Buying advice for rainwear: Jackets, trousers & more: cycling clothing for rainy weather
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Anyone who gets on their bike every day to commute to the office, university or school needs functional clothing in winter. Whether using pure muscle power or electric assistance, it is important for commuters not to arrive at their destination soaked through - but at the same time, cycling should not become a substitute for a sauna session because of all the sweating. This is a challenge, especially in the cold season, which is best mastered with functional textiles.
Rainwear: What you should know
The manufacturers of bike clothing use the same technical materials that are used in the outdoor industry when it comes to the right equipment for hiking tours and the like. Cyclists naturally want effective weather protection that is also as breathable as possible. The rainwear should have a water column of at least 10,000 millimetres as a feature so that the daily cycle tour can be completed comfortably and dry.
The legs, or rather the trousers, are often a tricky point. The weatherproof bike trousers presented here are all made without an integrated pad. If they are used for sporty tours in your free time, a pair of padded trousers should definitely be worn underneath to complete the outfit. When travelling to the office, it is advisable to wear the trousers "solo" if necessary and switch to everyday trousers once you arrive at the office. As they are all waterproof and windproof, they are only suitable for wearing over your normal outfit to a limited extent.
What about sustainability?
High-quality bike trousers such as those presented here are ergonomically cut and tend to fit snugly. If you use them as overtrousers, they tend to restrict comfort and a pleasant climate on the bike. More and more bikers are now favouring products that are sustainable, i.e. durable and manufactured without harmful substances - preferably without PFCs. PFCs (polyfluorinated chemicals) or PFASs (polyfluorinated alkyl compounds) were generally used in the past for rain jackets or trousers because they are very effective in impregnating the surface and make raindrops bead off. They also repel dirt, grease and oil.
The major disadvantage of these industrially produced fluorocarbon compounds, in which hydrogen atoms are replaced by fluorine particles, is that they cannot be broken down in nature. They are therefore sometimes referred to as "eternal chemicals". Traces of these compounds can now be found in water and soil even in the most remote parts of the world.
They are considered hazardous to health and enter the human body via the bloodstream, where they are also not broken down. The manufacturers of the rainwear presented here now avoid the use of PFCs or PFAS in their production facilities and have replaced them with substances that are biodegradable. PFC-free materials are now just as functional as the PFC-based outdoor textiles that have been used for decades.
Rainwear from Vaude - PFC-free chic from Lake Constance
Vaude is considered a model company when it comes to sustainability. A large proportion of the base materials used come from recycled fibres, and the German label has not used PFAS chemicals since 2020. Nevertheless, 80 per cent of the textiles are produced in Asia, but as a member of the Fair Wear cooperation, Vaude assumes responsibility for fair working conditions in the production facilities abroad. 650 employees produce and market the label worldwide, which is present in over 60 countries. A new feature is a rental service for outdoor and bike products, which offers bike bags from four euros per day, for example.
Drop II rain trousers men/women
Rain protection made easy: the rain trousers made of polyamide as the outer fabric and polyurethane for the membrane are light as a feather (180 grams) and pack down small. Thanks to Ceplex-active membrane technology, the trousers can withstand even heavy rain. This product is manufactured without fluorocarbons (PFCs), which are considered harmful to health and the environment. It bears the "Vaude Green Shape" label and the government Green Button seal for an environmentally friendly, functional product made from sustainable materials. Price: 95 Euro >> available here at a reduced price.
Comyou Pro cycling rain jacket ladies
Chic meets sustainability: this three-season rain jacket for female bikers is not just an eye-catcher on the bike. The Ceplex Active membrane makes it waterproof, windproof and breathable. The hood can also be worn over a helmet, while pre-shaped sleeves ensure a relaxed fit in the saddle. Available in three colours. Price: 220 Euro >> available here.
Men's Qimsa Softshell Jacket
This bluesign-certified softshell jacket is ideal for autumn bike tours in mixed weather. Softshell is generally water-repellent, meaning it can withstand light showers, and is wind-resistant and breathable at the same time. The jacket, which is available in six two-colour variants, is also suitable as a middle layer under a hard shell jacket in icy temperatures. Available in six colour combinations. Price: 170 Euro >> available here at a reduced price.
