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Pouring rain - again! We hardly ever stay dry on a mountain bike tour this summer. But just in time to test our rain gear, the clouds dissolve like aspirin tablets in a glass of water.
You can find these rain jackets and rain trousers in the test:
RAIN SUITS IN COMPARISON
- Craft Tempest Bike Rain Pant (trousers) and Tempest Bike Rain Jacket (BIKE-TIP jacket: Race)
- Cube Blackline rain trousers and AM jacket Storm
- Endura MT500 Waterproof Pant and MT500 Jacket
- Gore Bike Wear Power Trail Active Pant and Power Trail Active Jacket (BIKE-TIP combo: test winner)
- Löffler GTX Active overtrousers and Primo GTX Active jacket
- Mavic Crossmax Ultimate H2O Pant and Crossmax Pro H2O Jacket
- Pearl Izumi Select Barrier WxB Pant and Pearl Izumi MTB WxB Jacket
- Vaude Spray Pants III and Tremalzo Rain Jacket (BIKE-TIP combo: price/performance)
INDIVIDUAL RANKING: RAIN JACKETS
- 7Mesh Revelation jacket
- Bontrager Evoke Stormshell
- Poc Avip Rain Jacket
- Scott Trail MTN Dryo 20
Every year, testing rain jackets and trousers presents us with an almost impossible task: while the whole of Germany is sweating in the shade in 30-degree temperatures and even the bottle of beer is evaporating, we are desperately searching for rain. To compare the twelve waterproof jackets and eight pairs of trousers in this article, we have to get creative. And so, with the help of two sprinklers, a standardised rain shower pours down over the BIKE wash area. During the fifteen-minute test runs, almost 5000 litres of water pelt down on each test product - and of course on the test rider. With the bike mounted on a roller trainer, the rider simulates a trail ride, sometimes sitting, sometimes standing. Experience has shown that jackets and trousers that can withstand this artificial downpour without leaking are also waterproof in practice. Leaks are usually detected after just a few minutes. If the test candidates remain dry on the inside for the first few minutes, the rest of the test ride is not too much of a challenge.
One thing is clear even before the field test: the different membranes are not responsible for the waterproofness. Regardless of whether Gore-Tex, Ceplex, ExoShell60 or whichever brand the manufacturer uses - in the Suter test carried out beforehand, the membranes all remain watertight. Even the number of layers doesn't matter when a water pressure of 0.4 bar (equivalent to a water column of 4000 millimetres) is applied to the jacket fabrics for over two minutes. However, it becomes critical at the seams - if water seeps through anywhere, it is here.
This shows how high quality the jackets or trousers are made and, above all, whether the manufacturers have worked properly. In order to permanently seal the connecting seams of the individual fabric panels, the seams on the inside must be sealed with so-called seam tape. This is the only way to prevent water from making its way inwards at the joints. With Pearl Izumi's rain jacket, showers have an easy time because the tape is completely missing. After just a few seconds, moisture drips down the seams into the inside of the jacket. The Pearl Izumi is therefore hardly suitable for more than a little drizzle. However, some of the products from other manufacturers are also unable to withstand the water pressure. On the jackets from Bontrager, Craft, Cube and Endura as well as the trousers from Craft, Cube and Mavic, the control paper turned dark in some places in the Suter test. This makes it easy to find the leaks. The seam intersections proved to be particularly critical. In other words, places where several lengths of fabric meet and two to three layers of tape lie on top of each other. Water often seeps through here. Sobering: Only 10 out of a total of 20 products are really 100 per cent waterproof. Surprisingly, Gore membranes are used in half of these cases.
The water-repellent coating on the outside, also known as DWR coating (Durable Water Repellent), is not decisive for the waterproofness of rainwear, but is particularly important for wearing comfort. Outer material that soaks up water on the outside not only makes the jacket or trousers noticeably heavier. After just a few kilometres in the rain, the material feels clammy and the body begins to cool down. The so-called spray test (in accordance with DIN-EN-ISO 20811) is designed to show how well a waterproofing treatment repels water from the surface. For this purpose, the test candidates are sprinkled with a defined amount of water - when new and after five washes. The water rolls off good materials like a lotus leaf. Poor fabrics, on the other hand, soak up large areas of water. This quickly shows how durable the DWR coating really is. Most impregnations degrade considerably after just a few washes and only allow water to bead up partially or not at all. Only the jackets from Gore, Löffler, Pearl Izumi and Vaude still repel water as well as when they were new, even after five washes. None of the rain trousers reached the initial value. The outer fabrics slowly soaked up more and more water during the test rides. And while the whole of Germany is looking to cool off in outdoor swimming pools and lakes, our tester is shivering in the standardised continuous rain at 30 degrees.
