Seeking the most breathable rainjacket

Greetings!

May I have some recommendations for the absolutely most "breathable"
lightweight rain jacket?

I don't know if there really is such a thing. Most all techno fabrics are
promoted now as breathable, some claim more breathable than others, but what
does that mean? If a fabric is really waterproof, not merely water
resistant, how much breathability can it have? Or can it?

I'd like to have a lightweight rain jacket/shell in which I don't feel
clammy when cycling distances at a modest pace. Am I seeking the Holy
Grail?

All assistance and admonishments welcome.

T.I.A..
Mark

make your own from material found at wyeeast fabrics
buy one from campmor.com
get a loan and buy one from colorado cyclist

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----

In article ,
Mark H. wrote:
Greetings!

May I have some recommendations for the absolutely most "breathable"
lightweight rain jacket?

I don't know if there really is such a thing. Most all techno fabrics are
promoted now as breathable, some claim more breathable than others, but what
does that mean? If a fabric is really waterproof, not merely water
resistant, how much breathability can it have? Or can it?

I'd like to have a lightweight rain jacket/shell in which I don't feel
clammy when cycling distances at a modest pace. Am I seeking the Holy
Grail?


_ In my experience yes, but most people don't sweat as much as I
do. For me anything remotely waterproof enough to keep out the
rain is very uncomfortable when it isn't raining buckets. What works for
me is a two jacket stragety, the lightest cheapest WB jacket I
can get since I carry it much more than I wear it and a soft
shell jacket for everything else. The modern soft shells will
keep you comfortable in a wide range of conditions, but don't
stand up to a total downpour.

_ I think design of a waterproof jacket is as important as the
fabric and I hear lot's of good things about these jackets.

http://www.showerspass.com/cart/

_ Booker C. Bense

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-----
Version: 2.6.2

iQCVAwUBQp98S2TWTAjn5N/lAQHCdgQArd/Ilu7+IHpvssQR8P9WS2qAHtqIAxBV
5crJo7cYy4ObyjcSsLMzv9O6ci98Cwjed5VzLgkAgbmeabhch+ c/oI/cCcxmJZNH
L16Qbw6fOI9Eta7MzAPuj0S7u/2WE+WDp57Q8AmehUg29uaMRI+VVXP0oJtuLDTJ
sX2u95w0ohM=
=UXl5
-----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

On Thu, 02 Jun 2005 21:08:22 GMT, "Mark H."
wrote:

Greetings!

May I have some recommendations for the absolutely most "breathable"
lightweight rain jacket?

I don't know if there really is such a thing. Most all techno fabrics are
promoted now as breathable, some claim more breathable than others, but what
does that mean? If a fabric is really waterproof, not merely water
resistant, how much breathability can it have? Or can it?

I'd like to have a lightweight rain jacket/shell in which I don't feel
clammy when cycling distances at a modest pace. Am I seeking the Holy
Grail?

All assistance and admonishments welcome.

T.I.A..
Mark


Might seem strange but...

I actually use a womans gortex jacket(probably intended for
hillwaking).

Doesnt bother me that it buttons up the wrong side. It was very cheap
(40ukp, around 60 dollars) in an end of line sale and as it is cut for
a woman its nice and trim so doesnt flap around in the wind.

Obviously very waterproof and I dont sweat like a pig in it which is
more than I can say about my non gortex but alledgely breathable
waterproof trousers.
--
Mike.
Some mountain photos, bad html
and other stuff at http://www.prog99.com

"Mark H." wrote in
:
May I have some recommendations for the absolutely most "breathable"
lightweight rain jacket?

Breathable fabrics aren't. Get a jacket with vents if you want to use it in
the rain. Also, get one that fits snuggly so fabric doesn't flap around and
let rain in. I like Sugoi's products; those Canadians know how to deal with
rain. They fit more snuggly than some other brands, which I like, but others
may not.

wrote in message
ups.com...
: make your own from material found at wyeeast fabrics
: buy one from campmor.com
: get a loan and buy one from colorado cyclist

I googled wyeeast fabrics and didn't find anything. can you be more
specific?
:

Gore-Tex

On Thu, 2 Jun 2005 17:44:40 -0500, "Pat"
wrote:


wrote in message
oups.com...
: make your own from material found at wyeeast fabrics
: buy one from campmor.com
: get a loan and buy one from colorado cyclist

I googled wyeeast fabrics and didn't find anything. can you be more
specific?
:


Dear Pat,

http://www.wyeastfabrics.com/

Carl Fogel

Mark H? writes:

May I have some recommendations for the absolutely most "breathable"
lightweight rain jacket?

I don't know if there really is such a thing. Most all techno
fabrics are promoted now as breathable, some claim more breathable
than others, but what does that mean? If a fabric is really
waterproof, not merely water resistant, how much breathability can
it have? Or can it?

All this breathability is a sham if you ride hard. When cold outside
and riding hard, the steam inside the jacket will condense on the
inside and give you a wet jacket. In rain it needs to be zipped up
but while climbing it can be open as you bend over with no rain getting
in.

I'd like to have a lightweight rain jacket/shell in which I don't
feel clammy when cycling distances at a modest pace. Am I seeking
the Holy Grail?

Get a parka with a sinchable hood because that is what you'll need
descending in rain or snow. In fact without a hood, descending larger
hills in the cold becomes impossible. It was one thing that enables
Andy Hampsten to pass frozen riders on his victory in the G d'I over
the Gavia Pass in the snow.

Such parkas are not sold in bicycle shops, but outdoor stores have
them and they are lightweight. Don't get Gore-tex, it doesn't dry
well and it's breathability is useless for a rider on a climb. It
gets wet inside and out and stays that way for the rest of the day.

I've tried them all.

Mark H? writes:

May I have some recommendations for the absolutely most "breathable"
lightweight rain jacket?

I don't know if there really is such a thing. Most all techno
fabrics are promoted now as breathable, some claim more breathable
than others, but what does that mean? If a fabric is really
waterproof, not merely water resistant, how much breathability can
it have? Or can it?

All this breathability is a sham if you ride hard. When cold outside
and riding hard, the steam inside the jacket will condense on the
inside and give you a wet jacket. In rain it needs to be zipped up
but while climbing it can be open as you bend over with no rain getting
in.

I'd like to have a lightweight rain jacket/shell in which I don't
feel clammy when cycling distances at a modest pace. Am I seeking
the Holy Grail?

Get a parka with a sinchable hood because that is what you'll need
descending in rain or snow. In fact without a hood, descending larger
hills in the cold becomes impossible. It was one thing that enables
Andy Hampsten to pass frozen riders on his victory in the G d'I over
the Gavia Pass in the snow.

Such parkas are not sold in bicycle shops, but outdoor stores have
them and they are lightweight. Don't get Gore-tex, it doesn't dry
well and it's breathability is useless for a rider on a climb. It
gets wet inside and out and stays that way for the rest of the day.

I've tried them all.