Tips for touring in the rain?
- Thread starter BalkanExpress
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Davidc
Guru
- Location
- Somerset UK
andrew_s said:
Can I have the witch from under the witch umbrella please?
jags said:
No such thing as a warm waterproof jacket (although a decent jacket will prevent wind-chill - which is worse if you are wet). A good-quality jacket will also reduce the build-up of condensation.
My top tip would be merino wool base and medium layers as these are (IME) warmer when wet than synthetics. It's probably also a good idea to keep a spare top in a plastic bag so you can put it on when you get chilled.
samid
Guru
- Location
- Toronto, Canada
Wool is always good not only because it is warmer - it also stinks MUCH less! 
chris667-yehh ive been there - in new zealand i bought a large pair of yellow gauntlets from an agricultural shop, they were of the of the bovine inspection sort and kept my hands relatively warm but the condensation in them started to rot my hands after two or three days wear in continuos rain
inaperfectworld
New Member
i take a small folding umbrella as oyu can shelter under it when you got those heavy storms and you can also use it to walk to pub if it's chucking it down in the evening.
OP
OP
BalkanExpress
Legendary Member
- Location
- Brussels
Many thanks to all, I'm back and not too damp.
We were lucky in that there was rain on four days out of 5 but only on a couple of days did it really pour down and then only for an hour or so.
I managed with midlength sealskinz and baggies (it was not cold so the legs did not suffer. ss jersey, lycra armwarmers (dhb from wiggle) and my convertible jacket. Again it not rainning for hours on end meant I could use the jacket as a gilet and balance being wet from the rain against being wet from the condensation.
helmet with Z cotton cap underneath and, yes, shower cap on top when it was really bucketing down (just remember not to cover all the rear vents
)
We were lucky in that there was rain on four days out of 5 but only on a couple of days did it really pour down and then only for an hour or so.
I managed with midlength sealskinz and baggies (it was not cold so the legs did not suffer. ss jersey, lycra armwarmers (dhb from wiggle) and my convertible jacket. Again it not rainning for hours on end meant I could use the jacket as a gilet and balance being wet from the rain against being wet from the condensation.
helmet with Z cotton cap underneath and, yes, shower cap on top when it was really bucketing down (just remember not to cover all the rear vents
)btsidigtts
New Member
Wet? Only one answer I'm afraid...
You have to spend some money to purchase good leggings (approx. £50) and overshoes (approx. £20) with a good light but waterproof and bright jacket (£60ish). I know this adds to the weight you'll carry on good days but even in warmer climes when you get soaked hour after hour and perhaps day after day you will become cold and dare I say it 'miserable' Also have a small towel to dry you head when you reach your detination. If you have decent Vaude (?German made)or Orieb waterproof pannier bags you will not need to worry about inner plastic bags for your stuff (I have used them in serious flooding rain often, with no problem).
The rain will not dampen your spirits if you have the knowledge that you are perfectly dry (the reason wicking leggings are expensive) underneath.
Finally I have tried capes but if you get windy and rainy conditions then life gets even more difficult.
You have to spend some money to purchase good leggings (approx. £50) and overshoes (approx. £20) with a good light but waterproof and bright jacket (£60ish). I know this adds to the weight you'll carry on good days but even in warmer climes when you get soaked hour after hour and perhaps day after day you will become cold and dare I say it 'miserable' Also have a small towel to dry you head when you reach your detination. If you have decent Vaude (?German made)or Orieb waterproof pannier bags you will not need to worry about inner plastic bags for your stuff (I have used them in serious flooding rain often, with no problem).
The rain will not dampen your spirits if you have the knowledge that you are perfectly dry (the reason wicking leggings are expensive) underneath.
Finally I have tried capes but if you get windy and rainy conditions then life gets even more difficult.
