? My friends informed me to give up the notion of rain pants that keep you dry. Instead, focus on being warm. For that, they recommended Pear Izumi's Amfib tights. I've yet to use them, but have loaned them to friends who loved them.

+1
Showers Pass Pro Tech is an excellent choice.

Come on, give us Oregonians a break:)

In the last 10 years, I have owned 2 Showers Pass and 2 REI Novara rain jackets. When I was working, I rode almost every workday; and still ride every day to the gym, post office, etc. Not to mention recreational rides and multi-month, self supported bike tours every year.

I like the REI jackets the best. However, the Showers Pass Elite is the jacket I use the most on long tours. It is a good jacket, but it is a little more restrictive than other jackets I have used. My older REI jacket has just about worn out after 10+ years of hard use. However, it still sheds water. It is still used almost every day during the winter. The cheaper Showers Pass jacket that I used for only a couple of years was put in the trash a few weeks ago, when I picked up a new REI jacket on sale. The cheap Showers Pass jackets don't seem to hold up well. I have not had a chance to wear my new REI jacket very much, but it seems to be a nice jacket, and could end up being my "go-to" jacket. My REI rain pants , also 10+ years old, are still in good shape.

None of these are what I'd call "packable." I think of something that is packable as being able to stuff in my jersey's rear pocket.

This is my 10-year old REI Novara rain jacket. It was worn so much that it almost faded to white. REI outlet has their cycling rain jackets on closeout sale right now for $75. https://www.rei.com/product/883098/n...ke-jacket-mens
http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/y...bb321adaa7.jpg

My wife uses a Showers Pass " Tourist", and it has done a good job. However, the breathable layer is starting to delaminate after about 7 years of use. We are not that enamoured with Showers Pass products.
http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/y...yWeekend-3.jpg

We tend to give our rain gear hard use. On one long tour, 3 months, we experienced 35 days of rain. Showers Pass Elite Jacket, and REI pants.

http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/y...dde6fc2f0b.jpg

Ultra light Frogg Toggs, about $20.00 for both jacket and pants, very packable.

Here the LBS sells Endura and Showers Pass .

On My Mud Guard fitted Bike I can use a cyclist's Rain Cape , then, it draped over my hands keeps them dry too .

Never had any jacket and gloves combination Do that.

best was a shell and fleece liner glove, so the liner could be dried separately. since your hands still got wet .

I have the Showers Pass and have been very happy with it.

Sorry, Oregon does get a bit of moisture, too.... :)

Love those Pics!

Is there such a thing as a rain jacket that's breathable enough for summer? I'd be inclined to just wear the lightest, quickest drying shorts and jersey I could find, pack some good clothes in a waterproof bag and skip the rain wear.

The last place I commuted that had fairly frequent summer rain was the Bethesda/Wash DC area. I tried an ultra-lightweight poncho, small enough to pack into a jersey pocket, and while it was comfortable enough in the chilly springtime, it was miserable in summer heat and humidity. I just got wet in summer, hung my shorts and jersey to dry near an A/C vent or fan, showered and changed for work -- but I was lucky enough to work at the NNMC in Bethesda where we had showers and I could either change to scrubs or the uniform I kept in a locker.

It rarely rained in warm weather in SoCal when I was stationed there so it wasn't an issue. I may have worn that poncho twice in five years in winter or springtime.

I've worn a Shimano Storm Jacket several times this winter and spring and it was comfortable enough in chilly weather. Felt more comfortable than wind chill riding in the 60s. And it's tolerable in the 70s if I bike with very low effort, or for walking. But for most of the year in Texas I'll probably just wear lightweight, fast drying poly baggy shorts and jersey and pack some casual clothes in a waterproof trunk bag if I need to be presentable where I'm going.