Cycle specific raincoat v generic decent rain shell?
#27
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Best cycling jacket is groundeffects Anti-cyclone
Really well made and lasts a long time. They are really popular in places where the weather is really bad.
I've just replaced mine after 10yrs of constant use commuting and touring and the latest one is superb
I started off using Berghaus jackets then an MEC cycling jacket and now ground effect jacket. Cycling jackets are lighter and better cut with a longer back. they also don't have pockets in useless places for cycling
Really well made and lasts a long time. They are really popular in places where the weather is really bad.
I've just replaced mine after 10yrs of constant use commuting and touring and the latest one is superb
I started off using Berghaus jackets then an MEC cycling jacket and now ground effect jacket. Cycling jackets are lighter and better cut with a longer back. they also don't have pockets in useless places for cycling
#28
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Best cycling jacket and pant set is Frogg Toggs Ultra Lite 2. Get a jacket and a pair or pants for less than $20.00 and they will keep you dry. They pack down incredible small and come in several bright colors. They work, but they will wear out in seam of pants and I will usually just patch them with some packaging tape. I have not yet wore out a jacket, just the pants. Did I mention they are less than $20.00 for both the pants and jacket? If they get torn or lost not a big loss. You can get them at big Box stores, eBay, and I have posted a link for Gander mountain.
Frogg Toggs Ultra Lite2 Rain Suit
Frogg Toggs Ultra Lite2 Rain Suit
#29
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Since you all have used them, how did you guys find them actually holding up to the rain? Looking at various store and gear reviews, there seems to be a real love-hate relationship with the coat, some saying you'll be wet within 15 minutes and others finding to be the best thing ever invented.
Ideally, it'd be layered over a merino wool long sleeve shirt that I have, or my long sleeve cycling jersey, for actual riding. Coats are the one thing I am indecisive over on any vacation more than anything else, whatever my rain shell turns out to be will likely be accompanied by my cycling softshell (which can take care of light rain amply enough, meaning the other coat has to actually perform the role of a heavy rain coat), and a small compressible down layer (for sitting around in the evening) if the weather around departure is calling for considerable time in the 40s-50s.
Ideally, it'd be layered over a merino wool long sleeve shirt that I have, or my long sleeve cycling jersey, for actual riding. Coats are the one thing I am indecisive over on any vacation more than anything else, whatever my rain shell turns out to be will likely be accompanied by my cycling softshell (which can take care of light rain amply enough, meaning the other coat has to actually perform the role of a heavy rain coat), and a small compressible down layer (for sitting around in the evening) if the weather around departure is calling for considerable time in the 40s-50s.
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Another satisfied Precip user here. It's my general purpose rain jacket and I've been very happy with it.
#31
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Regarding the REI Stratos, the sleeves are cut long which is OK for "on the bike." It really is too bulky to roll up and put in a jersey pocket, IMO.
#32
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When I'm not using front panniers, they go under the bungees on the rear rack. I usually decide in the morning before I load up the bike whether to leave them in the rear panniers or put them where I can get to them. I have been fooled
#33
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Best cycling jacket and pant set is Frogg Toggs Ultra Lite 2. Get a jacket and a pair or pants for less than $20.00 and they will keep you dry. They pack down incredible small and come in several bright colors. They work, but they will wear out in seam of pants and I will usually just patch them with some packaging tape. I have not yet wore out a jacket, just the pants. Did I mention they are less than $20.00 for both the pants and jacket? If they get torn or lost not a big loss. You can get them at big Box stores, eBay, and I have posted a link for Gander mountain.
Frogg Toggs Ultra Lite2 Rain Suit
Frogg Toggs Ultra Lite2 Rain Suit
#34
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I carry a set of these in the trunk of my car just in case, never thought of using them for cycling. I think maybe I'll grab a size down (they run huge) and test it out. Probably need to tie something around the right leg because the pants are baggy. Are they fairly breathable? I've never done strenuous exercise in them.
#35
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The pants I have are effectively the same thing as the Frogg Toggs. I've used FTs before, they really do work well, especially as a "have on hand for the unexpected" type situations.
In this particular case, I am looking for an actual jacket.
In this particular case, I am looking for an actual jacket.
#36
Slow Rider
Best cycling jacket and pant set is Frogg Toggs Ultra Lite 2. Get a jacket and a pair or pants for less than $20.00 and they will keep you dry. They pack down incredible small and come in several bright colors. They work, but they will wear out in seam of pants and I will usually just patch them with some packaging tape. I have not yet wore out a jacket, just the pants. Did I mention they are less than $20.00 for both the pants and jacket? If they get torn or lost not a big loss. You can get them at big Box stores, eBay, and I have posted a link for Gander mountain.
