Do you bike all winter? What do you wear coat-wise?
November 5, 2019 7:38 AM Subscribe
I have biked all winter for years and years and I still don't have a satisfactory biking coat situation. What works for you?
Do you layer? Do you have one perfect coat? If you wear a short coat, what do you do about your legs?
Currently I wear a random thinnish vintage leather parka because it is long and covers the upper part of my thighs without being tight. But the upper body of the coat is bulky and oversized (very on-trend!) and it seems to bulk up around my arms and shoulders. I am hoping I can figure out something that will fit more closely while also being warm.
Do you layer? Do you have one perfect coat? If you wear a short coat, what do you do about your legs?
Currently I wear a random thinnish vintage leather parka because it is long and covers the upper part of my thighs without being tight. But the upper body of the coat is bulky and oversized (very on-trend!) and it seems to bulk up around my arms and shoulders. I am hoping I can figure out something that will fit more closely while also being warm.
In Boston, I get by with an M-65 military jacket. Mostly, your outerlayer is for cutting the wind, it doesn't need to be super heavy on its own as long as it does that much. The mid and underlayer are what give you warmth, so they vary a lot throughout the season depending on the exact outdoor temperature. Something that wicks sweat is very important for your underlayer, though, because sweat trapped against your skin will start causing problems for you even in relatively mild (i.e. 50ish) weather.
posted by tobascodagama at 7:51 AM on November 5, 2019
posted by tobascodagama at 7:51 AM on November 5, 2019
I’m in Minnesota and what I wear for cross country skiing is layers of thin merino/other fuzzy stuff (lots of this) with a windbreaker. Might not need as many layers depending on where you are but it isn’t bulky.
posted by azalea_chant at 7:52 AM on November 5, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by azalea_chant at 7:52 AM on November 5, 2019 [2 favorites]
Response by poster: A good point! Winter is Minnesota city riding - about five miles each way if I take the long route, bike path in good condition. I tend to bike pretty slowly and usually just wear work clothes since I work in a casual office. (My bike is my primary transportation and I don't take a change of clothes if I bike to a show or a friend's house, so since my work clothes are bike-friendly I don't worry about changing at work either.)
I bike when the high is going to be over ten, there isn't a large amount of fresh snow and the wind isn't unusually bad - so it gets pretty cold. But I'm less concerned about staying warm than about comfort and bulk.
posted by Frowner at 7:52 AM on November 5, 2019
I bike when the high is going to be over ten, there isn't a large amount of fresh snow and the wind isn't unusually bad - so it gets pretty cold. But I'm less concerned about staying warm than about comfort and bulk.
posted by Frowner at 7:52 AM on November 5, 2019
I ride all winter in the northeast US, and layer up. My personal recipe is: a good base layer (merino wool best but $$$, I have found Duluth base layers to be an OK compromise), work shirt, wool sweater and waterproof shell combo. For me this can work down to the low 30's and even the 20's. Very comfortable, wind proof and not too constrictive. I get warmed up very fast though, so ymmv.
A good base layer will also wick and dry out, so if you are a bit overdressed and generate some sweat, you don't have to change.
Oh, also good bike gloves, natch.
On preview, agree with all of the above.
posted by pilot pirx at 7:53 AM on November 5, 2019 [3 favorites]
A good base layer will also wick and dry out, so if you are a bit overdressed and generate some sweat, you don't have to change.
Oh, also good bike gloves, natch.
On preview, agree with all of the above.
posted by pilot pirx at 7:53 AM on November 5, 2019 [3 favorites]
That's the range where looking at specialized stuff starts to be really useful. Thank goodness for the upswing in snow fatbiking-- there's been a wealth of new tech around it.
Layering is definitely necessary imo. I find that a cycling-cut hoodie (merino if you can swing it) and a shell layer (I love my casual-looking Endura for on- and off-bike wear) works for almost all situations, down to at least 20°F. Down-substitute puffer jacket (Uniqlo's is nice and non-bulky) under the shell if I need more core insulation which should take it down to your 10°F. Or you can go fatbike-specific and get an all-in-one system.
The cycling cut tops have the advantage of being sufficiently long in the back without binding up with my thighs so I don't miss a long coat. I wear rain pants for 100% wind blockage on really cold days but usually tech-material jeans (what I wear approx 100% of the time anyway, ymmv) and Uniqlo Heattech long underwear do the trick.
