winter commuting necessities? (help me shop!)

[Becky]

And the lighte. I need a big a$$ brite lite on the back. I have the small catseye one for when I get stuck and need to ride in the dark for a short time, but I need a big one so people will see me. As far as the front, I've been looking at the Nightrider ones.

I recommend the Planet Bike Superflash and the Cateye TL-1100 tail lights. BRIGHT! Like mind-numbingly so.

I have a NiteRider MiNewt that gets used during the lighter months. The purchase of a TriNewt for winter and night riding is imminent. I love LED lights, Li-ion batteries, and NiteRider's excellent customer service.

As for the shell, Performance was selling a men's Illuminite commuter shell last winter that might meet your needs- hood, pit zips, can't remember about the pocket in the back though. DH has one and likes it. I may try to find a men's small for me this year. EDIT: Found it- closeout from last year: http://www.performancebike.com/shop/...slisearch=true