Rain pants? Yay or Nay

[douglaslee]

Heading west to east on TA starting mid-June. I have a nice Showers Pass rain jacket. Do I need rain pants?

[BikeFreak]

Hi,

Last year I asked the same question (even with a poll):

http://www.adventurecycling.org/forums/index.php?topic=9847.msg49029#msg49029

Lucas

[bogiesan]

Utrlight rain pants weight what, 8 ounces? Maybe 12?
Yes.

[yumadons]

You need an extra layer over your tights to descend the (cold) mountain passes anyway, so why not make that layer rainpants? Just get some that look normal enough to wear out and about if you need to. Something like REI Ultralight Rain Pants. These aren't shiny and don't sound or feel like garbage bags rubbing together while walking. And they have front pockets

http://www.rei.com/product/794209/rei-ultra-light-pants-mens-30-inseam

 

[windrath]

The biggest reason I bring rain gear is to keep my riding clothes from getting filthy from the road spray mixed with dust and dirt. 

[Pat Lamb]

If you do decide on rain pants (I didn't, and don't see the need for them), save yourself the weight when you get out of the Rockies.  Mail them home from Pueblo.

[commuter]

Yes
You may not be able to prepare for the unexpected but you should be able to prepare for the expected. I expect it will rain on a x-country trip and that rain can be cold. Not only would I recommend the rain pants but I would recommend booties as well. You may be comfortable riding in a cold rain with wet feet on any given day but would you be comfortable riding two or three days in a row with wet feet? On the other hand it is not my comfort that is in question and I think you should do what is best for you. Some people do not like the feel of rain pants on their knees when they are biking, even if the rain pant has an articulated knee.

[johnsondasw]

I've been ona group ride in the Rockies in late June.  We got caught in a howling snow storm for several hours at high elevation.  Several unprepared folks had to be driven down to a town to get warned up because they had definite symptons of hypothermia.  Bring 'em, and the booties.  Also light weight gloves and hat for under the helmet.  I had all this and still needed to warm up and dry off when we got to shelter.

[FredHiltz]

You can probably mail 'em home after you leave the Rockies in July.

Fred

[douglaslee]

Thanks for all the replies. I like the idea of starting out with rain pants and mailing them home after the Rockies.

[adventurepdx]

Another option if you don't want to go full rainpants is Rainlegs:
http://www.rainlegs.com/en/home
They protect the "tops" of your legs, where you'll get rained on the most. They are a good, simple, lightweight option if it's going to be warmer out, but won't do as good as full rainpants if you are looking for warmth or wind-resistance.

(And man, the first sentence on the Rainlegs home page is badly worded. I think Rainlegs is a Dutch company and they might not have done the best translation job.)

[staehpj1]

My rain pants weigh 7.5 ounces.  I took them as my only long pants other than a pair of tights on my last tour (Southern Tier) and they worked out well.

Edit: I should have mentioned that in about 10,000 miles of touring I think I have worn them while riding only once or twice.  That said I often wear them in camp, wear them as "nice" pants (they are black and look somewhat presentable), and can use them as a vapor barrier if it should get way colder at night than I planned for.

[burtonridr]

Yea I would bring rain pants, I always do.

[Westinghouse]

It would be advisable. Be ready for sudden, and sometimes severe meteorological events such as rain, heavy rain, and sometimes the passing super cell with tornadoes. With 60 to 90 days on the road, nature has a lot of time to throw just about everything at you that she has in store.

[Tim]

Rather carry them and not need them; then need them and NOT have them.  Cold and wet will sap energy out of you just as fast as hot conditions. 

Westinghouse says it best.