Rowan

And you can get them in bright orange, too!

Here we have what are called wheelie bin bags (our garbage collection services use big plastic bins on wheels, not the old traditional style of rubbish bins). These are huge and can have opening cut for arms and head, and would come down to the knees. The plastic can be quite thick and durable. But sweating on the inside might be an issue.

As to the head covering, if you wear a helmet, a shower cap goes a long way to keeping the head drier. If you are clever, you can place the shower cap so the rear vents on the helmet are still open and able to clear some of the sweat-laden air from inside. A hood then is not needed.

stevepusser

I've used a set of polypropylene Frog Togg jacket and pants a few times this year for commuting in the rain, and was pleasantly surprised at how well they breathed while remaining waterproof. And the set cost $20 US. They're not going to be very durable, but if you don't expect a unending monsoon on a month-long tour, but instead need the gear for emergencies, I'd be happy with them on a tour heading down the California Coast, or most anywhere in the West in the summer, where you would expect more afternoon showers instead of prolonged cyclonic storms.

seeker333

+1

Good point. Keep the fiddy bux and accept the fact that you're getting wet if you don't take cover soon.

Showers Pass for ~$150 will keep your upper body dry, legs still wet. I occasionally supplement with Rainlegs, they work.

You can get a good cape for less (Rainlegs would complement a cape well):

Pro-route cycle cape

3speed

The rain cape. I never read about that. I'll have to look into it. More research needed, but this could be a winner. Do you guys wear rain pants under the cape, or does it keep you dry enough that booties to keep your feet free from splashes would be sufficient?

I'm going to look into the Frogg Toggs too. Durability isn't the biggest factor at the moment. They just need to get me through a couple months around Europe. I plan to save and invest in nice rain gear over next winter.

Checking out Red Ledge too.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions.
I know you don't mean it as such, and I don't mean this to you specifically, but only point it out because several people have said such things now. This sort of comment is kind of thoughtless and rude. It's not like I just don't feel like spending the money and am being a cheap bastard. I would love to get a nice, high-end rain jacket. There are different income brackets and life situations. I have spent more of my budget when necessary on other things where it really counts, like good quality wheels and panniers, seat, and a decent tent. I do have a limited amount to spend overall. It's not like I don't want to spend more, but like I literally don't have it to "consider and spend the money to get what I will be happy with." I assume you wouldn't go to a famished country in Africa and say "You should really consider the value of food and just eat something." That's obviously an extreme example, but I hope it gets across what I'm saying. I'm spending what I can afford, and saying I should just spend more doesn't help anyone.

fietsbob

Re rain pants ... depends on the wind direction .. misty drizzle with no wind vs a storm front squall with a 30 knot push .. the
Burly sewn spats/ shoe covers I got 25 years ago dont fit the shoes *I wear now, but they would keep your feet to the knees, dry.


* LL Bean boots

Machka 

Personally, I would spend less on panniers and more on rain gear.

I've been through the cheap versions of rain gear.
I have the piece of plastic (Nashbar Rain Jacket - Cycling Outerwear / Raingear). I rarely wear it anymore because I sweat so much in it that I'm just about as wet and cold as I would be if I didn't have it on.
Then I picked up something marginally better at Canadian Tire for about $30 ... and was miserable wearing it on my first European tour. So cold and damp all the time.

Then I invested in a decent rain jacket, and what a difference.


But the panniers ... I got Axiom LaSalles ($99 for a set of two) and still think they are the best panniers I've used. We bought more expensive, waterproof ones to travel around the world just recently, and I wasn't as impressed with them.

The thing is, your panniers can be lined with garbage bags to make them waterproof and as long as they stay on the rack and hold what you need, you don't have to go expensive with them.


Even our tent which we've used many times since 2007 when we picked it up at a Decathlon in France at the start of one European tour wasn't expensive. It's decent and had the features we wanted ... and it has been surprisingly durable. But we didn't drop a bundle on it. We spent more on our rain jackets. You can get decent quality tents relatively inexpensively.


However, if you're planning a tour of 2-3 months, you are very likely going to encounter rain. It would be an usual year in Europe if you managed to dodge the rain entirely. And while you don't intend to ride in monsoons, as you should know by now from your practice tours and long rides on weekends, you can set off on a sunny morning and suddenly at noon the clouds roll in and all of a sudden you're riding through a monsoon ... and you've got to keep riding to arrive at your destination. That's where a good quality rain jacket can make all the difference. Not only can it keep you relatively dry, but it can also keep you warm. And there's nothing more miserable than being cold and damp ... especially if it goes on day after day ...


If you really aren't able to invest in a good quality jacket, there are other options. I've linked to one in this post, but Nashbar has others. If you're going to go that route, I'd suggest bringing a couple long-sleeved tops along too ... one in wool and one in polypro, plus a fleece jacket. They'll help with the wicking and warmth.

The rain cape might also be an idea ... I think Brooks and Carradice both have them. We have one, but haven't really tried it yet.