Kuro insulating ladies cycling jacket
The Kuro is a warm, water and dirt-repellent women's insulation jacket from Vaude's premium segment. Perfect for gravel tours with first-class wind protection and effective Primaloft insulation that regulates heat. Elasticated inserts ensure freedom of movement on sporty, demanding sections. Three attractive colour combinations. Price: 200 Euro >> available here at a reduced price.
Rainwear from Gonso - The inventor of cycling trousers
Gonso is a traditional bike brand from Köngen in the Allgäu region and presents a new type of softshell material with roughened inner surfaces in its current collection, which is designed to store body heat better and still reliably wick moisture away to the outside. Gonso products have been PFC-free for a year now, and recycled materials are being incorporated into more and more parts of the collection. The brand has been offering a repair service at its headquarters for years, which is being utilised more and more every year. The company is part of Maier Sports GmbH and produces in its own factory in Turkey and with a production partner in China.
Basodino - Long trousers without padding for men
Sporty, close-fitting trousers made from structured softshell material for MTB or gravel biking. Pre-shaped knees ensure great freedom of movement, the material effectively keeps moisture out and is windproof. Material: G-Shell Structure, polyester. Available in two colours. Price: 149 euros >> available here.
Sevo Therm - Padded all-weather rain trousers for commuters
These all-weather rain trousers with Primaloft lining are designed for frosty days. They are also suitable as overtrousers, fit close to the body and can be adjusted in width. The 10,000 water column and taped seams ensure a dry journey to work. Material: polyester, Primaloft silver insulation. Available in three colours. Price: 149 euros >> available here.
Rainwear from Gorewear - with new, PFC-free technology
When you think of rain protection clothing, you think of Gore-Tex. And with its bike collections, Gorewear is one of the most renowned brands in the cycling scene. The manufacturer is currently presenting a new generation of Gore-Tex products equipped with an innovative membrane. With the Gore-Tex EPE membrane (expanded polyethylene), the label is presenting a lightweight, thin yet robust base material that is completely PFC-free. With this innovation, Gorewear therefore sees itself on the path to consistent sustainability through particularly durable products.
Optimum weather protection for every bike day: Endure KIT
For the current autumn and winter season, Gorewear is launching the Endure Kit, consisting of a jacket, long trousers and shorts, for both men and women.
Endure Pant
The trousers are made from Packlite Plus and are just as waterproof and windproof as the jacket. The trousers are also very functional, easy to stow away and can be easily adjusted thanks to the adjustable hem. There is a zip pocket for valuables and reflectors for added safety. Price: 199,95 Euro >> available here at a reduced price.
Endure Jacket
The jacket is suitable as a top layer in wet weather and scores points for its absolute resistance to water and wind. Thanks to the use of Packlite Plus as a membrane, it is very breathable and dries quickly. The longer cut back offers additional protection. The elbows are pre-shaped and reflectors ensure good visibility. Price: 249.95 euros >> available here at a reduced price.
Endure Shorts
The shorts are suitable for quickly pulling on when it starts to rain, the length is chosen so that they end below the knees. Also made from Packlite Plus, they are absolutely impervious to the elements. It is equipped with reflectors and a waterproof pocket. Price: 159 euros.
Rainwear from Patagonia - The cult label from California
Patagonia is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary. The US brand is considered by many to be a pioneer when it comes to sustainability. The bike collection consists of items that are durable, breathable and made from recycled materials.
3/4 Sleeve Merino Bike Jersey
The breathable three-quarter sleeve jersey is made from a blend of soft merino wool and recycled polyester. Merino insulates in both hot and cold conditions and is suitable for sporty bike tours all year round. In winter, it is recommended as a base layer under weather protection clothing. The anatomically shaped seams and longer back hem adapt to the specific body position on the bike. Material: 65 per cent merino wool, 35 per cent recycled polyester jersey. Price: 100 euros >> available here at a reduced price.
Dirt Craft Pants
Mountain bike trousers made from elasticated, breathable material with laser-perforated ventilation openings on the inside, thighs and back of the knees. The rounded waistband follows the natural shape of the hips. The high-cut, slimmer fit ensures that the trousers fit securely on long rides. The zip pockets on the outside can be used to securely store items. Material: Recycled polyester, PFC-free waterproofing. Price: 150 euros >> available here at a reduced price.
