Rain proofing your body – what works for you?

[Scott in the Mojave]

Looks like the LA-Barstow to Vegas dual sport ride is going to get some rain this year (if you believe weather.com). The latest forecast shows we’ll riding in a downpour for several hours this Saturday. What do you guys do to stay dry (and warm) in these kind of conditions? I’ve sprayed scotch guard on my jacket and pants, applied rain-x to my goggle lens, I’ll probably put a wrap or two of duct tape around the top of my boots. Any other things I’m overlooking? Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[TravisCR500R]

This works...

I wear wool in the rain...it repels and keeps you dry. It doesnt however, provide super wind breaking ability but you could get around that. If its a downpour, I wear firemans pants and coat. it helps to know volunteer firefighters!

 

[jimicarl]

pacific northwest mud riding

you're gonna get wet. no way around it. even with all the high-tech won't-let-the-rain-in-but-will-let-you-sweat materials, you'll end up soaking yourself in sweat, if you're working at it. the rain seals off the "microscopic vent holes" in the fabric and your sweat gets trapped in your clothing. if you're not working at it..., you might be able to stay dry. maybe.

the trick is to stay warm.

i wear a set of msr gortech enduro pants and a gortech pak-jak. unless the temperature drops below freezing..., no long-johns under the pants, and just any old jersey (or two) under the pak-jak. if it's all that cold..., maybe a set of hot-chili's under the pants. what keeps me warm, is blocking the wind and my own elevated body heat. stop moving for an extended break..., and the cold seeps in.

you can do the same thing with some typical-every-day decent quality workin'-man's rainwear. but it's not cut for riding posture, so it'll tend to bind, flap in the wind, and catch on every little twig that sticks into the trail.

if it's wet and warm (60+ degrees)..., sometimes it's easier to just go for a wet ride in your same-old everyday riding wear.

and take a full set of dry clothing to change into, after the ride.

andhavefun!!