Can't make up my mind to just plump for something like the Proviz Reflect360 and try to get over how much I dislike the look of them, and how their bagginess will cause drag and slow me down (even more)* or try to go for something a bit nicer fitting, but more expensive and require care and maintennce (ie re-DWR-coating etc, which I'm quite lazy about).
*me on a 26" hybrid with steel fork, square taper BB, 3x8 gearing, rear-rack, tubeless nobblie front tyre, frame bag, saddle bag full mudguards.
I'm not especially fussed about breathability, in the past I used to find I still sweated loads anyway, but that was when I was younger and more energetic, now I'm older, I try to conserve energy on my commutes (unless late/very windy), and also seem to feel the cold a little more.
Basically, what waterproof trousers do you recommend for commuting this winter? I'm not really sure what I want!
I've bought some decathlon trews.
seem pretty robust and keep my plums dry
I’d still get some 3 layer goretex that stuff is pretty amazing. Wore some cheap ex army ones at a festival this ‘summer’ during full rain, and they were so much better than a fancy hagloffs coat I had on. They are really baggy though, maybe find something in the sales for cycling.
I do have some camo army gortex trousers yes they are very very baggy.
I have some Mountain Equipment Gore Tex trousers which have short zips and not baggy cut which are great for cycling but crap for walking.
I have some alpkit trousers. They were quite expensive iirc but do the job.
The zips feel a bit fragile - but they haven't broken yet.
They are neither fashionable nor aero. I'm not going to be winning awards for style in them.
Wore my decathlon waterproof fishing trousers this morning.
No fish were harmed, nor would they have gotten wet had they been inside my trousers.
For commuting I just have some cheap Regatta trousers. Going to get the pocket holes sewn up at some point as they are in 'reverse' to normal pockets and do let some rain in. Bit boil in the bag but they help keep my shoes dry (either shoes and overshoes or winter boots) by stopping water running in vie the cuff.
Something from Showers Pass would suit I expect and there's a sale on.
https://showerspass.co.uk/collections/mens-pants
I've got the Skyline ones myself but they are definitely winter only.
edit: 20% off via Singletrack members discount...
My only contribution is to get something cycling specific!
I've got some Berghaus walking overtrousers which are basically fine, but ride up a bit on the bike, exposing the bottom of my trouser leg, and letting water run down my ankle and into my boots.
When I upgrade I'll be looking for something with a longer leg to try and mitigate that a bit!
I ummed and ahhhed about this for some time and eventuality plumped for the decathlon gravel trousers.
They arrived yesterday and were there waiting for me when I got back home completely totality thoroughly drenched after one of the wettest commutes I've experienced in ten+ years of commuting.
Wore them today but no rain came! However they have some nice touches, they were very comfortable to ride in - elastic behind the knees shapes them, and combined with not being clingy to my skin meant they didn't ride up my legs. Also didn't overheat in them (only wore a very lightweight pair of summer shorts underneath).
Noticed when I got home they have zip vents on the inside thigh - bonus!
I would have purchased size 32 but due to no stock bought 34s which are a little too long for me. Fit around waist is good with adjustable hook & elasticated loop type wotsits.
I pretty much forgot about them while riding. So far so good!
I have the decathlon trousers that cover your shoes as well. They look ridiculous but work very well. No more wet socks!