Protective clothing
Waterproof and weatherproof: This distinguishes a good bicycle rain poncho
A waterproof jacket ensures that the upper body stays dry. If you are traveling regularly by bike, you know that your legs have to be protected while driving.
In contrast to a classic rain jacket, the rain poncho is quite simple: it is a thin cloak with a hood that is waterproof. He may not be a fashionable eye -catcher, but it doesn’t work at all when driving. Rather, the cape fulfills the purpose of keeping the body as dry as possible when it rains. Or storm. To enable this, a rain poncho is generously cut-and often only available in a unisex size (for adults). As a result, it not only hides the upper body and legs on the bike, but also offers space for a backpack. Nevertheless, you should not access it indiscriminately, but should make your purchase decision carefully. We have summarized why this is so.
The most important purchase criteria for rain ponchos
If you want to buy a bicycle rain poncho, you should pay attention to the following (purchase) criteria in advance:
- Material and processing: A rain poncho should meet two important criteria: it must be waterproof, recognizable by the corresponding water column, and breathable. This is made possible by appropriate material such as polyamide, polyester or nylon. In addition, the seams should ideally weld and not be sewn or glued so that no water penetrates.
- Size and length: Many models are excellent as “one size” and thus fit (almost) every adult. However, if the rain poncho is too loose, it can slip when cycling. Accordingly, think of sufficient freedom of movement and space for a helmet. Normal ponchos are also not enough over the legs and are less suitable for bikes. Therefore, pay attention to the desired length.
- Security and accessories: If you ride a lot of bicycles in the dark, the rain poncho should definitely have reflective elements so that they are seen faster and better by drivers. And so that you can always carry the model with you, it should be small and handy if possible – some manufacturers even deliver a storage bag for stowing up or buckling around the hips.
From cheap to expensive: rain ponchos in comparison
1. Lowland Outdoor bicycle rain poncho
With a water column of 7000 millimeters Guaranteed waterproof. The model made of nylon has welded seams and was cut so that it not only protects the upper body and legs from rain, but also the arms – by stripping the material over the handlebar. The integrated hood including a cord stopper also offers enough space for a bicycle helmet (according to the manufacturer).
2. Bicycle rain poncho City 100 of Btwin
Although the seams in this The bicycle rain poncho-according to the manufacturer-keeps dry for only two hours. It is therefore more suitable for short trips through a shower than for long bike tours. The City 100 model available in three different sizes (for adults) is also cheaper to buy and also offers space for a helmet.
3. Bicycle rain poncho with a viewing window of Vaude
This waterproof and wind -repellent And hood is available in five sizes and five colors. It consists of 100 percent polyamide (coating: 100 % polyurethane) and dispenses with the use of environmentally harmful fluorbone (PFC). The model can be conveniently stowed in the supplied chest bag and is therefore ready for use at any time. The surrounding reflector strip for more visibility in the dark is also particularly practical here.
Water column: What is it and how do you interpret them?
Manufacturers of rainwear can distinguish them as waterproof, waterproof or water -repellent. But what is the difference and when does a poncho really dry the body? In fact, only waterproof rain ponchos do not drop a drop, while waterproof and water -repellent clothing protects against moisture over a short duration. If you get into a shower, you are very likely to get wet. There is also the water column. It indicates how long the material does not let moisture through. This so -called waterproofness is given in millimeters – that is, from a value of 1300 tissue is considered waterproof. In plain language this means: the higher the number, the denser it is . However, since it is not a mandatory specification for the manufacturers, you can also orientate yourself to other clues, such as the material. For example, the rain poncho has been made from PVC, the water column can be up to 3000 millimeters.
Correct and clean the rain poncho: This is how it works
Even if the materials are very hard -wearing, you should always stick to the manufacturer’s care instructions. You can find out whether and how hot a rain poncho can be washed. It is best to use an ecological After each wash, it is advisable to treat the material with an impregnation spray – to maintain waterproofness. In any case, do without a dryer and let the poncho dry in the air, but not in direct sunlight.
*This article contains so-called affiliate links to products in online shops. If a user clicks on it and buys something, the publisher receives a commission from the dealer, not from the manufacturer. Of course, where and when you buy a product is up to you.
Source: Stern
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
