Riding is enjoyable in the right weather. However, planning for the weather is a little bit complex which needs you to have something that you can put between yourself and the weather. When you need to cycle and the rains become unavoidable, having a waterproof jacket for running is the best deal. It keeps you from becoming wet from the outside and keeps you warm. Moreover, it avoids the accumulation of sweat from the inside through its breathability mechanism. This article has all you need to know about the waterproof jacket for cycling
What to Look For In a Cycling Waterproof Jacket
There before, waterproof meant garments made from hard shells that were more like plastics. In recent years, however, there has been a rise of rain jersey that is more protective while at the same time providing the required comfort to the user. The shells being used at this time are rather soft and they use a DWR treatment or a waterproof membrane to prevent water from getting into the inside of the garments. It would have been a little bit easier if the main goal was to prevent water from getting into the inside of the jacket that you are wearing. Those with experience in cycling will inform you that the temperatures of your body rise and you begin to sweat when you are pedalling. There is moisture buildup on the inside of the garment which makes it complex for the waterproof material barring the entry of rains into the inside from allowing the escape of the dampness that builds up on the inside.
The solution here is acquiring a cycling waterproof jacket. This jacket is made in a way that it protects the user from the outside wetness while at the same time allowing the escape of the moisture that has built up on the inside. This is a very hard balance to acquire. Therefore, some of the companies acquire the balance by ensuring that the garment has vents while others make use of advanced materials. The main aim here is to acquire a jacket that is waterproof and breathable at the same time. Do not forget that you will have to pack your jacket someday. Therefore, look for a jacket that can be folded easily into a tiny peace which can easily be pocketed. The kind of a jacket that is easy to store in a rucksack, saddlebag or jersey pocket is good for cycling since you can carry it around all the time in preparation for bad weather. Moreover, you can put away the jacket when it stops raining and this saves you the problem of experiencing excess heat even after the rains have stopped.
Apart from breathability and waterproof, taping should also be another factor to consider when purchasing a waterproof cycling jacket. Taping occurs on the inside in order to act as a seal to the seams. However, it reduces the breathability of the jacket and also makes it more colossal. Some jackets sold in the market have a characteristic seam leakage that makes them perform better. It all depends on the design that you want.
Care
Once you have acquired the waterproof cycling design of your choice, you need to know how to take care of it. When you decide to wash it, a washing machine should not be used. This is because it tends to destroy the fabric that makes the jacket waterproof and in a short while, the jacket will be useless. The use of detergents is also detrimental because it tends to wear off the waterproof fabric. At the same time, conditioners are not the best for washing waterproof garments because they tend to clog the fabric pores that are involved in wicking and breathing. Regardless, your jacket has to remain clean because the accumulation of oil and dirt clogs the breathing pores and tends to cause DWR treatments to degrade. You should always be aware of the material to use by reading the washing instructions. When you use your jacket for a considerable longer period of time, you will need to retreat your jacket with DWR treatments. This will add it a few more months or years of service.
Conclusion
Waterproof cycling jackets exist in different designs. It all depends on the design that you want. Different designs will have a different cost depending on the material making them and the quality. However, when you go to buy one, you should consider the breathability, waterproof and taping and decide on the best design to go for. Moreover, you should read the washing instructions to understand how you are supposed to take care of your jacket.