Rainlegs on the bike: good protection in light rain

Martin Jungfer

10.9.2025

Translation: machine translated

I have discovered a new item of clothing for myself. It looks a bit strange. But my thighs stay dry on the bike - at least most of the time.

I cycle to the office as often as possible. Even rain rarely stops me from getting on the saddle. I've already found a good rain jacket.

I have Vaude rain trousers when it's raining cats and dogs, but I don't like wearing them. I sweat quickly in them. My shoes get in the way when putting them on and taking them off.

Rainlegs have the advantage over proper «» rain trousers that I don't have to sweat and fumble with my shoes. In principle, rainlegs are a type of three-quarter trousers, but only with fabric at the front. To make sure they still stay on, there is a belt and rubber straps to fasten them (no, not those strapse). Rainlegs were invented and patented by the Smart Products Company from the Netherlands.

Donning and handling

The best way to put on the Rainlegs is to roll up the fabric that protects my thighs and knees from the rain beforehand. This type of roll is attached to my waist with a so-called slick-clip fastener. To keep the roll of fabric in place, I pull two elastic bands from the front to the back through my crotch and fasten them with a buckle at the back. It's a bit like putting on a climbing harness.

Once the thick roll-up belt is in place, I can undo the press studs and roll the fabric down my thighs. I fasten the end below the knees with an elasticated band and another buckle.

It took you about two minutes to read the two paragraphs of text. With a little practice, putting on the rainlegs doesn't actually take much longer.

Theoretically, I can start my bike tour with the Rainlegs rolled up in uncertain weather conditions and only unroll them when necessary. Conversely, I can roll them up again when the rain stops. Before doing so, it is advisable to shake off the rain briefly.

Material and workmanship

The Rainlegs are made of polyurethane and polyamide, which the manufacturer refers to as parachute fabric. It is wind and rainproof and is designed to withstand a water column of 10,000 millimetres

The fabric is thicker around the knees, which offers some protection in the event of a fall and provides good protection against cooling. The slightly increased weight also helps if there is a bit of wind when putting them on. Nevertheless, the Rainlegs are lightweight. In size XL, which I chose at just over 1.90 metres tall, they weigh 190 grammes.

The polyamide is equipped with a reflective layer that makes you visible in bad weather, at dusk and in the dark. You can see this clearly in this video:

I tested how well the Rainlegs keep the rain off and my legs dry over many weeks. Drizzle and rainfall of two or three millimetres per hour are no problem at all. The Rainlegs don't let anything through.

At the same time, maximum ventilation is guaranteed. Because the back of the leg remains open, no moisture can build up and condensation can form. You also don't have to worry about getting wet at the back. When cycling, the rain almost always comes from the front and the thighs are therefore the quickest to get wet.

If it rains more heavily and I'm on the road for more than half an hour, the Rainlegs reach their limits. Small puddles then form on the fabric, and some water can also seep through. What is more serious, however, is that rain that runs off the Rainlegs finds a way through. And this leads via the elasticated bands directly to the unprotected back of the thighs and back of the knees.

In a nutshell

Inexpensive, practical and good

I'm annoyed that I've only just discovered the clever rainlegs. I'm told that many Dutch cycling enthusiasts have been wearing these rainlegs for a very long time. And for good reason: they are perfect for commuters on their bikes. They offer quick protection when needed and are easy to put on and take off. I also find them better than ponchos, which offer better protection but have the wind resistance of a wardrobe wall.

Pro

• good fit thanks to elasticated straps and buckles
• Compact and lightweight, fits well in a rucksack
• Quick to put on and take off
• Reflective material
• effectively protects against (light) rain and wind

Contra

• not suitable for heavy rain and long tours

Bike protective gear

Rainlegs Reflective protectors

XL

3

Martin Jungfer

Head of Content

Martin.Jungfer@digitecgalaxus.ch

Journalist since 1997. Stopovers in Franconia (or the Franken region), Lake Constance, Obwalden, Nidwalden and Zurich. Father since 2014. Expert in editorial organisation and motivation. Focus on sustainability, home office tools, beautiful things for the home, creative toys and sports equipment. more

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