🌧️Rain Gear Essentials For Wet Weather Trike Touring🌧️
🌱 Stay Dry and Comfortable on Your Trike Adventures
Riding your recumbent trike in the rain can be exhilarating—if you’re properly equipped. Without the right rain gear, even a short ride can turn into a miserable experience of soaked clothes, freezing hands, and water-filled shoes. The solution? High-performance waterproof gear that keeps you dry, warm, and visible.
I learned this lesson the hard way. Once, I rode 170 km (105 miles) from Berlaar, Belgium, to Hilversum, Netherlands on a sunny Friday. But when I had to return two days later, it was raining cats and dogs. I spent an hour staring out the window, hoping for a break in the downpour. No luck. Eventually, I set off, knowing I’d get drenched. And I did—170 km (105 miles) soaked in rain. But after that ride, something changed. Now, I’m used to it. Rain doesn’t bother me anymore.
If you want to embrace wet-weather cycling without discomfort, the right gear makes all the difference. Let’s dive into the best rain gear for trike touring—featuring waterproof trousers (>20,000 mm water resistance), neoprene gloves, rain overshoes, and even a WINTR fairing for extra protection.
✅ 1. Waterproof Rain Trousers: Your First Line of Defense
🔹 20,000 mm+ water resistance ensures your trousers handle extreme downpours without soaking through.
🔹 Breathability rating of 10,000 g/m²/24h or higher prevents overheating while pedaling.
🔹 Reflective elements on the trousers enhance visibility in low-light conditions.
🔹 Articulated knees and stretch fabric for a comfortable riding position.
🔹 Reinforced seat area to prevent wear and tear from prolonged trike use.
💡 Pro Tip: Choose trousers with zipped ankle openings so you can quickly slip them over shoes without struggling.
🔧 2. Rain Overshoes: Keep Water Out of Your Shoes
Wet feet can ruin a ride faster than anything else. That’s where rain overshoes (also called rain boot covers) come in.
🔹 Neoprene or waterproof synthetic fabric blocks rain and road spray.
🔹 Signal yellow color ensures high visibility.
🔹 Reflective details enhance safety in traffic.
🔹 Extended height covers the ankle area, preventing water from entering the shoe from above.
🔹 Zipped or Velcro closures for a snug fit over cycling shoes.
🚲 Trike Touring Hack: Combine overshoes with high-cut waterproof socks for an extra layer of defense.
🧤 3. Neoprene Gloves: Warm Hands, Even in the Worst Rain
Keeping hands dry is critical for control and comfort. Neoprene gloves, similar to diving wetsuits, offer perfect rain protection:
✔️ Water-resistant & windproof – Keeps hands dry even in heavy rain.
✔️ Insulating even when wet – Unlike standard cycling gloves, neoprene retains heat.
✔️ Flexible grip – Ensures a firm hold on handlebars.
✔️ Touchscreen-compatible – So you can use your GPS or phone.
💡 Pro Tip: If you expect extremely cold conditions, layer with merino wool glove liners for added warmth.
🏕️ 4. Rain Jacket: Stay Fully Protected
A waterproof jacket is your main shield against the elements. For trike riders, look for:
✔️ Waterproof rating of 15,000 mm+ – Keeps you dry in sustained rain.
✔️ Gore-Tex or similar fabric – Maximum breathability while blocking wind and rain.
✔️ Reflective strips and high-visibility color options – Essential for safety.
✔️ Drop-tail back – Prevents water from creeping in when seated.
✔️ Adjustable cuffs and hood – Keeps rain from sneaking in.
🚴 Trike Touring Hack: A detachable hood is ideal—use it when needed, but remove it when wearing a helmet.
🎩 5. Gore-Tex Hat: Extra Protection Under the Helmet
Wearing a Gore-Tex cap under your helmet provides extra rain protection:
✔️ Keeps rain from dripping into your eyes
✔️ Breathable and lightweight
✔️ Fitted design works under any helmet
💡 Bonus Tip: For extreme conditions, opt for a helmet rain cover for full protection.
🕶️ 6. Glasses with Removable Screens: Clear Vision in the Rain
Nothing is worse than riding with fogged-up or rain-covered glasses. The solution? Cycling glasses with removable screens:
✔️ Swap out wet screens for a dry one when visibility gets bad.
✔️ Hydrophobic coating repels water and prevents streaks.
✔️ UV protection for sunny intervals.
✔️ Wraparound design shields against wind and rain.
🚲 Trike Touring Hack: Keep an extra dry screen in your pannier for quick swaps mid-ride.
☔ 7. Optional: WINTR Weather Protection Fairing
If you ride in heavy rain frequently, consider adding a streamer fairing to your trike.
🔹 Protects your legs from rain and wind, reducing the need for heavy rain trousers.
🔹 Minimizes wind resistance, making riding easier.
🔹 Works well in persistent rainy conditions, especially in Belgium and the Netherlands.
💡 Personal Experience: I used the T-Cycle WINTR Fairing, recommended by Brecht from Fietser.be. It worked well but had some downsides:
✔️ Great for rain protection and aerodynamics.
❌ Expensive if lost or damaged.
❌ Requires two front lights instead of one since it blocks the standard mounting position.
🚴 Final Verdict: If rain is a frequent issue in your area, it’s worth considering, but be prepared for the cost and lighting adjustments.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Why is >20,000 mm water resistance important for rain trousers?
👉 It ensures that the fabric can withstand extreme rain without water seeping through, keeping you dry even on long rides.
❓ Do overshoes really make a difference?
👉 Yes! They prevent water from entering your shoes from above, which is one of the most common ways feet get wet while riding in the rain.
❓ How do I keep my glasses from fogging up in wet conditions?
👉 Use anti-fog spray and glasses with removable screens so you can swap a wet screen for a dry one.
📅 Long-Term Strategies for Wet Weather Riding
🔹 Invest in high-quality rain gear – Cheap gear won’t last and won’t keep you dry.
🔹 Reapply DWR coating – Over time, waterproof fabrics lose their water-repellent finish. Use a DWR spray to restore effectiveness.
🔹 Keep backup gear in your panniers – Extra gloves, socks, and screens can save the day.
🔹 Test your setup in light rain first – Get used to riding with rain gear before heading into heavy storms.
🏁 Final Thoughts
Rain riding doesn’t have to be a struggle—it can even be an adventure. With the right waterproof gear, reflective elements, and strategic accessories, you’ll stay dry, comfortable, and ready for anything.
💬 What’s your go-to rain gear for trike touring? Share your experience in the comments below!
