Cold Weather and Wind Pant for Cycling: REI Acme with Schoeller Dryskin Fabric

When the weather is cool, cold, or windy, or some combination thereof, I have found REI's Acme Pant an excellent choice for commuting, just taking a ride, and for many other activities, outside and in. I fear they might be discontinuing this item; however, the upside is that they are on sale, so hurry if you are interested.

These pants were designed for hiking, mountain biking, backcountry skiing, and mountaineering. The front and leg pockets as well as the two back pockets have reverse-coil welded zippers, which is great for storing things while riding, but limits the work-wear applications, since they simply cannot shed an outdoor wear look; I usually change upon arrival at work, but in casual dress environments they wear well all day, and I have done so. The gusseted crotch and articulated knees combined with the fabric provide great flexibility.

The ankle zippers are also gusseted and have velcro tabs for adjusting; the downside is that they do not drape as well as most casual or dress pants. On the other hand, REI offers them in several inseam lengths (or did, when I ordered them), which is really welcome, for these are not pants one can shorten to fit. 

Overall the waist and inseam sizes are spot on. For cold weather I add a baselayer, and for freezing temperatures, a padded short as well, and find no need for a rain or snow type layer over them (assuming no heavy rain falling or expected). They look like they have not been worn even after several trips; remarkable fabric and tailoring, which brings me to the most exciting element of these technical trousers: 

These pants are made with Schoeller Dryskin fabric. This textile combines a water repellent (hydrophobic) function on the outside with a water absorption (hydrophilic) function on the inside. Perspiration is thus absorbed into and throughout the fabric so that it can evaporate quickly, thus helping one stay cool in warm activities. At the same time, water and other elements that stain from the outside are resisted; moisture beads up and can be wiped away. Moreover, the fabric feels great to the touch, not tough or stiff, although at the same time the texture is solid, not delicate (if that makes any sense). I am pretty sure that these pants will not snag or tear or even wear out under anything but the most extreme circumstances. This choice of technical textile adds to the cost, for sure, but it is really neat stuff, and these are really neat pants that will likely last a lifetime. When and if no longer available, look for alternatives made with this fabric. In a post to come I will discuss another pair I enjoy that are designed for business or casual dress as well as commuting rather than hiking per se, also made with Schoeller Dryskin: the OG pant by Outlier.

ColdAvenger Cold Weather Mask Review

Yesterday was 12F with high wind when I left for work, and that would have been a challenge for me in the past because of asthma. I wear a neck gaiter/chute or balaclava when it is cold, usually starting in the 50's F (merino wool, of course, but also some made with synthetics), not only because I don't like to be cold, but because I don't want to provoke asthma. I just can't afford to breathe cold air, especially running or cycling and the like, or to get sweaty and then chilled; the consequences can be dangerous and last a long time. So I am careful, maybe even too careful at times. Yet I find that breathing through the fabric when it gets to freezing and below is not comfortable and is messy. So I tried something new to me, brought to my attention by All Seasons Cyclist; thank you once again!

The mask worked wonderfully now on several bicycle commutes, yesterday proving that it works for me to approximately 0F windchill, and it was clear that it would work at still colder temperatures. I am delighted! I will now see how that works out for a run at colder temps than I have been willing to undertake. It covers my neck as well as lower face and ears perfectly.

Here is how the manufacturer, Talus, explains the product benefits of the ColdAvenger Pro Softshell High Performance Cold Weather Mask: "The unique ventilator design of ColdAvenger mechanically mixes inhaled cold air with exhaled warm air and allows for easy, no resistance breathing. The ventilator binds exhaled moisture to its plastic surface to keep the face dry and helps prevent airway drying by returning this moisture during breathing.  ColdAvenger allows for unrestricted nasal and mouth breathing, both critical for maximum outdoor performance. Nasal breathing not only helps humidify the airway, but also provides for increased flow of oxygen and blood to the periphery of the lungs where more efficient oxygen exchange occurs to enhance athletic performance. The microclimate created by ColdAvenger’s ventilator provides provides a cool sensation of airflow through the mouth and nose which helps prevent feelings of breathlessness and claustrophobia particularly in endurance exercise in the cold, much like the feeling of respiratory comfort provided by air conditioning. This air conditioned microclimate also stimulates the brain center for alertness to help reduce fatigue." They list a number of features and benefits at their web site.

