Question about rain gear

[Jason]

Hi folks,
I just came back from a fun filled weekend (4 day, for me!) riding in the Texas Hill Country... In the rain. It was still a lot of fun, and I'd do it again, but it highlighted the inadequacy of my rain gear setup. Odd, since an Aerostich Roadcrafter is the core of it... My (non-waterproof) boots got soaked, my (supposedly waterproof) gloves got soaked, and my torso got soaked...

I don't think the Roadcrafter suit leaked. I think it was all the rain hitting my neck under the helmet, and just trickling in the neck of the Roadcrafter... Can anyone share the solution to this scenario?

The first time it happened, I chalked it up to not cranking my windshield into the upright position, so the next day I did that. This helped, but I still got quite wet (inside the suit).

For reference, the rides were multiple hours long each day, with at least an hour riding in a substantial, but not blinding, rain. Speeds typically in the 50-80 mph range, sometimes lower or higher, of course.

I'm really curious how best to deal with the water-trickling-down-the-neck problem... Waterproof balaclava? Trash-bag cape? Any insights or products leaping to mind?

TIA

[Stitch]

Hi Jason,

I've never had Aerostich, but the Storm Collar on my Hein Gierick jacket keeps out all but the very worst.

Not bad, considering I live on a rock in the middle of the North Sea.

Cheers, Stitch.

[MikeH]

I've always used a cravat made from towelling material in the rain to soak up the water and stop it running down into the jacket. Just wraps around the neck in the same manner as a scarf. The one I use is actually a fishing accessory I bought years ago when fishing for salmon up in Scotland. An essential, as it always seemed to be raining up there!

I'm sure that you could make something similar with an old towel from the bathroom (when the missus isn't looking :D).

A tip for keeping hands dry is to zip the cuffs of your gloves inside the sleeves of your jacket. The gloves should be waterproof of course. ;)

[Jason]

Thanks folks.
I'll do some digging and see what I can come up with in the way of a neck wrap sort of arrangement.

[chrisrm]

Roadcrafters will leak but mostly at the crotch due to the zip there not being properly water-resistant. Anything else can be fixed by washing in Nikwax Techwash then washing in Nikwax Wash-In waterproofing. Water running down the neck is a thing I've never had, even on long commutes around lorries and spray; I've always just cinched the neck fastening closer and gone a bit quicker... :D
Mind you, I've never had a full fairing, only the RS & GS efforts. If the Roadcrafter is old, then I suppose the Goretex may have broken somewhere inside? I'm just about to get my 3rd Roadcrafter, so I have confidence in them,

Chris M

[strika]

There are some interesting tests in here including wet weather gear and rainsuits. Ironically, it's not always the expensive stuff which works best. :)

http://www.ridetriangles.com/nav?page=ridetriangles.contentspage&view_resource=5431134

[Tracus]

I agree that a neck wrap does a great job of keeping the rain from coming down the neck. Campmor (www.campmor.com) offers a backpackers towel made from a very absorbent material. The large size makes an excellent scarf. Be advised that this material can hold an incredible amount of water.

There is one variable about your torso getting soaked; that being condensation. Was your torso wet from outside rain getting in or from body moisture not getting out?

Take care,
Chris