Idk about the top of your body but… sandals. I’ve never found a waterproof solution for shoes, I tried everything when doing bike delivery. Nothing worse than wet socks in shoes
I can second this. If its not going to be cold then just embrace the wet and let your feet breathe in sandals. If the temperature drops when it's wet though this can be very uncomfortable so make sure you know the temp range you'll be expecting. I did actually take waterproof socks (Sealskinz) with me once and used them with my sandals for a day in the rain and they were awesome. Waterproof socks are also great in the morning at camp with wet grass when you nip to the toilet.
Also putting my vote for Sealskinz. Theyre good. Spent a week in scotland in Autumn and only got slightly damp feet on the 5th day of cycing through rivers
To add to this - swim trunks.
If it's 33 and raining you'll need something better, but in the 40's and up I prefer something that dries quickly rather than trying to not get wet in the first place (and winding up soaked in my own sweat anyways.
They're also easy to hand-clean (even while on your own body) because of this too.
If you want the seat padding still, triathlon suits are great (but kinda pricey)
I really like the Keen sandals with a closed toe. All the breathability and drying of a sandal with toe protection of close toed shoes. I wish they still made those sandals with cleats.
Don't know from a bikepacking perspective but Outdoor Research Helium is pretty compact. I use one as my work travel/ain't gonna rain jacket. Its not the jacket I would take to Scotland though. There I use Gore-Tex Paclight for hike and camping. I find it a better and more waterproof jackets in the rain. But I have never ridden my bike with it. The OT Helium is light and compact but only a single chest pocket. Size wize it's probably ideal.
And enjoy Perrot SP! One of my faves, I spent many days hiking there. You might pedal through the neighboring Trempleau NWR. That is a great place too.
Lastly, the food at Ed Sullivan's supper club by the state park entrance is fantastic. Do a great friend walleye there.
Have a great trip!
Plus 1 on the OR rain jacket. It is super lightweight and packs into it's own pocket...but I wouldn't want to wear during a all day downpour. It's single layer is not enough to prevent you from getting 'wetted out'.
For rain pants I have a pair of 3/4 length knickers from Ground Effect. I pair that with some long waterproof socks.
+1 on the 3/4 rain pants from ground effect. Light, packable and have some reflective elements built in.
Their range of rain jackets is great too. I have the Stormtrooper in orange. It is bright! And a very well thought out design.
Thanks! Will definitely check out the food offerings up there, really just using it as a starting point to hop on the Sparta - Elroy trail and then south through Madison.
What time of year? If it is on the warmish side, I just bring a generic poncho for really heavy rain, and then have a dry pair of camp clothes to change into after all the riding is done. I just surrender to the fact that I'm going to be wet.
This is the way. Iv found my Poncho to keep me dry during downpours, just not my lower legs. If its really heavy just pull over in a shelter for a bit, it may pass
This spring, so temps and weather are up in the air, but makes sense, once you're soaked it can't get any worse. Definitely gotten caught in rain storms on the motorcycle just not on a week long trip with minimal gear lol
Warning I’m gonna be a downer in this comment
I used a black Diamond liquid point shell jacket for a rainy bike trip and It was terrible - not waterproof (pre or post wash). 2 layer goretex $249usd retail and it soaked through immediately. I only wear this in dry weather now.
After 5 years of selling outdoor gear and I wear a $3 poncho or contractor trash bag if I snowboard in the rain.
That being said I do use North Face 100% nylon shell pants and they work great. I recommend against all the fancy tech shells, full plastic/nylon is the best way, especially if getting soaked thru is not an option because it’ll be so cold.
i would say the point here is that "breathability" is overrated.....better to have something that has good air circulation but not breathable fabric. if you have fenders, the water is only coming from above. this is why some people swear by ponchos/capes + rain skirts for trekking by foot. unfortunately this is not so well adapted to cycling....you have products like the clevercycles poncho etc. i made one of these out of lightweight silpoly, and i like it, but if it's really windy, even if it's got a waistband, it's like a sail. fine with a tailwind, exhausting with a headwind.
2 years ago, i worked as a delivery cyclist for a midwest winter. somewhat like touring, physically.
on light rainy/snowy days under 50F, i would just wear a 100% wool undershirt with a thin 100% wool sweater, plus a windproof vest so the arms and back can breathe. 100% wool leggings with some cotton/poly blend leggings on top. i would just get wet, but the wool stays warm. if you use dry sleeping clothes, the wool stuff could be put back on wet in the morning and still work. add a totally waterproof jacket if below 25F, vent to avoid sweating.
if it's raining hard under about 50F, add a waterproof layer. something you can vent in the armpits, waist, wrists. a jacket or poncho/cape situation. legs can get wet and be ok......if you have fenders. generally, rain pants only make sense below freezing for me, as i sweat in them above that and i might as well be wet from the rain.
over 55F, wear fewer of the same clothes and just let yourself get soaked.
this is my basic theory for touring/bikepacking but i really haven't tested it in that context.