As for rain pants, personally, I don't like the cheap ones. They bind across the knees and give me painful knee issues. They also make me sweat, which, over long distances, provides me with some interesting and unpleasant sit area issues (rashes etc.) I'll only wear them when it is really coming down or very cold. However, I do have a pair of better quality rain pants with articulated knees ... but they weren't cheap. Fortunately I found them on sale toward the end of a season at MEC, so that helped with the price.

However, it is a good idea to bring a pair of what we used to call "splash pants" along. They're cheap, light, small, and they block wind so they can help keep you warm. They'll also keep you dry in a light mist. I wear them off the bicycle, around camp, on cool wet evenings, or walking to tourist attractions on cold, wet days. They are also handy when you're in mosquito and fly areas.

pamaguahiker 

When my father passed away in 2009, we were going through his clothing and belongings. My parents had a mom and pop shop and it was no secret that my dad always 'prepared for the worst'. A trait i inherited! So he had tons of OLD school Cannondale clothing, back from the days of made in Pa. So I found a very nice, hi-vis yellow, Cannondale jacket with zipper, buttons, storm over flap. It is excellent. I have used it since i found it and it is waterproof.

Oh, and i have a pair of matching C-dale pants also.

I still wish i was riding with my dad and he was wearing them yet!

3speed

Thanks a lot for the input, Machka. I do have base layers to keep me warm, so I'm not at all worried about that. And we'll be touring in summer. I have everything from a light down coat(which I've ridden in at ~40degrees and had to unzip) to moisture wicking synthetic shirts. Those things I have from previous hiking experience. That said, I know you have a Lot of touring experience. If you say rain gear is that important to you, I'm sure I was underestimating it's importance. I'm not sure exactly yet what I'll be able to change regarding that, but I'll see if there's any way I can focus more on better rain gear. I'm thinking that cape might be the ticket to keeping dry on a budget for now.

I would debate you a little on the decent quality cheap tent for two people plus gear, but that's another subject altogether.

3speed

Now that I've learned of the Grunden name, I started looking into them also. Just mentioning for anyone who may read this in the future - It would seem that they have waterproof shells with pit zips that are also very light and compactable(into it's own pocket) for just over $50.

Machka 

We've been using the tent we picked up for the past 7 years. It housed us for a month (a very rainy month - August) in Europe in 2007, and came with us on our 8-month Round the World tour in 2012. Plus lots of shorter trips in Australia and North America over the years. Two people plus gear.

Decathlon doesn't sell that exact tent anymore, but it is sort of like this one:
Tente 3 places QuickHiker Ultralight QUECHUA - Tente Randonnée, Camping - Decathlon


Now, one of the reasons why we recommend having more money than $15-$18/day is for occasions when you've had enough of the rain and want to get a decent jacket ... or other similar situations (i.e. when you decide you need a different pillow/mattress/sleeping bag because you're not getting a good night's sleep, when you decide you need something warmer in the way of gloves ...)


Even if you decide to go with a less expensive rain jacket, I'd recommend a helmet cover and booties ... to keep your head and feet warm and relatively dry.

Rowan

Just as another observation. When you order or buy, ensure the sizing is big enough for you to layer underneath. By the time you have on a base layer, a jersey and maybe a fleece, you've bulked up quite a bit The jacket you bought which fits with just a jersey on then will feel like a straightjacket.

MassiveD

Since you can walk around in the rain with the pit zips open, or ride, I wouldn't be too worried about this. I have an old jacket, pre taping all seam sealed, and it has simple pit zips they work fine, but what you say about the quality of OEM current work is true.

MassiveD

What works is variable on the conditions you ride in. At your price range the cape makes the most sense, during the 80s it was the state of the art rain wear for cycling and in many conditions still is. Of course if you get rain dirven by a 60 mph wind that splashes up under it, or just rips you off the bike, like a parasailer, you might have been better with something else, but in normal conditions it is fine.

Just because the cape is a cheap style you should figure out what make offers reasonable quality for what you need.

In the day, chaps were worn with the cape. This was great because the crotch area is much better ventilated in rain chaps, and the cape (and fenders) kept you dry.

By the way, today there are chaps for cycling that are not just crotchless pants, they look a bit like farrier's chaps, the kind that cover the top of your legs to just below the knees. These might be nice for a quick commute or even heavier stuff when using really fancy booties, and gaiters, but they aren't what I mean by cycling chaps. The ones I am referring to are just tubes with belt ties at the top, you could easily make them for a few bucks if you had local access to materials, or wanted to mail order.

3speed

I think I'm either going to go with this Grunden, or this one from planet-x bikes. Which would you go for? I still haven't completely factored out the cape, but I'm leaning toward the jacket unless others here* give advice to go for the cape. I am getting waterproof booties and plan on keeping a shower cap to put over my helmet. I'll have the option of the hood or shower cap over helmet depending on what I prefer, which I definitely think will be the hooded jacket but who knows. I found that the waterproof North Face brand, size XL boys pants at the local sporting goods store fit me and are literally the same pants(down to the same waterproof material) as the men's, but ~$70 cheaper just because they're kids rather than adults, even though the boys XL is actually a little bigger than the smallest men's size. Anyway, I'm going to use those for pants.

