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Dec 2, 2024
Best Cycling Rain Gear: Stay Dry and Comfortable
5.0
Matilda Colvin
PEARL iZUMi Expert
Hey, I'm Matilda, an adventure photographer based in Bozeman, MT! As a former college competitive alpine skier, I've always been drawn to the thrill of high-speed descents and pristine mountain landscapes. After hanging up my racing skis, I picked up a camera and bike, discovering new ways to express my love for the outdoors. Now, as a photographer based in Bozeman, I strive to inspire others to appreciate and protect the wilderness that surrounds us!
As an avid cyclist and outdoor enthusiast, I've learned that the right gear can make all the difference when it comes to enjoying rides in less-than-ideal weather conditions. Whether you're a dedicated road cyclist, a mountain biker, or a daily commuter, having the proper rain gear is essential for staying dry, comfortable, and safe on your bike. In this article, I'll share my top picks for the best cycling rain gear to keep you pedaling through those wet days.
Women's Summit AmFIB® Lite Pants: Your Go-To for Winter Rides
Women's Summit AmFIB® Lite Pants
When the temperatures drop and the skies threaten rain or snow, you need pants that can handle it all. The Women's Summit AmFIB® Lite Pants from PEARL iZUMi are my top choice for cold-weather riding. These mountain bike pants offer the perfect balance of protection and breathability, making them ideal for those chilly, damp days on the trail.
GOOD FOR
Fall mountain biking
Wet rides
AVOID FOR
Ultralight packing
Mid summer scorchers
The lightweight softshell fabric provides excellent wind and water protection, while the soft brushed backing adds just the right amount of warmth. What really sets these pants apart is the PI Dry® technology, which adds water-shedding performance to keep you dry when splashing through puddles or kicking up snow.
I particularly appreciate the Trail Access pockets, strategically placed behind your legs for comfortable storage of essentials like your phone or energy bars. This thoughtful design ensures that your gear stays accessible without interfering with your pedaling motion.
For those extra cold days, you can layer these pants over your favorite liner shorts or cycling tights for additional warmth. It's this versatility that makes the Summit AmFIB® Lite Pants a staple in my cycling wardrobe.
Women's Attack WxB Jacket: Your Shield Against the Elements
Women's Attack WxB Jacket
When it comes to battling the rain on two wheels, the Women's Attack WxB Jacket is a game-changer. This dedicated cycling jacket is designed to keep you dry and comfortable, no matter how heavy the downpour.
GOOD FOR
Heavy rain protection
High-intensity rides
AVOID FOR
Layering on race day
The jacket's 3L WxB Membrane technology, combined with taped seams and a DWR finish, creates a near impenetrable barrier against rain while maintaining breathability. This combination of waterproofness and breathability is crucial for comfortable riding in wet conditions, ensuring you stay dry from both the rain outside and your own perspiration inside.
One of my favorite features is the articulated arms, which provide an excellent on-bike fit. The long drop tail is another thoughtful addition, shielding your backside from road spray – a small detail that makes a big difference on wet rides.
The two-way zipper is a standout feature, allowing for easy temperature regulation during long climbs. When the rain lets up, the packable design means you can easily stow the jacket in a jersey pocket, ready for the next shower.
I've found the Attack WxB Jacket to be my go-to for those days when the forecast looks grim. Its combination of protection, breathability, and smart design features make it an essential piece of gear for any serious cyclist facing wet conditions.
Women's Commuter Rain Over Pants: Versatile Protection for Every Ride
Women's Commuter Rain Over Pants
For cyclists who don't let a little rain interfere with their daily commute or touring plans, the Women's Commuter Rain Over Pants are a must-have. These pants are designed with versatility in mind, offering full waterproof and breathable protection that can be easily layered over your everyday clothes.
GOOD FOR
Commuting in wet weather
Bicycle touring
AVOID FOR
High-intensity racing
The 2.5L WxB membrane technology and fully taped seams ensure that you stay dry even in heavy downpours. When it comes to cycling in the rain, having the right bib tights can make all the difference in keeping you warm, dry, and comfortable throughout your ride. While these aren't bib tights, they offer similar benefits with added versatility.
One of the standout features of these pants is the powerful BioViz® reflectivity. Whether you're commuting, road cycling, or tackling gravel and mountain trails, preparing for wet weather with the right apparel and accessories can make a huge difference in your ride. The reflective elements on the hips and along the full-length leg zipper ensure visibility up to 100 meters, significantly enhancing your safety during low-light conditions.
