Rain trousers
What do I need to pay attention to when choosing rain trousers?
The most important feature of good rain trousers? That they really keep you dry when it rains heavily, duh. So invest in one with a water- and windproof membrane that breathes well. This way, rain cannot get in from the outside, but your sweat can escape so you don’t cool down unnecessarily, nor feel clammy.
Also take a look at the label of your rain trousers. That’s where you’ll find the water column: the waterproof capacity of your trousers, expressed in millimetres. Almost all waterproof clothing with a (breathable) membrane has a water column of at least 10,000 mm. The best-performing trousers reach values of up to 30,000 mm.
In any case, choose trousers that give you enough freedom of movement. Trousers with zips or velcro at the bottom of the legs are extra handy, as it allows you to put them on and take them off over your shoes. Features such as reflective elements, integrated foot protection, or side pockets are handy extras.
Cycling in the rain
Many cyclists are in the habit of wearing a (long) raincoat in bad weather. It protects your upper body and, if it’s long enough, your legs too. But if the weather really gets rough, it’s better to opt for rain trousers as well. In any case, make sure your trousers fit well over your regular outfit and that it's not too tight.
Want to avoid wet feet, too? Then keep them dry with overshoes: they are essentially a cover for your shoes. And true dry-o-philes will also wear waterproof socks.
Hiking in the rain
True hiking enthusiasts won’t let a little (or a lot of) rain stop them. With the right outfit, it’s the rain that cries, not you. This includes:
- A waterproof backpack or backpack with a waterproof cover
- A waterproof and breathable raincoat
- Waterproof and breathable rain trousers
- Waterproof hiking shoes
- Gaiters
- A waterproof cap
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about rain trousers
Of course, you don’t have to buy rain trousers; you can just as easily go cycling or hiking without them. But there are some good reasons to wear them:
- Weather protection, of course. Rain trousers keep the rain out and block the wind, which makes your experience outside much more comfortable.
- Rain trousers keep you warmer. Did you know that when your clothing gets wet, you lose a lot of heat, tremendously fast?
- They are multifunctional. If you bought rain trousers for cycling, you might as well use them for a hike in the mountains too.
- The days when rain trousers were not breathable are long gone. Just like a quality raincoat, most rain trousers are made with a waterproof yet breathable membrane, or with a water-repellent coating.
- They are often so lightweight that once they are dry, you can simply put them in your backpack or pannier. They don't take up much space at all.
Simple: the best rain trousers are ones that keep you dry. So invest in one with a water- and windproof membrane that breathes well. Features such as reflective elements, side pockets, and zipped legs (so you can put the trousers on and take them off without removing your shoes) are handy extras. But above all, the trousers should do what they are supposed to do: keep the rain out and keep you warm!
When you’re on your bike, you can either opt for a very long cycling raincoat, which also protects your legs. Or you can combine a raincoat with long cycling trousers. Add some overshoes and not a single drop will end up on your outfit. The important thing about cycling rainwear is that there are enough reflective elements so that you are always visible in the dark. Choose a fabric that is comfortable, such as polyester, so you can move freely. Also noteworthy: extra vents definitely come in handy.
Since rain trousers are constructed in the same way as a technical raincoat, you need to treat them the same way. You can machine wash rain trousers, but take care:
- Always respect the washing instructions on the label. Close the zips and velcro fasteners.
- Use a special detergent from Grangers or Nikwax. Ordinary detergent, washing powder, and fabric softener will affect the water-repellent properties of your trousers.
- Treat your trousers with a special impregnating agent after every third wash to restore the fabric’s water-repellency and breathability.
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