Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Living Car Free
Reload this Page >

Any Inexpensive improvised rain gear out there?

Search
Notices
Living Car Free Do you live car free or car light? Do you prefer to use alternative transportation (bicycles, walking, other human-powered or public transportation) for everyday activities whenever possible? Discuss your lifestyle here.

Any Inexpensive improvised rain gear out there?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 12-30-17, 02:50 PM
  #1  
PdalPowr
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
PdalPowr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Canada
Posts: 755

Bikes: Norco hybrid

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 287 Post(s)
Liked 26 Times in 19 Posts
Any Inexpensive improvised rain gear out there?

I rode half the summer in the rain with camo shorts on.
Later I found rain resistant sweat pants that helped a lot.
But the elastic waist is going. Also being a man I have to drese left or right.
The crotch on the pants is too baggy for that.

I am wondering if there are rain resistant jackets and pants out there in pedestrian land that would work on a bike.
I say pedestrian land because it seems anything in the biking world is expensive.
I know there is often reason but I am not biking across a rain forest just getting out there enjoying life without my car.
PdalPowr is offline  
Old 12-31-17, 02:16 AM
  #2  
ironwood
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Boston area
Posts: 2,035

Bikes: 1984 Bridgestone 400 1985Univega nouevo sport 650b conversion 1993b'stone RBT 1985 Schwinn Tempo

Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 542 Post(s)
Liked 152 Times in 100 Posts
Big trash bags are the cheapest improvised rain gear I can think of. Cut out some arm holes.

Cycling rain capes work fairly well, and weren't expensive the last time I bought one.
ironwood is offline  
Old 12-31-17, 11:00 AM
  #3  
PdalPowr
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
PdalPowr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Canada
Posts: 755

Bikes: Norco hybrid

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 287 Post(s)
Liked 26 Times in 19 Posts
Originally Posted by ironwood
Big trash bags are the cheapest improvised rain gear I can think of. Cut out some arm holes.

Cycling rain capes work fairly well, and weren't expensive the last time I bought one.
Rain capes are interesting.
I had never heard of them.
They sound lightweight too.
PdalPowr is offline  
Old 12-31-17, 01:31 PM
  #4  
wipekitty
vespertine member
 
wipekitty's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Land of Angora, Turkey
Posts: 2,476

Bikes: Yes

Mentioned: 22 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 687 Post(s)
Liked 220 Times in 163 Posts
If you're going for cheap: Frog Toggs rain suit. Pros: Cheap, waterproof, packable. Cons: Carries wind like a sail, clever modification needed to prevent legs from getting caught in chain. Also, people will think you're homeless (which could also be a pro, if you dislike human interaction).

A bit more expensive, I've used the Helly Hansen Voss pants with success. Pros: waterproof. Cons: Not breathable - good for lower temperatures. If you shop around online, you can usually get them for cheaper.

Otherwise, camping/hunting/farm supply stores can often be a good source of gear without the price tag of cycling-specific gear.
wipekitty is offline  
Old 12-31-17, 01:43 PM
  #5  
I-Like-To-Bike
Been Around Awhile
 
I-Like-To-Bike's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Burlington Iowa
Posts: 29,965

Bikes: Vaterland and Ragazzi

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12 Post(s)
Liked 1,529 Times in 1,042 Posts
Originally Posted by wipekitty
If you're going for cheap: Frog Toggs rain suit. Pros: Cheap, waterproof, packable. Cons: Carries wind like a sail, clever modification needed to prevent legs from getting caught in chain. Also, people will think you're homeless (which could also be a pro, if you dislike human interaction).
A couple of grocery bags swinging from the handlebars, as well as bread wrappers around the feet would complement the thrifty/frugal look.
I-Like-To-Bike is offline  
Old 12-31-17, 01:50 PM
  #6  
PdalPowr
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
PdalPowr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Canada
Posts: 755

Bikes: Norco hybrid

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 287 Post(s)
Liked 26 Times in 19 Posts
Originally Posted by wipekitty
If you're going for cheap: Frog Toggs rain suit. Pros: Cheap, waterproof, packable. Cons: Carries wind like a sail, clever modification needed to prevent legs from getting caught in chain. Also, people will think you're homeless (which could also be a pro, if you dislike human interaction).

A bit more expensive, I've used the Helly Hansen Voss pants with success. Pros: waterproof. Cons: Not breathable - good for lower temperatures. If you shop around online, you can usually get them for cheaper.

