Is your rain coat water Proof or water Resistant?
#51
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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.
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.
P.S. Oregonians know about wet weather gear
Last edited by Doug64; 05-04-14 at 05:20 PM.
#52
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#53
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Is it wrong to ask if raingear is an essential item?
I don't have experience bicycle touring (yet) but I thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail last year and probably spent 1/3 of my time walking in the rain. I sent my rain gear home after the first 2 weeks because while the rain didn't go through the gear, my body sweat like no other and I was just as wet. It was high quality gear too. Mountain Hardware I believe.
After sending the rain gear home and just living in the elements, I never regretted it.
Is there something unique to cycling that would make this much different?
I don't have experience bicycle touring (yet) but I thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail last year and probably spent 1/3 of my time walking in the rain. I sent my rain gear home after the first 2 weeks because while the rain didn't go through the gear, my body sweat like no other and I was just as wet. It was high quality gear too. Mountain Hardware I believe.
After sending the rain gear home and just living in the elements, I never regretted it.
Is there something unique to cycling that would make this much different?
#54
~>~
Even plootering along a cyclist is creating enough "head wind" for a serious chance of hypothermia if it's not summer in TX. Add in whatever mom nature is blasting you with and gets very wet/cold/miserable very fast.
I carry a packable cycling vest or jacket all winter for day rides having been caught out more than a hour from home when that "chance of showers" becomes rain for real. Not real rain kit but it keeps the chill off. Touring for a few days in the rain I'd have full mudguards & a cycling rain cape.
-Bandera
Last edited by Bandera; 05-05-14 at 11:17 AM.
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Is it wrong to ask if raingear is an essential item?
I don't have experience bicycle touring (yet) but I thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail last year and probably spent 1/3 of my time walking in the rain. I sent my rain gear home after the first 2 weeks because while the rain didn't go through the gear, my body sweat like no other and I was just as wet. It was high quality gear too. Mountain Hardware I believe.
After sending the rain gear home and just living in the elements, I never regretted it.
Is there something unique to cycling that would make this much different?
I don't have experience bicycle touring (yet) but I thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail last year and probably spent 1/3 of my time walking in the rain. I sent my rain gear home after the first 2 weeks because while the rain didn't go through the gear, my body sweat like no other and I was just as wet. It was high quality gear too. Mountain Hardware I believe.
After sending the rain gear home and just living in the elements, I never regretted it.
Is there something unique to cycling that would make this much different?
I've often ridden without raingear in warm temperatures. But more often I have used my rain jacket as a wind breaker in cooler weather while on tour. I do a lot of riding in 45-60 degree temperatures, in both wet and dry conditions.
The only differences I can come up with are the differences in the activity and the speed. Walking is more of a full body activity than cycling. While walking the arm and shoulders move in addition to the legs, while cycling is primarily leg movement. There is a difference in "real feel" of the temperature when moving at 2-3 mph while walking and travelling at at 12-15 mph while riding. This 10 mph difference can bring the wind chill of a 50 F temperature down about 5 degrees cooler riding than experienced walking. Is 5 degrees important? I don't know; maybe 5 degrees combined with a relatively still upper body is enough for me to wear my jacket. I've also ridden out in the elements for 2-3 months at a time, and I still like to stay dry, especially in temps much below 70 degrees.
The average high daily temperatures in The Netherlands for August range from 68-72 F; combine this with wet conditions, and 10-15 mph winds and a rain jacket adds a lot of comfort to the ride. In a ride across British Columbia, Canada last summer we experienced temperatures ranging from 32 F to 109 F. A lot of the riding in the mornings was in the 35-45 F temperature range, some it in rainy conditions. Wind chill on descents, at 25 mph, would be in the 23 F range. Yes, for me a rain jacket, pant and helmet cover are a necessary part of the kit for any tour. Well, except southern Portugal and Spain in July
A month long tour around Michigan's Lower Peninsula in September and Early October. We had rain only about a third of the days, but we wore our rain jackets almost every day for the month. Once we got in the northern part of the state, the fist 2-3 hours of the day's riding were rather brisk.
Michigan@ 55 F. I'm a firm believer in waterproof.
Last edited by Doug64; 05-07-14 at 01:02 PM.
#56
Every day a winding road
You are spot on in you post Doug. I can tell you I get chilled quickly on the bike in the rain even on otherwise fairly warm days. I can say that on warmer days I can go without rain pants without too many issues other han getting a wet butt if I do not have fenders.
#57
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[QUOTE=3speed;16726429]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.
The Grunden is water resistant-no water proof and the planet-x is not in USD, so you'll want to convert the price
The Grunden is water resistant-no water proof and the planet-x is not in USD, so you'll want to convert the price
#58
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Is it wrong to ask if raingear is an essential item?