I can attest that it fits a small head just fine, feels comfortable to the skin, covers my ears and neck well, and goggles fit over the top of the nose area well. (All photos are theirs)

There are several versions of half masks such as I am using and balaclavas, including designs for more extreme conditions and expeditions than I have in my sights. I went with this so that I could use a hooded sweatshirt or a cap under the helmet and also for running when the temperatures might not demand the fully alien look of a balaclava--the full ninja, you might say. But yesterday it was cold enough to go out fully covered by the mask with a hoodie and ski goggles--I saw no other cyclers on my commute, only folks in cars who looked like they might well understand that dressing for warmth, even if a bit weird looking, was paramount.

When you breathe through material fogging of glasses becomes an issue. I have used ski goggles when below freezing, and this has eliminated the problem for the most part. The ColdAvenger with the ski goggles worked well too. I did experience a little fogging, not overall so as to be blinded, and I will have to experiment to figure out how to avoid that altogether, if possible (I now see that they sell a product for that). It does restrict my ability to look backwards to check traffic without turning my entire torso more than I prefer to do, so I am playing with how tight to fasten the velcro closure and how much to loosen the helmet strap. So far have figured out that gathering a bit of the material in front of the strap after attaching it helps. I will probably need to wear a mirror to enhance safety; noticed that I avoided certain route choices that required looking back to make left hand turns.

Yes, it might look silly to some. I am amazed when I see folks able to run or bike or engaged in sports and other activities with no face covering, much less this kind of technical, slightly cumbersome, and certainly unflattering product on their face and neck. And then there is the need to get it off and wipe your face quickly before anyone sees you--all the more one's students! And I also see some folks in shorts and T-shirts when I am wearing several layers--no envy intended, I just am not made of the same great stuff! But now I can do some of the same things if I make the adjustments I seem to need versus not undertaking the activities--so I am delighted by this product, and recommend it if you are similarly challenged.

For freezing temperatures add a chamois layer

When the temperature drops below freezing, and if overcast or windy even a few degrees above that, I find that the saddle is very cold where it makes contact with the body, if you know what I mean. What I have discovered is that I can wear a pair of shorts with chamois pad designed for cycling over my base layer (long johns).

Then I put the slacks over this. One can also wear tights or base layer underpants designed for biking with a chamois pad under trousers. I prefer merino wool for the base layer. I have written about one of the kinds of slacks I choose to wear, the Slim Dungarees from Outlier, which can handle the elements (water beads up and runs off!) and stretches and breathes well, and I plan to discuss others that work well too. At some point one might choose more of a rain or snow shell pant, especially if snow or ice is in the cards.

When I arrive at work I change clothes, at least base layer elements, and certainly the layer with the chamois! The merino base layer is great because it will not emit odor when I store it for the day, and will dry out for the return trip. The layer approach allows for several trips with the same chamois since it does not make contact with skin.

The simple point I want to make is that the freezing contact point can be avoided with a simple addition of an element designed for cycling, even if one does not wish to dress like a racer to commute or enjoy a ride.

Looks like tomorrow morning it will be about 12F when I start out--ouch, but not in the saddle!

Everyday Wind and Rain Jacket: Gore Bike Wear Path 2.0 Windstopper Review

Since purchasing the Path 2.0 Windstopper by Gore Bike Wear this past Fall I have been reaching for it constantly for my commute as well as for running. The colorfulness with reflective highlights and attributes of breathing well and wind resistance, not to mention flexibility of removing the sleeves when warm enough (55F to 65F for me), whether on the same ride, or the ride to or from a destination (and for a run, all the more so), make it a go to garment. It is also light and easily carried or stored if not needed at some point, and it is wrinkle resistant too. The temperatures have been just above or below freezing here, so I have been using this as the outer layer over both a base- and mid-layer of merino wool, and when well below freezing over a mid-layer jacket. (There are several color combinations, but I think the yellow/black is super for visibility.)

Even though most of my mid- and even outer layers are black and may or may not have reflective highlights, this piece takes care of the safety concern to be visible; hence, its extra usefulness as a vest even when it may warm up a bit. I find that most of the time I leave the pit areas unzipped to avoid overheating, since I tend to overdress to ensure staying warm, not least because I don't want a chill that activates asthma. It does not have a double zipper, so I find it necessary sometimes to unzip the mid layer if overheated, when it would be nice and more convenient while riding to simply unzip this piece from the bottom and leave the chest area fully covered. That said, I am very happy with the many things that it does well.

