PROTECTION from the ELEMENTS

Six years ago, I rolled into Pointe au Baril, Ont, drenched from head to toe after another trip from B.C. to Ontario. As I rode through the small town, I saw the Haven Restaurant, a name I found fitting for someone who desperately needed refuge from a relentless storm. The server looked me over as I dripped my way into the restaurant. She tossed me two tea towels and told me to undress. While initially shocked, I quickly realized that she was offering to dry my gear while I ate and warmed up. As I sat in my underwear with tea towels wrapped around my waist drinking hot chocolate, I finally understood why we should buy good gear.

So, what constitutes good gear? There are a few obvious factors, such as protection, fit and durability, but I would argue that the most important factor is the ability to protect you from the elements. There’s been a plethora of rumours about waterproof membranes, with the most popular misconception being that