LCP

Waterproof cycling clothing - everything you need to know

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Suvi Loponen's picture

Suvi Loponen

Tech writer

Suvi joined off.road.cc in 2022 as a tech writer and brought in her enthusiasm for gravel and long-distance riding. She's a lover of underbiking and exploring on the bike both on and off-road, especially if it means finding more great cafes and some good viewpoints. 

2 comments

1 year 6 months ago

I think the only thing I would mention here is that to suggest higher hydrostatic head ratings are more suitable for heavier rain is a common but incorrect misconception. 10k will keep you just as dry as 20k or higher in heavy rain because rain doesn't in itself exert much pressure, even if its windy. A lot of tents are only 5k. The differences in pressure come from, mainly, whether or not you are using a backpack and how heavy it is. Most people would still be fine with 10k but photographers, campers etc who carry more might want something a little higher to stop water seeping in through the shoulders.

For cyclists, 10k should be fine as most either don't carry a backpack at all, or don't have much in it.

1 year 6 months ago

NEVER USE DETERGENT!!!!!!!  It will strip the DWR coating off your wateproofs.

Use mild soap like Lux flakes or Nikwax Loft instead and run the machine on a empty cycle to wash out any detergent residue first.

When your waterproofs stop beading water then give them a wash.  If water isn't beading then the DWR surface is dirty and you will also start to get condensation on the inside as the breathability is compromised.  And remember if it is raining then the breathability of even the best Gore-Tex jacket is next to zero as all breathable systems rely on a humidity gradient between inside and outside to move the moisture across the membrane.  And NEVER EVER wear cotton under a waterproof/breathable jacket.

Gore Engineered For Extreme Weather trained sales assistant in my youth.