I don't have experience bicycle touring (yet) but I thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail last year and probably spent 1/3 of my time walking in the rain. I sent my rain gear home after the first 2 weeks because while the rain didn't go through the gear, my body sweat like no other and I was just as wet. It was high quality gear too. Mountain Hardware I believe.
After sending the rain gear home and just living in the elements, I never regretted it.
Is there something unique to cycling that would make this much different?
I don't have experience bicycle touring (yet) but I thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail last year and probably spent 1/3 of my time walking in the rain. I sent my rain gear home after the first 2 weeks because while the rain didn't go through the gear, my body sweat like no other and I was just as wet. It was high quality gear too. Mountain Hardware I believe.
After sending the rain gear home and just living in the elements, I never regretted it.
Is there something unique to cycling that would make this much different?
That said, the stronger a rider is, the less likely they are to use any sort of rain gear other than a wind vest, even in the 40s. It's always easy to overload on gear either hiking or biking.
What you need for touring in over 45° F rain: long finger gloves, booties, arm warmers, leg warmers, poly short sleeve undershirt, short sleeve jersey, bike shorts, wind jacket, wind vest, poly skull cap.
#59
Senior Member
another voice here about getting chilled if wet, I am always surprised how chilled I can get in a somewhat warmish day, but then here sometimes during storms (summer ones) the temp can drop a lot, and especially if you've been getting used to 25-30c temps, when its suddenly 20c 68f or a bit less and rainy, I certainly will get cold if wet.
winnipeg feller, re capes, I may have mentioned this in an earlier rain jacket thread, but I clearly recall using a rain cape on bike when I was a teenager and being so frustrated with the "sail effect". Not something you want with gusting sidewinds, poor visibility and a curvy road with traffic. No wind I imagine they work fine, but those experiences 35 years ago put me off rain capes for good.
winnipeg feller, re capes, I may have mentioned this in an earlier rain jacket thread, but I clearly recall using a rain cape on bike when I was a teenager and being so frustrated with the "sail effect". Not something you want with gusting sidewinds, poor visibility and a curvy road with traffic. No wind I imagine they work fine, but those experiences 35 years ago put me off rain capes for good.
#60
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Thread Starter
Are you sure on the Grunden statement? It seems to me like it would be water proof. It says it has a waterproof barrier with a water repellent coating and it has taped seems. And I did see the currency. It'll come to ~$60US. Thanks for the heads-up.
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Hmmmm. I read it closer. Waterproof barrier, water resistant finish, yet it says it's breathable. I call bulls**t. I'm no expert, BUT, can you explain how it can be BOTH water proof, and water resistant? And why would you want both at the same time? Resistant for light moisture conditions, water proof for full out rain. Breathable is a necessity for both instances. For $70 on sale at REI the Novara, as mentioned earlier sounds to be the way to go. Don't like it, take it back. Nice warranty. Spend 3+ hours at REI this past weekend looking at tents, sleeping pads, and sleeping bags. What kinda tent did you get?
#64
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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
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
Aaron
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Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
#65
~>~
There have been good suggestions for the budget in this thread but I snagged a Carradice Pro-Route rain cape factory 2nd w/ minor blems (who cares) for <$60US US shipped from Blighty last year. Just what I need in a drought, but it replaces a British rain cape I've had since '76 that gave good service and is way lighter. A piece of kit every 40 years or so is good value and the design works well, the Brits know cycling rain gear.
-Bandera
-Bandera
#66
Banned
snow is a solid, so it lays on top of the fabric, easier to make a water proof thing when the water is a crystalline solid.
.
.
#67
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Well, the Grunden should be here on Thursday, and it's still rain season in WI, so I'll update this thread after a few rainy rides in it. It claims breathable, waterproof with taped seams, pit zips, and hood. It also has the velcro cuffs and cinch-able waist. I think as long as it's waterproof, it'll do the job just fine. I definitely like that it's very light weight and compactable for touring.
#68
Banned
Oh this is a Jacket, rather than the PVC cape .. or the regular coveralls and parkas .
interesting collection .. https://www.grundens.com/product-cate...s?limitstart=0
interesting collection .. https://www.grundens.com/product-cate...s?limitstart=0
Last edited by fietsbob; 05-07-14 at 10:00 AM.
#69
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Thread Starter
Yeah, I'm going with a Grunden jacket. They seem to have a good reputation, and are within my budget. The Grunden cape is quite a bit over the budget. I'm also not quite certain about the cape idea. I might explore it in the future, but for now heading into my first tour, I'd feel more comfortable going with a jacket - Something I'm used to and seems to be more commonly used.
#70
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My jacket is waterproof and has some air permeability. I got the Chinley 3L from Mountain Hardwear. I liked it because Gore-Tex doesn't quite have the instant air permeability but MHW's Dry Q. Elite does, plus this one has pit zips a chest pocket and two handwarmers. However there are obviously people who disagree and working in the outdoor industry there is fierce competition and debates. Spray on coatings like what TNF uses in their HyVent and you will find on other similar cheap jackets just cut down on breathability and wear out quickly which doesn't help anyone.
