your rain jacket when touring?

[rifraf]

My Jacket and helmet rain cap arrived safely today.
No thanks to Aus post who left it in the mailbox for anyone walking past to lift.
No worries, I got there first.
Wow, I'm glad I didn't order a medium.
With the weight I've put back on since my NSW to WA tour its almost a snug fit.
Certainly cant rely on it to keep the shorts dry can you?
With my current paunch it finishes at my trouser beltline.
Well, why have a six pack when you can have a keg I say
Still, my overhang will help keep the jewels dry
The yellows got a orange tint but hopefully isn't too garish.
Whilst its not a match for my Ortlieb bike luggage or frame yellow,
anyone suggesting "I didn't see em officer" wont be taken seriously
Yeah I was worried about it being too big so I'm actually pleased I'm not swimming in it.
The helmet cover is black which goes with my mudguards and racks so compared to
my usual casual attire, I'm going to be quite colour co-ordinated whilst "singing in the rain".
Had a good day today whilst the sun was shining.
I got in an hour and a half's ride as well as an hours walk this evening.

[rifraf]

I took the advice here and ordered the helmet cover and passed on the hood.

I actually now regret not getting the hood: not for riding, I use a cycling cap then to keep the rain off my glasses but for around camp.

Not glamorous but very effective for just $2.50

Hi IP,
gotta different link?
I'm not signed up with facebook so unable to view.
"The page you requested cannot be displayed right now. It may be temporarily unavailable, the link you clicked on may have expired, or you may not have permission to view this page."

[tmac100]

I have started reading this thread because June/July is not that far away and I either come back to Australia and do the rest of he trip that was stopped by my surgery, or delay it by a year and bicycle in Ireland...

In either case there will be rain, and maybe lots of it. As a 195 cm and 110 kg bicycle tourer, I have to shop hard to find gear that fits....

I will be in Canada and the USA for 3 weeks at Christmas so can buy gear there on line, and maybe even try out some to see if it fits.

Ant suggestions regarding a rain-proof (??) jacket and pants to fit? Form and function is definitely more important that inexpensive. You DO NOT get something good for nothing ...

Otherwise, how about suggestions for gear that fits from Australia? I ask this because from past experience years ago, the gear was excellent, BUT it never fit me:sleeves and pant legs too short. Maybe now things are different?

Sorry if I may have repeated past discussions/suggestions, but ATPM I do not have time to do a lot of reading. I am willing to seriously consider personal and related experience -which is why I bought my Hilleberg Nallo 2GT after reading several experiences.... Nice tent, light, bomb proof, BUT expensive

[rifraf]

I either come back to Australia and do the rest of he trip that was stopped by my surgery, or delay it by a year and bicycle in Ireland...

In either case there will be rain, and maybe lots of it.

Hi Tmac
Rain in Ireland?
To be sure, to be sure
Hell that takes me back.
I used to ride from near Slieve Donard in the North (County Down) to down near Swords at Portrane just north of Dublin on occasion to visit my Aunty many moons ago.
I often used to bivybag down on the beach near there rather than turn up late looking like
a drowned rat and giving her a heart attack.
You'll definitely be wanting a decent rain jacket for riding in that part of the world.
If the driving is the same (shocking), I'd recommend something highly visible like the goldenrod colour.
The consensus here seems to be the Showers Pass Elite 2.0 as the jacket to have.
I bought mine (arrived yesterday) here:
http://www.bicyclinghub.com/shpaelraja.html
The helmet cover for cycling rather than the option jacket hood.
http://www.bicyclinghub.com/showers-pas ... cover.html
Although consider the hood for when your off the bike (setting up camp or walking etc.)
http://www.bicyclinghub.com/shpaho.html
As for pants, looking back through the thread I see Ill Padrone went with the Club Convertible Pant
and I'd tend to follow his choice.
http://www.bicyclinghub.com/showers-pas ... -pant.html
I believe the discount code was:
cod-save10
Unless your a chimpanzee the sleeves wont be too short I bet.
Wheres home for you currently?

[rifraf]

Showers Pass Elite 2 on special
http://www.bicyclinghub.com/shpaelraja.html

[jemo27]

The Shower Pass Elite 2.1 is out, anyone noticed any difference to just 2.0?