I appreciate having front-side pockets, and combined with the back pocket this allows one to carry plenty of stuff. It is designed for a "comfort fit" and a Medium would fit me; nevertheless, I got a Large because I knew I would want to wear this over several layers during the winter, and I would rather have it a little loose rather than snug even when that is not the case. The sleeves are long (for me, with 32 length arms what garment isn't?), but fit fine when fastened with the velcro adjustments. The neck has a nice soft feel and provides the coverage of a mock turtleneck. I wear a neck gaiter (merino) when it is below 55F anyway, and either that or a balaclava when it is below freezing. It dries quickly and does not seem to hold odor, and it packs well too. Altogether an excellent piece.

"Safety First!": Helmet, Headlight, and Blinker Review

"Safety First!" my five-year old granddaughter exclaimed as she adjusted her helmet and readied to mount her just unwrapped present without a moment's hesitation! It was as cute as could be, capturing an emotion many of us feel when getting a new bike. But it was also intriguing that she would immediately speak of safety first; no? This was clearly the lesson she had been drilled on; it was already second nature -- even before she had ridden on a real bike herself, in this case one with training wheels attached, and inside the house where it had been hidden as a gift. She must have great parents and teachers!

I am persuaded of the prudence of wearing a helmet when riding on streets or with any kind of speed, or if one might run into some obstacle that could cause much more serious harm than need be risked (pace Yehuda Moon). But the helmet seems to me to be but a good start: I took this one step further. After reading a review in late 2011 by All Season Cyclist on the Hardnutz Hi-Vis Yellow Bicycle Helmet--which is florescent yellow-green and incorporates lots of reflective stripes for low light and nighttime riding--I ordered one directly from the US distributor (Ski-WebUSA.com), since apparently it is not generally (ever?) carried in local bike shops; made in Great Britain (there are some other color options, too). I've used it almost daily for over a year: it is super! (even if I don't like the logo size/placement, and am ambivalent about the name too.)

I was motivated in part because I often want to ride in clothing that is neither light and colorful nor reflective. Many of my coats for cool to cold weather and T-shirts for hot weather are black, or at least dark, and not designed for cycling, or, if they are, they have little to no reflective materials built into them. So why not get a helmet--which is also the highest and thus most visible point for drivers to notice--that covers that concern regardless of what else is worn! It's great. I can dress as I like, although at night I also add an armband if wearing a dark top or coat (just as I do for running and walking in low light and darkness): safety first!, of course, but who says that style does not matter upon safe arrival!

The helmet is lightweight,, has lots of vents, a visor, adjusts well, and has lots of other features one should expect (see the web site), in addition to coming with a nice bag with straps for wearing on one's back to carry the helmet, or, as I do, serve as a bag I keep in my pannier just in case I need to expand on the trip home. I am able to easily adjust it to fit comfortably when wearing a hat or hood (my hat size is small; if you are trying to sort out if it will work for you, they say "one size fits head size 54-62cms").

But a high-viz helmet is merely a good start, in my view: I ride to and/or from work in the dark or low light and sunrises/sets, and lighting is often low through the winter here in the mid-west, plus the residential streets are lined with mature trees, so I go in and out of shade even mid-day. As a car driver, I am well aware of how one can lose clarity for a moment in that transition from sun to shade, and that is all it takes to come upon a cycler; add the time involved in looking back from texts and other distractions that sadly seem to be necessary to driving for so many today, and you have the recipe for an unintended disaster, no matter how cycle-friendly that driver might otherwise be. So I rigged my helmet with lights soon after the helmet arrived. Again, after a year, I can say that I love this arrangement (this photo show both lights mounted, plus the visor included with the helmet).

The tail light is a Planet Bike Superflash Turbo, which is widely available. It has a one watt power LED plus 2 red LEDs for visibility up to 1 mile, and runs on two AAA batteries. I use simple (black) plastic ties running into vents and through the light hook to hold it in place (you can see them in the bottom photo below). This way I can put on the blinker whenever lighting would be prudent--and I find that is often, even during the daylight, as already explained. Again, the safety feature is enhanced by being at the maximum height a rider can supply--on the top of their head! Win-win.

