Regarding articles of clothing, layers, shoes/boots, and other protective coverings... I’d like to hear from fellow Pacific Northwesterners on how you approach autumn, and winters for your commute.

I strarted riding a few years ago, but never quite dialed in a system that worked well. I mostly suffered through the colder, wetter seasons. Often too cold, or too hot, and sometimes wet after removing ineffective rain gear. Then last year I gave up, and simply bussed to work, and back through much of fall, and all of winter. I’d like to avoid that from happening again if possible.

Right now with fall approaching, and winter close behind, I’d like to bike in headlong. My work commute here in Eugene will span a four day work week with shifts beginning in the early afternoon, and ending near midnight. The distance being only 3.7 miles each way, but enough to be potentially problematic if not handled carefully.

So with enough time ahead to to prepare, I’m calling on you all who have found solutions that work for you. What’s your method? Any highly recommended specific pieces of clothing? Brands? What do you suggest for a ultimately cozy, and comfortable ride in to work as the weather gets tougher so that one can arrive on shift warm, dry, and in a good mood, while returning home the same way?

I also have struggled recently to find gear that worked for me, but mostly because I have lost my tolerance for cold weather. I had been wearing the usual cycling gear (tights, wool jersey, Showers Pass jacket, gloves) but found that inadequate. Two years ago I added bar mitts and that helped a lot, but I still was too cold, at least at the start of a ride. And then I tried a cape. It has made a big difference! It allows me to layer up underneath so I can stay warm at the beginning of the ride but unzip as I warm up. The cape I chose is from Otto of London.

Layering is key. Becoming comfortable with the idea you’re gonna get wet will be helpful too.

Choose layers of technical fabrics or wool appropriate for your tastes and budget. Finish with the best quality BREATHABLE outerwear you can afford. Adjust your layers and ventilation according to the weather at the time. You’ll probably want to be layered up more on the ride home than on the ride in, so you’ll need to pack some stuff in just for the ride home.

Drop any notion of staying perfectly dry. It’s not really possible. You’re either gonna get a little wet from the rain, or from your own sweat because you’re not ventilated enough. The idea is to try to find a comfortable spot somewhere in the middle.

Break out your wallet and shop for well ventilated rain gear from the major brands like Gore, Showers Pass, REI, etc. Under layers of wool, polypropylene or polyester will help with the perspiration on the inside. No cotton. No matter what the label promises, cotton doesn’t deliver. A cold, wet ride for me would require a polyester short sleeve t-shirt, a long sleeve polyester t-shirt over that. Then maybe a long sleeve wool shirt on next if cold enough. I have an REI cycling rain jacket over the top. Liner shorts on bottom, with poly thermal over that. Nylon or poly pants or knickers. Showers pass rain pants on top. These are extreme examples. Most of the time I’m wearing minimal layers to optimize ventilation.

I find gloves to be the trickiest. Anything good enough to keep the rain and cold from my fingers, traps sweat. I prefer thinner gloves that offer more tactile sensitivity but run a little colder than thicker, heavier gloves that might keep my fingers warm but feel like I’m wearing boxing gloves. I got a pair from REI that work pretty well; mostly warm, a little sweaty, but I can still feel what’s happening.

My feet get wet. I will use toe covers when it’s cold, but mostly I go without. I pack a pair of dry socks. I wear a poly skull cap on the coldest days. It’s warm yet breathable. My head gets wet when it rains. I find helmet covers to be very effective head saunas. A poly skull cap is kinda like a wetsuit; once soaked, the water warms from your body heat and helps insulate your head. It also seems to pull water out of my hair. I know it sounds odd, but my hair is drier under a soaked skull cap than when left exposed to the rain. And warmer too.

Safety glasses keep rain from peppering my eyes, and a genuine Buff covers the rest of my face and neck. I arrive mostly dry and not uncomfortably cold or hot. Everything hangs on hangers and is dry by the end of the day.

This works (well enough) for me, but I like threads like these to maybe pick up something from someone else. I’m always ready to learn.

Edited to add RainX. I put RainX on my glasses, which help tremendously to keep water off the lenses. Sounds fussy? Try it and you’ll be amazed.

-Kedosto