Not your question, but I find a lot of issues with winter cycling, even if they don't *feel* like it, are with extremities. Long gauntlety lobster gloves are way better than almost anything else. I like this Under Armour bala for warmth and wind stoppage without getting super wet around the nose and mouth.
posted by supercres at 7:57 AM on November 5, 2019 [2 favorites]
Layering is definitely necessary imo. I find that a cycling-cut hoodie (merino if you can swing it) and a shell layer (I love my casual-looking Endura for on- and off-bike wear) works for almost all situations, down to at least 20°F. Down-substitute puffer jacket (Uniqlo's is nice and non-bulky) under the shell if I need more core insulation which should take it down to your 10°F. Or you can go fatbike-specific and get an all-in-one system.
The cycling cut tops have the advantage of being sufficiently long in the back without binding up with my thighs so I don't miss a long coat. I wear rain pants for 100% wind blockage on really cold days but usually tech-material jeans (what I wear approx 100% of the time anyway, ymmv) and Uniqlo Heattech long underwear do the trick.
Not your question, but I find a lot of issues with winter cycling, even if they don't *feel* like it, are with extremities. Long gauntlety lobster gloves are way better than almost anything else. I like this Under Armour bala for warmth and wind stoppage without getting super wet around the nose and mouth.
posted by supercres at 7:57 AM on November 5, 2019 [2 favorites]
In retrospect-- def yes +1 for tech synthetic or merino baselayer for sweat wicking.
posted by supercres at 7:58 AM on November 5, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by supercres at 7:58 AM on November 5, 2019 [1 favorite]
I've got a similar commute length and style to yours in Colorado.
Wool sweaters in various weights and neck styles depending on what I'm wearing underneath and how cold it is. Warm, breathable, flexible, easy to find, don't constrict movement.
Also: a thin wool sweater with a thin water/windproof jacket over it will get you through much lower temperatures than you'd think.
For the legs: a windproof layer over trousers or long underwear underneath will get you through the 15-25F range, and combine both (or even insulated trousers!) for especially cold/snowy conditions below that. (Cold's a lot easier to deal with in a dress since that's an extra layer of butt-coverage, which is where the chill really sets in for me.)
Pogies/bar mitts will take care of the hand situation below 25F and are usable at higher temperatures if you skip the gloves underneath entirely.
I avoid synthetics as they trap the stank and nobody wants that.
posted by asperity at 8:00 AM on November 5, 2019 [2 favorites]
Wool sweaters in various weights and neck styles depending on what I'm wearing underneath and how cold it is. Warm, breathable, flexible, easy to find, don't constrict movement.
Also: a thin wool sweater with a thin water/windproof jacket over it will get you through much lower temperatures than you'd think.
For the legs: a windproof layer over trousers or long underwear underneath will get you through the 15-25F range, and combine both (or even insulated trousers!) for especially cold/snowy conditions below that. (Cold's a lot easier to deal with in a dress since that's an extra layer of butt-coverage, which is where the chill really sets in for me.)
Pogies/bar mitts will take care of the hand situation below 25F and are usable at higher temperatures if you skip the gloves underneath entirely.
I avoid synthetics as they trap the stank and nobody wants that.
posted by asperity at 8:00 AM on November 5, 2019 [2 favorites]
I find good accessories are more important than my coat choice. For full on winter I wear a merino buff on my face, a fleece or merino cap under my helmet, lobster gloves, wool socks and insulated boots. If work/home aren't overheated, wearing long johns is a nice solution too, I like silk and uniqlo's heattech line. Merino underwear is also nice to avoid a chilly backside.
I personally wear a wool sweater or fleece + light short shell for the elements, maybe adding a down vest when very cold. Also usually insulated rain pants if raining or particularly cold.
posted by veery at 8:01 AM on November 5, 2019
I personally wear a wool sweater or fleece + light short shell for the elements, maybe adding a down vest when very cold. Also usually insulated rain pants if raining or particularly cold.
posted by veery at 8:01 AM on November 5, 2019
I bike all winter in Chicago. I have a wool overcoat that hits about mid-thigh which I wear for most of the winter, including in light snow. I have a lighter wool overcoat for the transition days.
