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 Kevin Mulcky on September 21, 2011 at 7:23am

Try checking out Marshall's or TJ Maxx. I got my Cloudveil Jacket there for about 60% off. I think I payed about $50. Get something with as many ventilating zippers as you can find.

 

In my experience, hoods over helmets don't function well, even when they're designed with a helmet in mind. Try a wool cycling cap under your helmet.

 

A cheap way out is to just get a rain cape/poncho thing. They are the most breathable, and very comfotable - they're just really dorky and not good in high wind.

 

 

Permalink Reply by MagMileMarauder on September 21, 2011 at 8:18am
How about this rain suit?  About $70 without shipping. You'll still need waterproof boots or galoches. (which as goofy as the name sounds, they work great for me).
Permalink Reply by Kevin Mulcky on September 21, 2011 at 8:21am

Maybe try something at Department of Goods if you're looking for a good deal. Rain coats are usally cut low in the back so i wouldn't worry about buying a cycling specific jacket; they're usually too tight, and don't allow any layers underneath. You're going to be generating a lot of moisture inside the jacket from sweat and body heat and a tight jacket will just cause your under-layers to get soaked.

 

It sounds like you've already read the online reviews, what are you looking for here? I guess i don't know you, or if you're a racer-type or commuter. Maybe you change clothes at work? Maybe you like to look stylish? Those are all factors to consider...

 

I recommended the rain cape because it sounded like you needed to save money. I know it's unpopular, but the idea behind the rain cape is that if you already have a well equipped commuter bike you don't have to buy a special coat, pants, shoes, bag, gloves, jerseys, etc.

Permalink Reply by Gin on September 21, 2011 at 8:28am
You can get by with a waterproof, windproof jacket with pit zips as your winter outerlayer. I got a Marmot precip jacket from REI that I have been happy with.
Permalink Reply by Kevin C Dormant on September 21, 2011 at 8:36am
And Sierra Trading Post almost always has some Frog Toggs in inventory.

MagMileMarauder said:
How about this rain suit?  About $70 without shipping. You'll still need waterproof boots or galoches. (which as goofy as the name sounds, they work great for me).
Permalink Reply by Davo on September 21, 2011 at 8:41am

If you change at work, Id just wear layers of underarmor. That stuff wicks away your sweat and keeps you relitively dry. Then towel off at work.

 

Permalink Reply by Rich Scott on September 21, 2011 at 8:59am
besides being waterproof, IMHO the most important feature in a jacket are PIT ZIPS. Despite all the marketing mumbo jumbo rain jackets don't breath. Pit zips allow you to vent out, even in the rain. I agree with Gin, the Marmott Precip is a nice jacket and has pit zips.
Permalink Reply by Allen Wrench on September 21, 2011 at 3:32pm
I agree with all the folks who like zippers and vents. But save the big money. A 'breathable' jacket doesn't breathe enough to make any practical difference at all - the vapor permeability is minimal. Get anything waterproof with a good design and take off layers underneath if you're getting sweaty. The poncho at the top is perfect if there's not much wind - I use rain pants and a poncho with the sides zipped closed most of the time in the rain.
Permalink Reply by Holly on September 21, 2011 at 3:33pm

I wore this last year and found it to be effective. It really kept me dry. However, I can't vouch for its longevity. I may have to replace it after another season. I might get two more winters out of it. 

http://bikewinter.org/node/102

 

By and large, it seems to work well with a wool layer under it, sometimes 2 layers because I run fairly cold. I really like  that it has a snap down flap in the back for coverage and the sleeves are long enough so that when my arms are extended, everything stays covered. And it has pit zips. 

 

I got the jacket on sale for about $120 total. (They have coupons and store wide sales @ REI.)

 

Don't forget to buy the laundry detergent that's specifically made for tech gear. It's one way to ensure some longevity.

 

Oh, and since you have a little time to look around, f you find something you like that's out of budget, maybe you could try eBay after you know your size and the brand you like.  I got a Smartwool midweight sweater on eBay last year for less than $20.

 

Permalink Reply by Len Krietz on September 22, 2011 at 1:53am

I've used a Rain jacket from J&G (made in Oregon) for the past 2 years and love it.  They have both breathable and regular models. Lots of venting and big zippers under the arms.  Liked their quality so much I sprung for the rain pants which I use during all sub 25f commutes.

http://www.bicycleclothing.com/Waterproof-Breathable-Rain-Jackets.html

 

Permalink Reply by dan brown on September 22, 2011 at 2:35am
check out rei-outlet.com same great quality stuff, free shippong (as long as you pick it up at the store), and no return shipping (From the store) if you are not happy with it in any way.

DB
Permalink Reply by Duppie on September 22, 2011 at 2:56am

When you start to sweat inside the jacket, you're likely overdressed. When you start cycling you should feel cool, as if you are underdressed. Then after 5-10 minutes your body will start to generate enough heat to offset the underdressed feeling. If you sweat, next time try a thinner layer underneath the jacket.

It is one of the hardest thing this time of year with temps varying from day to day: making sure you dress apropriately, not too much, not too little.I usually error on the too little side and have an extra piece of clothing in my pannier, for days that I really misjudged it.

 

As other posters have suggested: Pit zips are a good feature to regulate your body temperature. And look at REI Outlet. I bought a Gore Bike Wear jacket for $100, an original MSRP was $200.


kiltedcelt said:

I think I'm leaning back towards cycling gear for a waterproof/windproof shell. I did some searching on the the Marmot jacket that a couple folks suggested and man were there some bad reviews on that item! I don't know whether it was a case of folks who just don't know that even with pit-zips most shells will make you sweat so you think it's leaking when in fact you're the one who's leaking. Anyway, a few cycling shells I've read about have the waterproof breathable layer and the inside is lined with a wicking mesh of some sort. I think I like that design better than a jacket without a liner. I just hate when you start to sweat inside the jacket and then the sleeves start sticking to you. I really prefer a drop-tail design as well.

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