Conclusion from Stefan Frey, BIKE editor:
Good rain protection is not a question of price. Vaude products are reliably waterproof for as little as 130 or 100 euros. However, if you want to survive longer showers dry, you should definitely opt for a jacket with a hood. The two Gore products have all the important features and secure the well-deserved test victory.
DETAILS FOR RAIN TROUSERS & RAIN JACKETS
Rain gear only stays waterproof for a long time if manufacturers pay attention to the small details. These details particularly caught our eye during the test:
THE RIGHT CARE FOR RAINWEAR
Many bikers would rather let their rain jacket rot than throw it in the washing machine. Yet washing is essential for the function of rain gear. There are three scenarios - we show you how to care for rainwear properly.
Part is still clean, but water no longer drips off
- Dry garment for 20 minutes in the tumble dryer at 60° C/one point to reactivate the DWR impregnation
Part is dirty and needs to be washed
- Wash garment at 40° C with liquid detergent (no powder!)
- 2 additional rinse cycles to remove detergent residues
- Spin at 400 cycles to prevent damage to the membrane
- Dry, preferably on the line
- Dry the garment for 20 minutes in the tumble dryer at 60° C/one point (heat process) to reactivate the DWR impregnation
Water no longer beads up, even after the heat process
- Wash garment at 40° C with liquid detergent
- 2 additional rinse cycles to remove detergent residues
- Spin at 400 cycles to prevent damage to the membrane
- Allow to dry slightly, preferably on the line
- Apply a spray impregnation to the still damp garment and leave to dry on the line
- Dry the garment for 20 minutes in the tumble dryer at 60° C/one point (heat process) to activate the applied impregnation
Interview with Chris Eisenmann, Product Specialist at Gore-Tex
"Without waterproofing, rain gear quickly feels clammy and cold."
What is the purpose of DWR impregnation?
A garment with a membrane is waterproof even without impregnation. However, there is a textile on the outside of the garment and this can soak up water. If this happens, we no longer feel so comfortable in the garment because it gets cold and clammy inside.
How does a DWR coating work?
DWR is an invisible coating on the surface of the outer fabric. It is designed to prevent water from entering the cavities of the textile and instead beading off on the textile surface.
Does the impregnation keep rain out permanently?
The impregnation is not very durable, even if the name "durable" gives this impression. How long it lasts depends on three factors: Textile, use and DWR chemistry. A good textile with a poor DWR is usually better than a poor textile with a good DWR. The more intensive the use, the faster the water-repellent effect of the DWR wears off. If sun cream and insect repellent are added to the mix, the DWR is quickly knocked out.
How do I renew the impregnation?
Spray or wash-in impregnations, both work well. I personally prefer to use spray products, as I can also treat locally.
Can I "refresh" my rain gear as often as I like?
Refreshing is always possible. And as already described, the water-repellent effect can be renewed. However, if the item has passed its zenith at some point, is at the end of its life cycle and has been used up, then even the best impregnation will no longer help.
EIGHT RAIN JACKETS & TROUSERS IN COMPARISON
Craft Tempest Bike Rain Pant
Price 139,95 Euro
Info www.craft-sports.de
Weight¹ / Sizes / Made in 293 g / S-XXL / China
Equipment Braces, reinforced seat area, Velcro and zip on legs
Material / Layers VentAir, 8000 WS / 3
RATING
Rain cover (40 %) 6 out of max. 10 points
Climate (20 %) 9 out of max. 10 points
Fit / Cut (20 %) 8 out of max. 10 points
Pack size (10 %) 6 out of max. 10 points
Equipment (10 %) 8 out of max. 10 points
Conclusion A racy cut, braces and stretchy knee inserts - the Craft fits perfectly. With the exception of one seam in the seat area, they keep a perfect seal, even if the stretch material absorbs water and gets a little clammy. The perfectly adjustable leg cuffs do not extend over the shoes.