On really snowy or blustery days, I wear my skiing jacket, layered over my wool skiing hoodie (and a down vest if it's extra cold). What I like about both the overcoats and the ski jacket is that they are long enough over my butt to never expose my lower back. Both handle underlayers well. The skiing jacket is designed for activity, but the overcoats aren't. Nonetheless, I find them perfectly comfortably for my ride.
For reference: my ride is 4.2 miles, about 1-2 miles is city street (depending on route) and requires me to go up and down one flight of stairs for a pedestrian underpass under a roadway (without a ramp, so I have to carry the bike up and down). I ride a Dutch-style commuter bike which may be relevant to why my standard department store overcoats are comfortable for riding.
posted by crush at 8:34 AM on November 5, 2019 [1 favorite]
On really snowy or blustery days, I wear my skiing jacket, layered over my wool skiing hoodie (and a down vest if it's extra cold). What I like about both the overcoats and the ski jacket is that they are long enough over my butt to never expose my lower back. Both handle underlayers well. The skiing jacket is designed for activity, but the overcoats aren't. Nonetheless, I find them perfectly comfortably for my ride.
For reference: my ride is 4.2 miles, about 1-2 miles is city street (depending on route) and requires me to go up and down one flight of stairs for a pedestrian underpass under a roadway (without a ramp, so I have to carry the bike up and down). I ride a Dutch-style commuter bike which may be relevant to why my standard department store overcoats are comfortable for riding.
posted by crush at 8:34 AM on November 5, 2019 [1 favorite]
I've been a year-round cyclist in Toronto for 20+ years. Over the last few years, I've been wearing a coat from bench.ca (which I guess isn't available in the US), but it's something like this. (Apologies if you don't shop in the women's section.) I also wear an "activewear" sweater over my work shirt for the day (from simons.ca), something like this.
For legs, snowpants. I live in them in the winter. Lots of people say to me, "are you wearing snowpants? That's smart." Right now it's not cold enough for snowpants so I'm wearing rainpants.
Lots of commenters here are recommending merino, but I don't use it (prefer not to use animal products) and I get by just fine.
I also wear warm waterproof boots and gloves, moisture-wicking toque and sunglasses or sunglasses with yellow lenses (love those). Note that I have a very short commute (10-15 mins in downtown) but could go further in this get up if needed.
So that's my formula. "Performance activewear" sweater, coat (that could be used for skiing), and snowpants.
posted by foxjacket at 8:43 AM on November 5, 2019
For legs, snowpants. I live in them in the winter. Lots of people say to me, "are you wearing snowpants? That's smart." Right now it's not cold enough for snowpants so I'm wearing rainpants.
Lots of commenters here are recommending merino, but I don't use it (prefer not to use animal products) and I get by just fine.
I also wear warm waterproof boots and gloves, moisture-wicking toque and sunglasses or sunglasses with yellow lenses (love those). Note that I have a very short commute (10-15 mins in downtown) but could go further in this get up if needed.
So that's my formula. "Performance activewear" sweater, coat (that could be used for skiing), and snowpants.
posted by foxjacket at 8:43 AM on November 5, 2019
My cold weather biker swears by wearing special biking tights under trousers.
posted by bq at 8:48 AM on November 5, 2019
posted by bq at 8:48 AM on November 5, 2019
Oh, I totally forgot about this article I ran across recently while thinking about relocating to Vermont. It has the advantage of having real-person verbatims about what they wear and why.
posted by supercres at 9:01 AM on November 5, 2019
posted by supercres at 9:01 AM on November 5, 2019
I wear a long down parka, the Outdoor Research Women's Floodlight Down Parka. Seems like it has been discontinued so it can be got for cheap, like $180-ish. It's probably not as cold where I bike but often very rainy and windy, and I ride all winter. Things I like:
- completely water- and windproof, so no need to take extra waterproof layer
- warm but not snug or bulky, so easy to move in
- doesn't make me horribly sweaty (easy to unzip a little and get a breeze happening)
- it reaches down to the tops of my thighs and has a tall neck so no need for scarves etc.
