Windproof base layer or jacket?

lawrence · Jan 7, 2008

I've been road riding in the winter for the past 2 years and have always been toasty warm except when the wind is blowing. It's just cutting. I also layer heavy.

If I had to get a windproof layer, would I be better off with a windproof jacket or a windproof base layer, and should that baselayer be short or long sleeve?

Would a windproof layer allow me to cut back on regular layers?

Would a windproof shell be better than a windproof jacket?

Cory · Jan 7, 2008

windproof on the outside, IMO

The windproof layer should go on the outside, for at least a couple of reasons. Most important, the purpose of insulation (fleece, wool, Thinsulate, whatever you're using) is to hold the warm air in. It's built to trap the air your body has heated. If the wind layer is UNDER the insulation, then the cold air will penetrate the insulation and sweep the warmed air away. Also, wind layers tend to be less permeable to moisture than the base or insulating layers, so your sweat will be trapped next to your body.
FWIW, in the relatively moderate temperatures we have around here (I rarely ride if it's colder than low 20s), I wear a poly base (CoolMax, UnderArmour or whatever's in the drawer), then an insulating layer of appropriate thickness (fleece or wool, usually) with a microfiber shell over that.

Mr Bentwrench · Jan 7, 2008

I use the windproof on the outer layer for both cycling and sailing. You can then select your base layers on the temp/conditions. Basically, to me at least, once the wind gets through I neither warm nor comfortable... and being uncomfortabe makes you not want to be there.

In fact, my sailing gear was actually cycling gear and folks ask me what it is and where I got it. The long tails are nice bending over and while seated. Go figure!

orlin03 · Jan 7, 2008

I wear my windproof gear mixed, with my upper body's windproofing on the outside, and warmer layers beneath, but wear my windproof bibs against my skin, and another pant over that if I need it. It may not be correct, but it has helped me down to 2 degrees. I do this because as long as my legs are protected from the wind, they stay warm. My bibs are also breathable in the rear, and I further regulate my warmth with my exertion level.

John Nelson · Jan 7, 2008

http://forums.roadbikereview.com/showthread.php?t=115127

zooog · Jan 7, 2008

I wear a craft windproof shirt as the last piece of base layer before a jacket. Great piece of clothing.

JCavilia · Jan 7, 2008

I agree totally with Cory

for all the reasons he stated, plus one more. Having the wind barrier on the outside allows much more control of temperature and ventilation. You can start with the windbreaker zipped all the way up for maximum warmth, then unzip partially or totally, or even remove the layer if you warm up, but you can easily re-seal if you get colder again (like on a descent). In my experience it makes no sense at all to have a windproof base layer.

lawrence · Jan 7, 2008

Would I be better off with a windproof shell or a windproof jacket that has a small amount of thickness? It would seem I could get more usage out of a shell and I could layer under. If I got a windproof jacket, it may end up being too hot. Is this good thinking?

Do they sell windproof shells with ventilation openings under under the arm pits?

JCavilia · Jan 7, 2008

Shell

lawrence said:
Would I be better off with a windproof shell or a windproof jacket that has a small amount of thickness? It would seem I could get more usage out of a shell and I could layer under. If I got a windproof jacket, it may end up being too hot. Is this good thinking?

Do they sell windproof shells with ventilation openings under under the arm pits?

I think that's good thinking -- that's how I do it. I have one cycling jacket that has polypro insulation and a windproof outer front, and I almost never use it. The shell-plus-layers approach is much more versatile, IME.

I don't know if there's a shell with pitzips. I find the front zipper gives me plenty of flexibility for ventilating. I prefer a shell with the simplest possible construction (no pockets, no facings, etc.) for minumum bulk when it has to be stuffed in a jersey pocket. I have a cheap one I bought from Performance years ago, in high-visibility yellow. I probably wear it a hundred times a year (I commute). From all indications it has years more life left in it.

The Flash · Jan 8, 2008

zooog said:
I wear a craft windproof shirt as the last piece of base layer before a jacket. Great piece of clothing.

+1

Best base layer I have ever owned...never get cold with that one....

Touch0Gray · Jan 8, 2008

lawrence said:
Would I be better off with a windproof shell or a windproof jacket that has a small amount of thickness? It would seem I could get more usage out of a shell and I could layer under. If I got a windproof jacket, it may end up being too hot. Is this good thinking?