My previous shell is/was a RAB ShellNeo using Polartec's new NeoShell membrane which was great aside from the zippers that RAB used which have been failing on me (NeoShell is awesome and there are probably some much better jackets on the market with it mine is two years old)
Basically waterproof is garbage if it doesn't keep you dry on the inside. If you are sweating a ton then why wear the jacket? I would rather be soaked with water than soaked with sweat (unless really cold out). However yes I do understand a good rainshell is several hundred (at least) but consider it as an investment. I will have my jacket hopefully ten years down the line and still be using it which comes out to 35 bucks a year (MSRP of $350). So big initial but you break it down and it isn't that bad.
If all you look at is price than don't bother with anything outside of what Null66 said, a garbage bag because with cheap-o jackets that is sort of what you are getting, maybe just a touch nicer. D.I.Y.ing waterproof jackets is a bad idea it will only end poorly and with a less waterproof jacket. I dig cheap and I dig D.I.Y. but especially here I would rather get really good quality gear that I can have for many years to come.
My previous shell is/was a RAB ShellNeo using Polartec's new NeoShell membrane which was great aside from the zippers that RAB used which have been failing on me (NeoShell is awesome and there are probably some much better jackets on the market with it mine is two years old)
Basically waterproof is garbage if it doesn't keep you dry on the inside. If you are sweating a ton then why wear the jacket? I would rather be soaked with water than soaked with sweat (unless really cold out). However yes I do understand a good rainshell is several hundred (at least) but consider it as an investment. I will have my jacket hopefully ten years down the line and still be using it which comes out to 35 bucks a year (MSRP of $350). So big initial but you break it down and it isn't that bad.
If all you look at is price than don't bother with anything outside of what Null66 said, a garbage bag because with cheap-o jackets that is sort of what you are getting, maybe just a touch nicer. D.I.Y.ing waterproof jackets is a bad idea it will only end poorly and with a less waterproof jacket. I dig cheap and I dig D.I.Y. but especially here I would rather get really good quality gear that I can have for many years to come.
#72
No one carries the DogBoy
I have a showers pass elite. It cost a small fortune. It does however work for 3 seasons, fall-winter & Spring. I find it is too warm for summer use.
#73
Senior Member
up here the Elite jackets are $275, roughly 100 more than the commuter one I got made by them. Considering the last time I bought a biking rain jacket was a very long time ago, the 175 was ok, but I did baulk at the 100 more for the elite, just wasnt sure it would be as good for breathing and such and worth the extra 100.
I agree, the commuter one is kinda warm too for summer, but then I really only use it when its pouring down buckets and the temps have dropped. It does vent really well and seems well made, figure it was worth the cost for how long it will be used.
I agree, the commuter one is kinda warm too for summer, but then I really only use it when its pouring down buckets and the temps have dropped. It does vent really well and seems well made, figure it was worth the cost for how long it will be used.
#74
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up here the Elite jackets are $275, roughly 100 more than the commuter one I got made by them. Considering the last time I bought a biking rain jacket was a very long time ago, the 175 was ok, but I did baulk at the 100 more for the elite, just wasnt sure it would be as good for breathing and such and worth the extra 100.
I agree, the commuter one is kinda warm too for summer, but then I really only use it when its pouring down buckets and the temps have dropped. It does vent really well and seems well made, figure it was worth the cost for how long it will be used.
I agree, the commuter one is kinda warm too for summer, but then I really only use it when its pouring down buckets and the temps have dropped. It does vent really well and seems well made, figure it was worth the cost for how long it will be used.
BTW my Chinley 3L was pretty good during a brief downpour while unloading a truck. It was quite hot and very humid and but I wasn't completely dying in the thing (granted I wasn't cool as a cuke but you cannot really be in that weather)
#75
Senior Member
Thread Starter
I haven't gotten to try out my Grunden while riding yet, but I have now worn it in a couple rains while walking. It kept me completely dry, and the pit-zips definitely do let in some air flow. I ended up closing them because I was getting chill while walking(~50 degrees). The side pockets that your hands or keys might go in are mesh inside, so that provides another source of air flow if needed. The only area I can see as being kinda stuffy would be the arms(probably just the elbow down if anything due to the pit-zips). I'll report on that once I get a chance to ride in it. The coat seems well made. It does seem to run large. I wear a small-medium in a coat normally. The medium in this coat was much too large even with layering of a shirt and a light down coat under it. I exchanged for a small and it's still the largest size that I would consider. I think I could still stand to go a bit smaller...
Last edited by 3speed; 05-14-14 at 01:43 AM.