Escape hive mind I’d like some recommendations!
I keep finding that I can’t use my waterproof jacket even when it’s raining because I just overheat. This happened today on a ride in 8-10deg. I got so hot that I just took off my jacket and got soaked for 4 hours instead.
Any recommendations for packable-ish jackets with good breathability?
See if you can find a Shakedry jacket on eBay?
You might want to consider a Gabba style jacket/jersey.
Gabba is my favorite in this category, it’s pretty impossible to get off but it does the job in colder rain.
Thanks all, I am also a fan of the Gabba and in hindsight it would have been a good choice for today. But I am still looking for a better actual waterproof for multi day adventures when I need an outer waterproof layer over a variety of other clothes beneath
If you find a solution let me know! I’ve gone back to a simple rain cape and just accept that I’m getting soaked one way or the other.
I’m above average in terms of sweatiness, but I don’t think waterproof AND breathable exists. Don’t get me wrong there is breathable stuff that will keep you dry for a while. As someone else posted, I have embraced getting wet in real rain and kit that is comfortable even when wet and dries quickly. I like wool and I like fleecy thermal jerseys for rain. That rain is coming down your collar and such if you are out for over 30 mins.
That said, the breathable water resistant stuff is great for damp and or foggy weather.
PS I live in Seattle so lots of practice riding in the rain 
I’ve had really good experiences with the OrNot Magic Shell. They updated it with a new PFAS-free fabric that’s supposed to be even more breathable, and a 3-pocket rear. If I was in the market to replace my old Magic Shell, that’s what I’d get.
As a bonus, I think they’re part of the member purchase program!
Hi working for Leatt, so I am biased, but I got myself recently a “MTB 6.0 Hydradri” Jacket, whose breathability impressed me.
It has the “Air+” membrane, 70.000g/m²/24h breathabiliy and a quite low, but still waterproof 15.000mm rating.
I asked a friend of mine who used to work over a decade at GoreTex, asking him, how that compares to shakedry: he told me that a comparsion is not adequate, because the Leatt one is a 3l construction (so way heavier than shakedry), plus he even internally never got official shakedry breathability numbers from the lab. Still, when telling him about the 70k, he just noted “impressive”.
It is a “regular” MTB fit, though, not secondskin or slim fit. but you said you need it “actual waterproof for multi day adventures when I need an outer waterproof layer over a variety of other clothes beneath”, so that might be an option, especially when layering for different temperatures / insulation.
FYI: it won an Eurobike award this year; A) because of the breathability, and B) the magnatic hood system (avoids “parachute” hoods when not used, and keeps the hood on the helmet with an additinal adhesive magnet you get with every jacket)
Shakedry, but alas they’re now very difficult to source. Just over a year ago I bought one of Gorewear’s last remaning Shakedry 1985 jackets to replace a crash-damaged Shakedry Stretch jacket that I used a lot around Seattle. Shakedry jackets work for me at the temperatures you are overheating at, and the double-zipper on the 1985 model means you can unzip from the torso to get more ventilation.
In lieu of Shakedry, consider any jacket with pit zips and the like, which generally won’t let in much water but will majorly improve ventilation.
It is not water proof during a heavy downpour, but I use Pactimo’s Ultra-lite rain jacket. I successfully used it during a very rainy tour of Flanders. Very breathable, even during the hard efforts at the steep paves.
I …freely admit being a Pactimo brand ambassador, but that is because their products to work well for me.
Venting is the answer IME, but some fabrics are way more uncomfortable than others too. Since I tend to freeze when I get wet I’m more interested in retaining heat than some might be, but I’d still be reluctant to buy any waterproof jacket without pit zips or equivalents, and would much rather allow a little water in on occasion (and it’s typically very little indeed) than to overheat badly. YMMV.
Adding my vote for ShakeDry, if you can find one. I’m also from Seattle and tried all sorts of jackets before finally biting the bullet and buying a ShakeDry. That said, what’s dry to me may not be dry to you. Adding in multiday is another complexity. Couple years back I bought my spouse a Showers Pass Cloudburst. While it’s not as light as the ShakeDry, it may have the right combination of waterproof, beathability, and durability for multiday.
As for riding in the rain sans ShakeDry, my default is usually a Gabba, or Gore windblocker undershirt (tank or longsleeves). With decent gloves, shoe covers, and fenders, and 45+ degrees, I figure you just expect to get wet and power through.
I recently purchased the Velocio One Jacket. Haven’t worn it in a downpour yet but seems to breathe well. Also, can get the 20% discount for Escape Members.
I’ve only had occasion to use it a couple of times (including with a backpack on a commute) but my All Road rain shell from Albion unzips so much from the bottom that it can’t help but be well ventilated. Coming undone from the bottom means you don’t get drips coming in and it billows out rather than scooping wind so doesn’t feel too penalising aerodynamically. Zipped up it’s a great fit too.
Underrated, but the cuff Velcro feels effective too, meaning you can get good airflow to your wrists which are a natural heat sink for the body.
There just isn’t any such thing when you’re working hard. You will become equally wet with sweat.
Just wear a Castelli Perfetto or equivalent, be wet but comfortable.
Or if it’s even worse a Shakedry, but even that becomes too warm unless it’s under 5c for me.
Pootling about on a commuter bike on the flat, you can wear a rain cape or something and not sweat.
I’ve found the new version of the Pactimo Torrent breathes better than the first version and now has a two-way zipper. The zipper broke on the first one I had after the warranty period, and they gave me a solid discount on the newer version. The new one is not as warm as the previous one, possibly because it Is more breathable. I’ve worn it comfortably in temperatures (low 60s) where I would have ditched the first version because of overheating.
(also a Pactimo brand ambassador)
That’s a difficult temp range to prevent getting wet from sweat, indeed. I’ve been using an Endura race cape, combined with long sleeve jersey and a good wicking base layer. Doesn’t stay dry, doesn’t get soaked either though (I only notice the wetness when undressing), and keeps me warm enough.