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How do people on here feel about waterproof trousers?
They seem to be almost universally loathed as too hot / flappy to wear when cycling.
I feel the same way.
But on multiday tours that involve camping, I feel I should have some on board.
Am I missing some sorts that are aimed at cyclists in particular, that I might not have come across in the backpacking world?
I can't usually be bothered to stop to put such leg wear on until irredeemably wet through.
So apart from Paramo, are there any types of trousers that might be ok for cool weather, with likely rain, touring?
Thinking of the kind of conditions found in Scotland in the Autumn.
I have a pair of Montane, either the Atomic or Minimus waterproof trousers. Can't remember which one but take a look, think it is the Atomic. They have articulated knees and not too flappy, lightwieght and pack small. Used them past several years for both hill walking and mountain biking all over Scotland with no problems.
Edit: Its an older pair of Atomic DT trousers I have, look to be different to the new model Atomic.
My preference is for Gore waterproof shorts, not cheap but do the job. Just been on the Gore website and no longer there. Try a search for Gore Alp X waterproof shorts.
I avoid wearing waterproof legs as simply too sweaty - only exception would be high mountains in driving rain. Have some Endura Stealth tights but after a few hours, quite clammy and the water just fills yer boots!
Endura Stealth tights are fine for proper winter. Too warm for anything above 0C though. I'm not sure if the Pearl Izumi Amfibs are designed for milder temperatures.
Waterproof shorts are a good option. The issue is that the rain then runs down your legs and into your shoes/boots. I've found Gore socks are a good addition as they dry out fairly quick and let you wear wet boots comfortably.
Most folk I see cycling and wearing waterproof trousers are going pretty slow - presumably to prevent over-heating.
Can't see the point. Did lejog in autumnal conditions (it was summer). Bought some extra kit on the way but not waterproof trousers. The thought didn't occur.
I wear Army/Navy goretex overtrousers and they work fine . Cheap too.
rainlegs are great unless you're fashion conscious . No sweat but reasonable protection where it counts .
Thanks all 🙂
I agree in general re too sweaty.
It's just that getting cold thing; when pitching at the end of a wet day.
articulated knees, or shorts are going to help.
Maybe cycling britches might be the way to go, along with the long socks.
I think if you can keep your thighs from getting too cold the rest sorts itself legwise.
I wear waterproof socks inside trail shoes to keeps it versatile for backpacking side trips on the same tour.
Don't want to carry two pairs of footwear.
Thanks again for the suggestions.
Happy to have more!
Warm, waterproof, comfortable - choose two
If you follow the buffalo train of thought, it's better to be warm and comfortable at the expense of waterproof
Personally if its raining hard I wear waterproof trousers. My legs don't get sweaty so long as you are not overheating your whole body. Far more comfortable to me than getting wet.
Not heard of rainlegs before. But wondered about making something similar.
Liking the look of the 'deploy from the waist pouch' installation.
Would need to practice at home first, to keep the thing looking stylish!
Not sure if they've changed the design of rainlegs, but the straps round the back of your legs used to wick the water, or it ran along them, therefore wetting the back of your shorts.
How about my favourite Sprayway all day rainpants? Stretchy, not sweaty, but not bike specific, so you'll need trouser clips at the ankles! I used them all the time for cycling when I had no choice but to be out in the rain, and loved them.
On a cold, wet winter ride, it can make the difference between going out and staying in. I have a pair of walking waterproof trousers which are a bit loose round the hips but don't restrict my pedalling and are not too flappy round the ankles. On an all-day skills course last November when it rained heavily all day, I stayed dry and warm. Mr Pea has a pair of Endura MT 500s, which he describes as "alright, but don't come up far enough at the back"
I have a pair, generally dont like to wear them, but have come in handy a few times for cold, wet mountain descents.
I get what you're saying Lady Gresley,
I can see that being an issue.
Maybe some fiendishly cunning alternative method of attachment could be fashioned?
I know from experience of Scotttish weather that you often think Oh it'll stop in a bit, I can't be botheredto put on over trousers.and often it does stop..
