Bontrager Avert Stormshell rain jacket

Bontrager's rain jacket is made from materials from 37.5 Technology. You can find out more about this relatively new and innovative company at the link at the end of the text. The Avert weighs less than 200 grams and can be reduced to a small pack size. The water column is 20,000 millimeters and the breathability is defined as 18,000 g/m² per 24 hours. An interesting detail is the Boa twist fastener, which adjusts the width of the hood - a system that is usually used for footwear. A drawstring at the waistband prevents wind and dirt from getting under the jacket.

The cut of the jacket is close to the body and comfortable even when riding actively. The hood fits over the helmet, but can also be worn underneath without any problems. Personally, I'm not a fan of helmet hoods, as they usually flap heavily in the wind when unused and severely restrict visibility on days out. Not so with this jacket: the hood is cut in such a way that visibility is optimal. Without a helmet, however, the hood is too big. Even if you close the Boa wheel fully, it doesn't sit comfortably.

Even in persistent rain, the jacket remains waterproof. The breathability is one of the best I have ever experienced with rain jackets. It doesn't have to shy away from comparison with jackets that are usually twice as expensive.

RRP: CHF 169.00

www.trekbikes.com
www.thirtysevenfive.com

7mesh Revo Short

7mesh stands for the highest textile quality and has already proven many times that they can make bike clothing for the most adverse conditions. The Revo Short is no exception. It uses proven Gore-Tex technology. The seams are positioned in such a way that they do not pinch or chafe anywhere. Holes have been made in the basin pockets to allow rainwater to escape.

The cut is very loose - too loose for my taste. In size S, the shorts wear like an M. However, this has the advantage that they can be easily pulled over normal bike shorts. I was glad a few times when a thunderstorm broke out unexpectedly that I could quickly and easily pull on the rain pants I had with me. However, they are a little too "baggy" for me to wear on their own. Thanks to the extended front, the Revo also covers the knee pads well so that they don't get soaked with rainwater. And most importantly: it stays waterproof for hours.

RRP: CHF 220.00

www.7mesh.com

Pearl Izumi P.R.O. Barrier WxB Glove

Since rain doesn't stop me from biking, I've been looking for a waterproof summer glove for years. But they are always lined and far too warm. The P.R.O. Barrier comes very close to my dream product. It is only lightly lined and has a breathable and waterproof Outdry membrane. It can be individually adjusted thanks to the Velcro fastening on the waistband.

The color scheme is bright and not exactly my thing, but in rainy weather it provides additional visibility. The range of use extends from 6 degrees to around 16 degrees, above that it got too warm for me. The cut is comfortable and not too tight. The grip on wet brake levers is good and the glove remains waterproof for hours. This also justifies the high price.

RRP: CHF 140.00
www.pearlizumi.com

Mavic XA Pro H2O GTX shoe

Mavic's waterproof trail bike shoe is equipped with the tried-and-tested Gore-Tex membrane. The combination of lacing and Velcro fastening at the ankle provides solid support. Thanks to a hook system at the top of the shoe, the fit remains constant for hours, as the laces do not come undone easily. The cut offers good support for narrow feet and thanks to the Ortholite insole, even long runs are comfortable. The Contagrip sole from Salomon also contributes a lot to this.

The XA Pro H2O GTX had to prove itself like no other test product. For 18 months, it had to endure every bad weather day, and as I bike all year round, it got a lot of use. Even after all this time, it is still completely waterproof. I wanted to find out where it reaches its limits and stood in an ankle-deep stream. It took several minutes before my feet were dry. But that's not what it's designed for.

The shoe does have one drawback: the lateral hook on the inside protrudes so much that it regularly touches the cranks when riding actively, leaving behind some nasty scratches. It is therefore advisable to cover the cranks with a protective film.

The XA Pro H2O GTX is an ideal companion during the cool and damp seasons. On midsummer rainy days, it tends to get a little too warm.

RRP: CHF 220.00

www.shop.mavic.com

Ortlieb Mountain X31 backpack

Ortlieb, guarantor for waterproof bags, positions the Mountain X31 as an alpine cross backpack. Thanks to its 31 liters of storage volume, it offers enough space to cope with tours lasting several days. The roll closure and all-round zipper are completely waterproof. The optional second rucksack base allows the contents to be separated, for example into clean and dirty clothing. The rucksack also has a waterproof, removable outer pocket, which is also suitable for attaching a helmet and rear light.

The X31 works with standard hydration bladder systems and also has two side pockets for water bottles. There are mesh pockets on both sides of the lumbar belt, but - who would have thought it - these are not waterproof.

The interior is reduced to the essentials and there is only a small mesh pocket for small items in addition to the compartment for the hydration bladder. That may not be enough for some. On the other hand, the Mountain X31 scores with its low weight. 1200 grams is a good weight for such a large backpack. As mentioned at the beginning, the backpack is designed for alpine cross use. I have not tested how it performs. Alpine crossings are not my preferred biking experience. However, it was a faithful companion throughout the winter on my weekly rides from Davos to Klosters, as well as on a few day trips with dubious weather forecasts. I experienced an unexpected storm of the century in which - no joke - all my winter clothing, including waterproof shoes, was completely soaked within two minutes. For twenty minutes, the sky emptied as if I was standing under a waterfall. Everything was completely wet - except my clothes for the next day and my dinner in my rucksack. Everything in there stayed 100 percent dry.

When fully loaded, it is advisable to pull the straps tight, otherwise they will take on a life of their own on technical trails where a lot of physical effort is required. Seven months of use in nasty weather have only left slight visual marks. The Ortlieb Mountain X31 is a waterproof partner for anyone who needs to carry a large load on their bike in weather where most people prefer to stay indoors. The purchase price is proud, but the backpack will probably last forever. Just like Ortlieb.

RRP: CHF 319.00
www.ortlieb.com