Jacket question

[sherpaxc]

So I'm looking for some advice.  I have the Sierra Designs Microlight Jacket and it works well for light rain and wind but it gets super duper clammy.  As anyone tried the Marmot Dri Clime windshirt on the bike?  Does it breathe better?  I'm not to concerned with total rain as I have a rain jacket for that.  Mostly I want to use it for a windblock but not get the condensation that I get with my SD Microlight.

Thoughts?  Opinions?

[DaveH]

I haven't tried the windshirt - but for the application you are talking about I've been very happy with the Gore Xenon jacket with a light craft base layer underneath.  It's seen loads of use this year.  Fits perfectly, not baggy, breathes, and does ok in a short period of rain.

http://www.gorebikewear.com/remote/Satellite/PROD_JXENWA?landingid=1208436857757A

[sherpaxc]

Thanks Dave.  That jacket looks nice but it's DOUBLE the price of the Dri-Clime!  Mamma Mia!

[bmike-vt]

maybe wool layers and a light vest?
gives you the options of arm warmers or not, depending on temps...?
anything 55(ish) and above and I have a hard time wearing any sort of 'jacket' regardless of beathability.
moved to wool layering and its been working well for rainy (not pouring) rides in the mid 50s and up.
when the rain pours the showers pass event goes on...
and if i stop i can throw on the showers pass as well - just to retain heat.

[sherpaxc]

I agree with the wool.  This is my system right now when it's between 40ish-50ish.
1 midweight wool l/s top with arm warm warmers on
1 lightweight jacket. 

It might seem overkill to you all but I'm from Texas and to me cold is anything below 50.  At least for the first part of fall/"winter". 

What I was thinking was 1 light s/s wool base, 1 midweight wool l/s top and the windshirt. 

Experiementing is fun but it gets expensive!  Thank goodness for Salvation Army and wool sweaters.

Ultimatley I guess I just want to know how well the windshirt breathes. 

[John G]

... Has anyone tried the Marmot Dri Clime windshirt on the bike?  Does it breathe better?  I'm not to concerned with total rain as I have a rain jacket for that.  Mostly I want to use it for a windblock but not get the condensation that I get with my SD Microlight.

Thoughts?  Opinions?

Kent Peterson discusses the dri clime in this post:
http://kentsbike.blogspot.com/2007/12/comfortable-cycling-clothes-for-damp.html

[Pivvay]

I love my Dri Clime but it's not a summer piece for me. It's got to be below 32F really before I wear it.

For summer I use an unlined withshirt like the Patagonia Houdini. I have an old Marmot Ion which works fine but I'm always jealous of DaveC's Houdini. JP & T-race use windshirts as well.

[sherpaxc]

That's the info I'm looking for I guess.  The temp ratings.  So the Ion and the Houdini are more for in the 40's-50's and even low 60's? 

[Pivvay]

Yea they're unlined so they cut the wind but don't have the attached liner. I use them hiking and biking pretty much any of the year that my wife would also be willing to go out. If it gets much below freezing, she's not too happy The colder it gets, the more I need to layer under.

My Driclime is 3 or 4 years old and I love it. It has even survived a 30mph crash(!) but it's just too warm for normal 3 season riding for me. Maybe if it was going to rain all day but then I'd rather be in my hardshell.

[Slim]

The dri-clime is a two layer jacket: a microfiber windshell and attached brushed lining for warmth. So for warmer weather (and versatility) use a light microfiber wind shirt, then add layers for cold. The lighter the fabric the more breathable and less warm it will be, usually a pro on the bike. That would be jackets in the 100g range (3-4 oz). Side benefit is that they are so light, you can take them any time even if your not sure you will need it. I have the Pearl Izumy Optic jacket but there are many others out there. I would prefer a hood for days like MikeC's trip on Dave's Hairy monster(see bikepaking forum)
Make sure that it's not coated in any way, even my Epic jacket breathes less than a plain DWR treated microfiber.
There is something to be said for the versatily of a zip-off into vest. The nicest one I've seen is the new Specialized Deflect Hybrid Jacket:
(http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCEqProduct.jsp?spid=47010&menuItemId=12234&eid=5004
It has mesh on the upper back area of the vest, so it really is very well vented in vest mode but then has a cape vent in the shoulder yoke when in jacket mode. It is cut nice and trim and has a very small amount of stretch, more like 'give', but no hood.

[rothar]

Sherpaxc,

I've used, and like, these:
http://wildthingsgear.com/prod_performance.php

though usually I just layer up in wool, sometimes with a canvas shirt thrown over it.

[daveB]

As a preamble, I don't believe that raingear can keep me dry.  Maybe I operate warmer than others, but I've found that any garment waterproof enough to keep the rain out will cause just as much condensation inside.  And in my experience, any sporty laminate fabric only performs well for the first year, then it starts to leak more and breathe less.

So, my solution has been to carry two jackets (both homemade):
1) Uncoated ripstop nylon half-zip pullover jacket.  3.0 oz XL.  Cuts the wind well, breathes nicely.  Super compact.
2) Coated silnylon rain jacket with mesh pits, half zip pullover.  4.4 oz XL.  Sheds water well, almost nil breathability.  Compact.  ***It keeps me warm*** 

Both dry pretty fast.  Works for me.

[Chunt]

The Marmot jacket you mention is a great piece of gear. I've taken mine of numerous outings if only as a "dryer" for any wet garments. Say, if I'm wearing a nice Helly Hansen Lifa top that gets damp and cold/clammy, I'll put the Marmot top on and within minutes it literally sucks the moisture away from my shirt and onto the outside of the garment to evaporate. It's a nice effective wind shirt, extra warmth layer and does a good job of repelling light misty rain. I'd say, for the price, it's a must have anywhere between fall and spring on most outings. The only thing I'd redesign would be to make it somewhat more athletic fit (tighter) and maybe have a hooded version as an option. - Chris