Looking for recommendations on a two piece rain suit. It must fit the following criteria:
Absolutely waterproof
Breathable so I don't sweat to death
Stuff-able and compact
Easy to get on and off
Doesn't cost a fortune
Let me know if you have something that meets those criteria. Thanks.
Ed
From one Ed to another (remember, 2 Eds are better than one!),
My rain gear came from a clearance sale - it's Stearns brand. If you know much about boats, you may have run across the name. It's not motorcycle-specific (no reflective bits, and it has a hood, which I just tuck down the back of the neck) but I've had it for probably 10 years, and it keeps me dry.
Breathable so you don't sweat - you want LINED coat and pants. Not lining like winter-wear, but just an inner layer and an outer layer of nylon or whatever material it is. Having that gap seems to allow the heat to escape. My riding buddies with the cheap, one-layer (not Frogg Toggs) rainsuit have to stop as soon as it quits raining, or they'll be so wet from sweat they might as well have just rode in the rain. The lining helps. A lot.
"Stuffable" is in the eye of the 'stuffer.' My rainsuit fits in a large ziploc baggie. A hint, though - if the rain suit is readily accessible, instead of tucked away, you can get it on faster, and stay dryer over at the side of the road trying to put it on in the rain that suddenly blew up. On long trips I frequently have mine inside the bungee net that secures my ditty bag to the back seat, so all I have to do is stretch the bungee net out of the way. Around home, it's in its baggie, in a saddlebag.
Easy to get on and off? Here's a tip for putting your rain pants on quickly. Carry a plastic bag, like a grocery bag or WalMart bag or something. Slip your foot into that, THEN stick your foot into your rain pants. No more fighting to get the pants over your boots!
When you're looking at rain suits, pay close attention to how it closes at the neck. That's the main point water gets into your rain suit, unless you blow the seam out of the seat of your pants or something. Rain drips down your helmet/face shield/face, and runs down your neck, It will go right on down your neck and get your chest wet if you don't block it out. You want a snug fit, but (obviously) not too snug!! :22yikes:
