Portland winter biking HALP!
October 17, 2019 10:43 AM Subscribe
I’ve just completed my first proper rainy Portland winter bike ride, and it did not go well. Turns out, rainy winter walking prep is not sufficient for biking. Help me stay dry and cozy with a minimum of hassle.
I’m on a funny e-bike, so some typical biking tips may not apply. I’ve already got fenders and a good rain coat, but that definitely doesn’t cut it. What gear do you use to stay dry on your bike? I’m mostly looking for things I can wear over typical street clothes, rather than having to change, as I’m often going to shorter appointments or running errands, rather than commuting. I’m open to any suggestions, but there’s a few things I’m specifically interested in:
- Have you tried one of those bicycle rain capes? Do they do a decent job of keeping your legs dry?
- What do you do about stinging cold rain to the face? Would a light motorcycle-style helmet with a face shield be reasonable?
- Am I just going to have to give in and get rain pants?
Any and all advice appreciated! This is my first winter biking, and I’m planning for it to be my main mode of transportation. I’m willing to invest in things that will make it a more pleasant experience, but I also don’t want the amount of gear to turn into a hassle. I’d rather arrive a little damp with less gear than perfectly dry wearing a million layers.
I’m on a funny e-bike, so some typical biking tips may not apply. I’ve already got fenders and a good rain coat, but that definitely doesn’t cut it. What gear do you use to stay dry on your bike? I’m mostly looking for things I can wear over typical street clothes, rather than having to change, as I’m often going to shorter appointments or running errands, rather than commuting. I’m open to any suggestions, but there’s a few things I’m specifically interested in:
- Have you tried one of those bicycle rain capes? Do they do a decent job of keeping your legs dry?
- What do you do about stinging cold rain to the face? Would a light motorcycle-style helmet with a face shield be reasonable?
- Am I just going to have to give in and get rain pants?
Any and all advice appreciated! This is my first winter biking, and I’m planning for it to be my main mode of transportation. I’m willing to invest in things that will make it a more pleasant experience, but I also don’t want the amount of gear to turn into a hassle. I’d rather arrive a little damp with less gear than perfectly dry wearing a million layers.
I've never tried a cape, but I biked through the winter in rainy Vancouver (BC) on my daily commute (around 10km) and unfortunately it involved a lot of gear:
- rain pants (or thick biking tights that I changed out of)
- good rain coat (not too long so it didn't cover my rear light)
- the most waterproof biking gloves I could find
- shoe covers (some kind of boot would also work here - I just got too hot during my ride to wear heavy shoes)
This was on top of having good fenders and a waterproof pannier. I don't remember doing anything about the rain in my face though. Good luck, and I'm also interested to hear others' approaches!
posted by Paper rabies at 11:23 AM on October 17, 2019 [1 favorite]
- rain pants (or thick biking tights that I changed out of)
- good rain coat (not too long so it didn't cover my rear light)
- the most waterproof biking gloves I could find
- shoe covers (some kind of boot would also work here - I just got too hot during my ride to wear heavy shoes)
This was on top of having good fenders and a waterproof pannier. I don't remember doing anything about the rain in my face though. Good luck, and I'm also interested to hear others' approaches!
posted by Paper rabies at 11:23 AM on October 17, 2019 [1 favorite]
Oh, one other thing: these waterproof gloves are awesome, definitely recommend them. (Though in a pinch: whatever waterproof cleaning gloves you can find stretched over any other gloves you have.)
posted by asperity at 11:23 AM on October 17, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by asperity at 11:23 AM on October 17, 2019 [2 favorites]
Mittens are warmer than gloves - I wear snowboarding gloves over a pair of stretchy "magic" gloves for coverage when I need to take the mittens off. Pogies are another option.
Scarf for the face (easy to adjust to vent as needed), I also made a couple of fleece funnels to go on the helmet straps and cover my ears as an alternative. My helmet has a visor that kept most of the wet out of my eyes, wearing lighter-tinted sunglasses is another option. Hat under the helmet or there are helmet covers.
Bicycle chaps are a thing (ex. Rainlegs), but rain pants work much better.
posted by momus_window at 11:48 AM on October 17, 2019
Scarf for the face (easy to adjust to vent as needed), I also made a couple of fleece funnels to go on the helmet straps and cover my ears as an alternative. My helmet has a visor that kept most of the wet out of my eyes, wearing lighter-tinted sunglasses is another option. Hat under the helmet or there are helmet covers.
