Ride tested in real weather, from round-the-world trips to wet commutes at home.
My bootstrapped, threadbare waterproof cycling gear has kept me dry and comforatble in all seasons (more or less).
When you’ve been riding bikes for decades, through every kind of weather the planet throws at you, you learn what lasts. You learn what works when it’s hammering down in the Highlands or when a Baltic wind is pushing sleet sideways into your face. You learn that good waterproof cycling gear isn’t about fashion. It’s about survival.
This is my long-term review of the waterproof cycling kit I’ve trusted for more than ten years. Some of these pieces have seen hundreds of rides. Others I’ve replaced more than once. But the core lineup remains the same because, simply put, it works.
Resource: My Complete Cycle Touring Kit List for Epic RTW Adventures
Rab Waterproof Jacket (2011)
Bought before my Charity Bike Ride in 2011, this Rab shell has been through it all. From mountain passes in The Alps to freezing commutes in London, it’s still going strong. The lightweight hardshell fabric has held up against years of abuse and rain. Breathability remains decent even after a decade of use and wash cycles.
I’ve tried newer jackets with fancier membranes, but few balance durability and packability like this one. Rab’s alpine DNA shows. This isn’t a fashion piece. It’s a tool.
Of course, it’s more of a wind break than a rain jacket these days but it still finds a place in my pannier on day rides and keeps a light shower a bay. The more recent model is the Rab Downpour* which is a Pertex rain jacket that is a major upgrade on the original one I use.
Resource: Cycle Touring Panniers and Bike Bags for RTW Adventures
Endura MT500 Spray Shorts
Scotland-born Endura knows rain. The MT500 Spray Shorts are a masterpiece of practicality. The front is fully waterproof, the rear panel resists road spray, and the cut allows full movement without snagging on the saddle.
I’ve ridden thousands of winter miles in these. Commuting. Touring. Cold mornings. Sloppy lanes. They keep you dry where it matters most. I’ve tried alternatives from other brands, but I always come back. The design just works.
I’m a half dozen pairs in over the course of nearly 20 years of commuting and adventuring around the world with a bicycle. I highly recommend the Endura MT 500 waterproof shorts*
Endura MT500 Overshoes
There’s no piece of kit that takes more abuse than overshoes. I’ve burned through a dozen pairs from other brands. Zips fail. Seams go. Fabric tears. But Endura’s MT500 overshoes are different. Tough neoprene construction, reinforced sole, and a fit that stays snug over SPD shoes.
They’re not invincible, but they last far longer than most. Warm enough for sub-zero mornings, flexible enough for off-road use, and reliably waterproof.
I particularly like the rugged rubber toe on these as pushing through foliage on steep singletrack is something I find myself doin often at Cannock Chase MTB Trails.
The Endura MT500 Mountain Cycling Booty Overshoe ia available on Amazon*
Resource: Camping Mat vs Air Mattress: How to Choose the Best Sleeping Pad for Bike Travel
Northwave MTB SPD Shoes
I’ve ridden in many shoes over the years, but Northwave keeps delivering. Solid construction. Reliable cleat interface. A fit that suits my wide feet. The uppers shed water well, and the soles give excellent traction off the bike.
These shoes have seen Himalayan mud, Baltic snow, and English drizzle. After countless wet rides, they still dry fast and stay comfortable for long days.
Since my old pair are near a decade in use the new equivalent is the Northwave Escape EVO 2*. I choose these for mountain biking and casual wear as they’re discreet in the pub and practical on the trails.
Resource: Is the MSR WhisperLite Multifuel the Best Bike Touring Stove?
Endura Strike Waterproof Gloves
Gloves are a weak link in most waterproof systems. Either they leak or they sweat you out. The Endura Strike Waterproof Gloves are a rare success. They keep hands warm without turning them clammy. Grip remains solid in the wet, and the cuffs seal well under jacket sleeves.
For winter commuting or mountain riding in sleet, these have earned my trust. I keep a pair in my panniers at all times. You can buy these and other waterproof gloves on Amazon*
Review: Is This The Best Filter Water Bottle For Bike Travel?
Giro MTB Helmet
Not technically waterproof, but it deserves mention. The Giro MTB helmet has survived years of abuse and thousands of miles. The fit is secure, and the ventilation manages to stop sweat even when wearing a hood underneath. Paired with a cap or buff, it completes the setup for all-weather riding.
The closest modern similar lid would be the Giro Fixture II – available in all good bicycle shops and on Amazon*
Review: My First 500km With The Burley Bee Double Bike Trailer
Final Thoughts
Waterproof cycling gear doesn’t need to be trendy. It needs to work. This collection has seen me through daily commutes, mountain expeditions, and endless wet miles across continents.
I’ve tested alternatives, replaced worn-out items, and experimented with new technologies. But this lineup—Rab, Endura, Northwave, Giro—keeps proving itself in the real world.
If you ride year-round, in all conditions, invest in gear that lasts. Buy once. Ride everywhere.
