Rain-coat recommendation?

William Jenks

OK, I don't mean the yellow plastic thing...  :-)

But we've had our first (relatively) cold rainy weekend already.  While I think that was an aberration, it did remind me that I promised myself a decent "rainproof" run (& bike?) shell/jacket this fall/winter.  Nothing I have right now fits that bill.  Everything is rain "resistant" but soaks through in any kind of decent rain.

What should I look for and what should I expect to pay (roughly)?  If you have a specific recommendation, I'd love that too.

Thanks,

William

dan_forbes

 William, I don't like using dedicated rainwear for exercise because I end up being more wet from sweat.  I would recommend a softshell jacket that will repel precip. and breath very well keeping you warm.  I'm a big fan of cloudveil and arcteryx but they are pricey $200+.  I use mine for ice climbing for half the winter and love it.

William Jenks

Yeah, I guess that's the kind of thing I'm thinking of, except I'm unhappy with the "repel" part of what I have. I imagine something like a goretex "track suit jacket", but I really don't have any direct knowledge of something like that or whether it works well. (And yes, I know I'm probably looking at something kinda pricey.)

Nemo Brauch

I've got a Novara Rain Jacket from REI that works well at being rainproof and breathable. Bright yellow and dorky, but it keeps me dry. The key is to not overdress underneath it. I'd say $200 is about what you need to expect to pay to get a decent jacket that is waterproof and breathable too.

Ralph Butler

Check out Showers Pass.   I bought a jacket to commute in last year when I determined to ride a month straight to work.  They make good stuff not flashy but solid.

 

Tom Glynn

I rarely ride in the rain. I've got a $20 clear plastic jacket with velcro in the front, it keeps some of the water off, but mostly it keeps me warm without over heating. Not sure it's possible to stay dry in the rain while riding.

William Jenks

Yes, that's probably true Tom. I don't intend to go out riding in the rain intentionally much either, but running outdoors when it's cold/windy and might drop some rain is pretty common. And to be honest, I also want it for those days where I have to stand and coach/watch soccer matches when the weather is similarly bad. :-)