Keeping warm and dry on a budget

The kit tested isn’t that expensive (the Typhoon giving 100% waterproofing and being great to ride in for a penny under £50). But if you’re really cash-strapped... or get caught out with the waterproofs sitting in their pouch at home... there are things you can use to keep the rain off cheaply.

Marigold gloves. We’re big fans of the humble Marigold at MCM, and for good reason. Not only are they 100% waterproof, but they’re grippy. So if you can fit them over your thin gloves, they’re still going to grip your throttle. They have the additional benefit of being wind-resistant, so they’ll keep your hands warmer as well.

Shopping bags. These have two uses. If you do have your waterproofs with you, slip a plastic shopping bag over your boots and it makes it easier (note easier, not easy) to slip your boots through the trousers. If not, then you can wear them under, or even over your boots to hold off the rain. Plastic shopping bags are not breathable, so your feet will get sweaty.

Bin bags and packing tape. In an emergency, stop at an office supplies store and pick up these items (they’ll cost next to nothing). Cut holes to make a neck and shoulder openings, tape more bags to the body to make sleeves.

The packing tape (Duct/ Frog tape is more waterresistant but costs more) seals the bags together and should hopefully keep it all together until you get home. Again, not breathable, so perspiration is your enemy.

Bubble wrap is also handy. Sheets of that under your jacket will hold the rain off your skin and again will keep you warmer.