Things to know about rain jackets and rain trousers: 9 rain outfits for cycling put to the test
Armin Herb
· 11.07.2023
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Cyclists usually have an ambivalent relationship with rainwear: hardly anyone really likes it, but everyone needs it at some point. This is mainly due to the fact that rain jackets and trousers make you sweat quickly because the material is reminiscent of a plastic bag, often crackles and, above all, putting on rain trousers can sometimes turn into quite a fiddly job. First things first: these unpleasant factors can be significantly minimised with some modern rainwear.
First impressions of the rainwear
The days of "East Frisian mink" that is waterproof inside and out are long gone. Today's high-tech membranes have high water vapour permeability (= breathability) from the inside to the outside, even though they are completely waterproof. This works all the better the greater the temperature gradient between body and outside temperature. When riding in the rain in the mountains, we found that all items, jackets and trousers alike, were indeed waterproof and the sweat inside was kept to a minimum. The lightweight jackets from Löffler and Bergans were particularly favourable in this respect.
Noticeable progress can also be seen in the material. Rainwear from Canyon and Löffler, for example, is proving to be soft and stretchy (almost) like softshell textiles. The industry is also slowly making progress in terms of sustainability: although synthetics such as polyester, polyamide and polyurethane are still being used due to their weight, impermeability and breathability, recycled materials are increasingly being used. And when it comes to impregnation, all of the manufacturers included here are doing away with environmentally harmful PFC (perfluorocarbon).
The greater the temperature difference between body and outside temperature, the better the water vapour permeability from the inside to the outside.
But as is so often the case, the devil is in the detail. For example, the fact that some rain trousers cannot be pulled over your shoes despite having zips at the end of the legs can cause a lot of excitement when it suddenly starts to rain. Or that hoods on rain jackets cannot be pulled over or under helmets. Such shortcomings can usually be avoided if you try on rain jackets and rain trousers before you buy them. It is best to take your bike helmet and the cycling shoes you usually wear with you to the specialist shop.
The cost of good rainwear
If you look at the prices, you will realise that good high-tech rainwear can be quite expensive. But during our test, we also discovered an inexpensive exception: Decathlon proves that you don't necessarily have to spend hundreds of euros on a very well thought-out and detailed rain jacket and trousers.
What to look out for when buying rainwear
Hans-Peter Ettenberger is a bike technology specialist at MYBIKE and an experienced year-round bike commuter. He pays particular attention to these details in rainwear:
For rain jackets
- Good breathability, for example thanks to water vapour-permeable fabrics and ventilation openings
- good visibility, i.e. with sufficient reflectors
- Extended sleeves on the back of the hand or cuffs with width adjustment or stretchy waistband
- extended back
For rain trousers
- sufficiently long zips to be able to put on the rain trousers with shoes
- stretchy waistband, with zip and press stud if required
- Trousers that are available in different lengths (e.g. short sizes)
- Width adjustment with Velcro straps on the lower leg
- Reinforced seat area
- pre-shaped knees
The rainwear in the MYBIKE test at a glance
The rain jackets in the test
The rain trousers in the test
The one-piece in the test
Rainwear details
Rainwear from Bergans
Rain jacket from Bergans: Y Lightline Air 3L Shell Jacket Men
- Price: 300 Euro
- Weight: 270 grams (size S)
- Material: 100 % recycled polyamide
- Pack size: 1100 ml
- Equipment: 20,000 mm water column, three-layer jacket, chest pocket with key clip and mobile phone compartment, multi-adjustable hood, reinforced hood peak, extended cuffs
Valuation
- Rain cover: 6 from 6
- Processing: 6 from 6
- Breathability: 5 from 6
- Fit/cut: 5 from 6
Conclusion
Lightweight, very breathable multifunctional rain jacket with multi-adjustable hood that fits both over and under the helmet. Not quite cheap, but robust despite its low weight. Few reflective elements. The jacket can be easily compressed and stowed in the hood. Also available as a ladies' model.
