First tour and some questions

[Aquila]

I signed up for my first ever tour this spring! To Yellowstone!

I just got the list of things I need to bring, and it sensibly includes rain pants and a rain jacket for riding. So, I'm looking at those things. But I have a couple questions, and I'm hoping someone else with a bit more experience can help.

I don't usually ride in the rain because I'm a whuss. SO, I want to spend more money than I need to, but hey, if it rains on the tour I don't want to have to get in the sag wagon, so...

I'm looking at the Barrier Commute pant. Does that seem sufficient?

And I'm wondering if the jackets in the water resistent category would work well enough, or if I really need waterproof? And could someone help me understand the difference between taped and untaped, please?

And finally, I mostly wear either one pair of shorts or a bib short when I ride, but I really like the bib short. I need to get one or two more shorts for the ride, and I'm wondering of other folks on tours have found bibs more of a hassle than they're worth for tour things.

Thanks, all!

[Eden]

Personally I've found waterproof pants to be more uncomfortable than getting wet.... I prefer to just wear long tights if it is cold and rainy or let my legs get wet if it is warm and rainy. I do however prefer dry *feet*, so I'd suggest a nice pair of rain booties...

I personally wear a soft shell rain jacket. Its not as waterproof as a true rain jacket, but I tend to get hot and sweaty pretty easily and then just as wet as if I was out in the rain....

Taped/untaped refers to the seams - whether or not waterproof tape has been applied over them after the garment was put together. Untaped seams are more likely to allow water in.

[indysteel]

I'm with Eden on the rain pants and the rain jacket.

How early this spring in this ride? It could still be pretty chilly in Wyoming depending on how early it is. If that's the case, I would bring a good all purpose jacket rather than a soft-shell rain jacket. I love the Gore Passion Plus jacket that I have.

I don't wear bibs and can't speak to them. I have a small bladder so I'm not sure I'd like having to deal with them.

Having gone on some tours myself, one suggestion I have it to pack your clothes in smaller plastic bags. For one, it helps keep things organized. For another, it's another barrier to moisture. Even without rain, everything tends to get damp (assuming you're camping).

[Veronica]

aka-Kim and I did a tour of Yellowstone a few years ago in late June. It poured on at least one day and it was cold. It wasn't too bad when we were climbing, but the descent into Old faithful was quite nippy.

Veronica

[indysteel]

So it can be cold even in June. You might consider getting a pair of knickers, too. I really like to wear them on cool (not cold) days.

One of riding buddies has a great story about his bike tour in Wyoming. He and his buddies encountered a bison herd that it was the very long process of crossing the road. There wasn't much they could do but wait and keep their distance. They apparently had to wait a good long time.

I would love to see such a thing!

[aka_kim]

I would say the descent into Old Faithful on the trip with Veronica was more like a deluge. I was soaked everywhere except on top, since I was wearing a waterproof jacket.

I almost didn't bring a jacket on the trip at all, but was really glad I did. We hit a period with afternoon rain showers, and sometimes hail, most days. It was also a bit chilly in the mornings. I think I brought arm warmers, wind vest, rain jacket, and either leg or knee warmers. If I were to go again I'd probably also bring a wool cap, wool undershirt, wool arm warmers and wool socks. And those rain booties sound interesting too.

[Aquila]

Thanks for the help so far, folks :)

I'm in Wisconsin, and can bike down to about 30 F, but I'm a rain whuss (and a snow whuss, too), so I skip rainy days, mostly.

I'm expecting it to be cold, but hoping it's above 30! (Though we haven't hit 30 in over a month, I think, and it feels almost nice in the 20s now!)

[tpb]

I haven't done much touring (just a couple weekend trips), but I commute on my bike. I am also a wimp when it comes to rain and snow, but I have gotten caught in unexpected rain storms on my commute. I found the most uncomfortable thing about riding in the rain was the road splash. The water from above was not nearly as uncomfortable as the water from the road. Does your bike have a front fender?

Enjoy the trip!
TB

[Aquila]

Nope, no front fender. I ride a pretty basic Trek Pilot (smiling the whole while!).

I hope if I get rain pants, then that will help with the splash? And I'm really hoping more for cold than rain, and more for sunshine and warmth than cold :)