I want a headlight that both puts out sufficient light for me to see well and for drivers to see even better! So I decided on a NiteRider brand MiNewt.600 Cordless (slightly revised since my 2011, I think, and they offer both more and less powerful options). It is terrific, offering 600 lumens in three levels of brightness plus a flashing light (great for low light of wintertime, dawn and dusk, and especially when the sun is low or rising/setting brightly). It is rechargeable by UBS or outlet. My usual home-to-school-and-back commute is about 1 hour, so I don't really test the length of time a charge will last, and I recharge it overnight; I think I could do that less often, esp. since usually use the lower setting or flash, which last several hours). I suppose this product's primary market is off-road night riding, and perhaps one day I will enjoy that--it sounds like fun, anyway). But I can say that cars notice it, thus me, and it elicits comments by more than a few who recognize just how visible it makes me compared to many other riders out there in daylight as well as low light or night with either no lights or wanna-be-lights that are not-really-bright-enough-for-the-task. Here is how I have set it up:

The headlight came with the helmet mounting bracket as well as one for the handlebars. I usually just mount it on the handlebars, but, again, if I want to provide light at the maximum height for effectiveness as well as to be able to see wherever I turn my head to look, I put it on the helmet. I have mounted it permanently on the top front of the helmet (top photo above), so it is always an option. Otherwise it does not inhibit the features of the helmet, and, in my opinion, it is not large enough to present an aesthetic problem either. The informed viewer might also notice the bracket in the top photo above, which allows me to mount a rearview mirror when desired, but I seldom find that necessary for my regular residential-streets commute.

I  wonder why commuter helmets are not simply designed with features to provide these safety benefits?

Anyway, I am very pleased with this arrangement, and each piece has been doing what it is supposed to do for over a year.

Outlier Slim Dungarees Review: Great Commuter and Urban Pants

In Dec., 2011, I bought a pair of Outlier Slim Dungarees, tailored in NYC out of Workcloth Doubleweave Canvas--and they are simply terrific. In fact, when the first pair in Black arrived, they fit so great, wore so well on the ride to work in the cold and then looked and felt great all day at work, that my wife suggested I get another pair before they were no longer available--which I did immediately! She is a trouper! So I also have a pair in Indigo Blue, and they continue to be the pants I reach for first for just about any activity, in any weather.

They are designed for cycling and other similar activities, fit slim but not skinny, move with you, and resist water and stains with NanoSphere® treated to emulate the self-cleaning capabilities of a lotus leaf. I found the fit right on. The outer fabric feels tough and has a nice texture but is not stiff at all, and the inside is soft and smooth. They resist wrinkling and can be worn multiple times between washings. Again, I am not very hard on clothes, but after a year of relatively frequent use they still look new.

I am so pleased when slacks are offered in odd number sizes, since I wear 33 in most cases, but the inseam is one size fits all--32.5 to 32.5, so be prepared to wait to have enjoy your new pants when they arrive until washed and hemmed, unless, of course, you wear 32.5! (If your taller than that, I suppose you're out of luck.) No one carries these in my part of the country, and few places beyond that, so one most likely will have to decide what to order without trying on a pair--that is not perfect when dealing with this kind of product at this kind of price, and it does not support the local shops either. They have a good exchange/refund policy, but, well, who wants the hassle if it can be avoided? But customer service was great when I called to talk about sizing, especially since I was uncertain how much they stretched (they signal a slight two way stretch, made of 82% Nylon, 16% Polyester, 2% Elastane). My normal size fit perfectly. No cinching tight required as in most 34's, not too tight like when choosing 32. And they don't seem to stretch out of size with several days wear.

I find that although the leg tapers down nicely, that I still wear a leg band just to be sure that they stay clean and don't get caught in the chain. When it is colder than 40F, I slip a base layer on beneath them and have not been cold until below 20F, when an outer layer is also called for.

One beef--I mean suggestion... Call me crazy, but I don't get the jean style fifth pocket styling of these, like so many pants available today. I have small hands and fingers and still can't fish change out of these pockets. Am I the only one who would prefer a slightly larger pocket (not a giant cargo one) that can actually carry something, like today's car keys (any keys for that matter), or a cell phone? At the same time, the regular front pockets are full size, and can handle what I usually need to carry for the commute and at school: a small wallet and cell phone, keys, reading glasses, and a golfer's pencil (of course, because you never know when that might be needed!).