MYBIKE verdict: VERY GOOD
Rain trousers from Bergans: Letto LongZip Pants
- Price: 220 Euro
- Weight: 305 grams (size S)
- Material: Polyamide, polyester
- Pack size: 1200 ml
- Equipment: 20,000 mm water column, three-layer Dermizax membrane, full-length two-way zips at the side, belt loops, zip at the front, elasticated waistband, press stud tab at the leg end
Valuation
- Rain cover: 6 from 6
- Processing: 6 from 6
- Breathability: 5 from 6
- Fit/cut: 5 from 6
Conclusion
Robust high-tech outdoor rain trousers with many practical details, such as a full-length 2-way zip at the side, a waistband with zip and belt loops. Also available as a ladies' model.
MYBIKE verdict: VERY GOOD
Canyon rainwear
Canyon cycling rain jacket
- Price: 229,95 Euro
- Weight: 380 grams (size M)
- Material: Polyamide (outside), polyester (inside)
- Pack size: 1500 ml
- Equipment: 10,000 mm water column, three layers, two waterproof zip pockets on the side, Napoleon pocket, reflective elements, adjustable hood (with visor) that fits over the helmet, tight-fitting, long cuffs
Valuation
- Rain cover: 5 from 6
- Processing: 6 from 6
- Breathability: 5 from 6
- Fit/cut: 5 from 6
Conclusion
Rain jacket with a softshell feel, which means the material is relatively soft and quiet. The model is very comfortable to wear and has a stretchy hood that reaches over the helmet. A small drawback: the outer layer soaks up water, which does not affect the waterproofness, but does affect the breathability. Also available as a ladies' model.
MYBIKE verdict: GOOD
Cycling rain trousers from Canyon
- Price: 179,95 Euro
- Weight: 305 grams (size M)
- Material: Polyamide (outside), polyester (inside)
- Pack size: 1200 ml
- Equipment: 10,000 mm water column, three layers, reinforced seat with Cordura fabric, two front zip pockets, waistband with elasticated band and front zip and press stud, zip at the bottom of the trouser leg, reflective elements
Valuation
- Rain cover: 6 from 6
- Processing: 6 from 6
- Breathability: 5 from 6
- Fit/cut: 5 from 6
Conclusion
Unusually comfortable, well-fitting rain trousers. The wearing comfort is mainly due to the relatively stretchy material. The downside: despite the stretch and zip at the bottom of the leg, the trousers are difficult to put on with shoes.
MYBIKE verdict: VERY GOOD (MYBIKE tip: wearing comfort)
Decathlon rainwear for cycling
Triban rain jacket bike gravel red
- Price: 79,99 Euro
- Weight: 430 grams (size M)
- Material: Polyester, PU membrane
- Pack size: 1800 ml
- Equipment: 15,000 mm water column, three-layer material, chest pocket with key fob, two side pockets, rear right pocket with zips, reflective elements, breathable fabric on the sides, ventilation at the back, adjustable hood width, long upper sleeves, extended back, adjustable jacket waistband
Valuation
- Rain cover: 6 from 6
- Processing: 6 from 6
- Breathability: 6 from 6
- Fit/cut: 6 from 6
Conclusion
This jacket has been designed with important details in mind, such as concealed ventilation openings, elasticated fabric on the side and a comfortable, adjustable hood. Outdoor high-tech for commuters and bikepackers at an attractive price.
MYBIKE verdict: VERY GOOD (MYBIKE tip: price/performance)
City 900 bike rain trousers from Decathlon
- Price: 89,99 Euro >> available here
- Weight: 310 grams (size M)
- Material: Polyester, polyamide, PU membrane
- Pack size: 1200 ml
- Equipment: 10,000 mm water column, three-layer material, long two-way zip on the side, zip and press stud on the waistband, reflective elements
Valuation
- Rain cover: 6 from 6
- Processing: 6 from 6
- Breathability: 5 from 6
- Fit/cut: 4 from 6
Conclusion
Comfortable to put on, comfortable when cycling. The city rain trousers perform well in dirty weather. The only thing the testers lacked was width adjustment at the calves.