Frogg Toggs Ultra Lite2 Rain Suit
Frogg Toggs Ultra Lite2 Rain Suit
#37
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REI clothes are just not cut for me. Fjallraven, on the other hand, I really wish I could convince myself to spend $500 on a coat, because it fit beautifully....
#38
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I hope you find a jacket that you can use. You have been to Iceland, and are aware of the winds and rain there. I was there in the fall, and wore my rain jacket every day just for wind protection. I found that wearing a lightweight fleece as a midlayer under any "breathable" jacket really helps deal with condensation.
Also, having a good water repellent treatment on your jacket is essential, Nikwax and Revivex are good products.
A fabric's breathability depends on vapor pressure differences; and when the outer fabric is soaked it does not work.
You might try washing your old jacket and giving it a new treatment. Water needs to bead on the outer surface of the jacket.
Good luck.
Also, having a good water repellent treatment on your jacket is essential, Nikwax and Revivex are good products.
A fabric's breathability depends on vapor pressure differences; and when the outer fabric is soaked it does not work.
You might try washing your old jacket and giving it a new treatment. Water needs to bead on the outer surface of the jacket.
Good luck.
#39
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I'll find something, or I'll deal with being clammy in my old one! Worst case, I've got my eyes on a nice rain parka from the Icelandic company 66 North
This trip, while originating as a cheap flight and cheap bike upgrade experience, is quickly turning out to be an excuse to buy all the camping gear I've been wanting over the past many years, that I never had a reason to go get!
This trip, while originating as a cheap flight and cheap bike upgrade experience, is quickly turning out to be an excuse to buy all the camping gear I've been wanting over the past many years, that I never had a reason to go get!
Last edited by jefnvk; 04-05-17 at 09:59 PM.
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FWIW, I don't own either the Marmot Precip nor the Stratos, but in my search for a new waterproof jacket (in the end I decided that my current LLBean pit-zip-less can serve me for a couple more years) many backpackers and hikers recommend the Precip as THE go to jacket - light, cheap (comparatively), and works almost as well as the expensive GoreTex fabric.
I really liked the look of the Stratos in my local store, which had them on clearance, but make sure you read the online reviews and try one on - they're sized weird and have durability issues.
I really liked the look of the Stratos in my local store, which had them on clearance, but make sure you read the online reviews and try one on - they're sized weird and have durability issues.
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#42
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Had an ideal one I ordered on stupid closeout, a 66 North Grandi rain parka. Awesome quality, but the sizing chart was way off and they didn't have anything left in stock that would presumably fit me. In any case, I've more or less decided for this purpose I'm going regular hardshell, not cycle specific. I've got two months to watch sales, no rush at all.
Last edited by jefnvk; 04-13-17 at 06:37 PM.
#43
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I was kinda going in the opposite direction: Durable, a bit nicer, sacrificing weight for comfort and quality. I've got something light and almost as good already (and in a very loud hiviz green).
Had an ideal one I ordered on stupid closeout, a 66 North Grandi rain parka. Awesome quality, but the sizing chart was way off and they didn't have anything left in stock that would presumably fit me. In any case, I've more or less decided for this purpose I'm going regular hardshell, not cycle specific. I've got two months to watch sales, no rush at all.
Had an ideal one I ordered on stupid closeout, a 66 North Grandi rain parka. Awesome quality, but the sizing chart was way off and they didn't have anything left in stock that would presumably fit me. In any case, I've more or less decided for this purpose I'm going regular hardshell, not cycle specific. I've got two months to watch sales, no rush at all.
I also wanted to upgrade to a nicer 'all-around' waterproof shell but haven't been able to make that decision. One intriguing option I found was the hi-vis commuter Altura jackets from Wiggle (with a detachable hood that you have to buy separately):
wiggle.com | Altura Night Vision Waterproof Jacket | Cycling Waterproof Jackets (they only have the red now, but used to have hi-viz yellow and blue)
wiggle.com | Altura Night Vision Evo Hood | Cycle Headwear
Or the more aggressive but less flashy MTB version which comes with a detachable hood (in fact, I like this one much more but wish there was a bit of reflective paint on it):
wiggle.com | Altura Mayhem Waterproof Jacket | Cycling Waterproof Jackets
#44
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Ended up going with the Stratos, it was by far the best feeling option in the price range. Was in REI today, and someone had incorrectly priced them all at $58 (rang up at $88), which they still honored. Figured that was cheap enough to ignore the arm length issues!
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Hi all! Anybody using this jacket?
Beta SL Jacket / Arc'teryx
Looks better than many other rainjackets, and its on sale here for less than 200$
Still a lot, but I like quality stuff. I rather buy quality that last, than buy a jacket twice.
Beta SL Jacket / Arc'teryx
Looks better than many other rainjackets, and its on sale here for less than 200$
Still a lot, but I like quality stuff. I rather buy quality that last, than buy a jacket twice.