It has been raining non-stop in Charlotte, NC, I’m not complaining as we have been in a drought.

My morning was pleasant thanks to freshly installed fenders and a Gore Paclite (waterproof) jacket.

How about you, are you wimping out of riding because of rain? Suck it up guys.

Excuse my grammar, sent from my mobile phone.

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From the Company

This waterproof and breathable road cycling jacket offers great protection in bad weather conditions. Plus it will fit in any backpack folded up.

Initial Thoughts

A compact, completely waterproof jacket even down to the taped seams.  It is able to zip up in to its own rear pocket, making this a very small and easy to carry jacket.   Because all of the rain that the Southeast had been having this spring I’ve kept this jacket in my messenger bag at all times.

Once I see how this jacket does with wear and tear I’ll upload a video for you all to see the highlights and key features, or negatives concerns of course.

Visit Gore Bike Wear to see more

This product was given to me at no charge for reviewing.  I was not paid or bribed to give this review and it will have my honest opinion or thoughts through out.

Here are my essentials :

Base Layer

A good base layer, this will be snug and close to your skin.  The goal is to pull moisture from your skin so that you don’t get cold and wet as you ride harder.  Base layers can be sleeveless, short sleeve or long sleeve. It is completely up to you what you pick.

Tip : If your sports bra doesn’t wick put your base layer on first.

Arm Warmer and Knee Warmers

Your knees are precious and your arms get cold easily. If your ride starts off in the cool morning and warms off you can quickly take your these off and put them in a jersey pocket.  I personally run knee warmers under 65, and run arm/knee with a combination vest well into the late fall.

Wool Socks

I love wool socks, and will live in them from November through March. They manage moisture well, and keep you toasty warm.  Personally, I wear the 6″ through the winter as it comes close to touching my knee warmers and then ski style ones that come up to my knees when its snowing or a cold rain.

Tip: Put a plastic bag over your socks before you put your feet in your shoes.  It will help keep the wind chill down and warmth in.

Windproof Vest

Keeping the chill off your body is key.  A good vest will keep your chest and core warm by keeping your body heat in and the windchill out.  There are many different vest out these days, some with Windstopper, others that pack very small, and others that have a layer of thermal fleece.

Gloves

I have three different types of gloves I wear through out the winter.  A basic mountain bike glove that is good down to 40 degrees or so.  A basic cycling liner glove that keeps the heat in and has a brushed top that keeps the wind out.  Finally a good winter glove that is thermal, wind and waterproof with insides that wick off my sweat as my hands heat up.

This is only the essentials that I recommend to every woman.  Depending what weather and how cold you can endure the extras like jackets, knickers, tights, jerseys and such are all going to be personal preference. I hope to get you through picking those this winter as well.

Thanks for reading and please leave your feedback below.