Bicycle chaps are a thing (ex. Rainlegs), but rain pants work much better.
posted by momus_window at 11:48 AM on October 17, 2019
Unless you splash (heh) out a lot of money for very nice rain pants and jacket you're going to get any clothes underneath at least a little bit damp if the rain gets heavy.
posted by 3j0hn at 11:57 AM on October 17, 2019
posted by 3j0hn at 11:57 AM on October 17, 2019
Hey there! I'm a year-round Portland bike commuter. Yeah, I don't love rain pants either, but I haven't found a better way to stay dry, especially if I don't want to change. A friend of mine is a fan of rain chaps, but that seems best when your ride is short and as a back up.
I always want to find a perfect pair of pants that look like regular pants but are a bit more water resistant than cotton. I have some wool leggings I can wear with boots, but that only works if it's not raining hard. I do recommend getting rain pants made for cycling rather than other pants. I also have a cheap pair of waterproof backpacking/camping rain pants I keep at work for days when it's raining on the way home and I didn't bring pants in the morning. You could also shove some cheapies in the bottom of a bike bag.
So, yeah, I have a few ranges of wear: when it's raining and when it's not raining but I think it might drizzle. For when it's really raining, rain pants. I also bought a pair of Keen wool sneakers that wouldn't be perfect in a downpour but are fine for drizzle. They're also pretty warm, especially with wool socks.
If it's raining super hard and I need my feet dry, I wear regular rain boots under my rain pants.
As for your face: was the issue cold or rain? I didn't think it was all that cold this morning, so maybe you need to dress a bit more warmly on top, especially on your core. But some folks wear clear, non-prescription glasses (you can get cheap safety glasses) to keep the rain off your face.
You said you have a good rain coat. Does it have a hood? I used to wear a regular cycling jacket without a hood, but that makes more sense for long road rides, less so for commuting when you also want a hood for when you're off your bike.
I was a bit warm this morning, though I wasn't on an ebike. I had on wool leggings and rain pants, wool socks, wool shoes, a t-shirt, a Chrome wool hoodie, and a lined Shower's Pass jacket with a hood.
Also, waterproof gloves are so helpful. I have these knit waterproof gloves that I like because they look like regular gloves. I also have a pair of wool gloves that I prefer if it isn't raining really hard. When it gets a lot colder, I switch to bar mitts.
Since you're on an ebike, I think it will be key to dress warmly enough as if you're not super active. On my regular bike, I want to be a bit cold starting out because I was warm up. But if you are cruising along faster and not doing as much work yourself, you might find that you need to dress for comfort at the outdoor temperature. That could mean a warmer waterproof coat so you don't need as many layers underneath.
Do you follow BikePortland? There are sometimes posts there with tips for commuting. And I've seen a few threads on Twitter already this fall helping out Portland folks new to fall and winter commuting.
posted by bluedaisy at 12:26 PM on October 17, 2019 [2 favorites]
I always want to find a perfect pair of pants that look like regular pants but are a bit more water resistant than cotton. I have some wool leggings I can wear with boots, but that only works if it's not raining hard. I do recommend getting rain pants made for cycling rather than other pants. I also have a cheap pair of waterproof backpacking/camping rain pants I keep at work for days when it's raining on the way home and I didn't bring pants in the morning. You could also shove some cheapies in the bottom of a bike bag.
So, yeah, I have a few ranges of wear: when it's raining and when it's not raining but I think it might drizzle. For when it's really raining, rain pants. I also bought a pair of Keen wool sneakers that wouldn't be perfect in a downpour but are fine for drizzle. They're also pretty warm, especially with wool socks.
If it's raining super hard and I need my feet dry, I wear regular rain boots under my rain pants.
As for your face: was the issue cold or rain? I didn't think it was all that cold this morning, so maybe you need to dress a bit more warmly on top, especially on your core. But some folks wear clear, non-prescription glasses (you can get cheap safety glasses) to keep the rain off your face.
You said you have a good rain coat. Does it have a hood? I used to wear a regular cycling jacket without a hood, but that makes more sense for long road rides, less so for commuting when you also want a hood for when you're off your bike.