I particularly appreciate the extended leg zipper that reaches below the knee, making it easy to slip these pants on over shoes. The modern design with an elastic waistband and hidden lace closure adds both style and functionality.
Whether you're gearing up for a cycling tour or planning a trip to a rainy destination, these pants are a reliable choice that won't let the weather dampen your plans.
Women's PRO Rain Jacket: The Ultimate All-Weather Cycling Companion
Women's PRO Rain Jacket
For cyclists who demand the best protection against the elements, the Women's PRO Rain Jacket is a top-tier choice. This jacket is designed to keep you riding in all conditions, making it the ultimate solution for all-weather cycling.
GOOD FOR
All-weather protection
High-intensity cycling
AVOID FOR
More budget-conscious cyclists
The lightweight, waterproof fabric used in this jacket is a technological marvel. It offers unbeatable protection against rain and wind while remaining highly breathable, preventing overheating during intense rides. The temperatures you ride in are also a consideration: If you're looking for a raincoat that you can wear in the winter, you'll want one that can fit a cycling jacket or at least a base layer and long-sleeve jersey underneath it while still allowing you to breathe comfortably. The PRO Rain Jacket meets this requirement perfectly.
One of the standout features is the fully taped seams, which provide an extra layer of protection against water ingress. The helmet-compatible hood is another thoughtful addition, ensuring complete coverage without compromising your visibility or safety.
I'm particularly impressed with the streamlined fit of this jacket. It's designed to reduce drag, enhancing your performance as you ride through wet conditions. This attention to aerodynamics sets the PRO Rain Jacket apart from many other rain jackets on the market.
In my experience, the Women's PRO Rain Jacket is the epitome of high-performance rain gear. It's the jacket I reach for when I know I'll be facing challenging weather conditions but still want to push my limits on the bike.
Whether you're commuting through a downpour or tackling a long-distance ride in unpredictable weather, this jacket ensures that the elements won't hold you back. It's built to help you push boundaries and make every mile count, regardless of what Mother Nature throws your way.
Women's Quest Barrier Jacket: Lightweight Protection for Unpredictable Weather
Women's Quest Barrier Jacket
When it comes to versatile protection against the elements, the Women's Quest Barrier Jacket is a standout choice. This lightweight cycling wind jacket is perfect for those rides where the weather can be unpredictable, offering just the right amount of protection without weighing you down.
GOOD FOR
Versatile weather protection
Layering flexibility
AVOID FOR
Heavy rainstorms
Extreme cold conditions
The durable water-repellent finish is a key feature of this jacket, effectively blocking windchill and shedding light precipitation. When it comes to cycling in the rain, having the right gear can make all the difference in keeping you warm, dry, and comfortable throughout your ride. While it may not be fully waterproof like some of the other options we've discussed, it's perfect for those days when there's a chance of light showers or when you need protection from cool winds.
One of the aspects I appreciate most about this jacket is its relaxed fit and extended sizing up to 3XL. This makes it incredibly easy to layer over whatever you're wearing, whether that's a light base layer or a thicker jersey for cooler days. The versatility in fit ensures that you can adapt to changing weather conditions throughout your ride.
Some suitable options include the Women's Quest Barrier Jacket, the Women's Summit Barrier Jacket, and the Women's Quest AmFIB® Jacket. All of these jackets are windproof and have a water repellent exterior. The Quest Barrier Jacket, in particular, stands out for its balance of protection and breathability, making it ideal for a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions.
For cyclists who value versatility and comfort, the Quest Barrier Jacket is an excellent choice. It's the kind of jacket you'll find yourself reaching for time and time again, whether you're heading out for a quick training ride or embarking on a longer adventure.
Conclusion: Gear Up for Any Weather
As cyclists, we know that the right gear can make or break a ride, especially when it comes to wet weather. The products we've explored today – from the versatile Summit AmFIB® Lite Pants to the high-performance PRO Rain Jacket – represent some of the best options available for staying dry and comfortable on your bike.
Remember, the key to enjoying cycling in all weather conditions is being prepared. Investing in quality rain gear not only keeps you comfortable but also extends your riding season and opens up new adventures. Whether you're commuting to work, training for a race, or exploring new trails, these PEARL iZUMi products will help ensure that a little rain never stops you from answering the call of the road or trail.
So gear up, embrace the elements, and keep pedaling – because with the right rain gear, every ride can be a great one, no matter what the weather brings.
