Clothing advice - breathable waterproofs

negativelycra

Hi forum,

I'm a newbie, and have so far managed to fall into the trap of buying the wrong thing, and having to get another one quite a bit!

At the mo, I have a DHB Signal jacket for wet - it's not breathable. If I go up hills, I end up as wet with it as I would without it. I can open the zips and it's better, but it's still not ideal.

I also spent what feels like a small fortune on a BBB packable rain / wind thingie to fit in a jersey pocket, it's worse than not breathable, makes me sweat like a fat lass in a pie shop.

Can anyone reccomend a decent waterproof that doesn't make you into a human steam room? I'm not looking for warm, just dry - I can use other layers for warm.

Ideally, I'd like a thin, packable breathable waterproof in a really garish visible colour (other 2 tops bought for luminosity in winter). Failing that, I'll settle for non packable that I can use in non freezing weather...

Any advice greatfully recieved, NL

danlikesbikes

If you want me to be honest generally most waterproof tops are pretty poor at letting your body breathe.

When I looked for an "emergency" stuff it in my back pocket type of cape I went for a good windproof one which has a good shower proof coating & have worn it in some pretty heavy rain conditions. Also you tend to wind you still get a little bit wet either around the neck area or from the cuffs, but thats due to movement on the bike.

If you want a breathable waterproof you really need to look at winter style jackets that have multi layer and use materials such as Gortex and have ventilation points built in.

smidsy

When you invented it you will be very rich indeed. :-)

Basically despite whatever any particular manufacturer claims you will either get wet from the outside (if the top is not waterproof) or you will get wet from the inside (if it is waterproof).

Settle for being warm and the wet does not matter. Wind proofing is the key and materials like Windtex do a good job of that.

daviesee

Cheap, waterproof, breathable.
Choose any two from three, as the saying goes.

In my experience spending more helps but still won't be fully waterproof and breathable. Showerproof but not waterproof.
After having had many, many jackets, if I was starting from scratch in price order (lowest first) it would be:-
1. Cheap windproof. Not waterproof but will help and not be too "boil in the bag".
2. Gore products. More showerproof and still breathable but a touch of moisture from "boil in the bag".
3. Luxury brand products - Castelli, Assos, Rapha. Showerproof and breathable.

If you can afford it, go straight to option 3 and save the money you will otherwise spend anyway. I have spent more accumulating "cheap" jackets than either my Rapha or Castelli cost.

wishitwasallflat

IME the only breathable fabric that works is Gore Tex and even then if your working hard it will need vents as well to cope. I have given up myself and have settled for a warm jersey (with or without base layer) with a windproof and waterproof fronted gillet with mesh back and just accept I will get wet if it rains (I prefer that to boil-in-the-bag myself) but I'm skint so don't have much choice.

MichaelW

When you are wearing a breathable waterproof you have to ride with a bit of care regarding your work rate. If it is cold and wet, then riding up a sweat inside your waterproof can be uncomfortable and even dangerous.
Only wear your waterproof when it is raining. In the dry, a windproof is much better.
Wear it as an extra layer if you are cold or when you stop.
Dont wear too much insulation under the waterproof.
Go easy up hills, esp on longer rides when you will be out for hours. Winter is traditionally the season for long, steady rides rather then speed training.

foggymike

Smidsy nailed it. Nothing, and I mean nothing at all at any price, will breathe enough for you not to get home soaking wet if you ride even quite hard in a waterproof. Just keep warm and ride safe 8)

keef66

For 95% of my winter riding I wear my Gore Phantom over a baselayer. Windproof, showerproof and warm, and very breathable.
For the odd occasion I'm riding in heavy rain I have a Goretex Paclite shell. This is 100% waterproof, and impressively breathable, but still get some condensation on the taped seams and pocket areas.

If I had to choose one it would be the softshell Phantom

passout

Look at Gore or Mavic (H2o).

daniel_b

passout wrote:

Look at Gore or Mavic (H2o).

+1

My phantom gets a lot of use, and the h2o was a bargain at 76 pounds, allegedly has an rrp of 215.

Check out the reviews online - think mine is classed as the winter jacket.

2 vents down the side and a very clever vented zip system that lets some air in should you want.

vorsprung

I have three coats that are waterproof and breatheable

1) Paramo velez - this is too warm for use in the summer but other than that, great. Price is more than £150 now

2) a Montane eVent coat - a model that's not made any more. It has a design flaw in that the pockets fill with water. Other than that, pretty good. Can't get them anymore, cost me £100 as an end of line a couple of years ago

3) Gore Oxygen IV- this is the most minimal coat, it is super light, racing cut, not as water proof as the other two but good enough to ride through storms on the mountains in northern wales etc. Price is now £120 istr

I am going to probably buy another Paramo, as they are totally great. The coat I'd like (Velez Light) is £180 though

negativelycra

Thanks for the advice evryone, much appreciated!
Now, which jacket do i need to be able to ride in the snow? Will any stop me falling off?

smidsy

A very bright one (to make up for being so dumb as to go out in the snow) so they can see to dig you out. :-)