Less good: it is rustly and rather shiny, not at all vintage-looking or stylish.
posted by ogorki at 9:12 AM on November 5, 2019 [1 favorite]
- completely water- and windproof, so no need to take extra waterproof layer
- warm but not snug or bulky, so easy to move in
- doesn't make me horribly sweaty (easy to unzip a little and get a breeze happening)
- it reaches down to the tops of my thighs and has a tall neck so no need for scarves etc.
Less good: it is rustly and rather shiny, not at all vintage-looking or stylish.
posted by ogorki at 9:12 AM on November 5, 2019 [1 favorite]
I bike in Chicago down to about 25F. +1 to layers. I typically use this jacket from Swrve on the outside and then a zipping wool sweater also from Swrve like this one underneath. The Swrve stuff is great in terms of being cut for the bike and looking pretty stylish. If I need more, I add a synthetic/poly-type thermal shirt underneath that.
posted by Mid at 10:03 AM on November 5, 2019
posted by Mid at 10:03 AM on November 5, 2019
I've been winter cycling in Ottawa for the last 8 (9?) years (cold AND super snowy - so fun!) and my preferred jacket situation for every winter temperature is a wind-breaking shell jacket (mine is a thigh-length raincoat, not anything specifically for cycling because I like to blend in) with the adjustments made for the temperature underneath with a sweater (or two) or whatever.
I have no minimum anymore but it used to be -20c/-4F until one February we had most of a whole month well below that and I realised it was actually great to bike in because it meant there was no more snow falling! That setup got me through every temperature.
However, I have never ever been able to keep my legs (inner thighs, really) warm enough even though I wear performance long underwear. I think the only way to really do it is to also have a windbreaking fabric on your legs, but due to my aforementioned desire to just appear like I'm wearing normal clothing, I would rather be somewhat cold.
posted by urbanlenny at 1:38 PM on November 5, 2019
I have no minimum anymore but it used to be -20c/-4F until one February we had most of a whole month well below that and I realised it was actually great to bike in because it meant there was no more snow falling! That setup got me through every temperature.
However, I have never ever been able to keep my legs (inner thighs, really) warm enough even though I wear performance long underwear. I think the only way to really do it is to also have a windbreaking fabric on your legs, but due to my aforementioned desire to just appear like I'm wearing normal clothing, I would rather be somewhat cold.
posted by urbanlenny at 1:38 PM on November 5, 2019
I biked through Chicago winters for years through temps teens and up. I always had some sort of base layer (under Armour/uniqlo). Then it was a normal long sleeved shirt/jeans. Some sort of fuzzy layer, and then a windbreak layer. Thick wool socks and snow boots. Yes, I only rode with 2 layers on my lower half. Hands wise, I had a really nice pair of ski gloves a friend got me. On colder days, I also pulled on a balaclava to protect the face.
I was doing my regular commute like this, which varied from 10-30 miles depending on the day.
posted by astapasta24 at 1:55 PM on November 5, 2019
I was doing my regular commute like this, which varied from 10-30 miles depending on the day.
posted by astapasta24 at 1:55 PM on November 5, 2019
Tangential rather than direct answer, but... if your city has a bike-advocacy group, it's not unusual for them to run winter-biking fashion shows. Useful tips may ensue!
posted by humbug at 3:57 PM on November 5, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by humbug at 3:57 PM on November 5, 2019 [1 favorite]
Do you layer? Do you have one perfect coat? If you wear a short coat, what do you do about your legs?
Yes, definitely layer. Standard formula: wind or waterproof shell, choice of insulating mid-layers, wicking base layer. Definitely a short coat. Get softshell or fleece tights for your legs.
How aggressive is your riding posture? If you're bolt upright, as in the bottom right, pedestrian jackets will work fine.
The more you are bend over, the more you will want the sort of cycling-specific cut that supercres describes: short in front and long in the back. A jacket cut for a racer will look weirdly puckered in front when he stands up straight, and lay smooth when he bends over.
Some of what you describe as "bulk" might be the jacket bunching up around the front of the shoulders because it's not cut for you to reach forward with your arms as a bicycle requires.
posted by meaty shoe puppet at 10:42 PM on November 5, 2019
Yes, definitely layer. Standard formula: wind or waterproof shell, choice of insulating mid-layers, wicking base layer. Definitely a short coat. Get softshell or fleece tights for your legs.