MYBIKE verdict: GOOD
Rain cover from Endura
Rain jacket Hummvee WP Hooded Jacket
- Price: 139,95 Euro >> available here
- Weight: 480 grams (size S)
- Material: 75% polyamide, 25% polyester
- Pack size: 2000 ml
- Equipment: 10,000 mm water column, two layers, two zipped side pockets, zipped chest pocket, mesh lining, ventilation slits with zip under the arms, side-adjustable hood, adjustable cuffs with Velcro fastening
Valuation
- Rain cover: 6 from 6
- Processing: 6 from 6
- Breathability: 5 from 6
- Fit/cut: 5 from 6
Conclusion
Urban comfort rain jacket with several pockets, hood and mesh lining. It is not particularly light, but has a pleasant feel. Available as a men's and women's model.
MYBIKE verdict: VERY GOOD
Rain trousers: Hummvee Waterproof Trousers
- Price: 94,99 Euro >> available here
- Weight: 245 grams (size S)
- Material: Polyamide
- Pack size: 1200 ml
- Equipment: 10,000 mm water column, 2.5 layers, reflective elements, reinforced seat, waistband with elasticated band and drawstring, leg width adjustable at the bottom with zip and Velcro strap
Valuation
- Rain cover: 6 from 6
- Processing: 6 from 6
- Breathability: 5 from 6
- Fit/cut: 4 from 6
Conclusion
Well-made rain trousers with sufficient reflective elements. Unfortunately, despite the zip, the leg width at the bottom is a little tight, so you can only pull the trousers on with small shoe sizes.
MYBIKE verdict: GOOD
Gonso bike rainwear
SavePlus rain jacket from Gonso
- Price: 149,95 Euro >> available here
- Weight: 245 grams (size S)
- Material: 100 % recycled polyamide
- Pack size: 900 ml
- Equipment: 10,000 mm water column, 2.5 layers, two side pockets, two inside pockets, extended back, extended cuffs with elasticated band
Valuation
- Rain cover: 5 from 6
- Processing: 6 from 6
- Breathability: 5 from 6
- Fit/cut: 5 from 6
Conclusion
Very light, thin and compressible rain jacket. The hood reaches up over the mouth at the front. A practical, compact "always-with-you rain cover".
MYBIKE verdict: VERY GOOD
Gonso rain trousers Drainon (neon)
- Price: 79,95 Euro >> available here
- Weight: 205 grams (size S)
- Material: 100 % polyester, membrane made of 100 % polyurethane
- Pack size: 800 ml
- Equipment: 10,000 mm water column, abrasion protection on the seat, leg width adjustment, reflective elements, fluorescent colour
Valuation
- Rain cover: 6 from 6
- Processing: 6 from 6
- Breathability: 5 from 6
- Fit/cut: 4 from 6
Conclusion
The model is available in a wide range of sizes and in two colours. The Drainon is cut relatively close to the body, which means you have to take your shoes off when putting it on. The neon colour is clearly visible from a distance, but unfortunately so is any dirt.
MYBIKE verdict: GOOD
Weather protection from Gore Wear
Gore Wear rain jacket Endure Jacket
- Price: 229,95 Euro >> available here
- Weight: 290 grams (size M)
- Material: Polyester
- Pack size: 1200 ml
- Equipment: 28,000 mm water column, two-layer material, two side pockets with zip, reflective strips, Velcro fastening on cuffs, adjustable waistband, large, multi-adjustable hood (can be worn over a helmet)
Valuation
- Rain cover: 6 from 6
- Processing: 6 from 6
- Breathability: 4 from 6
- Fit/cut: 6 from 6
Conclusion
Classic, simple cycling rain jacket from the pioneer of waterproof, breathable membranes. Its low weight and small pack size are particularly impressive. Also available as a ladies' model.
