It finally rained while I was riding. I’ve been looking forward to this for about two weeks, which is how long I’ve had my Rain Off Overgloves in my saddlebag waiting for the right moment.
I have Gor-Tex riding gloves, but as I mentioned in a previous post, they are insulated and just not suitable for summer riding. I will of course take these gloves with me on the Big Trip, but more for their warmth and not water resistance abilities. Last time I went through Roger Pass there was snow at the side of the road – and that was at the end of August. While I hope not to see the fluffy white stuff, I do expect low temperature in some of the high passes and mountain ranges.
Last time I wore the Gor-Tex gloves, it was about 25C and I was just so overheated that I had devised a plan to buy a Gor-Tex jacket and then cut and stitch them into something that would go over my regular summer riding gloves. But instead of taking that drastic step, I hit the Internet and stumbled across the Rain Off Overgloves.
They come in two different styles. While both have an independent thumb, one version has the index finger on its own with the other three fingers in a mitt, for lack of better term. I purchased the two-and-two version, which has two fingers in each mitt and an independent thumb.
For the 60-something dollar price tag, I thought it was worth a try. I reasoned it is cheaper than my original thought.
I had to order these online from Farklemaster in Long Island, as the overgloves are not available at motorcycle stores in Canada. I half expected to pay duty on the gloves, but they arrived in just over a week without duty and without getting stuck at customs.
On my way home from work yesterday, the skies started to look ominous. I pulled over just as the rain started. The overgloves fit nicely over my summer gloves, but the problem was how to tighten the drawstring at the top of each glove. I managed to get the right hand one done up just as the rain came down in sheets. To make sure I had a good rain-proof fit, I hooked the end of the drawstring around my handlebar and pulled the toggled tight.
This was impossible for me to do in the pouring rain on my left-hand glove. I couldn’t slide the toggle down far enough to create a loop to go over the handlebar. Eventually I gave up and decided to ride anyway.
The ride home took just over half an hour and I’m happy to say both hands – and riding gloves - stayed dry despite the toggle problem on the left overglove.
My hands did not overheat and I was quite comfortable. I hardly noticed that I had them on. I expect that some riders who do not use all their fingers for clutching and braking would find the overgloves a bit restrictive, especially those who one-finger the brake. Just like any new piece of equipment, it takes a bit of getting used. But the Rain Off Overgloves are just perfect for me.
Before ordering the overgloves, I did a bit of research and found the review on Web Bike World very helpful. They also seemed to have the same problem I did, so I half expected these issues.
I was a bit hesitant when I saw how large the size small is. Admittedly, they could be a bit tighter fit, but it’s not bothersome in the least. If you are looking for dry hands this summer, I highly recommend the Rain Off Overgloves.
