Rain gear

[jrenaut]

Since it appears that the DC Area has entered a new Wet Age, from which we may never emerge, it seems appropriate to talk about rain gear. In the warm months I’m fine getting drenched in my normal shorts and wicking t-shirt, but when it starts getting cold that’s not going to be cool.

What do people recommend? I’d like really lightweight stuff so that I can use it in a lot of weather – I figure I can regulate temperature with layers underneath, I just need something to keep me dry.

And general winter clothing recommendations are good, too – I was CaBi commuting last winter, so I didn’t have to worry about my pants catching. Which means I have no long pants I can wear with my road bike without a lot of taping and whatnot.

Topic

[Anonymous]

@eminva 74478 wrote:

Also, what can I do to keep rain from seeping into my Northwave Arctic boots?
Liz

@TwoWheelsDC 74480 wrote:

My Showers Pass pants velcro down at the bottom and fit tight over the tops of my shoes (Sidi Diablos), so no water seeps in the top. They don’t breathe well (they are rain pants, after all), but they are comfortable otherwise and are indeed waterproof.

My Novarra rain pants also velcro at the bottom and fit over the top of my Northwave boots, and keep the water out of my shoes just fine. They are not really very waterproof, though. So I recommend longer rain pants (or shorter legs), but not the same rain pants I have.

[sjclaeys]

@Arlingtonrider 74481 wrote:

I have Novara Stratos rainpants (REI) that work well. They’re loose fitting and meant to be worn over something (long johns, tights?). My legs stayed stayed dry and comfortable even in pouring rain this morning.

I was disappointed though to come home with wet feet, despite wearing rain covers over my shoes.

My Novara rain pants worked really well yesterday and ok today.

[dkel]

@sjclaeys 74485 wrote:

My Novara rain pants worked really well yesterday and ok today.

My Novara rain pants have been great for four months, but I came home yesterday with a wet seat, because the waterproof lining has started to peel away, probably from friction around the saddle. I’m making a trip to REI Monday to ask them about it. If they replace them (which they probably will) I’ll still be very happy with them. Anyone know how to reduce friction on that lining?

[Rod Smith]

The waterproof laminate on my month old Novara rain pants is worn out at the crotch.

[Vicegrip]

@Rod Smith 74494 wrote:

The waterproof laminate on my month old Novara rain pants is worn out at the crotch.

Rain chaps?

[Phatboing]

If you’re a cheapskate like me, the Frogg Toggs Ultra-lite is an option: http://www.froggtoggs.com/mens/mens-jackets-all-weather/the-frogg-toggsr-ultra-lite2tm.html

I recently got myself one of these, and while I haven’t yet tried them in a torrential downpour, they seem quite promising based on the few rain rides I’ve been in. The jacket’s essentially a tailored plastic bag – it seals you in pretty well. Keep away from errant corners, though – I managed to poke a hole in mine when it snagged on a shelf.

[dkel]

@dkel 74490 wrote:

My Novara rain pants have been great for four months, but I came home yesterday with a wet seat, because the waterproof lining has started to peel away, probably from friction around the saddle. I’m making a trip to REI Monday to ask them about it. If they replace them (which they probably will) I’ll still be very happy with them.

Thought I’d update this. I went to REI today to exchange my faulty Novara rain pants, and ended up upgrading from the Express version to the Stratos version. The more expensive Stratos seems more substantial, with a better integrated waterproof lining (which, I hope, will wear better). We’ll see. Still love REI.

[eminva]

@eminva 74478 wrote:

Yesterday’s commute exposed a few shortcomings in my rainy weather wardrobe. Does anyone have a recommendation for women’s rain pants? Endura doesn’t seem to feature women’s pants. Showers Pass has several models; any recommendations there?

Also, what can I do to keep rain from seeping into my Northwave Arctic boots? Even allowing a lot of water in, they did keep my feet warm, but they didn’t dry out by the end of the day. A google search suggested cutting the cuffs off of rubber kitchen gloves and sealing that around the top. I was dubious; anyone try that?

Thanks!

Liz

Thought I’d give a report on my findings now that I have given my new rain pants an inaugural run.

I ordered both Showers Pass Club Convertible 2 pants and Novara Stratos 2.0 pants (when I ordered, they had both the full range of sizes and a higher price tag). I tried them both on and it was close, but absent the crucial real world test, I gave the edge to the Showers Pass. Pluses for the Showers Pass pants: they had a real waist band with a zipper (=> better fit and less extra bulky fabric overall), articulated knees and the fabric seemed slightly more substantial. Pluses for the Novara pants: the reflective parts seemed better thought out and I liked the closure at the ankle better. The length was good for both (I am 5’5″).

This morning I went for a 45 minute ride in the sleet in my new Showers Pass pants and they were great! The ankle closure is growing on me — I cinched them over my boots and no water got in to the boots. The ultimate test will be the full commute in a torrential downpour, but so far, so good.

By the way, there were plenty of women’s Novara Stratos 2.0 on the shelves at the Tysons REI last weekend in a full range of sizes so if they’ve been similarly marked down, those would be a great bargain for someone. As I say, it was very close and I suspect I would have been satisfied with those.

Liz

Addendum: I meant to add that they are sized to allow you to wear something underneath — bike shorts, tights, long johns, whatever your preference. I wore tights this morning and was both warm and dry.

[Rod Smith]

I had same problem with the Express pants. I’ll return, try the Stratos.

[dasgeh]

I went looking for another cheap rain cape to order, and happened upon this one on Amazon.

Anyone care to explain the description?

Soft,comfortable to wear;
Collar band of zipper bag edge can avoid contact with skin zipper produced don’t adapt to the feeling;
With polyester as the main material, Different appearance of perspiration air speed dry bacteriostatic tired work
Prevent Wind, sand and rain, keep you warm!
Size: one size fit all

[jrenaut]

@dasgeh 86808 wrote:

Anyone care to explain the description?

Almost definitely a machine translation. Maybe from Mandarin?

I really strongly prefer zippers that DO adapt to the feeling, but maybe that’s just me.

[sjclaeys]

How water resistant is the Crystal City BID windbreakers? Thanks

[Author]

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