Rain Shell Recommendation

[canalligators]

I’m looking for a rain shell for warm weather use, and having no luck. Can anyone offer suggestions?
- Size must be tall, XL.  Back length at least 33”.  I have a long torso and arms.
- Hooded.
- Unlined, or with a light mesh lining.  I have a lined raincoat for cooler weather.
- Hi-vis color. (Why would anyone ever buy a raincoat in dark colors?)

Tall sizing is the glitch.  I ended up making my own merino jersey, couldn’t find a tall for love or money.  I don’t need another project.

[John Nettles]

I don't know the specific measurements but if it works for you, I like my Showers Pass eVent jacket (forgot the model name).  Just be sure to order a larger size than you need as it ran small for me.

Best of luck finding what you want.  At times, it is quite nice being "normal" compared to needing custom stuff  . 

Tailwinds, John

[HikeBikeCook]

I bought the REI one after returning the Showers Pass due to poor fit. Really love the REI Co-op Junction Cycling Rain Jacket.
https://www.rei.com/product/175338/rei-co-op-junction-cycling-rain-jacket-mens

[canalligators]

Thanks for the hints.

Ok, here’s where I was confused.  “Layers” (such as “2.5 layers”) does not mean it’s lined.  It means the fabric is a layup of waterproofing layers, such as an outer and a semi-permiable.  The .5 is a mesh inner layer, a good idea to protect the fabric and give a little ventilation. 

It took me an hour and a half to find that bit of information.  Restart the search…

[UncaBuddha]

A saleslady at REI told me they don't sell EVent products any more because it works so much better than Goretex that Goretex threatened to pull all of it's products! I'm looking hard at that Showers Pass jacket even though it's pretty pricey.

[John Nettles]

A saleslady at REI told me they don't sell EVent products any more because it works so much better than Goretex that Goretex threatened to pull all of it's products! I'm looking hard at that Showers Pass jacket even though it's pretty pricey.

I have bought 3 over the years for my wife and I.  The first was new.  Then a week later I checked out eBay and found the exact same one in new unused condition for sale at 50% off new price.  I just checked and there are for few used ones for sale starting at $78.  Just buy at least 1 or maybe even 2 sizes larger than you think you need as they are definitely a "slim" jacket. 

[HikeBikeCook]

Showers Pass seemed to be designed for skinny crit riders or male models and not the average "full bodied" American male. I bought 1 size up and it was way too tight and the sleeves were 6" too long.

[UncaBuddha]

Do you fellas use the Elite 2.1 or the Double Century?

[John Nettles]

I have both an elite 2.0 (yellow) and 2.1 (red).  They are about the same.  My better half has the 2.1.

[Havenga-good-time]

My  husband and I were looking for rain jackets last winter for our cross country tour this summer, and weren't having much luck as nothing had a hood which we wanted.  Then we went back to REI and they now had the REI Co-op Junction Cycling Rain Jacket,  the one the earlier poster mentioned.  We both got one.  This jacket was about the most essential thing that we had for the first part of our trip, as it was cool and often wet.  We used the hood both over and under our helmets, were very thankful for the pit zippers, liked the velcro at the end of the sleeves and the double front zipper.  We did sometimes sweat under it, but the zippers helped.  This was just what we wanted. It helped too, that we were able to try them on in the store and get the fit we wanted

[CharlesLathe]

On my TransAm ride this past spring and early summer the only rain gear I took was a Cleverhood rain cape — the Rover model. I encountered lots of rain and the cape was completely satisfactory.

[canalligators]

I like using a cape, when riding a diamond frame, but most of my touring is on a recumbent.  I've thought about making a cape-like garment for a recumbent, that would extend out over the legs, but I don't think it's feasible.  What the recumbent world needs is a way to keep the rain from pooling in the rider's lap or soaking the foam seat pad.  I have ideas for that, maybe I'll work up a prototype.

[froze]

Rain jackets, no matter the cost, will be hot in a hot rain, since today's fabrics dry so fast, I don't put on a jacket in hot weather when it rains, after it stops raining, I'm dry in less than 10 minutes.  On cool days I will wear a Showers Pass Syncline CC jacket, their least expensive jacket with a helmet hood; I do not see any reason to buy a more expensive jacket, this one work's just fine; plus, it's like GoreTex, it's the fabric that keeps the rain away, not some coating that only last a season then you have to respray it.

[canalligators]

I’ve decided to use the rain jacket I have, a Lands End which is lined.  It is a bit warm on hot days, but like Froze says, I can leave it off.  It is a really well made jacket with lots of pockets.  I will probably put zippers in the sleeves like I’ve done with two other jackets, those help a lot with ventilation, as long as you put long enough zippers in.