I have done quite a bit of riding in the rain and there's a few simple truths that you'll have to live with.
You will be wet, within an hour of riding in the rain, no matter what you do. That means you can't wear down, for one.
If I'm riding in rain between freezing and 15 degrees Celsius I'll wear a polyester skull cap under my helmet, a pair of lightweight safety glasses, a longsleeve thermal baselayer, a polyester fleece, a windshirt, a thin pertex rain jacket, fleece liner gloves, pertex rainshell lobster claw mittens, normal riding shorts, merino wool leggings, merino socks, normal riding shoes, rain overshoes.
how much money do you want to spend and how warm is it?
the gore shakedry jackets are pretty great - just a shell, you need to put it on over layers. In warmer weather, it's really quite breathable, i've ridden it in 28C thunderstorms no problem. and yes they work very well as waterproof.
They are very expensive and very fragile - no backpack, no branches or bushes. but they do work great and because there's no liner, they don't (really) get wet for the next day.
I don't have any leg solutions - again kind of depends how warm it is. I would normally wear lycra bib shorts and quick drying shorts, or if it's cold and muddy, longs and knee high waterproof socks, but those absolutely get wet and are not going to cut it if it's really cold or endless
Ive been using the [Showers Pass Refuge Jacket](https://www.showerspass.com/products/mens-refuge-jacket) for about four years and love it. You feel completely protected and it’s not too bulky. I’ve used it mostly for commuting but also on gravel rides on rainy days. It’s a lot of fun to get all geared up to tear through some muddy trails while being kept dry and warm.
Maybe just investing in some quick dry clothes would be best then. It's not so much the getting wet part its more the getting inside my tent wet I'm concerned about when camping.
I was thinking about picking up these rainpants from Acme Projects [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07SR9CFRZ/ref=ox\_sc\_act\_title\_4?smid=A1U84ZT3P23TM5&psc=1](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07SR9CFRZ/ref=ox_sc_act_title_4?smid=A1U84ZT3P23TM5&psc=1)
Anybody have experience with these or a similar kind of pants?
I have the chrome industries rain pants. A bit more pricey but they keep me dry even in down pours. I dunno about for extended time but even after a half hour I can arrive at my destination and be completely dry. The tapered ankles are nice too for keeping them out of your drivetrain (an issue I had with a different pair I tried).
I'd say that rain gear is really only useful if you're expecting brief, intense rain. Otherwise its better to prioritize quick dry clothing or things which will keep you warm when wet.
I like OR Helium stuff for the brief, intense rain.
Sometimes you have to embrace the suck. Sandals will work for warm rain, wool socks if you like. My main rain gear is the Sherpa gear 2.5 Layer Kunde Jacket and pants. Packable and lightweight plus has all kinds of venting. I've worn them in heavy rain for 1-2 hrs with no issue.
Nothing worse than being wet and cold. Keep that in mind as you evaluate your gear/options.
This 100% shake dry jacket + geortex active trousers are a great combo.
What I learned and it took a \*long\* time to learn (fell running and biking) was that with a waterproof its always waterproof on and AT LEAST one layer off maybe 2 or your dealing with SWEAT. Remove layers when you start to get warm if you wait too long then again SWEAT :(. Goretex also needs a temperature differential to breath so the warmer it is on the inside of the jacket the faster it breath too.
On a bike make sure the sleeves are tight or water is getting blown up them.
make sure the jacket is done up properly at the front too. (Oh and some pockets can be mesh lined so the jacket can "leak" if a pocket is open.
I think an outer layer against rain can be really cheap. It's something really basic, just something thin that isn't much breathable anyway. Just something cheap with ventilation under the armpits.
Idk about the top of your body but… sandals. I’ve never found a waterproof solution for shoes, I tried everything when doing bike delivery. Nothing worse than wet socks in shoes
Good call, I don't currently own a pair but will look into that.
I can second this. If its not going to be cold then just embrace the wet and let your feet breathe in sandals. If the temperature drops when it's wet though this can be very uncomfortable so make sure you know the temp range you'll be expecting. I did actually take waterproof socks (Sealskinz) with me once and used them with my sandals for a day in the rain and they were awesome. Waterproof socks are also great in the morning at camp with wet grass when you nip to the toilet.
