As summer nears its end, I’m very curious to know what everyone does to handle the rain. For myself, I throw on a pair of rain pants over rubber rain boots with a GoreTex rain jacket.
At my work desk I have an old pair of Toms shoes that I bought at Goodwill that are super comfortable - I slip into them when I arrive and out of them when I leave.
I have a waterproof Timbuk2 saddlebag-style pannier, which I use to bring my lunchbox.
If you’re intimidated by riding in the rain, give it a try! It’s really quite invigorating and people will think you’re either crazy, or a badass. Both seem fine to me!
Seattle year round commuter. For my current short commute: a rain cape (poncho).
- it’s comfortable to wear both wet and dry
- easy on/easy off. Less fucking around trying to get geared up.
- I don’t sweat through my clothes because it ventilates like crazy
So many more reasons, but good lord those 3 are reason enough. Putting on still-wet gear at the end of the day is nasty.
I also wear rain-legs. I wear wool socks and sneakers (1 less piece of wet gear to deal with). No gloves (cape deals with the rain and wind).
Oh a rain cape! I am so interested in hearing about your experience… I’m very torn between dropping money on a Cleverhood rain cape or a Showers Pass rain jacket. Do you find that it actually protects your pants and shoes from getting wet? You mentioned rain-legs but those are just for your thighs, right?
I had a rain poncho last year but I’ve decided to get a cycling jacket for this year. This is mostly due to the fact that my commute includes a 3km stretch through fields were the wind seems to always be against me.
For my legs I’ve decided to simply bring a pair of pants with me that I can put on when I get to the office, this is since my legs have been drenched in sweat no matter what rain pants I’m wearing.
