what to wear in the cold and wet
- Thread starter vimes
- Start date
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This is something that worries me too, im wanting to get into cycle camping, but having limited space in panniers and no front carriers where am I meant to put waterproofs? Like I say, ive not tried out touring yet so im sure i'll figure something out :S trial and error (getting soaked) no doubt!
A cycling-specific waterproof jacket (these have zipped vents in the arms which reduce the risk of overheating).
Lycra trousers - these do not absorb much water and so are comfortable to wear even when wet.
Neoprene overshoes - they are not fully effective at keeping your shoes dry for more than about 20 minutes in moderate or heavy rain, but your feet get wet slowly so that you don't notice it (until you arrive at your destination
). I would recommend taking a change of shoes and socks.
Waterproof socks - combined with the overshoes they will keep your feet comfortable without the nasty damp clothing next to skin feeling.
Depending on how cold it is, a pair of cycling gloves.
If it is winter, a fleece hat, again it absorbs very little water so works well in the wet.
Lycra trousers - these do not absorb much water and so are comfortable to wear even when wet.
Neoprene overshoes - they are not fully effective at keeping your shoes dry for more than about 20 minutes in moderate or heavy rain, but your feet get wet slowly so that you don't notice it (until you arrive at your destination
). I would recommend taking a change of shoes and socks.Waterproof socks - combined with the overshoes they will keep your feet comfortable without the nasty damp clothing next to skin feeling.
Depending on how cold it is, a pair of cycling gloves.
If it is winter, a fleece hat, again it absorbs very little water so works well in the wet.
PaulSB
Squire
- Location
- Chorley, Lancashire
I stay in b&bs and use either small panniers or a rack bag - I carry the absolute minimum. I wrap my waterproofs in a plastic bag and strap them to the top of rack bag or if I'm using panniers on the rack between the panniers.
Andy_R
Hard of hearing..I said Herd of Herring..oh FFS..
- Location
- County Durham
Skin IS actually waterproof! And as a bonus, it dries quicker then other garments! So I always carry something warm in a waterproof bag if its cold/wet (riding my bike makes me warm, stopping makes me cold) that I can put on when I stop.
Joking aside, make sure you wear something that's going to stop wind leaching heat from your body is more important than something that keeps you dry. Your body will heat any moisture kept close to your body, as long as it isn't cooled by wind factors. This is based on personal experience as a diver, used to exertion in water at 5C which leaches heat from your body 7 times faster than 5C air does! Keep the heat close to you, and avoid letting external influences take it away(wind chill is a big no-no)
I started commuting in February - and am still struggling with this. It's amazing how seldom I've had to commute in rain though.
I only have a 2 mile commute, so I wear my work trousers / shoes to go to work, with a t-shirt on top and carry my shirt in my backpack. At work I wash and change into my shirt then cycle home with my shirt on. I bought a pair of waterproof trousers from Halfords. They work well to keep my trousers dry, but drain into my shoes, as someone here said they would! So a spare pair of shoes and socks at work - just in case, is a must.
The biggest issue is a waterproof jacket though. I have a thin windproof jacket that works well for my roadbike but is useless on my commute. It can deal with a light shower, but certainly does not work in a heavier shower, never mind a downpour. I've kind of been coming to the conclusion that I need to lash out on an expensive cycling specific waterproof. I'm reluctant, because I never buy expensive clothes and I don't see why cycling should be any different!
One that I am looking at that seems a bit cheaper is the Tenn Outdoors one. Vapor jacket
Tenn seem to have a good reputation for 'value' but the jacket is fairly new and I haven't really seen any reviews from people who have it yet.
I only have a 2 mile commute, so I wear my work trousers / shoes to go to work, with a t-shirt on top and carry my shirt in my backpack. At work I wash and change into my shirt then cycle home with my shirt on. I bought a pair of waterproof trousers from Halfords. They work well to keep my trousers dry, but drain into my shoes, as someone here said they would! So a spare pair of shoes and socks at work - just in case, is a must.
The biggest issue is a waterproof jacket though. I have a thin windproof jacket that works well for my roadbike but is useless on my commute. It can deal with a light shower, but certainly does not work in a heavier shower, never mind a downpour. I've kind of been coming to the conclusion that I need to lash out on an expensive cycling specific waterproof. I'm reluctant, because I never buy expensive clothes and I don't see why cycling should be any different!
One that I am looking at that seems a bit cheaper is the Tenn Outdoors one. Vapor jacket
Tenn seem to have a good reputation for 'value' but the jacket is fairly new and I haven't really seen any reviews from people who have it yet.
cyberknight
As long as I breathe, I attack.
- Location
- Land of confusion
When it is light rain i do not bother wearing a coat for my commute as i find i just get wetter from sweat if i wear anything over my lycra.
For heavier rain i still only use a light windproof, even in mid winter i only use it combined with a long sleeve base layer and a short sleeved jersey.
On my legs i use rain legs if it is truely awful as the cover the tops of your thighs ans knees where you really get wet and allow your legs to breathe.
piccie of rain legs.
I use overshoes on my feet in winter but in summer i carry some sandwich bags and i would bung them in my shoes if it was really bad, this is for a 10 mile commute i do not think i would like to have them in all day but it works for a short term ride.I keep shoes for work at work and ride in another pair of shoes.
Mudguards !
Help to keep you a lot drier even when it has stopped raining as it stops the spray off the road , good ones will also help to keep your feet dry as you are not getting the run off from the front wheel.
For heavier rain i still only use a light windproof, even in mid winter i only use it combined with a long sleeve base layer and a short sleeved jersey.
On my legs i use rain legs if it is truely awful as the cover the tops of your thighs ans knees where you really get wet and allow your legs to breathe.
piccie of rain legs.
I use overshoes on my feet in winter but in summer i carry some sandwich bags and i would bung them in my shoes if it was really bad, this is for a 10 mile commute i do not think i would like to have them in all day but it works for a short term ride.I keep shoes for work at work and ride in another pair of shoes.
Mudguards !
Help to keep you a lot drier even when it has stopped raining as it stops the spray off the road , good ones will also help to keep your feet dry as you are not getting the run off from the front wheel.
