{"id":175545,"date":"2026-04-13T20:31:16","date_gmt":"2026-04-13T11:31:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bluelug.com\/blog\/?post_type=global&p=175545"},"modified":"2026-04-13T20:31:16","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T11:31:16","slug":"ul-rain-jacket-pants","status":"publish","type":"global","link":"https:\/\/bluelug.com\/blog\/global\/ul-rain-jacket-pants\/","title":{"rendered":"UL Rain Jacket & Pants"},"content":{"rendered":"

When it comes to rain gear, I do love FAIRWEATHER packable rain poncho<\/a>.
\nIt\u2019s not only easy to put on and take off, but also stowable into a small bag.
\nThis is my essential thing for rainy day commute.<\/p>\n

Although I\u2019ve been using the poncho for years, there are situations where it\u2019s not really ideal.
\nThese include some of the activities like high-speed road ride or trail rides in the woods.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s easy to imagine that for high-mobility bikes and rides, Jacket and pants are better to ride comfortably.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, there\u2019re situations where it\u2019s unsuitable not only due to the ride, but because of the environment.
\nFrom my personal experience, during a camping ride on Izu-Oshima island, I couldn\u2019t keep wearing the poncho due to the strong winds of coastal areas.<\/p>\n

On another ride, I was caught in unexpected rain and snow and couldn\u2019t withstand the cold weather.
\nI strongly realized the importance of rain gear not just for protection from the rain, but also as cold weather gear.
\nI learned that rain gear should be chosen based on your riding style and environment.<\/p>\n

Based on these experiences and the diverse ways that my colleagues enjoy riding, I naturally felt the need for a rain jacket and pants, and this project has begun.<\/p>\n

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The concept is simple.
\nIt needs to be rain gear that protects you from wind and rain, prevents you from getting sweaty, and being highly portable.
\nWhen riding a bike, you have to ride into the rain.
\nThat\u2019s why high water resistance is necessary, and at the same time, breathability that allows sweat to escape is essential.
\nAnd to make you want to take it with you, it needs to be highly portable and lightweight.
\nIt\u2019s been designed with these three simple principles in mind.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The importance of carrying rain pant.
\nMany people carry a rain jacket but not rain pants.
\nSince it\u2019s a hassle to put on and take off, and rain pants tend to be bulky, they inevitably end up lower on the priority list.
\nIn fact, some riders might decide to just accept that they\u2019ll get a little wet during a ride.
\nHowever, that sort of approaches only work in limited situations.
\nWhile it might be acceptable in the city or during warmer seasons, on mountain passes or trails, the weather can change drastically.
\nIf you\u2019re constantly exposed to the rain, you\u2019ll inevitably lose body heat, and on descents, your body will cool down even more.\u2028Riding while wet is not only just uncomfortable, but also it affects your safety.
\nRain pants aren\u2019t just for protection against the rain, they also serve as cold weather gear to prevent hypothermia.
\nThat\u2019s why, rather than asking \u201cwhether to use them,\u201d isn\u2019t it more important to ask \u201cwhether you carry them\u201d?
\nFor those who rides in any weather, and for those who wants to go riding anywhere, rain pants are as important as a rain jacket.
\nAnd as mentioned above, high-performance materials were essential to achieve a high level of performance across the three key functions: water resistance, breathability, and portability.
\nWe chose PERTEX\u00ae SHIELD<\/strong> which offers the water resistance rating of 20,000 mm and a breathability rating of 20,000 g\/\u33a1\/24h.<\/p>\n

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This material is ideal for cycling since it performs really well to block wind and rain while ensuring moisture wicking during intense exercise.<\/p>\n

The middle layer of the three-layer construction features a non-porous PU membrane that is both breathable and waterproof, while the outer layer uses lightweight 20-denier nylon, resulting in a design that is both lightweight and compact for easy portability.<\/p>\n

Kaisei, a mechanic from Blue Lug Hatagaya, participated in \u201cThe Japanese Odyssey\u201d, one of the world\u2019s top 10 ultra-distance cycling events held in last October with these jacket and pants. He tested them for us.<\/p>\n

On a course that involved constant ascents and descents\u2014whether it was raining or chilly\u2014he wore them for about half of the 13.5-day, 2,300-kilometer journey. He said he was able to keep wearing them without feeling any stuffiness, which seems to indicate that the fabric\u2019s performance was truly effective.
\nSimilarly, Ming-Ming, a mechanic who specializes in bikepacking and trail riding, tested these gear repeatedly during his monthly rides and provided us with a variety of valuable feedbacks. Their impresions will be posted on the review page at a later date, so please be sure to check them out.<\/p>\n

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The jacket\u2019s design prioritizes a balance between freedom of movement and a fit, while minimizing the number of components.
\nBody width and shoulder area allow for easy movement, even when worn over a jacket.
\nSleeves are streamlined to prevent flapping in the wind.
\nHood is large enough to cover a helmet.<\/p>\n

This jacket features YKK VISLON\u00ae AquaGuard\u00ae zippers for waterproofness and durability, along with a double-zip design that allows for rapid heat dissipation.<\/p>\n

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Drawcord features a micro stopper.
\nThe hood includes a short brim to keep rain out. You can adjust it at the back of the head to ensure a clear field of vision.
\nHand pockets are convenient not only while riding, but also when transporting your bike in the city.<\/p>\n

While prioritizing lightness and compactness for portability, the design is well-balanced with practical features like hand pockets and easy-to-grip zipper pulls.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"\"\"<\/p>\n

Same as the jacket, these pants prioritize a balance between freedom of movement and a proper fit.
\nThe waist and hip areas are designed to fit comfortably even when worn over thick work pants.
\nFour darts are thoughtfully placed to keep the knee area sleek without restricting knee movement.
\nHem flares slightly outward to prevent water from entering the shoes and to prevent the hems from getting caught by chain.<\/p>\n

\"\" \"\"\"\"\"\"<\/p>\n

The waist part features drawcords and makes it easy to put on and take off.<\/p>\n

Smartphone pocket is located at the back of the waist and this pants can be packed into here.<\/p>\n

Jacket is also stowable into the mesh pocket on the back.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\" \"\" \"\"
\n\"\"
\nS-hooks attached to the hem can be secured to your shoes to prevent water from entering and reduce flapping.<\/p>\n

Since these are rain pants, the inseam is designed to be slightly longer.
\nIf the length is too long for you, you can cinch the hem by hooking the loops on the heel side.
\nIn addition to adjusting the length, cinching the hem is also effective for retaining heat during breaks.Please use this feature as needed.<\/p>\n

Unlike typical elastic drawstring mechanisms, this system requires a bit of skills, but it\u2019s a minimalist design that balances water resistance with portability.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Finally, since this fabric is designed specifically for lightness, you\u2019ll need to be a bit careful about snags, friction, and maintenance.
\nWe hope you\u2019ll understand the trade-off between lightness and durability, and embrace this product.<\/p>\n

It took over five years from the initial concept to bring this product to life.
\nAfter working with PERTEX\u00ae, refining the patterns, and testing, we\u2019ve finally been able to create this rain gear.<\/p>\n

We\u2019d be so happy if you add this product to your riding gear, and we hope it makes your rainy day ride just a little more comfortable.<\/p>\n

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