Keeping dry

[xilios]

After trying out rain jackets and pants we are looking into ponchos or rain capes for more vanitlation.
Has anyone here have any experiance with them, and how practical are they for touring?

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

I have a small amount of experience with a cheap poncho and a rain cape. Of the two, the rain cape works best but has the drawback that I can't stick my arm out to signal (this may be different on better designed ones).

The poncho was affected badly by any side winds and I expected the rain cape to be similar but it hasn't been so far.

I have only ever used these in showery conditions to date, so I can't tell you whether they'd be good if you had to do an all day ride in them. However on my rides I liked the fact that they didn't suffer from condensation like a rain jacket and trousers do.

Oh, one other thing - my rain cape packs down smaller than a jacket and trousers which is useful.

 

[byegad]

Winds, particularly headwinds are much harder work with either. In warm weather if you wear shorts and shoe covers a cape will keep you dry, although your feet eventually get wet due to the water getting into the top of your shoe covers. Sandals are a better alternative so long as you don't mind wet feet. In colder weather a pair of water proof trousers, or at least leggings are needed with a cape.

 

[andym]

Vaude do a traditional-style cycling cape. I have also used a Decathlon trekking poncho which has sleeves.

They definitely have their pros and cons. The traditional-style ponchos/capes aren't exactly aerodynamic. The sleeved ponchos are better from this perspective, but tend to have problems with breathability.

If it's raining really hard I tend to just get off the bike and find some shelter - usually thunderstorms are fairly short-lived so there's no point fighting your way through them..

I think there probably always is a trade-off between breathability and waterproofness. I'm thinking about focusing on keeping my core dry (or drier) with a sleeveless gilet and shorts, and letting my arms and legs take care of themselves (or focusing on keeping them warm rather than dry).

 

[P.H]

I tried a Carradice cape for a while, I didn't get on with it, seemed to slow me down even without a headwind and made strong side winds scary. I also sometimes ride with someone who swears by his, maybe it's something you have to try...
I'm firmly in the camp that believes staying warm is more important than staying dry. I was out in the rain all day yesterday, it wasn't till I got home that I realised how wet I was, I never felt uncomfortable all day. Breathable materials have their limits, IME well placed pit zips do more to aid ventilation than the material. It also helps to not have more than is needed under the waterproof layer, I'm always puzzled when people put a coat on over the jacket when it starts raining, I always swap one for the other.

 

[compo]

I have used capes for many years. They are brilliant in a tail wind, can slow things down a touch in a headwind and can be downright lethal in high side winds. I don't believe that a decent cape creates a lot more wind resistance than a persons torso under normal conditions, ie, not in a gale. The frontal area is hardly very wide, and the angle it forms with the cape over the handlebars has an element of streamlining. However, for me the one big plus for capes is that I do not sweat up when wearing one. I don't always wear a cape, sometimes I wear a waterproof breathable jacket. Within a few miles I am wetter inside than if I just rode in the rain without it.

Very much a subjective opinion I know and people have to decide for themselves.

 

[xilios]

Thanks for the replies guys, you've been most helpful.
I think it might be better to dig a little bit deeper and get beter quality rain gear instead of looking for cheaper alternatives.
It seems that there is a learning curve into using a poncho and I fear it will get cought on something while getting on/off the bike.
We feel that the pocho will be a bit cumbersome with putting it on and getting on or off the bike. Also the comments about the wind don't help either.
Thanks again George & Monique

 

[GarminDave]

This thread needs pictures!

Last time I rode with a cape was in 1963, it was oil skin and weighed a ton; had a Sou'wester too

; before cycle helmets, they worked. It was the sort of kit life boat men wore. I now use Paramo stuff which does work but the best advise so far is don't ride in the wet!

Later

Dave

 

[xilios]

This thread needs pictures!
Dave

Some pictures would be great, if possible. We haven't thrown in the towel yet on the poncho/rain cape.
Like the saying goes a picture is worth many words