Rain and cold at the same time
Short answer: Wet clothes conduct heat away twenty-five times faster than dry ones. In rain and cold, dryness therefore matters more than thickness. Keep a dry layer in your bag and change as soon as you can, and you keep the warmth for longer.
Why wet clothes are so cold
Water conducts heat far better than air. When the fabric is soaked, the air pockets that insulate disappear, and the body's heat goes straight out into the water. That is why you get cold fast in rainy weather. The number on the thermometer says little when clothes are wet, and wind often makes it worse.
Rain and cold together
Rain alone can be manageable, and cold alone you can dress for. Together they are a hard combination, because the cold gets in faster when clothes are wet. The best you can do is keep the water out for as long as you can and have dry clothes ready when you reach shelter.
The order that works
On the outside something that keeps water out. On the inside something that still warms even when it is a little damp. Bamboo viscose and wool hold up better than cotton in that situation. The middle layer should pass moisture on, so you do not get wet from the inside by your own sweat. See bamboo underwear for men.
What to carry in the bag
A dry layer in case the first one gets wet. A pair of dry socks does the most of all. Pack them in a plastic bag so they do not turn damp in the bag themselves. A hat and dry gloves take up almost no room, but are worth their weight in gold after a wet trip. See bamboo socks for men and bamboo long sleeve t-shirt for men.
Is a rain jacket enough
Only if it also closes at the neck and sleeves. Water runs in there. A jacket with a good hood and adjustable cuffs holds up better than one that only looks tight. Check that the zip is covered and that the jacket is not so short that rain runs into your trousers when you walk or cycle.
Wet feet
Change socks as soon as you can. It changes the whole experience. Wet feet cool quickly, and shoes full of water take time to dry. Put the shoes somewhere with air, and stuff some newspaper inside so they dry faster. Avoid putting them straight on a hot radiator.
After the trip
Take off the wet clothes as soon as you get in, and dry yourself before putting on anything dry. Put a warm drink in front of you, and let the body warm up at its own pace. Hang the clothes so air can reach them, and avoid folding them into a tight heap.
Mild rain
Even in mild rain you can get cold, because evaporation from wet clothes cools the body constantly. If it is windy, it gets worse. Think of it as standing in a draught wearing wet clothes. A light extra sweater in the bag lets you change and feel better again.
Care and fit
Wash the clothes according to the care label and let them dry fully before wearing them again. Damp clothes left lying can start to smell. The fit of the innermost layer should be close without pressing, so it lies calmly against the skin and does not collect water in folds.
Frequently asked questions
Why do you get cold even in mild rain
Because evaporation from wet clothes cools the body constantly. Wind makes it worse, so a dry layer and a tight jacket matter more than the thickness of the sweater.
Is a rain jacket enough
Only if it also closes at the neck and sleeves. Water runs in there, and then it helps little that the rest of the jacket is tight and well made.
What do you do about wet feet
Change socks as soon as you can. It changes the whole experience, and a pair of dry socks in the bag takes almost no room but makes a big difference on the way home.
See our range of bamboo footies for men.