But It could go either way in October, and setting up a tent when chilled/wet doesn't make for a happy camper IME
So put on full trousers maybe over the top once stopped?
I know paramo are good for using like that but they're heavy to be carrying in panniers most of the time.
As poster above said warm? comfortable? waterprof?
Especially if one needs to be stylish too 🙂
On a cold wet windy day in winter, I'd rather be warm and dry than looking cool. In my experience, barely anyone ventures out on bikes in those conditions so there's no one to see me looking deeply unfashionable!
I agree Vicky Pea...
The style worries weren't entirely serious 😉
Highland Cattle are notoriously unimpressed by fancy cycling garb IME.
And most pubs up that way are happy to have custom, however you're dressed.
Am going to investigate the w/p shorts as well, they could be just the thing over leggings. warmth, comfort, waterproof, and weight are main considerations for me. Plus suitibilty for walking too. Hard to get everything just right.
Rainlegs are great on bikes with mudguards (else the tyres just flick water up) in fairly normal clothes. Used to keep a set in my Brompton bag for the occasional downpour.
Normal bibs, waterproof shirts and something like the dhb rain defence leg warmers.
Yes Johnny storm;
That's the kind of 'system' I'm tending towards.
might still go for a bit of a homespun front thigh water/ windproof affair though.
As I know that's a region, that when wet or cold, can really get/slow me down.
Yes there's the option of cycling harder and or faster to sort that. But at the end of a long day, on a multiday trip that's sometimes more than the poor old bod' can give. especially if camping too.
I like knee high merino socks for cycling.
Go well with 3/4 length walking trousers when attempting to look 'noermal' about town. 🙂
Have to say you are all very helpful 'sharing thoughts' sorts, thank you:)
Either that, or I have discovered a topic that no one had dared to 'breach'?
3 relatively recent experiences of rain and bikepacking
1 - wore long waterproof trousers, rained the whole time. I was wet underneath, both from a bit of sweat but it just seeped in over time. Was warm though
2 - no waterproof trousers, just got a wet bottom half and warm a waterproof jacket. Long tights under normal thin shorts. Was warm and wet
3 - waterproof shorts, was surprised how well these worked, although it rained on and off, rather than solidly the whole time. Not sweaty and quite comfy, feet and socks got wet but that's standard when bikepacking!
Ditto benp1.
on first two.
Hence interested in your number three.
Isn't it great being a 'bikepacker' now?
A new name for the thing we've been doing for years i.e. multiday on and off road trips whilst camping.
Only now we get gnarly looking bar bags, and overload on instagram!
Hooray!
Yes, but did you have a beard and craft beer?
I reckon I'll be sticking with number 3 for a while now, if it's really cold or grim I might stick some longs on underneath
The only strange thing is it has pockets with mesh lining, but I didn't notice it being a problem (for the rain spells of no more than 30 minutes at regular intervals)
The beard is a tricky one for me, personally 🙂
Give it a few years though; it could happen.
However, I rarely look askance at a decent pint.
But never before breakfast you understand.
Mesh pockets can make it a bit overly breezy.
And they have a nasty habit of failing, just when you've put something really vital in there.
What w/p shorts are good?
For tallish, not very wide person.
Quality beats price - up to a point.
Mine are Madison somethings, Tempest or Zenith or something equally impressive sounding
They're a large and I should have a medium, I have a 32 inch waist and they're a bit big but they're drawstring so it's not a big deal. It does mean they're a bit longer which for me, at 6'3, means they come to around my knee when I'm pedalling, which is a helpful place for them to stop
Just checked, they're Zeniths. Look quite subtle too, and not like waterproof shorts
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Great! thanks for that,
'Zenith' - Not too much to live up to!
As you say they look fairly 'subtle'.
No point in my mind going for the streamline lycra 'beetle' look when you've got panniers front and back anyway.
Liking the sound of the extra knee covering length, not quite as tall as yourself but most of my height does appear to be leg.
Where did you get them ?
Online or a real shop?