Question for Those who commute in all weather

I think the key is to have some waterproofs over your kit so it doesn’t get wet in the first place.

You can buy kit drying cabinets etc but I think correct layering is the key.

My textiles are laminated so don't tend to wet out so much.

In REALLY heavy rain I use an Oxford Rainseal jacket.

If its is absolutely soaked I hang it on the shower rail in the bathroom with the dehumidifier running full whack overnight - pretty much always dry by the morning, boots are the only ones that are a bit of a bd to get dry. Added bonus is the Mrs can chuck some bits of washing up too and get those dry whilst the dehumidifer is on; costs abou £1.50 for running for 8 hours on full whack which is acceptable.

Arriving at work I'm fortunate to have a mildly warm empty corner that I can hang it in; its never completely dry after getting thoroughly soaked but isnt awaful, the boots I stuff with towels which I replace halfywa through the day with dry ones - they are normally OK to put back on without being unpleasantly wet still when its time to go home.

For this week I'll be wearing my summer gear and just throwing over a waterproof suit if its looking to be anything more than a light drizzle as I am royally tired of being dressed up like the michellin man in my heavy duty winter kit!

I would avoid textiles with a waterproof inner layer as it takes forever for the outside to dry. Better off with a waterproof outer layer.

I hang my stuff up in the utility room to dry. Sometimes it's still a bit damp in the morning but at least it's warm and damp. A spare set of gloves will improve your quality of life!

I’m a cyclist….remember reading a few years back, that if you cycle to work and home every day, over a year, you’ll get wet 8 times. I found April and May to be the worst, there can be some very heavy “April shower” downpours even in May.

There is of course the discussion of what counts as getting wet.

Regarding gloves, recently did a winter skills walking course, the advice was if you‘ve got £100 for a pair of gloves, buy 3 pairs with it. Now matter how much you spend on gloves, they will get wet. It really does work, putting dry gloves on part way through the day, especially when it's stopped raining.

Get some boot dryers - I got husqvarna ones but any ski boot warmer will do, all about £20 - dries the boot from the inside, can also be used on gloves in a pinch. And also good for the kids footy boots to stop them cluttering up the radiator

you need laminated waterproof gear if you want it to dry out quickly, especially if it stops raining before you arrive.

however, if you finish your journey and its still raining, it can still take a little while to dry,

but nothing like as long as dry gear with a waterproof layer which is really only suitable for showers, not full on rain.

the investment in laminated gear is worth it if you are in the rain regularly.

however, easy to chuck on plastic rain cover jacket and trousers and the most cost effective and extremely reliable, as well as quick to dry.

This.

Mine kit hangs up in the utility room when it's rained heavily and it's dry by morning. The same at work, particularly as it has air con which always helps. The thing that can be a problem is gloves but I use handlebar muffs which mean that the gloves stay dry. The plastic overkit is a much cheaper way of staying dry but with the textiles I just put them over the top of my work clothes, too easy. All personal preference obviously.

Thank you I’m hoping this week is a one off

A cheap waterproof jacket and trousers from any outdoor or army surplus shop over your regular riding kit. It will keep you dry, packs small and dries out quickly.
About £20 each.