How aggressive is your riding posture? If you're bolt upright, as in the bottom right, pedestrian jackets will work fine.
The more you are bend over, the more you will want the sort of cycling-specific cut that supercres describes: short in front and long in the back. A jacket cut for a racer will look weirdly puckered in front when he stands up straight, and lay smooth when he bends over.
Some of what you describe as "bulk" might be the jacket bunching up around the front of the shoulders because it's not cut for you to reach forward with your arms as a bicycle requires.
posted by meaty shoe puppet at 10:42 PM on November 5, 2019
For suburban Philly winters, biking 1.5 to 5 miles, I would wear a too-large fleece over my work clothes (jacket over shirt or wool sweater over t-shirt), covered by a waterproof and windproof biking jacket. For my legs, thermal underwear, work pants, water- and windproof rain pants. Feet: double socks: thin work socks under heaving wool hiking socks. The Louis Garneau Goretex waterproof socks that go over your own socks but in the shoe are fantastic.
Waterproof biking gear keeps me dry even walking from the train to the office.
posted by JawnBigboote at 5:56 AM on November 6, 2019
Waterproof biking gear keeps me dry even walking from the train to the office.
posted by JawnBigboote at 5:56 AM on November 6, 2019
I like that my (light, downy) coat zips both ways and I can zip it open a bit at the thighs for movement and still have the warmth of a longer coat. Plus overpants for really cold/windy days.
posted by meijusa at 12:23 PM on November 6, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by meijusa at 12:23 PM on November 6, 2019 [1 favorite]
Sorry to come in late, I've been wanting to post an answer, and am psyched that there are so many craz, erm, devotees to winter commuting!
I have a Marmot jacket that is perfect for my winter commuting. It has a windproof exterior, is insulated enough that it keeps me warm into the 40s, and is cut large enough to fit layers underneath. It also has a two-way zipper and a high collar for keeping wind out of my neck and core. Don't know the model; it's probably around 12 years old at this point. (Love Marmot, their stuff lasts forever!) Layers under that are combos of wool base layers, hoodies, or sweaters.
For the legs, I use an older rain pant (Columbia) that is mostly not waterproof anymore, but it's good for keeping the really cold wind off my legs. Since my ride is short enough (8 miles each way), I find that I can tolerate my legs getting cold to some extent. I just got a Gore winter riding pant and am looking forward to field testing it, even though it will require keeping an extra set of pants to keep at the office.
I wear a wool cycling cap under my helmet, and will put on a buff/neck gaiter if it's below 25.
For the feet, I just wear booties over my Sidis and hope for the best (I don't ride in street shoes). I'd like to try out 45Nrth, as they seem to be the current gold standard for winter cycling footwear.
Lobster gloves get me down to around 20, and below that I'll add liners. The past couple of years, I've ridden in the teens, but it wasn't pleasant.
posted by computech_apolloniajames at 7:42 PM on November 9, 2019 [1 favorite]
I have a Marmot jacket that is perfect for my winter commuting. It has a windproof exterior, is insulated enough that it keeps me warm into the 40s, and is cut large enough to fit layers underneath. It also has a two-way zipper and a high collar for keeping wind out of my neck and core. Don't know the model; it's probably around 12 years old at this point. (Love Marmot, their stuff lasts forever!) Layers under that are combos of wool base layers, hoodies, or sweaters.
For the legs, I use an older rain pant (Columbia) that is mostly not waterproof anymore, but it's good for keeping the really cold wind off my legs. Since my ride is short enough (8 miles each way), I find that I can tolerate my legs getting cold to some extent. I just got a Gore winter riding pant and am looking forward to field testing it, even though it will require keeping an extra set of pants to keep at the office.
I wear a wool cycling cap under my helmet, and will put on a buff/neck gaiter if it's below 25.
For the feet, I just wear booties over my Sidis and hope for the best (I don't ride in street shoes). I'd like to try out 45Nrth, as they seem to be the current gold standard for winter cycling footwear.
Lobster gloves get me down to around 20, and below that I'll add liners. The past couple of years, I've ridden in the teens, but it wasn't pleasant.
posted by computech_apolloniajames at 7:42 PM on November 9, 2019 [1 favorite]
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by mhoye at 7:44 AM on November 5, 2019