Otherwise, camping/hunting/farm supply stores can often be a good source of gear without the price tag of cycling-specific gear.
The frog togs are acceptable but if they make a sail i am a pretty big guy and so make a big sail.
Those hansens look pretty good and are not exorbitantly priced.
They are also not baggy in the crotch.

Thanks
PdalPowr is offline  
Old 01-01-18, 08:44 AM
  #7  
baldilocks
Full Member
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Indiana
Posts: 430

Bikes: Giant ATX Lite & Schwinn Mesa

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 156 Post(s)
Liked 7 Times in 7 Posts
This is what I use. The price is right.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Athletic-...d=actual_color
baldilocks is offline  
Old 01-01-18, 06:43 PM
  #8  
PdalPowr
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
PdalPowr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Canada
Posts: 755

Bikes: Norco hybrid

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 287 Post(s)
Liked 26 Times in 19 Posts
Originally Posted by baldilocks
This is what I use. The price is right.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Athletic-...d=actual_color
I like the color for visibility in the rain.
I can't tell,does it have a hood?
PdalPowr is offline  
Old 01-08-18, 11:52 AM
  #9  
Harhir
Senior Member
 
Harhir's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Plano, TX
Posts: 669

Bikes: Fahrradmanufaktur Trekking Bike, 2 x Lightning Phantom, bikeE AT, Radwagon3

Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 180 Post(s)
Liked 137 Times in 72 Posts
Ikea has a $7 cape/poncho which I have used on my upright bike a few times.
KNALLA Rain poncho - black - IKEA
Comes in three different colors. Not perfect and not suited for fast speeds or heavy winds but works good for slow commuting around town. Covers the legs.
For my recumbent I am using a rain jacket and rain pants from Columbia.
Harhir is offline  
Old 01-08-18, 05:41 PM
  #10  
rgvg
Car free since 2018
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 684

Bikes: Mostly japanese ones

Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 257 Post(s)
Liked 269 Times in 134 Posts
don't get the cheap ones at canadian tire. the disposable ones are disposable. The slightly more expensive one I put a hole in after a few months. And then it ripped. I'm on the $21 version now... I do like the poncho over the jacket because it keeps my legs dry(er) and I'm a bit too lazy to put on rain pants. I'll have to try some of the other suggestions here if my current one gets damaged.
rgvg is offline  
Old 01-08-18, 09:11 PM
  #11  
PdalPowr
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
PdalPowr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Canada
Posts: 755

Bikes: Norco hybrid

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 287 Post(s)
Liked 26 Times in 19 Posts
Originally Posted by rgvg
don't get the cheap ones at canadian tire. the disposable ones are disposable. The slightly more expensive one I put a hole in after a few months. And then it ripped. I'm on the $21 version now... I do like the poncho over the jacket because it keeps my legs dry(er) and I'm a bit too lazy to put on rain pants. I'll have to try some of the other suggestions here if my current one gets damaged.
Couldn't agree more.
There are certain things I won't buy at Canadian tire.
It's a good enough store but there is junk there as well. E.G. Jobmate.🙄
PdalPowr is offline  
Old 01-09-18, 12:03 PM
  #12  
indyfabz
Senior Member
 
indyfabz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 39,217
Mentioned: 211 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18397 Post(s)
Liked 15,494 Times in 7,317 Posts
Originally Posted by ironwood
Big trash bags are the cheapest improvised rain gear I can think of. Cut out some arm holes.
No head hole?
indyfabz is offline  
Old 01-09-18, 12:19 PM
  #13  
PdalPowr
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
PdalPowr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Canada
Posts: 755

Bikes: Norco hybrid

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 287 Post(s)
Liked 26 Times in 19 Posts
Originally Posted by indyfabz
No head hole?
No,no head hole necessary because
Short of a biblical flood I wouldn't want to be recognized wearing a garbage bag.

Seriously though,any port in a storm.
If ya gotta,ya gotta.

The rain gear I want to try the most is the cape style.
It looks the easiest and quickest to put on while on the road.
The frog togs look good for when you have to go out no matter what.
PdalPowr is offline  
Old 01-09-18, 01:30 PM
  #14  
indyfabz
Senior Member
 
indyfabz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 39,217
Mentioned: 211 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18397 Post(s)
Liked 15,494 Times in 7,317 Posts
Originally Posted by PdalPowr
Seriously though,any port in a storm.
If ya gotta,ya gotta.

