Overtrousers

[MichaelW2]

Montaine Atomic work well, they have a lower leg zip and some velcro straps to cinch the flappy bits in. Mine lasted about 10 years before the pertex shield liner disintegrated, now they are mostly windproof. They are still in production but med ones are hard to find.

 

[steveindenmark]

Rainlegs have served me well, not what you're looking for but they work efficiently.

I use rainlegs with my bibs. I have used them for years. But they are not much use with jeans and that's what Jannie rides in mostly.

 

[HobbesOnTour]

I use Berghaus Paclite. Pack small and light. Full length zips including venting by opening from top. I've used them for backpacking for years and they work just as well on a bike. Can be sourced for around £60 on t'internet

Any non-cycling specific rain pants I have used have all worn out relatively quickly in the crotch/seat area. I rejected the Berghaus Paclite for this reason. Do you have any issues like that?

I'm currently using Decathlon rain pants with the included shoe covers. They're fine for my hour long commute in heavy rain, but not comfortable for long, wet days.

I'll be picking up Gore Bike Wear pants next week. They're water & windproof but they don't have a zip in the legs OP. I recently bought a Gore Bike Wear Jacket (my first ever cycling specific clothing) and am very impressed with it. It keeps me warm, even below freezing, dry in heavy rain and dries quickly. I'm hoping the pants will be the same.

Frank.

 

[Geoff Crowther]

Any non-cycling specific rain pants I have used have all worn out relatively quickly in the crotch/seat area. I rejected the Berghaus Paclite for this reason. Do you have any issues like that?

I'm currently using Decathlon rain pants with the included shoe covers. They're fine for my hour long commute in heavy rain, but not comfortable for long, wet days.

I'll be picking up Gore Bike Wear pants next week. They're water & windproof but they don't have a zip in the legs OP. I recently bought a Gore Bike Wear Jacket (my first ever cycling specific clothing) and am very impressed with it. It keeps me warm, even below freezing, dry in heavy rain and dries quickly. I'm hoping the pants will be the same.

Frank.

I bought new Paclites in 2015. Used for a month long, wet LEJOG camping tour and ever since for a number of shorter tours plus numerous backpacking trips. They're still like new.

 

[gom]

I got some Boardman overtrousers from Cycle Republic (Halfords) last year, as light and packing down small. £30. Most others designed for cycling seem to be quite thick and bulky, and not what I want to carry about “just in case”.
They have proved waterproof enough for short periods of rain and commuting. In spite of recent weather they’ve not had an all day test, so don’t know.
They have a side zip, a bit shorter than I’d like but ok.

Previously I was using Berghaus packlites, but these needed ankle bands as designed for walking. And, like others, I was worried about wearing out the seat. The packlite range is no longer in production as far as I can tell, and I’ve not yet found a substitute. I’d like a new jacket (not for cycling).

 

[HobbesOnTour]

I'll be picking up Gore Bike Wear pants next week. They're water & windproof but they don't have a zip in the legs OP. I recently bought a Gore Bike Wear Jacket (my first ever cycling specific clothing) and am very impressed with it. It keeps me warm, even below freezing, dry in heavy rain and dries quickly. I'm hoping the pants will be the same.

Frank.

Sorry to quote myself, but wanted to give a little review of the GORE BIKE WEAR E GTX Active Pants I got in January.

For the OP, there is no zip and the lower leg area is quite narrow. I can slide them over my (normal) shoes especially using the plastic bag over the shoe trick. There are velcro fasteners to tighten the lower leg up afterwards.

These are certainly light, definitely windproof & waterproof.

These are less overtrousers and more specialised cycling trousers - in other words they are very comfortable to wear normally. They do not feel icky next to naked skin.

I've worn them down to 3 celcius with nothing under them and was not cold. Below that I've used merino leggings and not been cold. Minus 6 was the coldest (so far).
They're used mainly for commuting (1 hour), and I've also used them on a very windy and sometimes very wet weekend trip with no discomfort at all. They kept the wind off, repelled all the rain and were very handy setting up camp in the cold & damp.

I had a fall and slid along some tarmac and fully expected a rip in the material, but no damage at all.

What I don't know is how they will operate in warmer weather, but so far, I'm very happy with these.

Because I'm kinda stumpy the legs on mine are a bit long & baggy, but comfortable.

They are definitely not cheap but there is a gulf in the quality and comfort of these in comparison to some of the cheaper ones that I have used in the past.

I'd strongly recommend these, especially if you can pick them up at a reduced price.

Frank

 

[gom]

Thanks for the useful review. I did look at these I think and will again if my current ones turn out not to be up to a full day’s rain.
I note at e.g. Wiggle the ones with the part-yellow legs are £90 vs. £150 for the all black. Cor! Pity they won’t stay looking like the picture for long.