Before I started bike touring, I wouldn’t even consider riding my bike if there was a remote chance of rain. As a fair weather rider I never fully realized what I needed to keep pedaling comfortably in wet weather. In retrospect, I cringe to think that I only carried a large garbage bag as an emergency rain coat.
Inevitably, there will be rain and cold weather. And in many cases you have no other choice but to keep pedaling to reach your destination for the day. So, it pays to be prepared for anything that Mother Nature might throw at you. Otherwise, you could find yourself in a deadly situation.
While nothing will keep you completely dry in the rain, a good wet weather kit will help to keep you warm, comfortable and protect you from hypothermia. Hypothermia can occur when you are exposed to cold air, water, wind, or rain. It is an emergency condition that can quickly lead to unconsciousness and even death. Surprisingly even exposure to water in the 70-80 °F range can lead to hypothermia. Needless to say, cold air, water, wind, or rain can be deadly business, so it pays to be prepared.
My wet weather kit includes:
- Rain jacket
- Rain pants
- Helmet cover
- Shoe covers
- Lights and clothing with reflective material to make me more visibility to drivers
- Dry bag with a complete set of warm dry clothes
- A dry bag for electronic devices
- And an emergency blanket
Don’t forget that wet weather can have a serious impact on your bicycle too. My wet weather kit for my bike includes:
- Saddle cover
- Fenders
- Wet lubricant
- And dry rag
Ken Whittaker