Rainwear from Jack Wolfskin - quality from Germany for bikes too
The world-renowned German outdoor brand Jack Wolfskin now also offers weatherproof and breathable equipment for all bike disciplines: in addition to winter-appropriate clothing, it also offers bags for bikes to keep your laptop dry on the way to the office in winter or to protect your touring equipment from the wind and weather. The current Morobbia product family consists of weatherproof clothing and a bag set for touring or travelling to the office.
Morobbia - 3-layer jacket (for men and women)
This fully equipped bike jacket is made from the Texapore Ecosphere laminate developed by Jack Wolfskin, whose membrane is highly breathable yet completely waterproof and windproof. Jack Wolfskin gives the water column as 20,000 millimetres. The outer material is made from recycled raw materials and the jacket offers plenty of ventilation options during high levels of activity. The cut is made for the riding position on the bike and offers an extended back section and long sleeves for good freedom of movement. Other features: two chest pockets, fixed, adjustable and helmet-compatible hood. Material: Texapore Ecosphere RE Pro Stretch 3L, recycled polyester. Price: 300 euros >> available here at a reduced price.
Morobbia Alpha Pants M & W
These heat-insulating cycling shorts are made from Pertex Quantum Air material, which combines breathability with the best weather protection. Thanks to a permanently water-repellent DWR coating, rain and snow reliably roll off, while the insulation is made from Polartec Alpha and dries very quickly. Other features include two hip pockets, an elasticated waistband and pre-shaped knee sections typical for biking. Material: Pertex Quantum Air, 100 % polyamide. Price: 180 euros >> available here at a reduced price.
Morobbia Seat Bag
A weatherproof and storage-optimised large saddle bag for bikepacking is a blessing in winter and can replace a rucksack. The range also includes a handlebar bag and a bag for attaching to the fork. The robust, waterproof fabric made from 100 per cent recycled material reliably protects the transported goods from moisture. The Fidlock-Winch magnetic fastener is practical and allows the pack sack with roll top to be quickly removed from the lightweight holder. Material: Cross Rip 210D RE, 100 % polyamide (recycled). Price: 119 euros >> available here at a reduced price.
Rainwear from Norrona - The sporty outdoor label from Norway
In 1929, Norwegian outdoor enthusiast Jorgen Jorgensen laid the foundations for the success of the Norrona brand. Today, the family business based in Lysaker, Norway, is run by his great-grandson of the same name. The renowned outdoor manufacturer Norrona only launched a bike collection in 2014. The Norwegians stand for highly functional technologies and Scandinavian chic style. The winter collection is designed for bikers who don't shy away from any weather for their rides and need perfect weather protection.
Fjora Gore-Tex Pro Jacket
Maximum durability and a 28,000 millimetre water column characterise this bike jacket for use on cold winter days. Developed for tough single trail mountain biking, the jacket is equipped with Goretex Pro material and offers absolute weather protection. The nylon surface is made from 100 percent recycled fibres. Features: pull-out weather protection for hands, a rain channel on the hood that traps water and diverts it away from the hood opening; storm bonnet with wide field of vision for helmet with one-handed solution. Ventilation openings under the arms ensure good circulation during high activity. The logo is reflective and ensures good visibility at dusk. Colour: blue or black. Price: 649 Euro >> available here.
Fjora Gore-Tex Pro Pants
The matching trousers are also made from Goretex Pro material. The material offers the same technical performance as the jacket and, with a 28,000 millimetre water column, provides reliable protection against rain, snow and any kind of moisture. The fit is optimised for sporty biking and consists of 100 percent recycled 40D nylon upper material with Goretex Pro laminate. The seat and ankle areas have been reinforced with extra-durable material to prevent wear and tear. Air can be fed in via side zips and the reflective logos make the trousers highly visible even in the dark. Two pockets and a key compartment provide space for utensils. The bike trousers are ideal for highly sporty activities, but are also suitable for commuters as 100 per cent weather protection. Colour: Black. Price: 599 Euro >> e.g. available here.