Thanks for the heads-up on sizing, Rowan. I will make sure to take that into account. Would you think that 1 size bigger should do?

*Thanks, MassiveD. Still considering.

3speed

At $300 US dollars, that is what I was considering spending a decent amount on a tent... I know it's nothing compared to some, but I've used the one I bought for nearly that price several times now and it's a solid tent. I definitely think it will do fine for the tour and a while after. As for sleeping bag, sleep pad, etc, that gear is solid. It's mostly the bike specific gear that I lack, like a rain jacket(in the past while hiking/camping I've just worn a bulkier rain jacket and spent a little more time in the tent when it rained). Also, good memory remembering my other thread and my daily budget.

Machka 

I don't think we spent that much on it ... if I recall correctly it was only about 120 Euro. It was on sale.

wahoonc

I still use a rain cape, been using them in one form or another for 40 years. I actually own the one I linked to, on my 2nd or 3rd one. I typically get 5-6 years out of them. My feet may get wet, but I have FULL fenders on my bikes, typically ride in shorts and wear wool socks year round. I bought a gore tex jacket years ago and was not impressed. However I am sure that technology has improved since then. I am a bit of a luddite and if something works I am happy to stick with it.

Aaron

staehpj1

Waterproof breathable stuff has never worked well for me. I always wound up wet any way and was colder than I'd be with a non breathable jacket. As a result I save the extra money fancy fabrics cost and either go with a water resistant wind shirt or a fully waterproof non breathable jacket depending on the conditions I expect.

I find pit zips less necessary for riding than hiking. Since I ride with my bars a good bit lower than the saddle I can fine tune ventilation pretty well with the neck opening zipper. I am not sure if that would work as well for folks who ride with a more upright posture.

Northwestrider

Thats been my experience as well. So Now stay with cheap and water proof. I do carry a dry long sleeve shirt with me, in case I flat I have something to put on to avoid the chill . For my hands ( the only area that has proven difficult to stay warm ) I now use thin rubber gloves with a removable wool liner, that seems to work for me.

Doug64

There are also disadvantages to capes. We were riding with a French couple who broke out their capes when we encountered a heavy downpour with severe quartering headwinds. Their capes acted like sails as we rode into the headwind looking for shelter. By the time we found a place to get out of the rain they were soaked and tired. They asked a lot of questions about our rain jackets.

It is all personal preference. I do prefer a breathable fabric.

I'd also take my advice with a grain of salt. It is coming form a guy who lives in Oregon. You are not a true Oregonian unless you have Gore-tex in at least 3 different colors

fietsbob

will add, the grundens cape is made of some pretty heavy fabric, its more a thick PVC layer with a nylon fabric backing
rather than a light nylon fabric with a mill applied coating onthe back, it perhaps renders it less suitable for lightweight touring ,
due to it's weight and packed size , But in the field , commuting, the heavy fabric and the hand loops (i upsized the ones included to Parachute cord)

the issues in some heavy weather in winter on the windward side of town, that doug mentopns was not much of an issue ..


my other commuting gear is a heavy Safety striped Carharts Parka that a tow truck driver would wear,
so It's also not a superlight touring piece..

I did have a Gore tex Anorak on, when I toured Ireland .. kangaroo pocket was handy,
cough drops and snacks and the keys on a snap QR connecter

and the handwarmer pocket ..

so my gloves were never set down somewhere and forgotten ..

and the center zip , not there, made pedal motion un restricted..

djb

Did you take a peek at the thread the Californian teacher lady started about rain gear.
I mentioned a company that .makes reasonably priced stuff, waterproof with zips, but personally have not seen any of it person.
Waterproof Jackets from People Who Really Know Waterproof Jackets!

I understand about budget, perhaps this companies tops and pants are worth a look. My experience certainly finds pitzips a big plus, and rain booties.

RaleighSport

Waterproof with zippered vents, very very handy.

Doug64

Another thought:

From one of your other posts, it seems like you are on a very tight budget, which probably means mostly camping, and few hotels at 40-80 Euros/ day.

It is nice to get into camp at the end of a rainy day and be reasonably dry. Clothing is very slow to dry out in high humidity, and they just stay wet in rainy weather. A lot of European campgrounds have laundry facilities, but they are also on the spendy side.

Point is: try to get the garment that will keep you the driest. This is especially important for countries like northern France, Germany and The Netherlands.

This is a great site if you want to get a feel for the weather you will be encountering. Check out the probability of precipitation in August for the Netherlands. The don't have a "dry" season.

Average Weather In August For Amsterdam, The Netherlands - WeatherSpark

Bandera

Agree,

In TX a rain jacket is the top of a sauna suit, the cape is much more comfortable & highly effective.
A pic of a British rider w/ classic mudguards & cape getting on with it.

Carradice for me. Excellent quality buy it once & done.

Pro-route cycle cape

-Bandera