Clothing for wet commuting

david462 · 08-25-2008

Hopefully this is the right forum for this...

Uhh, I just realized after typing all thats under this that its just a story. If you want to skip that and just suggest some clothing scroll on down to read what I'm looking for.

I'm in college, been commuting by bike to class/work/wherever for 3 years now. Really no need for a car, especially when all my friends have one, so I figured I'd save money there and just now drive one. Also it helps to get time in on the bike, even though its just commuting its still alright for training.

I used to live close enough to campus that if it was raining, I could hop on the bus at the last second. But now I live a little further away where I'd have to plan on taking the bus or not to get to class on time.

Today it was pouring rain when I woke up. I had to be at class in 30 minutes. It takes 10 minutes by bike and 25 minutes by bus, which leaves every 30 minutes. So I got wet, actually soaked.

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I'm already considering a Pearl Izumi water proof jacket... Pearl Izumi cus I get deals. I guess I'll throw a trash bag over my book bag.

Only other thing I havn't figured out is what to keep my pants dry. I havn't really seen anything for that. If it comes down to it I could just wear a bathing suit and bring a pair of shorts.

**MB1** · 08-25-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by david462

... is what to keep my pants dry. I havn't really seen anything for that. If it comes down to it I could just wear a bathing suit and bring a pair of shorts.

That is your best bet right there.

While you are at it, don't forget your fenders.

majura · 08-26-2008

MB1 is on the money.

To paraphrase what he stated in a thread a long time ago in a galaxy far far away...

You only need minimal wet-weather gear when using full fenders.

A lot of getting wet on a bike comes from spray from the wheels. So get some fenders and a water-resistant (or water-proof if you find a few hundred dollars on the ground) jacket or poncho and you'll be fine for all but the heaviest of downpours.

lonesomesteve · 08-26-2008

"You only need minimal wet-weather gear when using full fenders."

Not really true in my neck of the woods. I live in Seattle and commute by bike daily about 40 - 45 minutes each way. Many's the day I'd be soaked to the bone without a good breathable rain jacket. And yes, I have fenders on my bike.

I have a Novara jacket from REI that works really well. It has big pit-zips the help keep it ventilated. I'm pretty sure I spent well under $200 on it. For my legs I just wear bike shorts (skin is pretty water proof and breathable) on the warmer days and when it gets cooler I wear wool tights. I also have some Novara rain pants but I only wear those when it's gets below about 40 degrees.

macalu · 08-27-2008

If you want to spend mimimal cash on your rain gear (like me), here are a couple of suggestions:

Get a vinyl shell from Bike Nashbar or Performance for about 20 bucks or less. Does not breathe but will keep you from getting soaked to the skin and hypothermic. Get two and go sleeveless on one for the warmer weather.

Ditto plastic rain pants. Keeps your legs and knees dry and warm in cold wet weather.

For feet, plastic sammich bags over socks, under shoes. Plus wool socks.

stcanard · 08-27-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by lonesomesteve

Not really true in my neck of the woods. I live in Seattle and commute by bike daily about 40 - 45 minutes each way. Many's the day I'd be soaked to the bone without a good breathable rain jacket. And yes, I have fenders on my bike.

A jacket, definitely, and booties as well if you want the shoes usable by the next day.

But in Vancouver I've found rain pants worse than useless (worse because they can also get caught in the chain). I haven't used those for two years and don't miss them!

JoeDaddio · 08-27-2008

I live in So Cal so I don't deal with rain too much, but we do get pretty strong rains a few days out of the year.

Anyways, I got a waterproof hi-viz jacket and that worked for me. I change at work, and wet spandies don't seem to be a problem at all. Of course, it's rarely ever freezing here even when it's raining and my legs don't really get too cold, though I'll probably invest in some knee warmers eventually.

joe