planning my first overnight ride and I'm not sure what gear to get for rain. I already have a mid-weight waterproof jacket. I'd like to hear about other suggestions.

This has been discussed about 50 million times. Just do a search.

Is this a single overnight, or a series of overnights? If it's just one night and the weather forecast doesn't include rain, don't waste your time, your money, and the extra bulk. If you need the extra security, buy one of those disposable instant pancho thingies and keep it in your pack.

The few times I've been surprised by rain, my biggest problem was not my body but my bags with all my gear and clothing. I would focus on that instead.

True, regular topic of discussion, comes up about once a month in warm season, along with stoves, tents, sleeping bags.

Showers Pass bicycling-specific rain gear is popular. Rain capes are an alternative. In warmer climes, just getting wet seems to be as effective as the sweat-shower you'll experience inside rain gear.

https://www.google.com/search?q=%22r...bikeforums.net

Taiga helmet cover

https://www.taigaworks.ca/cart.php?m...ct_detail&p=66









-Tim-

For warm weather touring, all you need it a cap with a bill to keep the rain off your glasses and out of your eyes.

So has everything else that is discussed on here. In the words of Solomon, "There is nothing new under the sun." Besides, the "search function" is a joke. Good luck with that.

In warm weather I'n not sure I'd carry a rain jacket. I did a 6 day tour in April and took a bare minimum. I got caught on the first day on a 3 1/2 mile bridge over the Albemarle Sound when the bottom dropped out. No way was I stopping on a bridge in high wind, rain, and heavy traffic to put on rain gear. By the time I got to the other side I was already wet. Anyway, what I had was pretty thin cheap stuff which kept me mostly dry, in spite of it all 25 miles later in continuous rain, I was soaked and had little spare clothing. About froze to death but .. THE SHOES! I only had my bike shoes and some flip flops. My bike shoes got soaked and remained soaked until late the next day.
So even in warm weather or with premium raingear, think about your shoes. They won't dry quick.

as others have said, it depends on how much you ride and where.
I learned a long time ago that along with a rain jacket, rain pants and rain booties to go over my shoes are worth carrying. Sure, it can be a hot day, but if you get totally soaked and it then goes down to even 20c, 68f or a bit below, being wet and in a wind will make you pretty chilled and miserable.
And yes, soaked shoes will stay wet for quite a while, so I appreciate having the three , jacket, pants and booties.

if you commute at all, these are things that will get used for years in any case, so not money wasted.

but as someone else said, if only for one night, and weather is good, get a cheap poncho and go for it.
only you can decide the priorities of how much you ride, how much you want or can spend, etc etc.

I have been looking for a helmet cover and that one is nice! Glad you posted it.

cycling ponchos look good

But some can be bulky and not fun with wind. I'm not fond of them, but a light one could be a good option fof this fellow to try. Doesn't solve wet shoes, but hey.

I like using a rain cape.
It keeps me cool and there is no condensation issue.
The added benefit is that it drapes over the handlebar bag (as mine is usually a camera bag)
There is also the added benefit that it can be used as a tarp to cover the bike at the camp site (if it rains) or as a blanket, etc.
Downside is that it is a problem if the winds are too strong.

I am usually already wearing a jacket that is rain resistant which is why I prefer to carry a rain cape over another jacket (rain).

Shower caps or plastic bags work quite well to keep the shoes dry from splashes w/ a rain cape.

Not if you know how to use the Advanced Search function. Not perfect, but not a joke.

Try it. Search "Rain Gear" in thread titles only in the Touring forum.

Really depends on the temp. I've only bothered with rainpants (Element Pants (Yellow) | O2 Rainwear) when the temp is going to be in the 50's or lower or I really expect to be out in a rainstorm for an extended period of time in the 60s. Anything significant enough to wear a coat, I have an old Novara (REI) brand 3-layer that works well (https://www.rei.com/product/883098/n...ke-jacket-mens), as well as a lighterweight thin one (https://canari.com/products/deluge).

I generally wear the Novara when I want a proper coat that can be used off bike as well, the Canari is for times when it is rolled up in a bag for occasional might-need-it use. Both get pretty hot and sweaty pretty quick.

Probably bears repeating every now and again that Google is far better. I have changed to doing (without quotes) "SEARCH TERM site:bikeforums.net/touring", or whatever subforum (or none) that one wants.

20% off one item at Backcountry.

A Gore Wear C5 Shakedry jacket would be nice.


-Tim-

Maybe not a joke but I haven't had much luck with it looking for specific info about anything.

Besides, what would we talk about if everyone used the search function?