Best weatherproof jacket for biking AND walking.
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Best weatherproof jacket for biking AND walking.
I keep hearing that it's good to have a lightweight waterproof, windproof, breathable bike jacket, and just layer underneath depending on the temperature. Is there a "bike jacket" that comes with a removable fleece? Something like this.
I know most bicycle-specific jackets fit relatively tightly, but some, like the Showers Pass Transit jacket, are designed to be baggy for the explicit purpose of allowing one to wear a sweater or heavy fleece underneath.
I'd like to own just one jacket. It should be suitable for temps in the 20s and 30s, as well as 50 degree temps. Moreover, I walk a lot. Sometimes I walk for two miles, then end up at a restaurant, bar, conference, meeting or friends house. If it's cold outside, I don't want to have to take off multiple layers when I get to my destination all because I have a lightweight outer shell on.
My ideal jacket would be like the Showers Pass Transit jacket, but it would have a removable fleece that could become part of the jacket with zippers and buttons. For warmer weather the fleece could be removed. Also, the jacket should come with a heavy duty removable winter hood, as well as large pockets for storing winter gloves and hat.
I once had such a jacket, but it was not a bicycle jacket. Therefore it lacked reflectorization and features such as armpit zips and back vents. I wore it year round, but I got pretty sweaty when biking in temps around 45-55 degrees. The arms in particular did not breath well. It was fine for walking long distances.
DL;DR Is there a jacket with the following features?:
lightweight outer shell
removable fleece layer
heavy duty winter hood
reflectorization
pit zips
back vents
large front pockets
I know most bicycle-specific jackets fit relatively tightly, but some, like the Showers Pass Transit jacket, are designed to be baggy for the explicit purpose of allowing one to wear a sweater or heavy fleece underneath.
I'd like to own just one jacket. It should be suitable for temps in the 20s and 30s, as well as 50 degree temps. Moreover, I walk a lot. Sometimes I walk for two miles, then end up at a restaurant, bar, conference, meeting or friends house. If it's cold outside, I don't want to have to take off multiple layers when I get to my destination all because I have a lightweight outer shell on.
My ideal jacket would be like the Showers Pass Transit jacket, but it would have a removable fleece that could become part of the jacket with zippers and buttons. For warmer weather the fleece could be removed. Also, the jacket should come with a heavy duty removable winter hood, as well as large pockets for storing winter gloves and hat.
I once had such a jacket, but it was not a bicycle jacket. Therefore it lacked reflectorization and features such as armpit zips and back vents. I wore it year round, but I got pretty sweaty when biking in temps around 45-55 degrees. The arms in particular did not breath well. It was fine for walking long distances.
DL;DR Is there a jacket with the following features?:
lightweight outer shell
removable fleece layer
heavy duty winter hood
reflectorization
pit zips
back vents
large front pockets
Last edited by CompleteStreets; 11-09-14 at 08:22 PM. Reason: minor edit for clarity
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I own the Showers Pass jacket. I like it, but one major flaw is that the neck is pretty tight, presumably for keeping rain out. This also makes it hard to layer underneath much in the neck area. Essentially you aren't going to find ONE jacket that is going to be good in 20 degrees as well as 50 degrees. Also walking and riding are very different things in the cold. Cycling generates a lot of heat. Walking doesn't.
I would buy a jacket like the Showers Pass if the neck issue doesn't bother you. Then pick up a nice fleece jacket like a North Face etc. Put a trunk bag on your bike and carry the fleece jacket while riding. When you step off to walk, quickly put on the fleece jacket underneath of your Showers Pass.
Walk briskly and you will be good to go. A trunk bag is invaluable for winter cycling. You can carry clothing adjustments with you and adapt on the go. Before long you will figure out what works with what at what temps and have to adjust less often.
My main advice would be to give up on the notion of finding a jacket that is good for riding and walking unless you are riding very, very slowly. The North Face*Men's*Jackets & Vests*FLEECE*SWEATER*MEN'S GORDON LYONS FULL ZIP
I would buy a jacket like the Showers Pass if the neck issue doesn't bother you. Then pick up a nice fleece jacket like a North Face etc. Put a trunk bag on your bike and carry the fleece jacket while riding. When you step off to walk, quickly put on the fleece jacket underneath of your Showers Pass.
Walk briskly and you will be good to go. A trunk bag is invaluable for winter cycling. You can carry clothing adjustments with you and adapt on the go. Before long you will figure out what works with what at what temps and have to adjust less often.
My main advice would be to give up on the notion of finding a jacket that is good for riding and walking unless you are riding very, very slowly. The North Face*Men's*Jackets & Vests*FLEECE*SWEATER*MEN'S GORDON LYONS FULL ZIP