MYBIKE verdict: VERY GOOD
Gore Wear rain trousers C5 GTX Paclite Trail Pants
- Price: 199,95 Euro >> available here
- Weight: 160 grams (size M)
- Material: Polyamide
- Pack size: 800 ml
- Equipment: 28,000 mm water column, two-layer material, zip at the bottom and press studs to adjust the width of the calf area, elasticated waistband and drawstring, reflective stripes
Valuation
- Rain cover: 6 from 6
- Processing: 6 from 6
- Breathability: 4 from 6
- Fit/cut: 5 from 6
Conclusion
Pleasantly lightweight, packable rain trousers with a good fit. One small drawback: the zips on the legs are too short to easily pull the trouser legs over size 43 or larger shoes.
MYBIKE verdict: GOOD
Rainwear from Löffler
Löffler rain jacket: WPM Pocket Hooded Bike Jacket
- Price: 199,99 Euro
- Weight: 420 grammes
- Material: Polyamide, PU membrane
- Pack size: 2100 ml
- Equipment: 20,000 mm water column, 2.5 layers, chest pocket, two side pockets, two-way zip, tight cuffs at the wrist, hood with headband for width adjustment, reflective stripes
Valuation
- Rain cover: 6 from 6
- Processing: 6 from 6
- Breathability: 6 from 6
- Fit/cut: 5 from 6
Conclusion
A top model for city and touring cyclists - relatively light, very breathable and feels as soft as a softshell fabric. Wearing comfort and climate are also impressive. Thanks to a thin layer of insulation, it even provides some warmth. Also available as a ladies' model.
MYBIKE verdict: VERY GOOD (MYBIKE tip: wearing comfort)
Löffler rain trousers: Bike Overpants WPM-3
- Price: 199,99 Euro
- Weight: 260 grammes (size M)
- Material: Polyamide, polyester, PU membrane
- Pack size: 1250 ml
- Equipment: 20,000 mm water column, three-layer material, long covered zips, Velcro straps with reflective strips to adjust the width at the calf, elasticated waistband with drawstring
Valuation
- Rain cover: 6 from 6
- Processing: 6 from 6
- Breathability: 5 from 6
- Fit/cut: 6 from 6
Conclusion
Lightweight, simple premium rain trousers - comfortable and breathable when cycling, easy and quick to put on thanks to the large leg openings, even with shoes.
MYBIKE verdict: VERY GOOD
Vaude rainwear
The Yaras Rain Jacket - Rain jacket by Vaude
- Price: 170 Euro
- Weight: 360 grams (size M)
- Material: Polyamide, PU membrane
- Pack size: 1300 ml
- Equipment: 10,000 mm water column, 2.5 layers, two side pockets, ventilation zips under the armpits, adjustable hood width, two-way zip, extended back, adjustable cuffs, adjustable jacket waistband
Valuation
- Rain cover: 6 from 6
- Processing: 6 from 6
- Breathability: 4 from 6
- Fit/cut: 5 from 6
Conclusion
The jacket is particularly light and packs down small. When cycling, however, the material is rather sweat-inducing, with the underarm ventilation almost cooling you down too much. If you put the bike helmet on the hood, the width adjustment of the hood at the back of the head gets in the way. Also available as a women's model (Yaras IV rain jacket).
MYBIKE verdict: GOOD
Vaude rain trousers: Yaras Rain ZipPants III
- Price: 140 Euro >> available here
- Weight: 390 grams (size M)
- Material: Polyamide, PU membrane
- Pack size: 1400 ml
- Equipment: 10,000 mm water column, 2.5 layers, long covered two-way zips on the side including hooks and Velcro, elasticated waistband, zip and press stud, reinforced seat area, reflective elements
Valuation
- Rain cover: 6 from 6
- Processing: 6 from 6
- Breathability: 4 from 6
- Fit/cut: 2 from 6
Conclusion
In this model, the loose-fit cut was somewhat exaggerated, at least for our test subjects, which means that the fabric flutters on the thighs when cycling. On the other hand, the Rain Pants are easy to put on and take off thanks to the long zip.
