Clothing to keep you warm and dry

[aggie]

I was riding in Oregon this summer and it highlighted the problem of finding clothing that will keep me warm and dry.  The weather on the Oregon coast was cool and damp.  While it didn't rain it was so moist that there was a constant drizzle in some parts of the ride.  I can't seem to find the right combination of clothing that will keep me warm and dry.  I have several jackets that are supposed to "breath" and let out moisture but they don't work for me.  I can open all the zippers (openings) and I wind up just as wet inside the jacket as I do on the outside.  At times it was so bad I had a stream of water running down the inside of my arms. 

Anyone have any suggestions for clothing (or combinations of clothing)  that will keep me dry both inside and outside?

[waynemyer]

Wool, wool, and wool.  I live in Portland OR and have a little experience with riding in the rain.  I am of the opinion and experience that you can either be warm or dry, but not both.  If you are dry, you most certainly won't stay that way.  And if you are warm, you won't stay dry.  Now, if comfortable is the goal and you can handle getting wet, there is hope.

I sweat buckets if 60F looks at me sidelong.  As such, I have given up on staying dry.  Wool keeps my skin comfortable and mostly dry.  I use Smartwool microweight and midweight shirts, Ibex shorts, DeFeet wool armwarmers... everything merino wool.  I have layer setups that serve me well from -15F through 103F.

[HONDO]

I totally agree, either warm or dry but rarely both. layering is the key which I havent mastered yet myself as far as when to put on another vs. taking one off when you get too warm.I especially have trouble with this in the winter and end up chilled. good luck.

[cyclocamping]

Yes layering is the key. Merino wool is probably the most efficient fabric when it comes to warmth and breathable ability. Goretex and event are the best waterproof shells on the market. I always recommend to take a jacket with pitzip (a zipper by the armpit) so you can air out heat a sweat as needed and still stay dry if it is raining. Gore Bike Wear manufacture great goretex pants and jacket specifically designed for cycling (stretching fabric over the knees and shoulders, longer back, back pocket etc.). Marmot is also a very reputable brand. I use their Marmot Minimalist jacket, I like the paclite goretex because it is extremmely lightweight, efficient and compact. Marmot jacket don't have all the feature like GBW apparels do but it is more affordable and the quality is also excellent. www.cyclocamping.com offers the best deals on bicycle touring gear and camping equipment.

[CraftGeek]

+1 to the above with one modifier:
I have found that eVent based fabrics are much more efficient at getting the water vapor out than GoreTex. I have an eVent jacket that has no pit zips and as long as relative humidity is not approaching 100% I stay dry(ish).

[cyclocamping]

Yes you are right, several studies have shown that event breath better but Goretex performed better in terms of waterproof ability.

[johnsondasw]

My very light Big Agnes Seedhouse 2 is working so far, but I've only used it for about 8 nights.  I did a lot of research before I bought it.  The Seedhouse 1 was too small for me (6'2"), especially since I like to be able to include some gear in the tent.

[johnsondasw]

Whoops, that somehow got in the wrong topic.  Should have been the tent one, obviously.

[tonythomson]

Whoops, that somehow got in the wrong topic.  Should have been the tent one, obviously.

I was impressed for a while and figured it might work riding inside your tent.  Plus saves time at the end of the day. LOL