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 Holly on September 22, 2011 at 3:14am

If you're looking for cycling specific and want something that will last, I think Endura jackets are really great. They're outside your budget, but they do lined jackets that are really nice. If you plan on continuing to ride in the cold weather, it might be worth it to invest. 

 

I'd be less interested in having a lined jacket, and more inclined to spend the money on good waterproof boots and better quality wool layers.

Permalink Reply by Kevin Mulcky on September 22, 2011 at 6:07am
fyi: REI-Outlet stuff does not count towards the dividend
Permalink Reply by S on September 22, 2011 at 6:17am
Another suggestions is the O2 rain jacket.  It's superlight, breathable, and waterproof cycling jacket.  The only problem is that it is a really thin material that can tear moderately easily, and you'll need layers underneath for warmth.  The upside is that it's about $20-25 so it's easily replaceable.
Permalink Reply by Mike Zumwalt on September 22, 2011 at 7:59am

I got one for free  a few years ago but it's really nice, lined collar, hoodie and numerous vents only problem is wearing it a sun shower and the backpack not letting air through the back vents.

 

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=tingley+rain+coats&hl=...

Permalink Reply by Jen Pagonis on November 3, 2011 at 7:52am
it says it's discontinued? sad. :(

kiltedcelt said:

Problem solved:

I bought this particular jacket in the Hi-vis yellow:

 

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/altura-night-vision-waterproof-cycling-jack...

 

Seems to be a well-made jacket, gets rave reviews (84 of 88 reviewers would recommend it), has pit zips and a rear vent and was only $83 shipped.

Permalink Reply by Kevin Mulcky on November 3, 2011 at 8:00am

I'm trying out a Dry Duks rainsuit today.

 

They can be found online for less than $20 for a full rain suit. I'll update this thread with a review after a few wet rides. I got to work this morning totally dry - and not too hot at all, but the baggy suit made for a slow ride in the high winds. The suit is very lightweight and packs down small, I've added the kit to my winter saddlebag setup (shoe covers, extra gloves, goggles, and plastic bags).

Permalink Reply by Jen Pagonis on November 3, 2011 at 8:12am
thanks!

Kelvin Mulcky said:

I'm trying out a Dry Duks rainsuit today.

 

They can be found online for less than $20 for a full rain suit. I'll update this thread with a review after a few wet rides. I got to work this morning totally dry - and not too hot at all, but the baggy suit made for a slow ride in the high winds. The suit is very lightweight and packs down small, I've added the kit to my winter saddlebag setup (shoe covers, extra gloves, goggles, and plastic bags).

Permalink Reply by S.Presley☠ on November 3, 2011 at 10:30am

I went to the second hand stores near my house and spent some "quality time" searching the racks, and found the all weather jacket I am using this winter. It was found at the salvation army on  Montrose and Spaulding.

I also picked up some great gloves/Mittens at the Belmont Army surplus...
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Permalink Reply by Jamais716 on November 8, 2011 at 6:27am

Did you ride in today?  How'd it work out?



Kelvin Mulcky said:

I'm trying out a Dry Duks rainsuit today.

 

They can be found online for less than $20 for a full rain suit. I'll update this thread with a review after a few wet rides. I got to work this morning totally dry - and not too hot at all, but the baggy suit made for a slow ride in the high winds. The suit is very lightweight and packs down small, I've added the kit to my winter saddlebag setup (shoe covers, extra gloves, goggles, and plastic bags).

Permalink Reply by Jen Pagonis on November 8, 2011 at 6:46am
yes, the people want to know! also, can you comment on the material. it looks like a unique material that i've never seen before...
Permalink Reply by Kevin Mulcky on November 8, 2011 at 7:08am

I did.And, I was as dry as I've ever been with more expensive rain gear. It worked very well!

 

I wore the Dru Duks suit over my normal work clothes with a light jacket. I also wore canvas splats and a brimmed cap, and gloves covered with plastic bags. I arrived to work totally dry (except soggy beard), with dry shoes, and relatively comfortable.

 

My upper body was getting a little warm by the time i arrived at work (5 mile commute), but I wasn't sweaty. My lower body was comfortable.

 

The Dry Duks suit is very minimal; it is light and fragile and has a baggy cut. Definitely not designed for cyclists. You have to be very careful no to snag the suit. It is designed to wear over your clothes with no pockets or reflective elements. The legs are a bit short for cycling, but fine for hiking. You can easily take the pants off over your shoes or boots. I cinched both leg cuffs to keep them from interferring with the bike.

 

I'm 6'0" and bought a medium.

 

Jamais716 said:

Did you ride in today?  How'd it work out?

Permalink Reply by Adam Sterling on November 8, 2011 at 9:31am

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.

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