Buy it for Life

4242 readers

147 users here now

A place to share practical, durable and quality made products that are made to last, with an emphasis on upcycled and sustainable products!

Guidelines:

Things that are well-made and durable (even if they won't last a lifetime) are A-Okay!

Unlike that other BIFL place, Home-made and DIY items are encouraged here, as long as some form of instruction is included in the body of the post.

Videos links are not allowed as post titles, but you may use them in a text post.

A limited amount of self-promotion is accepted, IF the item you are selling aligns with this criteria:

The item must be made with sustainable or recycled materials.
If electronic in some way, the item must be open-source.
The item must be user-serviceable (if applicable).
You cannot be a large corporation.
The post must be clearly marked with a [Self Promotion] tag in your title.

founded 1 year ago

MODERATORS

[email protected]

Commuter Rainjacket (feddit.org)

submitted 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

9 comments fedilink hide all child comments

So I was searching for a BIFL rainjacket that can do it all (as far as thats possible ofc ;)). Of course I stumbled upon the Patagonia Torrentshell, but when I went to try it on, it felt "saggy" and a bit short on the arms. As I plan to commute by bike, I prefer longer arms.

Is there any rain jacket with a narrower fit, somewhere in the same price range as the Torrentshell?

Edit: i forgot to add, that I life in germany so I am open to european brands as well :)

top 9 comments

sorted by: hot top controversial new old

[–] [email protected] 6 points 2 months ago

I commute in a similar looking but less insulated Columbia Watertight II (Gray, M) and the sleeves are at least 2 cm longer than any other shell I’ve owned (a pleasant surprise for someone with long arms).

It’s narrower at the waist than the torrentshell but similar at the hip, not as insulating but lighter, and it’s a bit stiffer material (e.g. headwind doesn’t press it against your skin as much as slinkier shells). This style of jacket isn’t specialized for cycling so it does bunch a bit in the front and could ride up in the back if your stance is low. And the hood isn’t removable to accommodate a helmet, so you sometimes have to shake the hood out at the destination.

But it’s dry, comfortable, and has held up for 5 years of commuting. 🤙

[–] [email protected] 4 points 2 months ago

Look into Ex Officio and Westcomb shells, they tend to have longer arms. Marmot might have some too. I'd recommend something with pit zips, they're awesome for regulation temperature and humidity.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 2 months ago

Marmot makes great rain gear. I use their light rain jacket and pants for my backpack kit and it's surprisingly lightweight and still functional. Not cheap, tho.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 months ago

I will confess that most of my knowledge comes from hiking/backpacking, so arm length isn't often a large concern.

Often mentioned in the same breath as the Torrentshell but generally more adjustable (and by some measures, higher quality):

Outdoor Research Aspire II
Outdoor Research Helium
Outdoor Research Foray II
Enlightened Equipment Visp
REI Flash Stretch

[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 months ago

I have a haglöfs Spitz , every couple of years the runner if the main zipper wears out and the mail me a new one

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Outback Trading Low Rider Duster.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 months ago

We must send more telegrams. I shall notify the quartermaster.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 months ago

Endura MT500 Waterproof Jacket II is a top notch cycling jacket. Intended for mountain biking but imo outperforms most road stuff. Ridiculously good ventilation. Over-the-helmet hood is much less claustrophobic than wearing it underneath.

My only quarrel is that it's not all that packable, but that really isn't a problem in commuting.

Has held up for two years now.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 months ago

Schöffel has been pretty good for me so far. Last raincoat lasted 10 years, they repair broken zippers if needed. If you have a schöffellowa store nearby, they tend to go on sale late summer.