No matter what you're doing, taking that first step always requires a little bit of courage, doesn't it?
But once you take that step, a new world is sure to reveal itself to you.
The scent of rain-drenched asphalt, the glistening greenery, the blue sky peeking through gaps in the rain clouds, the sound of raindrops hitting your rain gear—when you gear up and start pedaling, you can see a world different from the usual. Riding a bike on a rainy day is certainly not a bad thing.
To take that new step, however, requires a certain level of preparation. For us, commuting by bike is our main mode of transport, and that doesn't change even when it rains, so every staff member owns some kind of rain jacket. We keep them tucked away in our bags even when it’s not raining, just in case, and they are essential items that shine in every situation—from outdoor activities like hiking and camping to serving as everyday outerwear.
Speaking of rain jackets, I’d like to introduce an item that has arrived this season and caught my personal attention!
【PATAGONIA】
Stretch Rainshadow Jacket
Price : ¥27,000-(excl. tax)
M’s Color : Black, Classic Navy
W’s Color : Classic Navy
A highly functional rain jacket with waterproofing, breathability, and stretch
The Stretch Rainshadow Jacket is, as the name implies, a rain jacket equipped with stretch properties.
The fabric used is a 2.5-layer H2No Performance Standard shell that provides excellent waterproofing and breathability. It is lightweight, packs down compactly, and features efficient functions to protect you from external factors like wind and rain. In addition, its superior stretch accommodates every movement in any condition. The fabric, which is made from 100% recycled nylon sourced from discarded fishing nets, is also treated with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish.
Equipped with features perfect for rainy rides
The hood has a laminated visor and is shaped to fit over a helmet, making it easier to maintain visibility while also keeping your helmet protected from the rain.
Underarm ventilation zippers are included to allow for smooth airflow inside the garment. Like the fabric itself, the zippers for this ventilation and the front opening are treated with a DWR finish to prevent water from seeping in. Furthermore, the left chest pocket and handwarmer pockets also use water-resistant zippers, ensuring that rain protection is covered down to the smallest detail.
The cuffs feature minimal hook-and-loop closures made from the same fabric, and the hem has a dual-adjustable drawcord to seal out wind and rain.
Packable design for easy carrying
When storing the jacket, it can be packed into its own chest pocket, which includes a carabiner clip-in loop, making it very convenient to carry.
Rainwear is a mandatory item for the OMM BIKE being held next month, so this is a piece you can use right away. If you haven't prepared yet, this will put your mind at ease.
There aren't many jackets that achieve this balance of waterproofing, breathability, stretch, and portability. If this model had been released last autumn, I definitely would have bought it myself. It's a highly recommended piece for anyone looking for a rain jacket. By the way, I am 170cm and wearing a Men's XS, while AYA-chan is 161cm and wearing a Women's S.
It looks like tomorrow will start another week of typical, rainy weather here in the rainy season.
Let’s get properly prepared and get through this rainy season together.