Ive always gone with a thickish LS jersey with a decent windproof and water resistant gilet.
That’ll cover me for most commutes through Autumn and Winter. Then just carry a packed rain jacket as emergency if heavens opens.
Normally boil in bag doesnt become an issue when there’s a deluge - so breathability doesn’t become an issue.
Back of gilet isnt waterproof - but then rucksack with waterproof cover deflects pretty much all rain away.
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Just thinking about breath ability, isn’t the backpack going to negate this?
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That’s what I’ve ridden in during the few winter rides last year. So this also makes a lot of sense. As you and @roscoemck say, backpack will have a big impact on heat as well as rain protection.
Still don’t know what this will mean for eventual solution! 
So the only difference now you are riding more regular? Id hate putting a jacket on with a rucksack unless I needed too. Ok for first few minutes but then I’d cook - rain aside.
However… that said, few years ago got some free kit from work. Including a POC rain jacket. It wasn’t particularly great fitting - however it was great for wind/rain and still breathable (doesn’t seem to exist on their site anymore). The only reason I rarely use it on commute - cause its black 
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Yep. Mine has a mesh back with pads to create channels to mitigate it a little, but yeah it’s going to get very sweaty
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Yes, it’ll be 1/2 times a week as opposed to the odd ride where we got caught out in the rain. I guess i was also questioning whether my mindset would change knowing that i then had to sit in work for 7 hours after the soaking vs. coming home to a nice warm shower, warm house, sofa etc.
It all depends on how the winter goes. If we get a cold, dry one then i’ll be wanting a really good windproof to put over my layers i have. If it’s a mild wet one, then i’ll want a decent, breathable wateproof.
As much as i’d like the answer to be ‘buy all of the things’, i don’t think Mrs GB would agree!! haha. We already found out we’ve dropped a couple of spots on the bathroom refitters list due to not chasing him (and 2 of our mates have both got the jump on us now - which i don’t think is a bad thing, as it’s going to be expensive and we’ve not even planned it out yet!!! haha).
So, once per fortnight? 
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Yeah on backpacks… I actually got the Deuter one with the full mesh back. Genius.
Not only does it reduce sweating - you NEVER have anything digging into your back;
The only issue is the back panel of the storage isnt flat - its arched. So shoving the laptop in isnt ideal.
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Yeah i had one of those a number of years ago (not for commuting), think it was a Berghaus one actually. I found the same, nice to wear but tricky to pack.
The one i have now has been pretty good to be fair. It’s certainly not small, but it appears very well made, so should last.
No i just ride one way each week. Gives me some time away from the noisy children! 
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Luckily we aren’t at the point of hotdesking yet… although it might depend on how the new hybrid working goes.
You need to get access to your server room, perfect clothe drying conditions in there 
Could you stuff a dry pair of bibs in your backpack?
I could, yes. But then that’s 2 things to wash, and i don’t think lycra garments are particularly fond of being in the washing machine constantly. But that is a backup for sure.
I tend to use my older bibshorts on the turbo for that reason. Although the Planet X ones are better than I expected and for the price they are sacrificable.
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Yeah same. I bought 2 nicer pairs for outdoor riding and just use my Px ones on the turbo as well. Should probably buy a 2nd pair actually for the winter, for £30 you can’t really go wrong.
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Right, time for some input from the hive mind here.
I mentioned before I’ve not got space in the shed for the hack bike. It will need to live outside.
I’ve got it behind the shed under a tarp just now.
I’m thinking to myself, is it feasible to get some wood and add a wee low roof between the shed and the fence? This would enclose the bike a bit more.
Now I’m no diy guru, in fact not very good at all but always willing to give it a try.
Thoughts on my storage?
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You could create a small roof. Make sure it follows the slope if the shed roof and doesn’t touch that back fence. You don’t want to be channeling rain into the fence or shed.
As a cheap and easy method to enclose the ends you could put some eyelets in the shed and fence and have some material with bunge hooks attached that loop onto the eyelets. That would go a long way to keep rain off the bike. Its still going to be exposed to moisture in the air and some rain but at least it won’t be getting soaked regularly.
Any old piece of OSB or plywood would work and cover it with roofing felt. Marine plywood would last longer but its expensive. Would avoid MDF as its heavy.
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Good point on the rainwater running off. That’s got me thinking.
Well after Tuesday’s ride, i thought it was time to invest in a waterproof jacket.
This time i’ve gone with … @Doonhamer
Just ordered a Galibier Tourmalet 3.
There’s some great looking kit on that site, and it’s really reasonably priced. I think i’ll be dipping into their store again before the winter is out (if this one turns up and fits well).
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Yeah - I’ve been drenched on my cycling commutes this week. I’m on the hunt for a hi viz rain jacket.