Rainy days and Sundays...

[Veronica]

Last year on my trip to Yellowstone my water resistant jacket soaked through completely at least twice. But I had on wool jerseys underneath and so was fine. I have a waterproof jacket that I wear for commuting and descending Diablo, but I don't like to wear when I'm actually working hard. While it says it's breathable and has pit zips, it still feels like a plastic bag.

V.

[Crankin]

I have 2 waterproof jackets; one is a Performance yellow looking slicker thing and the other is a really expensive jacket (can't remember the brand). They both have pit zips. The slicker has a hood. Both are fine to wear, but i only ride in the rain if I have to (like it starts when I'm out there). Most of the time I've used them it has been cold out, so the plastic effect was minimal. I keep the pit zips unzipped most of the time. I was once caught out in a downpour last spring, when the temp. went down to 48. I had a wool shirt and tights on, with a water resistant jacket. It was the worst riding experience I've had and I only had to go about 8 miles to get back to my car. I would rather feel sweaty than get hypothermia!

[Jo-n-NY]

I am also researching a cycling jacket as it would have come in quite handy this past weekend. I did a search here on the board and I see a few of you ladies like the PI Zephyrr. I went on the PI site and only see it for men. I there a certain model that I should be looking for. I don't need it for cold weather, I have a great Sugoi for that, just something cool that keeps the rain out the best it can. I don't want the Sauna or plastic bag feel, that's for sure. I did see many bright PI jackets on this ride but didn't have the guts to question the rider as to what type it was and how dry it kept them.

~ JoAnn

[Pedal Wench]

I was looking at the Zephyr, and it appears to be 'resistant' too, not waterproof. Performance has a $9.00 plastic jacket/cape-type thingy that looks waterproof, but then it has mesh inserts in the sleeves.

Skibum, let's compare notes after our rides - we were going to do the Bike Tour if we didn't get into Ride the Rockies, but a) we got in, and b) we have a hiking trip to Yellowstone planned that would overlap (yes, I'm riding in Colorado for a week, coming home and working for 4 days, then heading out for two weeks of hiking in Yellowstone - I can't believe how lucky I am!)

From what I know (a few vacations in Colorado, but usually later in the summer) afternoon thunderstorms come up from nowhere, and can last for hours. Or, just weather can move in for days. We had about four nights of camping out that were rained out in early July last year. My feeling is that if I'm going to carry something, I want to make sure it will do the job - I don't have room for gear that isn't doing its job. I'm trying to get away with a large seatpost bag for all my daily gear, so space is VERY limited.

[Veronica]

I often wear Thom's Zephyr. I really like it. It fits well. I like the screaming yellow. It's one of the two jackets I wore in Yellowstone. It did not keep me dry in a serious downpour though.

V,

[Pedal Wench]

I often wear Thom's Zephyr. I really like it. It fits well. I like the screaming yellow. It's one of the two jackets I wore in Yellowstone. It did not keep me dry in a serious downpour though.

V,

V- could you check what the waterproof jacket is? I think that I'll deal with the plastic bag feeling - ventilating something waterproof makes more sense to me than trying to stay dry in a wet water-resistant jacket.

Right now, I'm leaning towards my Precip...

[Veronica]

It's Sugui's Bosui. Bought it here from TE. It really is waterproof. I've ridden in several heavy downpours on my commute with it and been totally dry when I got to work. I got it this year when I got wet in the first real rain we had. Looks like they don't have it anymore though.

I wish it wasn't gray colored.

V.

[Bike Goddess]

I have a Gortex jacket I got from Performance Bike last year for about $75.00. (on sale) I wore it all this year in rain, fog, you name it. Goretex breathes so you don't get quite so hot. It has a hood, but I haven't experimented with that. My only complaint is that it is blue (I'd rather yellow). It's a bit bulky, although it will fit into itself if you have a bag to stick it in.

[Irulan]

one thing I do not hear you guys discussing too much is the factors of body heat, sweat, condensation compared to waterproof/water resistant. By definition, anything that is water proof won't let water in, but it won't let water out either in the form of vapor, sweat or condensation. Anytime you are exercising you are producing all of the above. This is why ventilation is so important.

Waterproof/breathable fabrics like goretex etc are designed to move water vapor, but under a specific set of conditions that involve low temps ( cold) and a minimal amount of vapor transfer.(low activity) Most of the time that people are getting wet from good quality rain geat it's from moisture that they themselves are generating, not from leakage.

So how do you combat this? Ventilation and appropriate layering. Even if it's pouring and you are sweating up a storm, if you wear the right kind of wicking layer you will be somewhat comfortable. (see veronica's post)

I find that if it's a light warm rain, I just get wet, I hate being inside a rain coat.

irulan

[Pedal Wench]

Good points, Irulan.

I'm mostly worried about long, potentially wet descents. Shoot, in Colorado, I'm worried about cold ascents too - the temperatures can drop quickly, so I'm looking for the ideal, perfect dream jacket. One that breathes, one that easily vents, one that is waterproof, and most especially, one that will keep water from dripping down my shorts in between me and my chamois. Between us, that's what worries me the most!