MYBIKE verdict: SATISFACTORY
The overall - a waterproof bike one-piece from Endura
Urban Luminite one-piece
- Price: 249,95 Euro
- Weight: 600 grams (size S)
- Material: 50 % polyamide, 50 % polyester
- Pack size: 2000 ml
- Equipment: 10,000 mm water column, 2.5-layer fabric, large reflective elements, two inside pockets, adjustable wrist and ankle elements, ventilation zip under the arms, zip and press stud fastening at the front of the trousers, elasticated waistband with belt loops, reinforced seat, split front design for easy donning and doffing, two side zip pockets
Valuation
- Rain cover: 6 from 6
- Processing: 6 from 6
- Breathability: 5 from 6
- Fit/cut: 4 from 6
Conclusion
The overall is not quite light and a little bulky, but it keeps the cyclist rainproof even on longer rides in the rain. Plus point safety: partly neon colour and large reflective surfaces.
MYBIKE verdict: VERY GOOD
3 questions for René Bethmann, the Innovation Manager at Vaude
MYBIKE: What does DWR mean?
René Bethmann: It stands for "Durable Water Repellency", which means "permanently water-repellent". DWR is an impregnation that is applied to the material. As a result, the water beads up and does not penetrate the fabric immediately.
What does the term "layers" mean, for example a 2-layer or 2.5-layer jacket?
Layers means that a composite material is composed of several "layers" of fabrics: 2 layers = fabric + membrane // 2.5 layers = fabric + membrane + print // 3 layers = fabric + membrane + fabric. Layered materials are used for rainwear, as the membrane guarantees that the water does not penetrate. For a rain jacket to be truly waterproof, all seams must also be taped and waterproof zips must be used.
Do I have to reimpregnate weatherproof clothing with membranes?
Membranes themselves cannot be re-impregnated - only the DWR. If the DWR impregnation wears off, i.e. the water no longer beads up on the outside, it can be refreshed, for example by gently ironing, washing in the washing machine with a special detergent or using an impregnation spray. If the membrane is damaged, the product can only be repaired under certain circumstances, i.e. a small hole or tear can be covered with a special patch and the waterproofness restored.
Encyclopaedia on rainwear
Water column
The so-called water column indicates the water pressure that the outer material of a rain jacket, for example, can withstand before it becomes permeable. This means that the higher the value in millimetres, the more waterproof the material is. A water column of 1000 millimetres corresponds roughly to a pressure of 0.1 bar. The significance of the water column is often somewhat overestimated, as there are various standards, measuring procedures and test methods for determining the water column. It is also very important how a rain jacket is made, for example, how tight the seams or glued joints and the zips are.
Waterproof
According to EU guidelines, a fabric is considered waterproof from a water column of 800 millimetres. In Germany, a material is considered waterproof from 1300 mm, in Switzerland only from 4000 millimetres. In the outdoor sector, a water column of 10,000 millimetres has become established as a guideline for rain jackets for cycling and hiking, and 15,000 millimetres for rain trousers that allow you to kneel or sit on wet ground. For tours with a heavy rucksack and other demanding conditions, hardshell jackets with a water column of 20,000 millimetres offer the necessary reserves.
Water repellent
Water-repellent means that in light rain, water beads up on the surface of the jacket or trousers and does not penetrate inside. In heavier rain, however, you have to expect to get wet at some point.
Breathability
Breathability colloquially stands for water vapour permeability, i.e. the ability for water vapour ("perspiration") to escape from the inside of a garment to the outside. Due to the temperature and moisture gradient between the inside and outside, the water vapour diffuses through the textile from the warm inside to the cooler and drier outside. The greater the gradient, the better this works. Breathability is usually expressed as the amount of evaporated liquid per square metre in 24 hours. A textile is considered breathable from 3000 grams per square metre per 24 hours (3000 g/sqm/24 h), very breathable from 10,000 grams per square metre per 24 hours (10,000 g/sqm/24 h).