[Tim]

The weather is warming up and I have touring on my mind.
Two tours actually. Another South Gippsland/Strezlekis tour this November and then Tasmania late March next year.
I've been touring and commuting for the last year or two with an old Fairydown Goretex long bushwalking jacket and a cheapo Rainbird Stowaway jacket. Both jackets have served their purpose reasonably well although neither were specifically designed for cycling. The Fairydown is heavy and bulky and I have doubts about the Rainbird's durability.
I am on the verge of buying a Showerspass Elite 2.0 jacket from Originality Uniforms in Melbourne. I am aware that there is now a newer 2.1 version of said jacket.
Just wondering how well owners of the 2.0 are finding their jackets standing up to the rigours of regular use, over time? I have read that Event fabric needs frequent washing to maintain breathability. Is this the case? Any other observations or comments?
Perhaps somebody owns the newer model?
If all is well with the earlier 2.0 jacket I think I'll stick with it and the local supplier rather than the uncertainty of an overseas purchase and a new product.

[il padrone]

The Shower Pass Elite 2.1 is out, anyone noticed any difference to just 2.0?

It's been a while since the question, but from looking at their website phots and the details:

- repositioned and maybe longer pit-zips (now called "core-vents");
- new front waterproof zip, with a stormflap (2.0 does not have this flap);
- rated as 'regular' fit compared to 'trim' for the 2.0.

Otherwise it is an identical jacket.


They also have a completely new jacket called the Refuge Jacket, designed more as an all-purpose cycling, skiing, and general outdoors jacket I think. Designed with over-helmet hood that zips off. Reminds me of my old Mont Hammerhead.

[il padrone]

I am on the verge of buying a Showerspass Elite 2.0 jacket from Originality Uniforms in Melbourne. I am aware that there is now a newer 2.1 version of said jacket.
Just wondering how well owners of the 2.0 are finding their jackets standing up to the rigours of regular use, over time? I have read that Event fabric needs frequent washing to maintain breathability. Is this the case?

Yes. the label says "Wash me often"

Any other observations or comments?

I don't wash mine enough. It may need an application of Graingers XT and a tumbledry to redo the DWR coating
http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/ ... r-dwr.html

If all is well with the earlier 2.0 jacket I think I'll stick with it and the local supplier rather than the uncertainty of an overseas purchase and a new product.

I'd suggest sticking with the 2.0. I've always found the main zipper very waterproof, and mostly the jacket has excellent ventilation. The zipper stormflap, slightly bigger & repostioned pit-zips, and a bigger fit are the only differences.

[sogood]

Anyone used Montane's Velocity jacket? Supposedly cycling specific. Not sure if it's a worthwhile investment.

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/ ... t-11-44389

[il padrone]

Entrant DT, quite waterproof, but not as breathable as eVent, which is about twice as breathable.

The fabric used is a 79g/m2 2.5 layer 40 dernier nylon with microporous Entrant DT coating and an internal mesh print. The over-trousers are waterproof to a minimum of 10,000 mm hydrostatic head and breathability at 8,000g/m2/24hrs.

This suggests to me to be a waterproof material with reasonable breathability. For comparison a highly breathable fabric such as eVent has a figure of 15,000g/m2/24hrs.

Mark's Walking Blog

[Tim]

I'd suggest sticking with the 2.0. I've always found the main zipper very waterproof, and mostly the jacket has excellent ventilation. The zipper stormflap, slightly bigger & repostioned pit-zips, and a bigger fit are the only differences.

For comparison a highly breathable fabric such as eVent has a figure of 15,000g/m2/24hrs.

Thanks again.
I could maybe even wear a cotton T-shirt underneath and still stay dry.
A moth eaten merino base layer might be better.

[il padrone]

I actually find that the jacket on my bare skin doesn't seem to work too well. It seems clammy and feels damp. Better to have a full layer on underneath -a long sleeved jersey or light fleece. This jacket works best in cooler conditions (as do most breathables - they rely on a vapour pressure gradient that is usually lower in warmer, humid conditions). Personally, when it's warm enough to be wearing a t-shirt I am usually less worried about a bit of rain cooling me down.

[RonK]

Anyone used Montane's Velocity jacket? Supposedly cycling specific. Not sure if it's a worthwhile investment.

It may be - depends on your purposes, but it's not a touring jacket.

[sogood]

It may be - depends on your purposes, but it's not a touring jacket.

Oh. In what ways? For lack of a hood?

[il padrone]

Don't bother with a hood. Shower cap over the helmet is just as good

[sogood]

I actually find that the jacket on my bare skin doesn't seem to work too well. It seems clammy and feels damp. Better to have a full layer on underneath...

You are not the only one. A membrane barrier will never be as breathable as exposed skin and with exposed skin, sweat can still accumulate. So it's impossible for a direct membrane/skin interface to be dry when working away.

