My best companion during the rainy season is a poncho. Here's a recommendation from Ikeda, who's been using the same one for 8 years.

Hello, I'm Ikeda from the staff.

The rainy season started in Hiroshima on June 4th. From now on, we'll be living with rain for a while.

Around this time of year, I'm often asked, "What do you do with your bike on rainy days?"

My answer is, "I ride it as usual."

Not just on light rainy days, but even in a heavy downpour, I'm on my bike.

Even on rainy days, there are joys that can only be experienced then, so I honestly think it's a waste to put away your bike just because of the rain.

The problem is always the "gear." Rain jackets get stuffy inside when you're cycling. Taking them on and off is a hassle. Backpacks need a separate cover— That's why I've been using a poncho all this time.

By the way, at Grumpy, both I and the painter Takenoshita move around by bicycle even on rainy days. Takenoshita, for example, doesn't have a driver's license and dislikes crowded places, so cycling is his only option for getting around.

Moreover, I believe that bicycles are disaster-resilient vehicles. Even if trains stop due to earthquakes or heavy rain, or if roads become congested, you can still move yourself with a bicycle. It doesn't require electricity or gasoline. That's why, instead of stopping riding just because of a little rain, I want to be able to use my bicycle in any weather, as usual—that's one of the reasons why I continue to ride even on rainy days.

Why a poncho for cycling?

There are roughly three good things about ponchos.

1. Less stuffy — The open hem allows air to escape while riding. Heat doesn't build up even when pedaling.
2. Easy to put on and take off — You can quickly put it on and take it off while waiting at a traffic light or under a roof.
3. Covers your luggage — Many models can cover your front basket, front bag, and even the backpack you're carrying.

Of course, it's not foolproof. It's vulnerable to crosswinds, and more suited for city riding, commuting, and leisurely rides than for high-speed road bikes. Also, your feet and rear will get wet with just a poncho. We'll address this weakness properly in the "Poncho + Fender" section later.

Carradice, which I've been using for 8 years

What I've been wearing on rainy days is the British Carradice Duxback Poncho. The material is waxed cotton. It's a poncho that "ages" and develops character with use, and I've had it for about 8 years. It has completely become like a companion.

Carradice Duxback Poncho Super ¥27,500

To be honest, though—I find it hard to recommend this to "everyone." Waxed cotton requires regular reapplication of oil (wax) to maintain its waterproofing. I personally like the effort involved, but I don't think everyone wants to spend time on that. It's also quite heavy and takes a long time to dry when wet. And the price is also quite high.

For those who "like to nurture their tools" and "enjoy the time spent on maintenance," it's truly an irresistible piece. But for those who want to "just use it quickly on a rainy day and not worry about it afterwards"—for people who want to use it normally, it's a bit of a high hurdle.

Therefore, FAIRWEATHER is recommended as a first choice.

So, what I recommend if you "don't want to bother with maintenance" is the FAIRWEATHER Packable Rain Poncho.

The most important point is that the material is nylon (CORDURA ripstop). Unlike my Carradice, it doesn't require maintenance like re-oiling. You just wipe it or wash it if it gets dirty. Yet, it's very strong against rain, and seam-sealed treatment is applied throughout to prevent water penetration from the seams.

• Light and compact — It's packable, so you can just toss it in your bag even on days with a sunny forecast. It's light enough that "just in case" isn't a bother.
• Easy to handle — No maintenance required. No need to worry about everyday use.
• Price — ¥16,280. It's more affordable than my Carradice, yet it's a genuine article that can be used for a long time.

To be honest, popular colors and sizes tend to sell out quickly for this item. If there's a color you're interested in, get it early. If it's out of stock, please feel free to inquire (we have plans for restocking).

▶ Click here for the FAIRWEATHER packable rain poncho product page

If you want to try it out more casually

For those who think "suddenly paying over 10,000 yen is a bit much...", we also have more affordable models.

• Trekmates Pack Poncho (30% off, ¥6,072) — An entry-level poncho that can be worn over a backpack. For festivals, camping, or sudden rain. This is the one to try first.
  ▶ Click here for the product page

A poncho alone is not enough. The combination with fenders.

This is what I want to convey the most. A poncho is very strong against rain falling from above. However, it cannot prevent rain from below—that is, water and spray from the road surface kicked up by tires. This is why your back, bottom, and feet get wet from below with just a poncho.

That's where fenders (mudguards) come in handy. They physically block tire spray, significantly reducing splashes from below. Poncho on top, fender below. Since I started using this combination, my comfort on rainy days has improved dramatically.

• Fenders (mudguards) — Essential for rainy days, preventing splashes from below and mud from getting on your back. They're a classic item that quickly sells out every rainy season.
• Lights / Reflectors — Visibility is poor even during the day in rainy weather, making it difficult for drivers to see you. For safety, use front and rear lights and reflective materials.

Enjoy rainy days too.

The rainy season, with the right gear, ceases to be a "season when you can't ride a bike." Like me and Takenoshita, there's a unique joy to rainy days. The sound of wet roads, the smell after the rain, less crowded streets—discovering things you wouldn't notice on a sunny day is also one of the good things about cycling in the rain.