Absolutely. I used to do a big two-day MS 150 ride. One year, on the ride back on Sunday, a big storm hit. There was only a slight chance of that happening so most people did not back rain gear in their overnight bags. (I brought all kinds of wet/cold weather gear). It started raining early in the ride, and it was windy and quite cold for September. Many people, including two friends of mine, stopped at stores and bought garbage bags. I bummed a shopping bag at one of the rest stops and put it over my head to keep it warm while riding.


Many people abandoned the ride. I remember seeing one fair skinned young woman wearing only shorts and a summer jersey. All of her exposed skin was pink like a raw pork roast not even a third of the way through the ride. I doubt she finished.
indyfabz is offline  
Old 01-13-18, 09:21 AM
  #15  
badmother
Senior Member
 
badmother's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,720
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 317 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
The rain capes can be atatched to the bars or to your thumbs trough a loop of ribbon or similar. This way it is not clinging to your body when riding and it keeps your legs dryer.

For pants I would suggest instead just two legs atatched to a belt (or trousers) a bit like what the cowboys used (in leather). That way you avoid the crotch problem and the ventilation is better, even if it is cheap (not breathable material). Also easyer to put on and take off. If you use them you need a longer coat or a cape to cower the "below belt" area.
badmother is offline  
Old 01-14-18, 01:10 AM
  #16  
Roody
Sophomoric Member
 
Roody's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Dancing in Lansing
Posts: 24,221
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 711 Post(s)
Liked 13 Times in 13 Posts
Originally Posted by badmother
The rain capes can be atatched to the bars or to your thumbs trough a loop of ribbon or similar. This way it is not clinging to your body when riding and it keeps your legs dryer.

For pants I would suggest instead just two legs atatched to a belt (or trousers) a bit like what the cowboys used (in leather). That way you avoid the crotch problem and the ventilation is better, even if it is cheap (not breathable material). Also easyer to put on and take off. If you use them you need a longer coat or a cape to cower the "below belt" area.
They are called chaps if anybody is trying to google them.
__________________

"Think Outside the Cage"
Roody is offline  
Old 01-17-18, 06:36 PM
  #17  
wahoonc
Membership Not Required
 
wahoonc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: On the road-USA
Posts: 16,855

Bikes: Giant Excursion, Raleigh Sports, Raleigh R.S.W. Compact, Motobecane? and about 20 more! OMG

Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 70 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 15 Times in 14 Posts
Originally Posted by PdalPowr
Rain capes are interesting.
I had never heard of them.
They sound lightweight too.
I have used Cabin Creek rain capes for many years. Lightweight and work fine in all but the worst weather. Gave up on rain suits years ago. I also have a Carradice Duxbak rain cape, not cheap, but made out of waxed cotton and should last me the rest of my life.

Aaron
__________________
Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(

ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.

"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"
_Nicodemus

"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"
_krazygluon
wahoonc is offline  
Old 01-28-18, 05:54 PM
  #18  
Rollfast
What happened?
 
Rollfast's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Around here somewhere
Posts: 7,927

Bikes: 3 Rollfasts, 3 Schwinns, a Shelby and a Higgins Flightliner in a pear tree!

Mentioned: 57 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1835 Post(s)
Liked 292 Times in 255 Posts
I got a free jacket with a hood.
__________________
I don't know nothing, and I memorized it in school and got this here paper I'm proud of to show it.
Rollfast is offline  
Old 02-04-18, 11:46 AM
  #19  
fietsbob
Banned
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: NW,Oregon Coast
Posts: 43,598

Bikes: 8

Mentioned: 197 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7607 Post(s)
Liked 1,355 Times in 862 Posts
Keep checking the Charity Shop racks for donated stuff.

Carradice rain capes will cost real money..



IDK if you can search OXFAM UK charity shops online and get them to ship them to other parts of the realm.





...

Last edited by fietsbob; 02-04-18 at 11:50 AM.
fietsbob is offline  
Old 02-04-18, 11:51 AM
  #20  
baldilocks
Full Member
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Indiana
Posts: 430

Bikes: Giant ATX Lite & Schwinn Mesa

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 156 Post(s)
Liked 7 Times in 7 Posts
Originally Posted by PdalPowr
I like the color for visibility in the rain.
I can't tell,does it have a hood?
Yes it does. I actually tuck it inside the neck. Eventually I will get a real cycling windbreaker.
baldilocks is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
coolcamaro12
Commuting
22
04-07-15 02:28 PM
Louis Le Tour
Fifty Plus (50+)
16
12-01-14 09:45 PM
kjmillig
Commuting
5
06-14-12 01:14 PM
Soaper
Touring
69
05-04-12 10:04 PM
Keithmj
Commuting
31
05-11-10 11:30 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.