Rain jackets
How do I choose a bicycle raincoat?
In addition to the fact that a raincoat blocks wind and water, a raincoat must also be breathable. If a raincoat does not breathe and ventilate, you will sweat and the body will still get wet. The function of a raincoat is to keep you dry and comfortable.
The waterproofness of a raincoat is indicated by the number of mm water column. You can read what this water column exactly means in the overview below.
| From 0 mm: | The rainwear is water-repellent, but not waterproof. |
| From 1,000 mm: | The rainwear repels water, but is not resistant to pressure. For example, if you sit on a wet chair, the rainwear will eventually leak. |
| From 2,000 mm: | The rainwear remains waterproof even during longer rain showers, but will still leak under pressure. |
| From 5,000 mm: | The rainwear is resistant to long and intensive weather, even under high pressure the clothing remains waterproof. With very prolonged high pressure, the product may eventually leak. |
| From 15,000 mm: | The rainwear is resistant to heavy rain showers and even underwater the clothing keeps you dry. |
Design
Raincoats have become increasingly better over the years! For example, you can adjust the sleeves of the raincoat with a Velcro strip. This way you can prevent water from getting in or a cool breeze blowing in. Some raincoats also have a foldable hood, so you can store it when it's dry. The hood can obstruct your view when it's windy, and that's not the intention!
The seams and zippers must be treated in a way that prevents rain from coming through. A raincoat is mainly worn in dull and dark weather. That's why most raincoats have reflective details, so you are visible in the dark. An alternative to the raincoat is a poncho. A poncho does keep rain out well, but is not resistant to strong winds.
Washing instructions
If it's really necessary to clean the raincoat, try to do this with a sponge and warm water. If the coat doesn't get clean, check the label of the raincoat to see if it's allowed to be washed in the washing machine. Follow the possible washing instructions on the label to minimize the risk of the raincoat's water-resistant qualities decreasing significantly.
Tip
Complete your outfit with rain pants!