Tell me about your rain gear

[Drtgirl]

I cannot be a fair-weather ride anymore. So I'll need to puchase some good rain gear that can withstand Seattle winters.

Any recommendations for gear would be appreciated.

[VeloVT]

I have a PI jacket that has been discontinued -- but I'm sure they have something similar now. It's slim cut, waterproof/seam-sealed, stretch panels on the sides, pit zips...

I can vouch that it's fully waterproof, and the breathability is fine for a fully waterproof piece, but it's not the most breathable jacket out there. I probably wouldn't want to wear it much above 50-55 deg. It's also a good outer layer for very cold but dry conditions.

I have a few soft-shell jackets that are much more breathable and quite water resistant, as well as a super light Patagonia wind/water resistant shell that's quite breathable and fine in light drizzle.

[boy in a kilt]

I got sick of rain shells because if I'm not wet from rain, I'm wet from sweat.

Now, I'm running a Jackson and Gibbens Rain Cape comme ca



Upsides: If it comes from the general direction of the sky, you are covered.
Breathes better than gore-tex can ever hope for
Anything on your back is covered too

Downside: Wear this and you are a sail. But if it's raining enough that I put it on, I'd rather be dry than aerodynamically efficient.

For the feet, I've found that I really like neoprene booties.

On my hands, I've found that Seirus gloves are really nice.

[Grog]

If you have much money to drop on the new gear, there is an AMAZING Sugoi jacket that's just unbelievable. (I don't work for the company, I'm just amazed at that product.) It's extremely light, sort of a smoky grey color, feels like paper towel for texture, quite weird. Rolls to a tiny bunch in your pocket. TOTALLY waterproof. It changes texture (like paper towel) when it gets wet, too.

The downside, besides the price? It's quite fragile.

It's called the Hydrolite jacket: http://sugoi.com/item/59273/SUG71100F


I got one for my sweetheart last Christmas. I wish I'd get one for myself this year!!

[Eden]

For winter riding around here (Seattlite too) I prefer a softshell jacket. I have an REI brand one from about 2 years ago. I find that with a regular rain jacket I tend to sweat when I'm riding hard, then freeze when I stop or slow down... the softshell tends to keep me drier at the base layer level than any waterproof rainjacket has been able too.

Keeping your feet happy becomes quite the necessity. I've found a layered approach works best for me. If its just cold I wear wool socks. If its wet I have a pair of StormSocks, which are very thin, mostly water proof, but more importantly wind proof. If its cold and wet I wear both. Chemical warmers are also quite nice. All of course topped off with booties - I had neoprene, now I have Sugois and I love them.

Hands are also important. I searched all last winter for a pair of gloves I actually like and alas I have yet to come across the perfect pair. I did get a pair of no-name gloves at the bike shop just down the street that are the best so far. They are soft inside, have a waterproof membrane (not breathable). Again chemical hand warmers are your friend!

Torso - layer, layer, layer! when its coldest - base layer, short sleeve shirt, long sleeve shirt, jacket. The warmer it is, the fewer layers.

As far as legs go - I just go with non-chamois tights over my normal shorts and I haven't had a problem yet.

[salsabike]

Chris and I both use Sugoi Resistor booties and love them. We ride right through the winter, including in heavy rain at times, and these keep us pretty dry. Neoprene keeps you warm but also can get sopping wet, and also loves to tear when you walk on them.

I have a Burley Rock Point rain jacket (back vent, pit zips). Chris wears a Gill Morph. Both work fine for us. He also uses rain pants on his commutes (17 miles each way) when it's really coming down.

Sugoi booties--http://www.rei.com/product/725342?vcat=REI_SEARCH

Smartwool socks of varying thicknesses (including, when the temp goes below about 35, their mountaineering socks. I really really hate having cold feet. Ditto hands, so I wear some incredibly warm, waterproof gloves, can't remember what kind).

Helmet covers if it's raining steadily. Silk balaclava when it's really cold.