Do they sell windproof shells with ventilation openings under under the arm pits?

I've got zipper vented jacket....gortex or mock gortex...There are matching pants with gore chaps on the front, over heavy spandex....The brand is "running room" They are not cycling specific but I've used the suit for years and been very happy with it, The jacket has a rear zippered pocket that it can fold into and be worn like a "fanny pack" if it gets too warm

edit: a problem with the zippered "pit vents" is that when opened it is like riding with a parachute on!

Run1stBike2nd · Jan 8, 2008

I also handle the wind in an unorthodox way. I put on arm warmers before anything else. Then I put on either a short or long-sleeved wicking layer depending on how cold it is. Over that, goes additional short or long-sleeved layers as needed. Over that goes, either a short or long-sleeved jersey. The outermost layer is a windproof vest - of which I own 2. 1 has vented sides, and the other doesn't. Both vests are vented on the back. I hate jackets because I sweat too much when I wear them.

dougmint · Jan 8, 2008

JCavilia said:
I think that's good thinking -- that's how I do it. I have one cycling jacket that has polypro insulation and a windproof outer front, and I almost never use it. The shell-plus-layers approach is much more versatile, IME.

I don't know if there's a shell with pitzips. I find the front zipper gives me plenty of flexibility for ventilating. I prefer a shell with the simplest possible construction (no pockets, no facings, etc.) for minumum bulk when it has to be stuffed in a jersey pocket. I have a cheap one I bought from Performance years ago, in high-visibility yellow. I probably wear it a hundred times a year (I commute). From all indications it has years more life left in it.

Showers Pass makes a biking shell with pit zips. I have their Double Century shell, and am very pleased with it. You can find it through a google search.

HomebrewMTB · Jan 14, 2008

It really depends on the temps. I have both and each come in handy. I recently got a DeMarchi windfront base layer from Nashbar for $24 after 20% coupon. It's nice to wear under a jersey when it's in the 50s but windy. It saves you from having to bulk up on the layers. But if it's colder, I like a shell with more insulating layers underneath. The wind front bibs are nice too.

Wookiebiker · Jan 14, 2008

You could always try something like This....

It's kind of a mix between a jersey and a jacket. The front main section is a wind breaker with the top of the back the same. The arms are a thick spandex type material and the inside is lined with felt (or something similar). It's fairly form fitting and doesn't flap in the wind like a jacket does. It also has 3 pockets on the back for carrying tools, food, etc.

With a light to heavy base layer it's all you will need for the upper body. I was on a Time Trial group ride today where the temps were in the upper 30's and I was plenty warm with just a thick base layer and this jacket/jersey.....As well as some bib shorts and a light set of tights underneath the bib shorts.

Worth a look....

lawrence · Jan 14, 2008

Nice alternative for windproofing

Wookiebiker- I like what you posted. It looks like a nice alternative and gives me more opportunity to use it. A windproof baselayer is limited and a windproof jacket is limited. This jacket jersey looks like it will me more opportunities to use. I can wear it by itself or with a jacket over it for much colder days.

Bacco · Jan 15, 2008

Lately, I've been skipping the windproof vest and just sticking a sheet of newspaper over my chest under my outer, fleece jacket/jersey. If the temperature goes up enough or I get hot enough, I just fold up the newspaper sheet and stick it my pocket. It takes up less space than my vest and works just as well for blocking the wind!

doughboy_88 · Jan 15, 2008

.....

weltyed · Jan 15, 2008

i have a long sleeve craft WS baselayer. got it for xmas. i loves it! great for riding and running. gonna order up me another one. it seems to wick just fine. only wish the arms had some WS, too.

lawrence · Jan 15, 2008

I'm glad you told me about the lack of windproofing on the sleeves, my arms get cold and in cold windy weather, I put arm warmers over my base layer before I put on my shirt or jersey, then my jacket.

Windproof base layer or jacket?

lawrence

Cory

Mr Bentwrench

orlin03

John Nelson

zooog

JCavilia

lawrence

JCavilia

The Flash

Touch0Gray

Run1stBike2nd

dougmint

HomebrewMTB

Wookiebiker

lawrence

Bacco

doughboy_88

weltyed

lawrence

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