[sogood]

Don't bother with a hood. Shower cap over the helmet is just as good

Thanks. I wasn't doubting whether a shower cap is sufficient but was trying to work out what RonK considers to be essential in a touring rain jacket.

[il padrone]

Yes, I'm not so sure myself, speaking as a dedicated touring cyclist. My Showerpass Elite does not have a hood. I could buy one but the shower cap is cheaper and more versatile. When off the bike I use a Watership Trading waxed hat, or cotton hat in summer. Otherwise the only other things that are handy are sleeve gussets and pit-zips for ventilation and a few pockets.

Re the Montane jacket, I suspect that it may be made of quite lightweight fabric (stated as nylon), which can be flappy on windy rides and long-term is more prone to deterioration. For touring I prefer a slightly more robust fabric that doesn't flap and can take a bit of wear.

[Baalzamon]

Yes, I'm not so sure myself, speaking as a dedicated touring cyclist. My Showerpass Elite does not have a hood. I could buy one but the shower cap is cheaper and more versatile. When off the bike I use a Watership Trading waxed hat, or cotton hat in summer. Otherwise the only other things that are handy are sleeve gussets and pit-zips for ventilation and a few pockets.

Re the Montane jacket, I suspect that it may be made of quite lightweight fabric (stated as nylon), which can be flappy on windy rides and long-term is more prone to deterioration. For touring I prefer a slightly more robust fabric that doesn't flap and can take a bit of wear.

And I find that the showerpass hood with a helmet on is useless. Obscures your vision when using helmet. A shower cap is better on the helmet.

[sogood]

Yes, I'm not so sure myself, speaking as a dedicated touring cyclist. My Showerpass Elite does not have a hood. I could buy one but the shower cap is cheaper and more versatile. When off the bike I use a Watership Trading waxed hat, or cotton hat in summer. Otherwise the only other things that are handy are sleeve gussets and pit-zips for ventilation and a few pockets.

The only thing I can think of of a touring rain jacket is its utility both on and off the bike, hence the hook and potentially a more durable material. Will wait for Ron to clarify his thoughts.

Re the Montane jacket, I suspect that it may be made of quite lightweight fabric (stated as nylon), which can be flappy on windy rides and long-term is more prone to deterioration. For touring I prefer a slightly more robust fabric that doesn't flap and can take a bit of wear.

I understand that the Montane jacket is thin and very lightweight, hence suitable for the jersey pocket. May or may not satisfy your durability requirement. Noticed it selling for around $115. Not bad.

[RonK]

It may be - depends on your purposes, but it's not a touring jacket.

Oh. In what ways? For lack of a hood?

No - personally I don't like hoods, so definitely not that, but no pit zips, no back vent, and no adjustable cuffs - very important for good ventilation. Add to that the fabric is very light and less breathable than eVent, and probably less durable. Even with eVent fabric, a jacket quickly becomes a sauna when the temp is much over 10 degrees.

I have used a disposable shower cap and still carry a few with me, but a Taiga Helmet Cover will stop the rain going down the back of your neck.

[sogood]

No - personally I don't like hoods, so definitely not that, but no pit zips, no back vent, and no adjustable cuffs - very important for good ventilation. Add to that the fabric is very light and less breathable than eVent, and probably less durable. Even with eVent fabric, a jacket quickly becomes a sauna when the temp is much over 10 degrees.

Got it. I agree, the lack of pit zip and back vent may be a bit straining for our warmer conditions. But the Montane Velocity has adjustable cuffs, just for the record.

[il padrone]

The only thing I can think of of a touring rain jacket is its utility both on and off the bike,

The Showerspass Elite is more of a dedicated cycling jacket in this respect. It has a very short front on it. A couple of front hand pockets would also be.... handy I'm OK with it, but an extra 50cm in length would be better. Their new Refuge jacket is probably going to be better in this respect, has more length and pockets as it is a real multi-sport outdoor jacket.

[RonK]

For warmer conditions (>10 degrees) I've been considering a Ground Effect Flash Gordon. It is made from Hydrofoil, which has the same breathability characteristics as eVent, but has removeable sleeves.



Likewise I found the Ground Effect Jetson worked well for me in showery weather in EnZed last Spring, and it's available in a Turbine long-sleeved version as well. Not quite as breathable, but soft and stretchy, and quite pleasant to wear.




Actually the Jetson worked so well my ideal top would be a Turbine with removable sleeves. Perhaps a Castelli Gabba Convertible Jersey.