Questions about cycling gear (jacket and backpack)

[blizeH]

Hi,

I'm after some cycling stuff and notice that Aldi have a sale on starting tomorrow: https://www.aldi.co.uk/en/specialbuys/thursday-25-september/

A lot of it looks like good value, but in particular I'm after a bright rain jacket and the one Aldi are selling looks good

It says it's both wind and water resistant yet it's still breathable - does that make it a better purchase than something like this?

I'm also after a bright and waterproof backpack, all things considered (material, straps etc) would you guys recommend something like the Aqua-Quest Himal (has a convenient pocket on the front and is very lightweight) or this Overboard Waterproof backpack (cheaper, and looks like it'd be a lot stronger)

I'd like to make sure I buy decent equipment so would really appreciate any advice - thank you!

 

[vickster]

Have you considered rack and panniers to save on sweaty back as well as potential neck and back strain?

No cheap 'waterproof' jackets are truly breathable unless spending a lot (like £150+) or only wearing it briefly. How long do you anticipate wearing it for?

 

[blizeH]

Thanks for the reply, I hadn't thought of anything like that to be honest, it seems like a good idea though I haven't noticed any problems so far (I only have a short cycle to work, around 2 miles and my bag usually isn't very heavy) - do you think a backpack would be okay?

And thanks, I thought as much. The Optimum jacket on Amazon definitely isn't breathable, so that's why I was surprised to see Aldi advertising a breathable one for not a lot more. I plan on having both the backpack and jacket pretty much until they break or are unusable tbh, but since I'm only on my bike for maybe 10 or 15 minutes a day I'd still like something that's good value if possible

 

[Drago]

Even expensive breathable stuff is pretty crap if you're active such as cycling. If its to don a jacket then be prepared to get a bit moist. For minor rain you may even find that getting slightly wet is no worse than bunging on a jacket and sweating.

It'll probably take some mileage and testing to see what works best for you and where your comfort zone lies.

 

[vickster]

Oh for 10-15 minutes you should be fine, unless a sweat monster

I use one of these, yes gets a bit hot but as I freeze when I get wet, I'd rather a bit boil in the bag! http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/funkier-stowaway-cape/rp-prod76049

I can't speak to Aldi's bike kit (Lidl's is c*** IMO)

 

[Drago]

I'm not a fan of boil in the bags. Over the years I've had a couple of students collapse from overheating while wearing them.

Not saying don't wear one Blize, but be aware it can sometimes be an issue, and keep blooming well hydrated if you do.

 

[jackhandy]

Check out the static head figure on breatheable kit.
3000 _ barely showerproof
10,000 _ pretty damn good
I've used boilies &they are horrible _ Ended up biting the bullet & now use a Goretex Path jacket ( for the fuller figure )

 

[SpokeyDokey]

Even expensive breathable stuff is pretty crap if you're active such as cycling. If its to don a jacket then be prepared to get a bit moist. For minor rain you may even find that getting slightly wet is no worse than bunging on a jacket and sweating.

It'll probably take some mileage and testing to see what works best for you and where your comfort zone lies.

+1

The whole 'breathable' fabric thing in terms of higher and higher levels of breathability has gotten out of hand - marketers use it as an effective sales tool and that's the top and bottom of it.

As soon as a breathable jacket is wet on the outside it pretty much stops breathing - this is why better climbing/walking jackets have pit zips, forearm zips and through pocket ventilation.

The best use I find for waterproof jackets are for protection against cold wind and avoidance of hypothermia etc when it is wet & windy.

Any other time eg warm and wet then you might just as well not bother with a jacket and just get wet.

 

[Nigelnaturist]

The Aldi Jacket I got last year is pretty good, but it does need to be pretty cool to wear it.

 

[iggibizzle]

Bought a £17 aldo jacket last night. makes me drip with sweat in this temp so hopefully it will be spot on for the winter months

 

[jonny jeez]

Have you considered a hump rucksack cover.


flourescent, waterproof, tuff and washable.plus it keeps the rucksack clean. The best thing is, it means you can buy super cheap rucksacks without fear if being outed.

i once rode for about two weeks with my daughters hello kitty rucksack covered with my hump.

on the jacket front...i have used an endura jacket with zip out arms...it stays waterproof for about 20 mins. Cost about £70.