Windproof and waterproof clothing?

December 22, 2008 5:39 AM

Point me towards a jacket and pants that are waterproof and windproof.

I've started cycling to work and the store. I'd like to get a jacket and a pair of pants that are waterproof and windproof.

I've read that it helps to get jackets with adjustable zippers for the chest or armpits to let in air when you want to cool down. That might be nice.

I'd also like the jacket's cuffs to be tight--either adjustable or elastic. The pants should also be tight around my ankles.

I do not want some super-fancy elite awesomeness; practical and a good price are key. Ideally, I'd like to get both for under $100, or as close as I can, but if it's simply impossible to get quality at that price, then of course I'll go higher.

They should also be light, as warmth would be obtained through additional layers underneath.

posted by Nonce to clothing, beauty, & fashion (11 comments total)

Frogg Toggs are great and pretty widely available.
posted by TedW at 6:03 AM on December 22, 2008

I've really like my Marmot PreCip Jacket and Pants. If you shop around (Sierra Trading Post, REI Outlet, Backcountry Outlet, etc), you should be able to find one from the past couple of years; these haven't really changed a lot since I got mine in 2000, so having the latest model isn't crucial.

Keep in mind, though, that while they are "waterproof breathable", you won't want to wear them unless it's wet out. For dry, a softshell jacket and pant would be much more appropriate.
posted by The Michael The at 6:53 AM on December 22, 2008

I like the Gore Tex cycling stuff.

It does define super-fancy elite awesomeness (and I don't normallly go for that either), but it's got a lifetime guarantee and it works so well that half the time I barely need anything under my jacket shell.
posted by Pax at 6:55 AM on December 22, 2008

Also, I got a previous year's model for like half off on both pants and jacket.
posted by Pax at 6:55 AM on December 22, 2008

I don't find that wind proof is particularly important. 4 layers of shirts and sweatshirts later, and any clothing is windproof enough (even at -16C). A wind barrier is probably very good at shedding snow though, and I find that my outer layer sweatshirt is not, which is a bit of a problem in blizzards.

I sometimes use plastic rain pants on the wettest of wet days, but they are only ever the lesser of two evils. As often as not, I am more wet on the inside than I would have been without them. Long underwear makes this a lot more tolerable.

I'm way too poor and cheap to own any Goretex or imitations, but I have serious doubts about the materials ability to keep up with my physiology.

Gloves keep your fingers cold, and they don't add as much mobility as you think they will. It was hard for me to get it through my head, but mittens are the only answer (my thumbs still get cold, but some things can't be helped).

There is an ongoing discussion in the MetaFilter Icycle challenge 2.0 beta thread over at WeEndure.
posted by Chuckles at 7:48 AM on December 22, 2008

Seconding the PreCip jacket.
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 7:52 AM on December 22, 2008

And, completely off topic, studded tires!
posted by Chuckles at 7:56 AM on December 22, 2008

Seconding the Precip pants. I spent a day outside in dreadful windblown rain and remained beautifully dry. I think the jacket I have is North Face, and it's equally great (it has pit zips, which are very helpful indeed when it's wet but warm out, or you're starting to get sweaty despite the cold). I bought them both at REI's online outlet store.
posted by rtha at 8:35 AM on December 22, 2008

I bike about 17kms to work (each way) and I purchased the Helly Hansen jacket and pants set from their store in Seattle. They're extremely light and waterproof, the jacket has a hood, and the cuffs are adjustable. Best of all they're packable, one of the pockets becomes a storage pouch with a zipper, so I have them in my backpack all the time "just in case". Temps where I am have been down to 5deg.C and i've only needed the jacket, a fleece, and a t-shirt. So, for me, these have been great. I got both for $100 each - no regrets, totally worth it.
posted by alchemist at 8:43 AM on December 22, 2008

There are many options for a jacket, but a pair of cycling-specific wind/rain pants, like these are well worth it. The higher waist helps keep you dry from tire spray; the snug lower leg keeps the cuff out of the chain; and zippers make it easy to get on and off. I really like mine!
posted by TDIpod at 8:51 AM on December 22, 2008

I'd recommend arcteryx gear. They can be expensive though.

Always buy in layers. Get a wicking layer for distributing sweat, add an insulation later over that for warmth, and then your wind/water-proof layer.

Icebreaker is top notch for the bottom two layers, but expensive... I'd recommend Mountain Hardware for under-layers. They're cheap and decent (though not fancy Merino wool).

Technically, if you have these layers, the outer shell can be flimsy. You can just get a waterproof windbreaker that has no insulation. This way it will work year round (as will the wicking layer) assuming you change out the insulation later.
posted by phrakture at 11:14 AM on December 22, 2008