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Ren's Biking Blog
Waterproofs That Don't Stay Waterproof
Blog Date - 09 July 2012
Eeeeeee by 'eck...I been riding for 22 years and I still can't find long lasting waterproofness. You'd think in a world where man has been to the moon and and we can suck oil out of the ground a mile below sea level that we could make motorcycle waterproofs that remain waterproof for a good length of time. But no, about ever year or so I'll get caught in a heavy shower or persistent rain and I'll come to realise another jacket is leaking on the arms or another pair of pants has left me with that cold, wet, nasty feeling in my nether regions.
The problem is wear and tear...literally. I find that jackets tend to last a little longer than pants. Jackets will leak on the arms and pants around the crotch. Why? Why in these 2 places and why do the pants fail sooner than the jackets? I believe it's due to movement. The crotch on the pants is folded, pulled, folded and crunched with each and every step I take. The steps to and from the house to the bike, around the biker hang outs as I walk about, the trudge into and out of cafes and shops and all the other places I walk in my bike gear. Lots of wear, particularly around the crotch.
My arms do a little less folding and bending. Still, they move every time I take the jacket off, when I reach for my wallet, when I move the bike and a little bit when I'm riding. So the arms on the jacket take punishment, but not as much as the crotch on the pants. What I suspect happens is the waterproofing, be it a membrane or a rubberised layer on the material, gets broken down.
This is an expensive occupation. Jackets cost around £80 for a serviceable item and pants from around £60. I've purchased more costly gear and while it may have super strong protection, fantastically engineered pockets, clever details and a nice feel, they will last only a short while longer. I've had Hein Gericke, Frank Thomas, Lewis, Weiss and many more brands, they've all failed to keep the rain out for more than 2 years. I've found Aldi's "Crane" equipment to be basic but acceptable and it is waterproof too. At half the cost it does not last as well, but it lasts well enough to make it worthwhile compared to the famous brands.
I'm sure some of you reading this will tell me of the Dainese jacket that has lasted 6 years and still keeps you dry and of the Alpinestars suit that you trust completely. Great, lucky you, but how often do you ride? How many times a day will you put on and remove your waterproofs? How many times a year do you wear your suit and ride for 2 hours in heavy rain? My wet weather gear IS my riding gear. I don't want to stop each time it starts to rain to kit up, I've got customer appointments to keep or I just want to keep rolling. I wear my waterproof gear whilst riding and I put it on and take it off several times a day. I put my gear through the mill.
So, facing another round of purchases I'm beginning to accept that not even the best gear will remain waterproof. And I'm tired of shelling out for something that I know will fail sooner rather than later. What's the solution? I've decided to keep the safety protection of my existing gear and just buy much cheaper jackets and pants that will go over the gear. The gf's jacket gave up the ghost recently and she purchased a Regatta waterproof jacket that fits snugly over for £25. I'm certain it won't last forever but at that price if it lasts a year that's fine.
I'll report back sometime on what I decide upon...
Reader's Comments
Tom McQ said :-
I'm with you all the way Ren - there's so much "waterproof" clothing out there which is not up to the task. After years of renewing (my bike-wardrobe is busting), I took the plunge and bought me a Hein Gericke MASTER V (Goretex) jacket and trousers. That's over six years ago and they've NEVER leaked once, even when touring Ireland and Scotland (the ultimate test, lol).
Mind you, they cost me £700, so *currently* that equates to over £100 per annum, so I guess you could argue the case for buying new, cheap stuff every year.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Mutley said :-
It's a bit of a ball ache but I've just used some wash in waterproof stuff from mountain warehouse that keeps the privates dry and warm. For sure worth a try for you
08/11/2018 23:26:54 UTC
Upt'North said :-
Waterproof? You'd think it meant waterproof.
After wearing lots of kit I'm not impressed with Gortex or the many other non gortex branded rivals.
I much prefer the older shell type material as an outer layer which stops water penetrating the garment.
I remember pulling into Southwaite S/B coming back from the wet North and dumping my jacket over a chair, by the time I got back with a Greggs sausage roll and a mug of dishwater there was a puddle 10 feet across around the jacket. There must have been gallons in there. I wasn't damp underneath but I was glad I wasn't planning to park it in a b and b that night. It wouldn't be pretty in a tent. It dripped for two days in the garage.
FWIW.
Upt'North.
09/11/2018 00:25:21 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
Hi Mutley. I have yet to try the wash in waterproofs. The one I'm familiar with is Nikwax and I've heard generally favourable reports about it. I kind of feel it can't work but maybe I should try it. I have a pair of cordura pants to try it on. Hmmmm....
Yes Upt'North. Even if the waterproof shell is absolutely waterproof the outer (typically cordura) layer gets drenched. And yes, this is bad when you create a small swimming pool at the warm cosy friendly cafe you've stopped to warm up in. And yes in a tent it is a nightmare. Both Sharon and I use cheap overjackets and overpants, the sort of thing you'd find at sports or camping shops.
These keep the wind off and keep the biker jackets dry and they don't hold anywhere near as much water as cordura. The biggest downside is in summer they can get a bit sweaty - to the point where you might as well have gotten wet.
Hence why I may give Nikwax a try. I don't imagine it will be full on British Autumn Storm waterproof but it may be summer showers waterproof.
09/11/2018 06:46:49 UTC
Upt'North said :-
Ed, I've used the Nikwax on a few occasions on Cordura/Shelltex outers and it does a decent job of cleaning kit up. You have to wash with one product and then proof with another. Can't really comment on the extra waterproofing because the kit didn't leak before. It won't hurt your kit though and you'll look resplendent all booted and suited.
Upt'North.
09/11/2018 09:16:03 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
Oh, oh dear. I can't be going round looking "resplendent" Upt'North. I've spent a lifetime building my image as a scruffy oik from't grimy bits of 't' norf west. What would people think if I was all smart and clean?
09/11/2018 09:51:46 UTC
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