This will be my first season of winter riding in Cali. temp range is 40-50 when its raining. I was thinking of getting a waterproof jacket, but I tend to sweat a lot. I am thinking a better way to go would be to layer with a windbreaker? opinions please...

Being wet when it's warm is an inconvenience; being rain-soaked wet when it's cold really sucks. I'd vote for vented waterproof (I have a Showers Pass jacket that's good), but with layers chosen to manage the inevitable sweat. The same jacket is pretty darn windproof, too.

Do you have the Double Century? The waterproof Jackets I was looking at were the showers Pass Elite 2.0 or the Gore Oxygen. The down side to the Showers Pass seems to be the packability it looks bulky, and the Gore has no pit zips. If I went with a rain jacket I would like something well vented and packable.

GoreTex and vents help, but even then I can get pretty damp from sweat. It still beats getting soaked from rain, though.

If it's just a light drizzle and not too cold or windy, wool is a good choice.

I got it from my LBS when they were getting rid of winter gear. I think it's the Touring jacket: https://www.showerspass.com/catalog/m...touring-jacket

It's definitely more rain- and wind-proof than a Descente jacket I also got from them, but neither of them are very packable. I also have a mildly rain-repellent Descente shell (the Velom, before it gained the zipper pocket: https://www.veltecsportsusa.com/defau...222fl10&clr=by) that fits in a jersey pocket, but it's not very windproof, either. It seems like the heavier, laminated fabric and taped seams that make the Showers Pass jacket so weatherproof also add enough bulk to keep you from balling it up to the size of a fist.

I'd always go for something with pit zips, though.

I know that other BF'ers have given better options in the past, but for the life of me, I can't remember what they are.

Nice!!!!!

I carry two windproof/waterproof jackets, an REI Novara and a Showerpass Pro.

The Novara is paper thin and light and can be wadded up to fit in a jersey pocket. I wear it when it's cold and windy and drizzling. doesnt' add much sweat.

when it's really pouring though, I pull over and swap that for the Showerspass (which is bulky enough that it has to be kept in a trunk bag).

so far I'm pretty happy

I also use the Shower Pass touring and have had good luck with it. I tend to use it only when it's really crappy out. Most times a wind jacket will get the job done for me.

Also.. If they don't have one you can try on they are sized really big in my opinion. I always wear a medium but in the Shower Pass Touring I wear a small. Arms are plenty Long as well.

Best jersey packable rain jacket I own is the Montane Velocity DT, UK company..

https://www.montane.co.uk/products/me...-dt-jacket/246

Wool is also a good choice under your rain jacket especially if your a sweater since it is just about best at retaining insulation when wet, just ask sheep.

At those temps, you don't want to get wet. I find I can be wet at 40 degrees and stay reasonably comfortable, but, if I stop for more than a few minutes, I'm going to be cold for a while.

If you sweat a lot, deal with that by wearing a good base layer. Then you can go with a waterproof jacket if the situation needs one, and something lighter if not. Merino wool is very soft, pretty warm (even when it's wet), and pulls moisture away from your skin like you wouldn't believe. I can climb hills in my goretex jacket if I'm wearing a long-sleeve merino tee underneath, and be perfectly comfortable; I'd be sweaty and clammy doing the same thing in a poly or cotton shirt. Same goes for pants.

I think the Showers Pass stuff feels like a heavy, laminated plastic bag, personally. I wear either a goretex jacket when it's cold enough to demand one, or a jacket that blocks about 2/3 of the wind and won't soak through for an hour if the temp is above 45 or 50. The second one is good down to surprisingly low temps with a thicker base layer and a wool neck gaiter.

Thanks for the opinions. I am going to buy a waterproof jacket of some sorts. I like a tighter fit and found that in the Gore Oxygen. The Showers Pass stuff, while seemingly nice quality, are real loose fitting. PBK has the Gore jacket on sale. I may pick one up, and some sort of wool base layer.

Regarding loose- vs. tight-fitting --

It just depends on what you want to do with it. I'm fine with loose because it gives me room for more layers for really cold days (even a sweatshirt if I really want it). My shell fits more snugly in the body, but then again, the thin fabric flaps and buzzes in a good wind, too. The Showers Pass jacket doesn't feel too bulky on my arms, either, and I'll be it's due to how they lay out the seams -- they wrap around the arm instead of going in a straight line.

*add-on* I think the long arms (mentioned by kyakdiver) help to keep my wrists covered, too.

Anyway, just trying to complicate your decision...

I ride a lot in the rain and have experimented with a number of setups. I own 5 goretex jackets and have worn many others.

My preference for the temp range you specify (actually for any rain below 50°F) is to just don a couple long sleeve jersies and a windbreaker. You'll get soaked, but frankly there is no way to spend a decent amount of time out in the rain and not get soaked. Much easier to layer, much lighter, and ultimately works the best.

If you're wondering why I own so many breathable jackets which I don't recommend using in the rain, I am a product tester for goretex. For snow sports, I swear by their stuff and I also wear goretex when walking/hiking in rain. But when cycling at a reasonable effort level, there's not enough vapor pressure for the breathable membrane to do its magic and the effect is that the jacket is just too heavy -- including paclite.

I absolutely love this jacket. I was blown away by how well it functions.
https://www.sugoi.com/can/eng/Product...droLite-Jacket

I ride in CO. We have WIND. Rains occasionally. I wore this jacket last year during the Bicycle Tour of CO. On 30 degree days I'll wear arm warmers underneath it. Perfectly comfortable.

I'm in the same boat as you. I'm thinking about pulling the trigger on one of these:

https://www.realcyclist.com/castelli-sottile-jacket-mens


Rode yesterday, 64 degrees, slight drizzle throughout the ride, started coming down more for the last 15 minutes of a 2 hour ride. I only had on a Jersey, short-sleeve baselayer, gloves and skull-cap up top. My arms were completely open to the elements and I wasn't cold at all. I only wished I had on arm-warmers, I think a light water-proof jacket with different layers could take care of anything in Cali.

^That Sugoi looks really nice too.

I have a really nice Craft jacket, saved me on a very windy TOSRV this year. Just wore a long sleeve jersey underneath, not cheap but worth every penny.

Interesting name.

cloudveil cache creek, it's lightweight, wind/rain proof, and is cut for cycling (long sleeves, long back hem, drawstring, zippered pockets).