Can women's waterproof jackets be worn while cycling?

Getting soaked in the rain is a common experience for most cyclists, but that doesn’t have to be the case. All you need is a set of activewear that can shield you from the water as you move in the city. If you already have some water-resistant gear at home, you might wonder: can women’s waterproof jackets be worn while cycling?

Truthfully, the answer is it depends. The level of rainfall, the coat’s waterproofness, and the coat’s technical features all influence whether you can wear women’s waterproof jackets while cycling. If you have the right women’s outerwear, such as the ones from our OutDry™ Extreme collection, you can wear them while cycling in any weather.

We understand that’s not the kind of straight answer you’re looking for, so let’s examine further the jackets you can and can’t wear while cycling. We’ll also look at what makes some outdoor gear more suitable for cycling than others.

The ideal cycling jacket should be waterproof, breathable, provide some wind protection, and allow your body to maintain its full range of motion.

In reality, it’s not just waterproofing and breathability that’s important when you cycle in the rain. It’s also about other features, such as lightweight construction, adjustable hems and cuffs or zip and pocket flaps. From a more technical standpoint, the level of waterproofing also matters.

That means most waterproof jackets in the market today won’t be suitable for cycling because they can’t provide adequate protection for the level of rainfall you could encounter while cycling. In other words, you’ll get wet not too long after it starts raining.

This is when Columbia’s OutDry™ Extreme shines. Because we understand that nature should never slow you down, we design our OutDry™ Extreme products to repel the most amount of water while keeping you comfortable from within. We don’t just have that technology in coats; we use it for outdoor trousers, too. It truly is the perfect gear for cycling in any conditions.

Once you figure out what you need, it’s time to compare them against various Columbia technologies. Each of our coats is designed with at least one of them, so make sure you pay attention to its purpose before you buy one.

Here’s an overview of Columbia’s waterproofing technologies:

• Outdry™ Extreme: Featuring an impenetrable external waterproof face fabric, coats with this technology can withstand heavy rain. Its design features no fabric gaps, and its seams are bound with a special sealant to guarantee zero wet-out (even on the hood!). The best part: the inside is lined with breathable material, so you can stay cool and comfortable while keeping water away from your clothes.
• Outdry™ Extreme Mesh: Shrug off deluge and downpours with your coat featuring Outdry™ Extreme Mesh. Our products that feature this technology offer the maximum protection Columbia can provide in extreme conditions—all while keeping your comfort with enhanced wicking and breathable materials. The entire jacket also stretches, allowing you to move freely, even during a deluge.
• Outdry™ Extreme Eco: Our Outdry™ Extreme Eco jackets feature the same protection as our other Outdry™ Extreme products, but with a twist: they’re made with 100% recycled materials. We also use a dye-free process, allowing your jacket to use less water during its creation.
• Omni-Tech™: For light to medium rainfall, our Omni-Tech™ range of outerwear is here to help. Enjoy multi-layered protection to ensure not a single droplet goes through. Inside, you’ll find a breathable lining that allows excess heat and moisture to escape. Omni-Tech™ coats are also windproof, so you don’t have to feel the chill while it’s pouring.
• Omni-Tech™ 3D: Face anything up to a downpour with our Omni-Tech™ 3D technology. With multiple layers of enhanced waterproofing, your coat can withstand moderate rain so you can focus on your goal. And you don’t have to worry about overheating because our inner layer ensures any excess heat is released, while the fuzzy inner lining ensures you’re always comfortable.

When we make our OutDry™ Extreme line of products, we start by using an impenetrable, water-repelling outer shell that won’t let any water in at all. Then, we design our coats and trousers without gaps so nothing can sneak through there. We have also taped the seams externally, preventing any droplets from seeping through.

You’ll also find other helpful options on our OutDry™ Extreme products, such as drawcord adjustable cuffs, hems, and waist, so you can seal off other places where water could enter while you’re moving. The fabric can also stretch for comfort, so you can enjoy a full range of motion even while wearing it. And lastly, we make sure the entire thing stays light—the last thing you need is to get weighed down with a heavy coat as you bike.

Inside, you’ll find a breathable layer of soft fabric so you can keep cool and stay comfortable—even when you’re sweating.

If you need a jacket or a pair of trousers that’s waterproof and suitable for cycling in different weather in the city, make sure the outerwear can answer “yes” to the following questions:

• Are the hems, cuffs, and hoods adjustable?

• Is the inner layer wicking and breathable?

• Are the seams sealed?

• Do all zips and pockets have storm flaps?

• Is it lightweight?

A “no” to even just one of them will disqualify the outerwear from being usable during cycling because it can potentially hinder your performance. But with our OutDry™ Extreme products, you can quickly and confidently answer “yes” to all of those questions.

As you can see, Columbia’s decades of expertise have helped us create water-resistant garments with great fabrics that can be used on multiple occasions. Browse through our excellent collection of OutDry™ Extreme and Omni-Tech products today, so you can buy one and be ready for your next outdoor adventure. Once you're done, don't forget to check out our comprehensive guide on waterproof jackets for more information and care tips.

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