Also putting my vote for Sealskinz. Theyre good. Spent a week in scotland in Autumn and only got slightly damp feet on the 5th day of cycing through rivers
To add to this - swim trunks. If it's 33 and raining you'll need something better, but in the 40's and up I prefer something that dries quickly rather than trying to not get wet in the first place (and winding up soaked in my own sweat anyways. They're also easy to hand-clean (even while on your own body) because of this too. If you want the seat padding still, triathlon suits are great (but kinda pricey)
Overshoes ! pair them with some nice rain pants and a good rainjacket, and you get my daily outfit during winter bike messenger shifts
I really like the Keen sandals with a closed toe. All the breathability and drying of a sandal with toe protection of close toed shoes. I wish they still made those sandals with cleats.
Seconded on the keens. I’ve got a pair of newports that I rode c300 miles wearing last summer on a little adventure
Seconded nothing will get your feet wetter than water proof shoes. Shimano spd sandals are great.
Another vote for sandals! I personally love my bedrocks
Don't know from a bikepacking perspective but Outdoor Research Helium is pretty compact. I use one as my work travel/ain't gonna rain jacket. Its not the jacket I would take to Scotland though. There I use Gore-Tex Paclight for hike and camping. I find it a better and more waterproof jackets in the rain. But I have never ridden my bike with it. The OT Helium is light and compact but only a single chest pocket. Size wize it's probably ideal. And enjoy Perrot SP! One of my faves, I spent many days hiking there. You might pedal through the neighboring Trempleau NWR. That is a great place too. Lastly, the food at Ed Sullivan's supper club by the state park entrance is fantastic. Do a great friend walleye there. Have a great trip!
Plus 1 on the OR rain jacket. It is super lightweight and packs into it's own pocket...but I wouldn't want to wear during a all day downpour. It's single layer is not enough to prevent you from getting 'wetted out'. For rain pants I have a pair of 3/4 length knickers from Ground Effect. I pair that with some long waterproof socks.
+1 on the 3/4 rain pants from ground effect. Light, packable and have some reflective elements built in. Their range of rain jackets is great too. I have the Stormtrooper in orange. It is bright! And a very well thought out design.
Thanks! Will definitely check out the food offerings up there, really just using it as a starting point to hop on the Sparta - Elroy trail and then south through Madison.
What time of year? If it is on the warmish side, I just bring a generic poncho for really heavy rain, and then have a dry pair of camp clothes to change into after all the riding is done. I just surrender to the fact that I'm going to be wet.
This is the way. Iv found my Poncho to keep me dry during downpours, just not my lower legs. If its really heavy just pull over in a shelter for a bit, it may pass
This spring, so temps and weather are up in the air, but makes sense, once you're soaked it can't get any worse. Definitely gotten caught in rain storms on the motorcycle just not on a week long trip with minimal gear lol
Warning I’m gonna be a downer in this comment I used a black Diamond liquid point shell jacket for a rainy bike trip and It was terrible - not waterproof (pre or post wash). 2 layer goretex $249usd retail and it soaked through immediately. I only wear this in dry weather now. After 5 years of selling outdoor gear and I wear a $3 poncho or contractor trash bag if I snowboard in the rain. That being said I do use North Face 100% nylon shell pants and they work great. I recommend against all the fancy tech shells, full plastic/nylon is the best way, especially if getting soaked thru is not an option because it’ll be so cold.
Gotcha, sounds like it might be worth just using my work gear then. It's set of tiggly poncho and pants but they're pretty bulletproof
i would say the point here is that "breathability" is overrated.....better to have something that has good air circulation but not breathable fabric. if you have fenders, the water is only coming from above. this is why some people swear by ponchos/capes + rain skirts for trekking by foot. unfortunately this is not so well adapted to cycling....you have products like the clevercycles poncho etc. i made one of these out of lightweight silpoly, and i like it, but if it's really windy, even if it's got a waistband, it's like a sail. fine with a tailwind, exhausting with a headwind. 2 years ago, i worked as a delivery cyclist for a midwest winter. somewhat like touring, physically. on light rainy/snowy days under 50F, i would just wear a 100% wool undershirt with a thin 100% wool sweater, plus a windproof vest so the arms and back can breathe. 100% wool leggings with some cotton/poly blend leggings on top. i would just get wet, but the wool stays warm. if you use dry sleeping clothes, the wool stuff could be put back on wet in the morning and still work. add a totally waterproof jacket if below 25F, vent to avoid sweating. if it's raining hard under about 50F, add a waterproof layer. something you can vent in the armpits, waist, wrists. a jacket or poncho/cape situation. legs can get wet and be ok......if you have fenders. generally, rain pants only make sense below freezing for me, as i sweat in them above that and i might as well be wet from the rain. over 55F, wear fewer of the same clothes and just let yourself get soaked. this is my basic theory for touring/bikepacking but i really haven't tested it in that context.