Bottom line, these are expensive, but well made and will last many, many years for many, many different uses, including activities like cycling, golfing, and the unplanned but sure want to get in a run right now and not just a walk, or for just sitting down on whatever, wherever you find yourself thereafter. Some shorts like this would be nice--well, not immediately, it's freezing here!

Update on Jan. 18, 2015: still look and work like new after 3 years of primary choice for all kinds of activities, including travel in summer for conferences (work well with a sport coat) and sightseeing.

For more formal occasions as well as the same kinds of casual ones for which I now usually choose the dungarees, I should briefly mention the OG Pants in Black I've been wearing since 2010 (they have been since modified as the New OG Pants). The styling is dressier; they feel and work great too, but with a wider leg style, and with Schoeller Dryskin fabric with Nanosphere treatment against stains and water, which is terrific to the touch and tough enough to handle anything, including several wears between washes without wrinkling, so they are great for cycling and travel too. As for the cut, I had to have them tailored; they are ("were"; I am not sure if this is still the case with redesign) much bigger in the hips and bottom for my waist size than the dungarees.

One more thing to add: I recently took advantage of a free shipping for the holidays offer to purchase a Merino/Co Pivot Shirt in Blacktint, and an Air Forged Oxford in Navy. Both are very attractive, but I haven't put them through their paces yet. I am hoping both travel well and will cover several days at conferences or seminars in the US and abroad. I hope that these two shirts, with one of the pairs of pants discussed, with a second pair for backup and travel days, combined with a few merino layers, will keep packing for most activities simple and light.

Merino Wool for Commuting: Review of the Bosun Jacket from Mission Workshop

Merino wool products are great for commuting to work. They are comfortable, look great, and conduct heat well--but so do a lot of other products. What makes them extra special is the fact that they resist odor and wrinkling.

When I arrive at work I often change clothes and then back again for the commute home--so wearing apparel that does not smell in the office and that dries out for the return trip and still looks good is important. That is where Merino wool products really outperform many other products, at least in my experience.

I have really enjoyed the The Bosun Dynamic Merino Wool Jacket from Mission Workshop in San Francisco.

I got it on a trip there in Nov., 2011, and enjoyed the Mission Workshop retail shop as well (and it carries other useful, high quality cycling gear for commuters, has knowledgeable and friendly staff, and sells good coffer beans too). I wear it as an outer layer when the weather is cool (approx. 55F to 70F) over a Merino wool base layer (or even a short sleeve under a long sleeve one if overcast or windy), and also as a mid-layer under either a windbreaker or light jacket down to about 40F (they offer the Orion for that, which looks great too, but I don't have that [yet!]; more about what I do use another day). I occasionally wear it under a heavier jacket when under 40F, although usually in that case I choose a Merino wool sweatshirt with a hood from Icebreaker for the mid-layer (more later). I don't like to be cold, and since I have asthma, I attend to not getting a chill once sweating--which is to say that some might be comfortable wearing this with less layers and in colder temperatures than I do; I would rather be a bit hot until the ride is finished and I am in warmer temperatures, or can change into dry clothes.

It feels and looks great (in my view) both on the bike and when I need to walk between buildings on campus later in the day. I choose it sometimes when I am not biking too--it is a nice car jacket. However, it does not have a lot of pockets and I tend to need more space (for gloves, neck gator, hat, etc.) when not using the bike (on which I carry a pannier usually, or pack of some kind), but the two it does have are nice: one on the inside chest (phone/player size) and one on the lower back-left side (5 1/2 in. sq.), both with horizontal zippers. The sleeves are a bit long for me, but they roll up neatly; no problem. It does not offer reflectivity, and I wish it did, even a little classy touch--so I add a florescent yellow band on the left arm when riding (black in shade or glare as well as darkness can make one hard to spot for even the careful driver--so safety first is a motto I am not ashamed to subscribe to).

This piece is slim fitting, but not skinny/tight fitting like a lot of bicycle jerseys and jackets. I don't like tight fitting pieces generally, wear medium in non-cycling shirts and jackets, and bought this in large rather than medium, which I often do with cycling outerwear in order for it to drape and also to be able to layer underneath. The sleeves and shoulders are snug, which in this case works great for layering over it too.

This jacket is not cheap, but the value is there for me because I love it and have used it many times over the past year. I've rarely needed to wash it (I am easy on clothes, and my wife is an expert on such things!); it still looks new and feels special every time I begin to put it on.