Cycling in the rain can be a challenge, but with the right gear, you can stay dry and comfortable. Rain pants are just as essential as a waterproof jacket for proper protection. Discover our complete guide to choosing the perfect pants and ensuring optimal protection when you're cycling.
Cycling rain pants: water-repellent and waterproof?
When cycling, it's essential to have the right clothing to protect yourself from rain and bad weather. Two common options are either water-repellent or waterproof pants. But what's the difference between the two?
Water-repellent rain pants are treated with a special coating that allows water droplets to roll off the fabric without absorbing them. This makes them resistant to light rain or splashes, but does not make them completely waterproof.
Please note, however, that some water-repellent treatments are more resistant than others. This is the case, for example, with the one used on the XPLORA rain pants at VEST PARIS. However, these must be re-treated every 10 washes with a specific spray or detergent.
100% waterproof pants, on the other hand, are made from special laminated fabrics designed to completely repel water. They are completely waterproof and will protect you even in the wettest conditions.
So, if you plan on cycling in the pouring rain, waterproof pants are essential. However, if your rides are usually exposed to light rain or occasional splashes, water-repellent pants may be sufficient. Choosing between the two will depend on your specific needs and how you want to look after getting off the bike.
Waterproof cycling rain pants: an essential for cyclists
Membrane-equipped rain pants are essential for cyclists who want to stay dry and comfortable in heavy rain. These pants offer optimal protection against the elements thanks to their waterproof and breathable fabric.
This implies that the waterproof trousers must be equipped with a membrane (or so-called laminated) fabric whose performance is equivalent to at least 5000/5000. Below this, it will not be effective for excellent protection against driving rain.
Additionally, these waterproof pants with laminated fabrics feature taped seams that prevent water from penetrating, ensuring total waterproofing.
However, the limitation of these pants is their cut and style. While they provide complete protection for your legs and lower body, the look they give you is generally quite far from your standards.
Featuring reflective strips, these waterproof pants for women and men guarantee increased visibility, even in low light conditions.
On the practical side, it is easy to put on and take off thanks to its zipper along the entire length of the leg.
Cycling Rain Pants: Styles and Options
Cycling rain pants come in a variety of styles, from practical overpants to more fitted models. With more fitted models, there are several issues to address. The level of rain resistance (it's difficult to combine style and a membrane in a pair of pants), the appearance (reflective strips are essential to be seen), and the noise made by the membrane when rubbing against you while walking. This is why a water-repellent treatment is often preferred over a membrane when creating cycling rain pants.
Regarding the reflective strips, there are ways to hide them. The XPLORA pants from VEST PARIS, for example, have reflective strips, but we chose to make them reversible to maintain a timeless, urban look once you get off the bike. These reflective strips are only useful for visibility while cycling.
Cycling Rain Overpants: Versatility and Ease of Use
Rain pants for cycling are a more practical than aesthetic option for cyclists. Easy to slip on over your usual clothing, they create an instant waterproof barrier.
Even if they're not the most stylish piece of gear and you cycle to work every day, these rain overpants for city cycling are an effective solution. Made from waterproof and breathable materials, they keep you dry while wicking moisture away from the inside.
Their ergonomic design makes these waterproof pants easy to put on and take off. They also feature taped seams to prevent water from penetrating inside.
Thanks to its adjustable elastic waist and adjustable leg bottom, the cycling rain overpants adapt to all body shapes and offer you absolute comfort.
Rain overpants for city cycling: functional but not stylish
This section is especially for those who want to be protected from the rain while maintaining their usual look. It's quite complicated to arrive at a meeting wearing overpants, and even if you've taken them off, the problem is storing them. Where to store rain-soaked gear? This dilemma arises for all cyclists, but there's no ideal solution if you want to maintain a certain elegance. Hence the compromise VEST PARIS has made with its XPLORA pants.
Rain pants for complete protection
For complete protection, pair your rain pants with other rainwear, such as waterproof jackets and overshoes. This will keep you comfortably dry, even in the harshest weather conditions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, investing in rain-proof pants is essential for regular cyclists. Explore the different options available on the market and choose the one that best suits your needs. With the right gear, cycling in the rain can become a less unpleasant experience.