Cycling Gear with Water Protection Technology

It's a spectrum: water-repellent DWR finishes that shed light rain and spray, water-resistant fabrics for showers, and fully waterproof shells for sustained rain. Water protection is about choosing the right level for your conditions.

Water-resistant sheds light rain and spray for a while and breathes well; fully waterproof, seam-sealed gear keeps you dry in sustained, heavy rain but trades some breathability. Water-resistant is lighter; waterproof is total protection.

DWR stands for Durable Water Repellent, a coating that makes water bead up and roll off the fabric surface. It wears down with use and dirt but can be reactivated with heat or renewed with a reproofer.

For dry climates and short showers, water-resistant fabric with a DWR finish is plenty. For regular or heavy rain, step up to fully waterproof. Match the level to how wet your riding truly gets rather than over-buying protection you'll rarely use.

First wash out dirt, which attracts water, then reactivate the DWR with low heat (tumble dry or a warm iron through a cloth), or apply a wash-in or spray-on reproofer following the care label.

Generally yes, so pick the lightest level that keeps you dry and vent the zips on climbs. Water-resistant fabrics breathe best; fully waterproof shells protect most. Balance the two for the rides you actually do.

Jackets and vests, bib tights and pants, gloves, shoe covers, and warmers can all include water-repellent or waterproof treatments, so you can seal the whole body against wet conditions.