Re: RC: Need rain gear suggestions

[BMcCrary27@aol.com]

In a message dated 01/02/2000 2:31:36 AM Pacific Standard Time, 
sbrown@wamedes.com writes:

<< I'm looking for suggestions for the best waterproof long riding coat that
 will cover my legs since they were soaked as well (but they stayed fairly
 warm since I was wearing my new O'Keahy's polarfleece breeches I got for
 Christmas. ;-))  I was warm on my legs but still very wet.  My torso was
 soaked -- still warm tho with a polarfleece top of the same material as the
 breeches.  Once I stopped riding, however, I started to feel cold and
 clammy from my knees to my neck.  And I was definitely aware that my torso
 was getting soaked while I was riding!
 
 I also need some waterproof gloves.  My "neoprene" SSGs were soaked as were
 my second pair...a polarfleece pair that supposedly has a lining that makes
 them "waterproof" (changed soggy gloves halfway thru the ride each day.)
 They weren't waterproof -- I could make a fist and squeeze a solid stream
 of water from each glove!  The rest of me was fine (ie head, lower legs,
 and feet.) >>


I bought a Stearns waterproof set (pants and jacket w/hood) from Sportack, 
and although I have yet to try them riding, they've certainly kep me dry in a 
downpour while feeding the horses.  They're very lightweight and cost about 
$75 - $80 a set.  As for hands, I like knit polypropelene glove liners, which 
we wear as the only glove, nothing over them.  They get soaking wet alright, 
but they keep your hads warm.  Not sure how the fabric does this, but IT 
DOES.  Have worn them in rain and snow and still have warm hands.  I bought 
ours through the Damart catalog (they specialize in polypro stuff), but I'm 
sure any ski or sports shop would have them.  Patagonia sells this kind of 
stuff, though it's a bit pricey.  Haven't come up with waterproof footwear, 
but polypro socks keep the feet warm, even if wet. I've ridden in drizzly 
conditions with nothing but a polypro turtleneck and nylon anorak, been 
soaked to the skin but still warm.  I extreme conditons, such as light snow, 
I wear a ragg wool sweater VEST over the polypro turtleneck with the anorak 
over all and am quite comfortable at the endurance pace.  I imagine during a 
blizzard such as at the Derby Ditch ride last year, it would require more 
than just a vest.    Polypropelene knits are unbeatable for insulation.

Barbara


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