We've updated the Topics page of our website to better organize and share our expert content. Read more about it here.
UC Davis - winter rain (what to wear, preparations)
123DavisfromSocal
3 replies1 threadsRegistered User New Member
I'm going to UC Davis this fall, so I wonder what I'll need for the rain in terms of clothing, as I currently live in southern California.
Questions:
1. What kind of rain jacket do I need?
2. What kind of water-resistant/waterproof footwear do I need, if any?
3. Do I need rain pants?
Also...
4. How can I keep my backpack dry?
5. Should I continue to bike when it rains? If so, then how?
5. I am aware that I need a bike fender for sure.
16 replies Questions:
1. What kind of rain jacket do I need?
2. What kind of water-resistant/waterproof footwear do I need, if any?
3. Do I need rain pants?
Also...
4. How can I keep my backpack dry?
5. Should I continue to bike when it rains? If so, then how?
5. I am aware that I need a bike fender for sure.
Replies to: UC Davis - winter rain (what to wear, preparations)
I would look online on a site like REI or the REI outlet store for a good rain jacket. Look for something with GoreTex, or a Precip material by brands like NorthFace, Columbia, or Marmot. I do own rain pants but really only wear them when I know I will have to be out of doors in heavy rain to walk the dog or go on a hike. The previous brands also make pants, and you can find them online on REI too. Check out Sierra Trading Post, MooseJaw, and Dick's Sporting Goods too. Make sure it has a hood. You will also be close to the Sierra and snow which will make a jacket important. You can always layer under a decent rain shell with a lightweight down jacket. It can also get cold up here, but my son wears sweatshirts most of the year - it is generally mild (maybe low 40's average) but it is nice to have a heavier warm jacket for colder days.
As far as footwear, tennis shoes are fine unless you are really going to be trekking a lot outside.
You might find some hiking boots, but most guys up here don't wear much in the way of waterproof footwear like the women do with rain boots.
As far as biking in the rain, that's a personal choice but a cheap rain poncho would fit over your backpack. It can rain very hard up here, can be slippery, and walking might be a better way to get around when it is really pouring.
She had all kinds of rain gear depending on the type of rain.
For wet, heavy rain, she had one type of jacket, slicker like, and weather proof with rain boots, gloves-REI, no biking just walking, with intermittent bus use. Biking with the boots was hard.
Light consistent rain, another type of jacket with hat. She, as well as her friends and a number of students, covered their bike seats with grocery plastic bags or tarp-like materials-sometimes large rain ponchos covered her with warm jacket underneath and waterproof gloves.
Order online because in her first year, we were looking all over and it was really dry in September in the Woodland and Sacramento areas. (You are going to like going to the Woodland Costco.) They have an REI in Sac, near Costco. You may still find some stuff now.
Must have a bike fender to avoid the freshman stripe. Make sure you have a strong bike lock. There are bike shops everywhere up there as well as the Bike Barn. Lots of good used bikes. (Target is east of campus). From her 2nd-4th year, she had two bikes. One was on the northern part of the campus-to access that area and the trader joe's etc. The other was on the southern part of campus-to access In N Out and all parts south.
You have to watch the weather predictions.
It is generally NOT cold when it rains, however, so don't get anything with lining (you can always layer sweater or fleece underneath). Costco has had a great set of rain jacket/pants. Daughter has rain boots, but I'm not sure what guys wear. Also, get the fenders installed on your bike BEFORE the rain starts, maybe even before school starts. A plastic trash bag to tie one the seat of your bike is handy and get a U lock (not the cable type) and always lock the frame to the bike rack. For the backpack, get a water resistant one--she's never had an issue with the backpack, probably because you're biking INTO the rain, and it doesn't hit the back as much as the front..?? Also, laptop tends to be packed closer to the back. Good luck!
I think the biggest difference is that we get around in a car in So Cal while in Davis you are on a bike. If you take the bus in the rain then you are walking to and from classes in the rain.