Hi!
I’m writing this in a cafe watching my riding gear create a small puddle on the freshly mopped floor.
My hands are being warmed by a delicious hot cappuccino.
Outside it's pouring with rain.
And in the garage next door my 13 year old enduro bike is in for its annual MOT.
(A KTM 450 EXC with 40,000km on the clock / 816.1hrs).
When I booked this MOT last week it was wall to wall blue skies and golden leaves on the trees. A magnificent autumn, the kind that you make any excuse to get out on the bike for. The Great British countryside doing what it does best.
Today, well, somewhat less glorious.
The garage is about half an hour away, on the road, no trails, including city traffic.
Now, you know I love a good layering story, but today, in the rain, on the road, for an hour of riding, well it's just not the time or the place.
Today it was all about the Gravel Jacket and Pant.
Our CE AA, waterproof adventure touring textile suit.
Built to take on the gravel roads of Scandinavia.
Three layer breathable and tough waterproof 500D nylon 6-6 fabric.
Light and flexible level 2 Flow armour providing impact protection.
Ready to take on the world...
The dream 😎
The reality 😂
...and just perfect for a miserable hours ride to the city garage.
In a moment I'm going to head back over and see if the bike passed its MOT.
That puddle on the cafe floor may be growing as the rain slowly drips off the DWR coating on the outside of my Gravel Jacket, but right now I'm warm and dry and it's reassuring to know that I'll stay that way all the way home.
Right let's see if that bike is ready for its 14th year of lightweight adventures!
🤞
Greg Villalobos
Greg's five top tips for getting the most out of your Gravel Jacket & Pant in the rain.
☔️
1: Make sure all your zips are closed. It's easy to forget, especially the thigh pockets.
2: Consider using a dry bag for any electronics in your pocket. The breathable fabric works well at driving moisture out, but physics make it difficult to get moisture through the 2 fabric layers of your pocket. See more here.
3: The braces that come with the Gravel Pant do a wonderful job of keeping everything where it's meant to be.
4: If you are wearing a mid layer, consider tucking it into the pant (and under the braces) to reduce the chance of it getting wet from water being driven up and under your Gravel Jacket.
5: If your Gravel gear is no longer beading water as much as you would like, it might be time for a wash and reproof. Watch Jim's step by step film here.
The Gravel Jacket & Pant.
Designed on the trails.
Built for the road.
25% off in our sale now.
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