I was a bit warm this morning, though I wasn't on an ebike. I had on wool leggings and rain pants, wool socks, wool shoes, a t-shirt, a Chrome wool hoodie, and a lined Shower's Pass jacket with a hood.
Also, waterproof gloves are so helpful. I have these knit waterproof gloves that I like because they look like regular gloves. I also have a pair of wool gloves that I prefer if it isn't raining really hard. When it gets a lot colder, I switch to bar mitts.
Since you're on an ebike, I think it will be key to dress warmly enough as if you're not super active. On my regular bike, I want to be a bit cold starting out because I was warm up. But if you are cruising along faster and not doing as much work yourself, you might find that you need to dress for comfort at the outdoor temperature. That could mean a warmer waterproof coat so you don't need as many layers underneath.
Do you follow BikePortland? There are sometimes posts there with tips for commuting. And I've seen a few threads on Twitter already this fall helping out Portland folks new to fall and winter commuting.
posted by bluedaisy at 12:26 PM on October 17, 2019 [2 favorites]
For rain to the face, I've found a baseball cap with a good brim works wonders. Helmets with little brims on them (like Bern makes) also help somewhat but less. My usual go-to is baseball cap with my hood pulled up over my head and buttoned/tightened so it doesn't get pulled off by the wind.
I also hate rain pants but find that they help with windbreaking to keep me warmer.
Add a towel to your bike commuting kit because you'll want to wipe off some of the accumulated rain from your bike and your face and hands.
posted by urbanlenny at 1:20 PM on October 17, 2019
I also hate rain pants but find that they help with windbreaking to keep me warmer.
Add a towel to your bike commuting kit because you'll want to wipe off some of the accumulated rain from your bike and your face and hands.
posted by urbanlenny at 1:20 PM on October 17, 2019
No answer, but much love for "acoustic bike".
posted by inexorably_forward at 1:25 PM on October 17, 2019 [4 favorites]
posted by inexorably_forward at 1:25 PM on October 17, 2019 [4 favorites]
Delivery guys in NY (who ride e-bikes, quickly) often have motorcycle helmets and insulated rain gear, boots, and semi-permanent shields for their handlebars. I personally have given up on being dry after riding in the rain or snow, but I commute and change upon arrival.
If you really need to wear street clothes, then a cape + rain pants seems like something to try, though your shoes are still going to get hammered. Going slower is likely going to help a lot, since much of the water comes from the street and wheels.
posted by beerbajay at 2:13 PM on October 17, 2019 [1 favorite]
If you really need to wear street clothes, then a cape + rain pants seems like something to try, though your shoes are still going to get hammered. Going slower is likely going to help a lot, since much of the water comes from the street and wheels.
posted by beerbajay at 2:13 PM on October 17, 2019 [1 favorite]
My rain pants have been essential, and they have a full zipper so I don't have to take my shoes off to get them on/off once I get to work.
Also, cycling caps are great for rain because they keep rain out of the eyes without hindering visibility. I'd imagine a moto helmet would be pretty clutch though if you're not worried about sweating / overheating.
posted by blueberrypuffin at 2:16 PM on October 17, 2019
Also, cycling caps are great for rain because they keep rain out of the eyes without hindering visibility. I'd imagine a moto helmet would be pretty clutch though if you're not worried about sweating / overheating.
posted by blueberrypuffin at 2:16 PM on October 17, 2019
If you have a commercial fishing gear store handy, they have a lot of serious bad weather clothing.
posted by Bee'sWing at 2:49 PM on October 17, 2019
posted by Bee'sWing at 2:49 PM on October 17, 2019
Hello fellow Portland winter biker! I have found rain pants to be sadly essential, but I also run hot enough that full shell rain pants leave me as wet from condensation and sweat as I would have been without them. Showers Pass makes a pair that is waterproof on top but softshell on the back of the leg that have been perfect for my needs (though I'm resigned to wearing rain pants, which it sounds like you may or may not get to.) They only make them in men's sizes, it seems, which is a shame.
