The Chainlink

Recommendations for inexpensive winter/rain cycling jacket

After getting soaked inside my barely breathable cheapo rain jacket during the recent rains, I'm looking for something a little better designed. Since I want to commute as much as possible through winter I'm wondering if I can get away with breathable waterproof rain jacket to keep out the nastiest stuff and simply layer up underneath. On some of the absolutely bitter cold days I'll likely just be driving in to work or taking mass transit. I've been poring over numerous websites and reviews and just can't seem to come to a firm decision on any particular jacket. I like the idea of ones with hoods, particularly hoods that can fit over the helmet. I guess an alternative would be a hood-less jacket coupled with a waterproof helmet cover. Ideally I don't want to have to spend more than right around $100 max, since I'm still having to shell out a lot of money for other winter cycling stuff like heavy weight tights, long sleeve jerseys, fenders, etc. I know it's all about "you get what you pay for" but I can't believe that there isn't a decent quality jacket out there that costs less than $100. Suggestions?

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Permalink Reply by Adam Sterling on November 8, 2011 at 2:31pm

I rode in today with this stuff:

 

Jacket 

Pants

They are waterproof, are far from breathable (the jacket at least), but fit your price range.

 

Personally, I'd say you're going to have to bump up your top $end if you want something that's going to last you awhile, and actually work (breath). I have used various hard shell jackets over the past three years of 365-rainorshineorwhateverelse commuting. I don't know whether bumping up the budget is realistic for you or not, but I'd look to get a nice shell jacket that can do many things, as opposed to cycling specific clothing. I have the same philosophy with winter footwear; why spend money on something you'll only use when cycling, vs. something you can use in many applications. You'll end up getting use out of a shell as a raincoat or windlayer when you're not biking, likewise with a decent pair of boots that don't have clips in the sole. Don't much money on pants. As long as they shed water you should be OK, breathability is much more important on the top half.

 

As others have said, in my experience if you're biking, there really isn't any waterproof/breathable garment that's going to be able to breath as fast as you can sweat. A mesh liner is a nice touch, but that's not going to come unless you're spending more money on a shell. I had a Mountain Hardware shell, and a North Face shell, both of which were Gore-Tex. GT is expensive, but at the same time, if it ever fails, GT will replace the item, or give you credit towards a purchase. This is not BS, it's happened to me twice, I currently have a $300 credit w Mountain Hardware after I roached the pitzips on my shell by not being gentle enough with them, after several years of abuse/use.

 

I'd also avoid spending too much money on long undies (hi there, $martwool), esp. on the legs. Your legs go numb, sure, but they warm right back up when you get inside. Warming your core, hands, feet, and face are much more important in my experience. Cold legs are annoying, freezing hands will make you turn back. I have several pair of military BDU pants that I wear when biking in the winter. They are generally a heavier fabric, wear like iron, and are often poly/cotton blend, meaning they'll turn a little bit of wind or rain (I only wore long undie pants twice last year) don't get stinky too easy, and tend to dry fast.

Permalink Reply by Zoetrope on November 8, 2011 at 3:35pm

I posted this in the bike winter group.  http://www.lapolicegear.com/hitech-mystic-mountain-shell.html

 

 

Permalink Reply by David P. on November 9, 2011 at 9:36pm

I've also got a Marmot Precip. It's not my primary rain jacket for cycling, but it was the first rain jacket I used cycling, and it is the one I've been wearing lately until I renew the waterproof coating on my REI ain jacket. Somehow I got mine, used for one weekend and with no faults, for $7 at an REI garage sale. To kiltedcelt, I don't miss not having a long tail on it. I've never unsnapped the long tail on my REI jacket. While it is not cut with the extra-long tail that cycling jackets tend to have, it is cut a few inches lower in the back than in the front. I ride with about a 45 degree back angle and it give plenty of coverage. I have full fenders, so keeping my lower back wind-free and dry from above is the only need. It works well with layers - about as well as my other jacket. As far as the lower limit, I've not really tested it. When it was my only rain/winter jacket, it was my first winter riding and I stopped having fun at low 20s F so I stopped riding. It kept me plenty warm at that temp with appropriate dressing. My only complaint about it is that the collar, into which the hoods stuffs when you aren't using it, is rather bulky and can keep some sweat on my neck at times. I find that it works very well and it is versatile since, after all, it is not a cycling jacket. I use mine mostly as a rain jacket for hiking and backpacking.

 

David

Permalink Reply by Anand Kalelkar on November 9, 2011 at 10:46pm

Here's the opposite of what you asked for:

 

Criterion Cycling Jacket

 

Permalink Reply by S.Presley☠ on November 10, 2011 at 1:51pm

Just picked this up at the thrift store on Elston and Kimball...I keep my eyes pealed for bargains...

$20...if it was Monday, it would have been $10(half price day)

Permalink Reply by Zoetrope on November 10, 2011 at 5:07pm

Awesome find!  High-vis yellow and everything.  Does it have pit zips too?  

Permalink Reply by S.Presley☠ on November 10, 2011 at 11:08pm

yes it does...I was blown away by this find. Everyone says I'm crazy...but I find some good stuff...gotta be faithful and willing to sift through the racks.

Brendan said:

Awesome find!  High-vis yellow and everything.  Does it have pit zips too?  

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