BIKE judgement² GOOD
Craft Tempest Bike Rain Jacket
Price 159,95 Euro
Info www.craft-sports.de
Weight¹ / Sizes / Made in 200 g / S-XXL / China
Equipment Back pocket with pannier, underarm ventilation
Material / Layers VentAir, 10000 WS / 3
RATING
Rain cover (40 %) 8 out of max. 10 points
Climate (20 %) 9 out of max. 10 points
Fit / Cut (20 %) 9 out of max. 10 points
Pack size (10 %) 10 out of max. 10 points
Equipment (10 %) 7 out of max. 10 points
Conclusion Thanks to the flexible materials, the lightweight Craft fits like a glove and its cut is perfectly adapted to the cycling position. The waistband stays in shape even without a drawstring, while the back and underarm ventilation ensure a good climate, but may also let in a little water.
BIKE judgement² VERY GOOD
Cube Blackline rain trousers
Price 129,95 Euro
Info www.cube.eu
Weight¹ / Sizes / Made in 251 g / XS-XXXL / China
Equipment Pannier, reinforced seat area, zip pocket
Material / Layers Primetronic, 10000 WS / 3
RATING
Rain cover (40 %) 4 out of max. 10 points
Climate (20 %) 7 out of max. 10 points
Fit / Cut (20 %) 5 out of max. 10 points
Pack size (10 %) 8 out of max. 10 points
Equipment (10 %) 8 out of max. 10 points
Conclusion The Blackline trousers themselves are waterproof and well reinforced in the seat area. However, the fly is not sealed and allows water to penetrate quickly. The cut on the thigh is slightly twisted, so the trousers slide down a little at the back when pedalling.
BIKE judgement² SATISFACTORY
Cube AM Jacket Storm
Price 199,95 Euro
Info www.cube.eu
Weight¹ / Sizes / Made in 340 g / XS-XXXL / China
Equipment Adjustable hood, 2 zip pockets including ventilation
Material / Layers Primetronic, 10000 WS / 3
RATING
Rain cover (40 %) 7 out of max. 10 points
Climate (20 %) 8 out of max. 10 points
Fit / Cut (20 %) 7 out of max. 10 points
Pack size (10 %) 6 out of max. 10 points
Equipment (10 %) 7 out of max. 10 points
Conclusion Comfortably cut jacket with an easy-to-use hood and neat cuffs. Ventilation openings ensure a pleasant climate. The back could be cut a little longer. Unsealed Velcro fasteners and incorrectly positioned zip garages allow water to penetrate.
BIKE judgement² GOOD
Endura MT500 Waterproof Pant
Price 149,99 Euro
Info www.endurasport.com
Weight¹ / Sizes / Made in 256 g / S-XXL / China
Equipment Drawstring, Cordura seat area, zip leg cuffs
Material / Layers ExoShell60, 18000 WS / 3
RATING
Rain cover (40 %) 9 out of max. 10 points
Climate (20 %) 7 out of max. 10 points
Fit / Cut (20 %) 8 out of max. 10 points
Pack size (10 %) 8 out of max. 10 points
Equipment (10 %) 7 out of max. 10 points
Conclusion Thanks to the successful cut and good waistband adjustment, the MT500 sits comfortably and stays in position even when pedalling. The width adjustment by zip on the legs is good, but the overall leg length is a little short. Robust seat area and small pack size.
BIKE judgement² VERY GOOD
Endura MT500 Jacket
Price 229,99 Euro
Info www.endurasport.com
Weight¹ / Sizes / Made in 524 g / XS-XXL / China
Equipment Adjustable hood, chest pocket, goggle cloth, ventilation
Material / Layers ExoShell60, 18000 WS / 3
RATING
Rain cover (40 %) 8 out of max. 10 points
Climate (20 %) 7 out of max. 10 points
Fit / Cut (20 %) 7 out of max. 10 points
Pack size (10 %) 2 out of max. 10 points
Equipment (10 %) 9 out of max. 10 points
Conclusion Robust and well thought-out jacket with fine details such as goggle cloth, shoulder reinforcement, extensively adjustable hood and stretch cuff at the wrist. However, it quickly soaks up water. The cut is not very bike-specific and bulges out a lot at the front.
