Rain Jackets

[DirtDiva]

Don't buy something you don't like (or doesnt' fit quite right) just because it's Goretex though. Yes, it is pretty much the best fabric, but there are other things that are good and generally less expensive. Also, if you're likely to be wearing a pack or Camelbak with your jacket, check that there won't be any seams in uncomfortable places or bunching under the straps; most outdoorsy kind of jackets have been designed with this in mind, but I'm not sure about cycling specific ones.

[AmazonX42]

Bought this one.



REI Rainshadow Jacket - Women's
Lightweight, highly water-resistant and breathable--this full-featured jacket keeps you dry and comfortable during wet-weather rides.
Two-layer coated ripstop nylon is lightweight and breathable, with sealed seams to ensure protection
Pit zippers allow ventilation control
Mesh-lined back wicks away moisture to keep you comfortable
Hem is cut longer in back for coverage in the riding stance
Zippered back pocket holds essentials
Reflective piping around sleeves increases your visibility to motorists
Fleece-lined collar is soft and warm next to skin
Seal in warmth: features elastic cuffs with hook-and-loop tabs and shockcord with toggle hem
Two-way front zipper is protected by a stormflap with hook-and-loop closure

[emily_in_nc]

Amazon, that jacket is very pretty and looks functional, but I wouldn't wear it (and I love REI).

Why? Visibility. In the rain, it's usually darker and gloomier out, and you'll be hard to see in that color. When I am driving my car, I am amazed at the number of cyclists wearing dark colors, and they are very hard to see - I am sure they have no clue of this. I see that this jacket has a bit of reflective piping, but not every driver in the rain has on his/her headlights. I go for bright screaming yellow in a rain jacket. Did it come in any other colors?

Emily

P.S. Sorry to be negative - just want you to be safe!

[AmazonX42]

It comes in yellow!

But I like blue and I'll be allright. Thanks for the concern.

[cruziegirl]

Looks very nice but I have to agree that a brighter color would be more visible in the rain. At least it isn't one of those sandwich-bag-plastic things that are so horrible. I am totally a wimp when it comes to riding in the rain so I avoid it whenever possible...however, it would be dumb for me to at least not have a rain jacket. So I bought one of those inexpensive, clear plastic things. Ohmy. First time it really rained and I wore it I felt like I had encased myself in a Glad sandwich bag. I really wasn't sure if all of the moisture I had all over was rain that had leaked in or if it was just sweat from sweating to death in a plastic bag So now I use a water-resistant jacket that is bright yellow. I'm okay with being wet a whole lot more than I am sweating to death in a plastic bag!

[Melody]

Amazon, do you have rain pants? Getting your pants wet seriously _sucks_. I have the REI Rainshadow pants that are the mate to that jacket and they work great.

Though for a jacket, I have a high visibility Goretex jacket I got for about $45 at a surplus store.

Mel

[jobob]

First time it really rained and I wore it I felt like I had encased myself in a Glad sandwich bag. I really wasn't sure if all of the moisture I had all over was rain that had leaked in or if it was just sweat from sweating to death in a plastic bag

LOL! Been there, done that - and yep, it was the latter and how gross is that, I ask ?!
That's why I'm not too concerned about wearing a totally waterproof jacket anymore, I'd much rather get wet from the rain than from my own personal sauna , at least if I'm wearing something breathable I'll dry off fairly quickly. Staying warm is the key.

That said, I've never tried GoreTex, and if I were riding I the rain a lot I'd probably check it out.

[AmazonX42]

I did really like that blue one with the zip off sleeves, but it's like $80 more than I paid for the one I got. With all the stuff I gotta buy, I better buy stuff that I likethat isn't too expensive. I'd feel guilty if I bought that $150 jacket I liked.