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Good waterproof/breathable cycling coat?

Dawn CassDawn Cass
in General Training Discussions

Hello...it's been a hot, humid...and rainy start to the summer here in Ohio.  The cycling coat I have is waterproof...but not at all breathable which means I get more water INSIDE the coat vs outside what is falling on me.

Does anyone have recommendations of a good waterproof AND breathable cycling coat?  

Thanks.

Comments

  • Dino SartiDino Sarti
    Rapha makes a great light rain jacket, but it's spendy.

    Check out the Houdini from Patagonia. I think they a $99 bucks. Again, spendy but the packet light and do the job.
  • Al TruscottAl Truscott

    One thing I learned from over a decade of bike commuting: "When its raining, you can be warm and wet, or you can be cold and wet." I also grew up in Cincinnati, so I get what you;re going thru. I'd suggest a simple thin nylon jacket, maybe with vented fabric along the inside of the arms and under the arms. $$$ for Gore-tex or similar fabrics just not worth it in my experience. More important, IMO, is something to keep your feet as dry as possible. Wet squishy feet are no fun. True fact: your feet get twice as wet as the rest of you, cause they are going around in circles!

  • MattAaronsonMattAaronson
    I have a Zoot jacket that works really well. Disclaimer: I race on their team so I get a discount, i.e. I can't comment on value for the $.
  • Mark MaurerMark Maurer
    Check out the Showers Pass Elite jackets. I've had mine for over 8 years and it's still going strong. I've worn it on 4+ hour rides in heavy rain and stayed dry. It's much better than goretex or any other fabric I've tried over the years. (It's made from a fabric called E-Vent.) It has pit zips and velcro closures at the wrists to adjust the temps. I've worn it in temps from the mid 60's down to below freezing (with different layers underneath obviously) and it's performed well. They're pricey at $200+ but you can find them on sale for less. All in all, when mine wears out I'm buying another without thinking about it.
  • William JenksWilliam Jenks
    I have a spendy Gore jacket that I like very well. It's nothing but a shell. It's also plain black, so I can use it in other situations and not look like a dork. It was something like $175, but money very well spent in the long run. Had it for probably 4 years now.
  • Dawn CassDawn Cass
    Hello all and thanks for the suggestions! I will have some fun shopping!

    Al, fun to hear you know Ohio summers...it's been wetter than normal as well so you can imagine what a challenge it is to get out for a simple (dry) run!

    Heading up to Madison to ride the course this weekend and forecast for sunny skies so I may be able to shop around a bit longer.

    Thanks again.
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