BIKE judgement² GOOD
Gore Bike Wear Power Trail Active Pant
Price 199,95 Euro
Info www.goreapparel.de
Weight¹ / Sizes / Made in 222 g / S-XXL / China
Equipment Drawstring, rubberised waistband, key pocket, zip on leg
Material / Layers Gore-Tex Active, 18000 WS / 3
RATING
Rain cover (40 %) 10 out of max. 10 points
Climate (20 %) 9 out of max. 10 points
Fit / Cut (20 %) 9 out of max. 10 points
Pack size (10 %) 10 out of max. 10 points
Equipment (10 %) 8 out of max. 10 points
Conclusion Excellently cut rain trousers without superfluous gimmicks. The high, rubberised waistband stays securely in place. The asymmetric leg cuffs also lie over the shoe shaft when pedalling. Only the awkward drawstring on the waistband is annoying when putting on and taking off.
BIKE judgement² SUPER
Gore Bike Wear Power Trail Active
Price 269,95 Euro
Info www.goreapparel.de
Weight¹ / Sizes / Made in 311 g / S-XXL / China
Equipment Adjustable hood, chest and arm pockets, waistband adjustment
Material / Layers Gore-Tex Active, 18000 WS / 3
RATING
Rain cover (40 %) 10 out of max. 10 points
Climate (20 %) 9 out of max. 10 points
Fit / Cut (20 %) 9 out of max. 10 points
Pack size (10 %) 8 out of max. 10 points
Equipment (10 %) 8 out of max. 10 points
Conclusion The Power Trail is robust, perfectly finished and absolutely waterproof. The cut could be a little longer at the back. The hood works well under a helmet and is easy to adjust. Only the sleeves are quite tight. Despite the good climate, ventilation would be useful.
BIKE judgement² SUPER
Löffler GTX Active overtrousers
Price 179,99 Euro
Info www.loeffler.at
Weight¹ / Sizes / Made in 268 g / 46-60 / Austria
Equipment Drawstring, reinforced seat area, Velcro adjustment on the leg
Material / Layers Gore-Tex Active, 18000 WS / 3
RATING
Rain cover (40 %) 9 out of max. 10 points
Climate (20 %) 9 out of max. 10 points
Fit / Cut (20 %) 9 out of max. 10 points
Pack size (10 %) 4 out of max. 10 points
Equipment (10 %) 7 out of max. 10 points
Conclusion Löffler tailors absolutely waterproof rain trousers with a great climate. The high waistband sits securely even when pedalling thanks to the functional drawstring. The Velcro adjustment on the leg is less practical than Gore's, but reaches all the way to the shoes. Little drips off the surface.
BIKE judgement² VERY GOOD
Löffler Prime GTX Active
Price 199,99 Euro
Info www.loeffler.at
Weight¹ / Sizes / Made in 250 g / 48-56 / Austria
Equipment Back pocket on the side, Velcro cuffs, elasticated waistband
Material / Layers Gore-Tex Active, 18000 WS / 3
RATING
Rain cover (40 %) 10 out of max. 10 points
Climate (20 %) 9 out of max. 10 points
Fit / Cut (20 %) 9 out of max. 10 points
Pack size (10 %) 10 out of max. 10 points
Equipment (10 %) 5 out of max. 10 points
Conclusion Sporty cut jacket with perfect rain protection and impeccable workmanship. The low-cut rear stays in place even without a drawstring. Long sleeves with good Velcro adjustment and close-fitting collar. Only a little too much material on the chest and stomach.
