I've called the Pacific NorthWET home for 15 years now. Around here, the rain rolls in by October and drapes everything in gloom until the end of April. Even then, the occasional rainy day pops up to keep us on our toes and the foliage green. All that to say, I’m well-acquainted with riding in the rain—whether it’s a friendly drizzle or a full-on “might as well have gone swimming” deluge.
I’ve been on a quest for a decent pair of waterproof cycling pants for ages. I know, I know—rain pants are supposedly for commuters, mountain bikers, and those doing recon laps on a muddy cyclocross course. But hear me out: when it’s pouring like a broken fire hydrant and your fenders are redirecting road spray straight onto your shins, lycra –even the insulated kind– offers little in the way of protection. Sometimes, I just want that extra layer against the elements. And yes, I’ve tried several of those high-tech bib tights with their fancy coatings promising some protection. But none of them are truly waterproof. They end up soaking through and then cling to the moisture like a sponge. (If you have discovered the Holy Grail of waterproof tights, drop it in the comments below.)