As for rain to the face, I've never had too much trouble with it, but I am always wearing glasses. If you aren't, I'd consider trying some yellow/clear-lens glasses before getting a full face-shield.
posted by lhputtgrass at 3:54 PM on October 17, 2019 [2 favorites]
As for rain to the face, I've never had too much trouble with it, but I am always wearing glasses. If you aren't, I'd consider trying some yellow/clear-lens glasses before getting a full face-shield.
posted by lhputtgrass at 3:54 PM on October 17, 2019 [2 favorites]
Marmot Pre-cip pants work great; spray on some scotchguard for good luck. They slide right off; and there you are AZ dry in your regular pants.
Ice climbing jackets is the winter word you are looking for for a top; yah; the Gore-Tex can be costly; and well; that omg $250-300 jacket will also last for seven years or more; and look proper anywhere.
It takes a good top to stay dry; not sure why the less expensive pants stay dry but the material in a top always seems to bleed through.
Lowa Renegade low quarters in the summer; mid-boots in the winter. Not cheap; but will last several years; and bonus points for not being made in a slave shop somewhere.
I favor a leather glove; and like the boots; I mink oil/wax them down a few times a year.
Mountain Hardwear Dome perignon hat is vapor barrier lined = pretty waterproof; and the brim on my helmet stops most of the rain.
Done right; it is possible to step out of a downpour in 75 degree weather; remove your gear; and perhaps wipe your face with a small towel; and you're more or less bone dry. Not quite Iron Man armor being shed; but ten feet in the door and being totally dry; yet still jazzed from the ride; neat stuff.
I can not imagine the potential snag and crash dangers from that cape. The original Incredibles movie had a sequence of capes getting super heroes into bad trouble.
posted by buzzman at 10:00 PM on October 17, 2019
Ice climbing jackets is the winter word you are looking for for a top; yah; the Gore-Tex can be costly; and well; that omg $250-300 jacket will also last for seven years or more; and look proper anywhere.
It takes a good top to stay dry; not sure why the less expensive pants stay dry but the material in a top always seems to bleed through.
Lowa Renegade low quarters in the summer; mid-boots in the winter. Not cheap; but will last several years; and bonus points for not being made in a slave shop somewhere.
I favor a leather glove; and like the boots; I mink oil/wax them down a few times a year.
Mountain Hardwear Dome perignon hat is vapor barrier lined = pretty waterproof; and the brim on my helmet stops most of the rain.
Done right; it is possible to step out of a downpour in 75 degree weather; remove your gear; and perhaps wipe your face with a small towel; and you're more or less bone dry. Not quite Iron Man armor being shed; but ten feet in the door and being totally dry; yet still jazzed from the ride; neat stuff.
I can not imagine the potential snag and crash dangers from that cape. The original Incredibles movie had a sequence of capes getting super heroes into bad trouble.
posted by buzzman at 10:00 PM on October 17, 2019
I can not imagine the potential snag and crash dangers from that cape.
Mine's got a waist tie on the inside that keeps it from flapping around. The biggest problem is that it's difficult to signal turns or stops while wearing it. Great for warm-weather rainstorms, though, since the ventilation's better than any rain jacket's.
posted by asperity at 1:10 PM on October 18, 2019
Mine's got a waist tie on the inside that keeps it from flapping around. The biggest problem is that it's difficult to signal turns or stops while wearing it. Great for warm-weather rainstorms, though, since the ventilation's better than any rain jacket's.
posted by asperity at 1:10 PM on October 18, 2019
15-year Portland and lifelong PNW bike commuter here, thirding asperity's and bluedaisy's link of the Showers Pass gloves - they're lifechanging. They're not great in cold wind - they're not windproof nor are they really insulated - but on a typical rainy Portland high-40's day like yesterday or today, they're absolutely perfect. In that same vein, get a pair of these - they're similar to the gloves in that they're knit and waterproof, but for your feet. And they're warmer than the gloves, which is great, because cold feet are the worst.
What do you do about stinging cold rain to the face?
Slightly snarky lifelong PNW'er answer: suck it up. More serious answer: get a pair of clear-lensed cycling glasses like these to keep said rain out of your eyes, and then just ride knowing that stinging cold rain blowing directly in your face is more the exception than the rule.
It rains a lot, but the number of days where the rain is blowing directly in your face (or blowing directly in your face AND freezing) is probably not worth the annoyance of a full-face helmet or shield or whatever, at least not to me. Carry a dry towel in your bag/backpack, and when you get where you're going, towel off your face and go on about your business.