BIKE judgement² SUPER
Mavic Crossmax Ultimate H2O Pant
Price 170 Euro
Info www.mavic.com
Weight¹ / Sizes / Made in 216 g / S-XXL / Indonesia
Equipment Pannier, Velcro waistband fastening, 2 pockets, zip leg cuffs
Material / Layers Dura Rain, 10000 WS / 2.5
RATING
Rain cover (40 %) 4 out of max. 10 points
Climate (20 %) 10 out of max. 6 points
Fit / Cut (20 %) 10 out of max. 10 points
Pack size (10 %) 8 out of max. 10 points
Equipment (10 %) 6 out of max. 10 points
Conclusion Lightweight rain trousers with practical waistband adjustment and a good fit. Wide-opening leg cuffs with reinforced insides make it easier to get into the trousers. The membrane quickly feels a little sweaty. The stretch insert at the back allows water to penetrate.
BIKE judgement² SATISFACTORY
Mavic Crossmax Pro H2O
Price 150 Euro
Info www.mavic.com
Weight¹ / Sizes / Made in 313 g / S-XXL / Indonesia
Equipment Roll-up hood, stretch cuffs, ventilation opening
Material / Layers Dura Rain, 10000 WS / 2.5
RATING
Rain cover (40 %) 9 out of max. 10 points
Climate (20 %) 6 out of max. 10 points
Fit / Cut (20 %) 8 out of max. 10 points
Pack size (10 %) 8 out of max. 10 points
Equipment (10 %) 8 out of max. 10 points
Conclusion The affordable Mavic has a sporty cut and offers reliable rain protection. The hood can be rolled up and wears well under a helmet. The climate is a little sweaty, but side ventilation slits provide some draught. Workmanship is not its strong point.
BIKE judgement² VERY GOOD
Pearl izumi Select Barrier WxB Pant
Price 139,95 Euro
Info www.paul-lange.de
Weight¹ / Sizes / Made in 199 g / XS-XXL / Vietnam
Equipment Velcro waistband adjustment, zip, leg cuffs with Velcro adjustment
Material / Layers WxB, 5000 WS / 2.5
RATING
Rain cover (40 %) 6 out of max. 10 points
Climate (20 %) 6 out of max. 10 points
Fit / Cut (20 %) 8 out of max. 10 points
Pack size (10 %) 10 out of max. 10 points
Equipment (10 %) 6 out of max. 10 points
Conclusion The Pearl Izumi is cut quite wide and can therefore be used as overtrousers. The waistband is easily adjustable with Velcro. The zip on the lower leg is not sealed and lets water through. There is no reinforcement in the seat area, which is at the expense of durability.
BIKE judgement² GOOD
Pearl izumi MTB WxB Jacket
Price 199,95 Euro
Info www.paul-lange.de
Weight¹ / Sizes / Made in 290 g / S-XXL / Vietnam
Equipment Over-helmet hood, ventilation at armpits and hood
Material / Layers Charcoal, 10000 WS / 2.5
RATING
Rain cover (40 %) 2 out of max. 10 points
Climate (20 %) 6 out of max. 10 points
Fit / Cut (20 %) 7 out of max. 10 points
Pack size (10 %) 8 out of max. 10 points
Equipment (10 %) 5 out of max. 10 points
Conclusion The simple Pearl Izumi has no pockets or adjustments and is rather large. In the right size it has a sporty fit, only the sleeves could be a little longer. The hood can only be worn over a helmet, the seams are not taped and allow water to penetrate.
BIKE judgement² SATISFACTORY
Vaude Spray Pants III
Price 100 Euro
Info www.vaude.com
Weight¹ / Sizes / Made in 178 g / S-XXXL / Myanmar
Equipment Drawstring, reinforced seat area, Velcro at the leg ends
Material / Layers Ceplex Active, 10000 WS / 2.5
RATING
Rain cover (40 %) 10 out of max. 10 points
Climate (20 %) 8 out of max. 10 points
Fit / Cut (20 %) 7 out of max. 10 points
Pack size (10 %) 10 out of max. 10 points
Equipment (10 %) 6 out of max. 10 points
Conclusion At less than 180 grams, the Vaude packs down super small and still offers convincing rain protection. Only the rear could be cut a little higher. The membrane quickly feels sweaty on the inside and the leg adjustment doesn't seem very well thought out.