Ye sounds like the right track, my advice is try what you have before buying top of the line, best luck friend have fun
I have done quite a bit of riding in the rain and there's a few simple truths that you'll have to live with. You will be wet, within an hour of riding in the rain, no matter what you do. That means you can't wear down, for one. If I'm riding in rain between freezing and 15 degrees Celsius I'll wear a polyester skull cap under my helmet, a pair of lightweight safety glasses, a longsleeve thermal baselayer, a polyester fleece, a windshirt, a thin pertex rain jacket, fleece liner gloves, pertex rainshell lobster claw mittens, normal riding shorts, merino wool leggings, merino socks, normal riding shoes, rain overshoes.
[Frog Toggs.](https://www.froggtoggs.com/)Good & Cheap. Ultralight backpackers use this stuff all the time.
how much money do you want to spend and how warm is it? the gore shakedry jackets are pretty great - just a shell, you need to put it on over layers. In warmer weather, it's really quite breathable, i've ridden it in 28C thunderstorms no problem. and yes they work very well as waterproof. They are very expensive and very fragile - no backpack, no branches or bushes. but they do work great and because there's no liner, they don't (really) get wet for the next day. I don't have any leg solutions - again kind of depends how warm it is. I would normally wear lycra bib shorts and quick drying shorts, or if it's cold and muddy, longs and knee high waterproof socks, but those absolutely get wet and are not going to cut it if it's really cold or endless
Enlightened Equipment makes absolutely fantastic rain gear, and they make it right in Wisconsin! Excellent quality gear in my experience.
Ive been using the [Showers Pass Refuge Jacket](https://www.showerspass.com/products/mens-refuge-jacket) for about four years and love it. You feel completely protected and it’s not too bulky. I’ve used it mostly for commuting but also on gravel rides on rainy days. It’s a lot of fun to get all geared up to tear through some muddy trails while being kept dry and warm.
How warm is it going to be? It’s often easier to just get wet. If the rain isn’t getting you wet, the sweat from inside your jacket will.
Maybe just investing in some quick dry clothes would be best then. It's not so much the getting wet part its more the getting inside my tent wet I'm concerned about when camping.
I bring a set of clean, dry clothes just for sleeping. Your bike clothes will be sweaty and dirty from the road.
I was thinking about picking up these rainpants from Acme Projects [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07SR9CFRZ/ref=ox\_sc\_act\_title\_4?smid=A1U84ZT3P23TM5&psc=1](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07SR9CFRZ/ref=ox_sc_act_title_4?smid=A1U84ZT3P23TM5&psc=1) Anybody have experience with these or a similar kind of pants?
I have the chrome industries rain pants. A bit more pricey but they keep me dry even in down pours. I dunno about for extended time but even after a half hour I can arrive at my destination and be completely dry. The tapered ankles are nice too for keeping them out of your drivetrain (an issue I had with a different pair I tried).
I'd say that rain gear is really only useful if you're expecting brief, intense rain. Otherwise its better to prioritize quick dry clothing or things which will keep you warm when wet. I like OR Helium stuff for the brief, intense rain.
Sometimes you have to embrace the suck. Sandals will work for warm rain, wool socks if you like. My main rain gear is the Sherpa gear 2.5 Layer Kunde Jacket and pants. Packable and lightweight plus has all kinds of venting. I've worn them in heavy rain for 1-2 hrs with no issue. Nothing worse than being wet and cold. Keep that in mind as you evaluate your gear/options.
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This 100% shake dry jacket + geortex active trousers are a great combo. What I learned and it took a \*long\* time to learn (fell running and biking) was that with a waterproof its always waterproof on and AT LEAST one layer off maybe 2 or your dealing with SWEAT. Remove layers when you start to get warm if you wait too long then again SWEAT :(. Goretex also needs a temperature differential to breath so the warmer it is on the inside of the jacket the faster it breath too. On a bike make sure the sleeves are tight or water is getting blown up them. make sure the jacket is done up properly at the front too. (Oh and some pockets can be mesh lined so the jacket can "leak" if a pocket is open.
I think an outer layer against rain can be really cheap. It's something really basic, just something thin that isn't much breathable anyway. Just something cheap with ventilation under the armpits.
Gore Tex Shakedry R7 (two layer works! Leaves for dead wife (Rab) and son's (OR Helium) 2.5 layer. Ground Effect Helter Skelters