I may be the wrong guy to ask - I wear shorts and a t-shirt year round (with arm warmers and those SP gloves and shoe covers this time of year) - but rain pants fall into the "way too much hassle" category for me. I sweat a fair bit when I ride, and on damp days, rain pants make me basically feel like I'm cycling through a sauna. If you sweat a lot that's something to consider.
I see your bike already has good fenders, so I will just stress something that more cyclists need to do - get more lights. You think you have enough lights? Get one more. Helmet mounted, backpack mounted, front fork mounted, wherever. It's dark in Portland in the morning from now until March, and you need to be seen.
posted by pdb at 3:02 PM on October 18, 2019
What do you do about stinging cold rain to the face?
Slightly snarky lifelong PNW'er answer: suck it up. More serious answer: get a pair of clear-lensed cycling glasses like these to keep said rain out of your eyes, and then just ride knowing that stinging cold rain blowing directly in your face is more the exception than the rule.
It rains a lot, but the number of days where the rain is blowing directly in your face (or blowing directly in your face AND freezing) is probably not worth the annoyance of a full-face helmet or shield or whatever, at least not to me. Carry a dry towel in your bag/backpack, and when you get where you're going, towel off your face and go on about your business.
I may be the wrong guy to ask - I wear shorts and a t-shirt year round (with arm warmers and those SP gloves and shoe covers this time of year) - but rain pants fall into the "way too much hassle" category for me. I sweat a fair bit when I ride, and on damp days, rain pants make me basically feel like I'm cycling through a sauna. If you sweat a lot that's something to consider.
I see your bike already has good fenders, so I will just stress something that more cyclists need to do - get more lights. You think you have enough lights? Get one more. Helmet mounted, backpack mounted, front fork mounted, wherever. It's dark in Portland in the morning from now until March, and you need to be seen.
posted by pdb at 3:02 PM on October 18, 2019
I've biked regularly in Portland for the last 10+ winters; I'll even do light snow and only skip the rare icy days. For me the keys are wool (dries fast, stays warm, breaths well) underneath waterproof jacket, gloves, and rain pants--I like Showers Pass for all three. I prefer items that are loose enough to toss over regular clothes, but not super loose... a cape definitely wouldn't work for me, too floppy.
I gave up a while ago on booties/shoe covers for my shoes and switched to Gore-Tex shoes (I like North Face), dry feet are pretty key to feeling comfortable. I've converted several other folks to them too, even non-cyclists, they're really pretty life-changing for Portland weather. I'm fine with my face getting wet, you get used to it, but I hate when my ears get cold. I've settled on wearing a very lightweight tight fitting jogger's skullcap under my helmet, keeps me warm enough and relatively dry.
I see you've got fenders, but make sure you've got good lights. The Wirecutter had some decent recommendations last I checked.
posted by togdon at 8:03 PM on October 19, 2019
I gave up a while ago on booties/shoe covers for my shoes and switched to Gore-Tex shoes (I like North Face), dry feet are pretty key to feeling comfortable. I've converted several other folks to them too, even non-cyclists, they're really pretty life-changing for Portland weather. I'm fine with my face getting wet, you get used to it, but I hate when my ears get cold. I've settled on wearing a very lightweight tight fitting jogger's skullcap under my helmet, keeps me warm enough and relatively dry.
I see you've got fenders, but make sure you've got good lights. The Wirecutter had some decent recommendations last I checked.
posted by togdon at 8:03 PM on October 19, 2019
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Anyway, the rain pants make a good outer windbreaker layer when it's cold even if you don't expect rain, so probably worth picking up a pair regardless. Especially since you're not going to be as warm as someone on an acoustic bike.
For the face: a Buff-style gaiter can work, or a balaclava if it's particularly cold. Ski goggles can be extremely good for keeping water/ice out of your eyes without fogging up. They work well in combination with ski helmets or winter bike helmets (essentially the same thing rebranded.) Have never tried the face shield thing, but maybe it'd be more reasonable on an e-bike.
Other than the waterproofing part, wool is pretty awesome and finding cheap wool sweaters (or making them if that's your style!) isn't too hard. I have them in several different weights so it's easy to throw one on over whatever I'm wearing without being too hot or too cold.
posted by asperity at 11:20 AM on October 17, 2019 [3 favorites]