BIKE judgement² VERY GOOD
Vaude Tremalzo Rain Jacket
Price 130 Euro
Info www.vaude.com
Weight¹ / Sizes / Made in 227 g / S-XXXL / Myanmar
Equipment Hood optional, 2 chest pockets, underarm ventilation
Material / Layers Ceplex Active, 10000 WS / 2.5
RATING
Rain cover (40 %) 9 out of max. 10 points
Climate (20 %) 8 out of max. 10 points
Fit / Cut (20 %) 7 out of max. 10 points
Pack size (10 %) 10 out of max. 10 points
Equipment (10 %) 8 out of max. 10 points
Conclusion The Vaude jacket also shines with its small pack size and very good rain protection. Underarm vents improve the rather sweaty climate of the Tremalzo. The cut is not very bike-specific, tight at the rear, but with plenty of material on the chest and stomach. The large chest pockets make little sense.
BIKE judgement² VERY GOOD
FOUR RAIN JACKETS IN THE INDIVIDUAL RANKING
7Mesh Revelation jacket
Price 400 Euro
Info www.7meshinc.com
Weight¹ / Sizes / Made in 299 g / XS-XXL / China
Equipment Detachable hood, various vents, large belly pockets
Material / Layers Gore-Tex Pro, 28000 WS / 3
RATING
Rain cover (40 %) 9 out of max. 10 points
Climate (20 %) 9 out of max. 10 points
Fit / Cut (20 %) 7 out of max. 10 points
Pack size (10 %) 8 out of max. 10 points
Equipment (10 %) 8 out of max. 10 points
Conclusion Made from Gore's most robust material and top-quality workmanship, the 7Mesh provides perfect protection, even if it rains for a long time. The already good climate is further improved by underarm and arm ventilation. The short cut and the loudly rustling hood are criticised.
BIKE judgement² VERY GOOD
Bontrager Evoke Stormshell
Price 199,99 Euro
Info www.trekbikes.com
Weight¹ / Sizes / Made in 408 g / XS-XXL / China
Equipment Front ventilation, chest and back pocket, collar adjustment
Material / Layers Profila Stormshell, 20000 WS / 3
RATING
Rain cover (40 %) 6 out of max. 10 points
Climate (20 %) 8 out of max. 10 points
Fit / Cut (20 %) 8 out of max. 10 points
Pack size (10 %) 6 out of max. 10 points
Equipment (10 %) 8 out of max. 10 points
Conclusion Heavy and robust, the Evoke provides reliable protection even on cool days. A sporty cut, flexible materials and long sleeves ensure comfort, while pit zips on the chest keep you cool. The front zip is difficult to zip, the outer material absorbs water quickly and water enters the back pocket.
BIKE judgement² GOOD
Poc Avip Rain Jacket
Price 300 Euro
Info www.pocsports.com
Weight¹ / Sizes / Made in 256 / XS-XXL / China
Equipment Back pocket, underarm ventilation, extended back
Material / Layers N/A, 10000 WS / 3
RATING
Rain cover (40 %) 8 out of max. 10 points
Climate (20 %) 9 out of max. 10 points
Fit / Cut (20 %) 10 out of max. 10 points
Pack size (10 %) 8 out of max. 10 points
Equipment (10 %) 7 out of max. 10 points
Conclusion With an extended back and large flaps at the cuffs, the Poc is consistently tailored to the cycling position. The material is perfectly processed and keeps absolutely tight, water can only get in at the laser-cut underarm ventilation. High but stiff collar.
BIKE judgement² VERY GOOD
Scott Trail MTN Dryo 20
Price 229,95 Euro
Info www.scott-sports.com
Weight¹ / Sizes / Made in 365 g / S-XXL / Bangladesh
Equipment Adjustable hood, chest pockets, underarm ventilation
Material / Layers DRYOsphere, 10000 WS / 3
RATING
Rain cover (40 %) 8 out of max. 10 points
Climate (20 %) 8 out of max. 10 points
Fit / Cut (20 %) 7 out of max. 10 points
Pack size (10 %) 8 out of max. 10 points
Equipment (10 %) 8 out of max. 10 points
Conclusion Thanks to its loose cut and successful under-helmet hood with wind guard, the Scott is also well suited as a multisport jacket. Despite its extensive features, it is still easy to pack and almost sweat-free thanks to the underarm ventilation. Only the waist seam absorbs a little water in the test.
BIKE judgement² VERY GOOD
Stefan Frey
Editor
