Space Blanket Poncho and Sock Liners on-bike winter insulation

[guerney]

Ok so it isn't all that cold yet... but while trying to work out how to stay warm cycling during cold very early mornings, I have created the Space Blanket Under-Jumper Bike Poncho! I've also invented the Between Socks Space Blanket Cycling Feet Insulator! Allow me to explain:

Because mega cheap mylar Space Blanket material is so easy to break, it's pointless trying to try stiching a waistcoat... so I made a hole in the middle of one for my head, slipped it on, and chucked a jumper over it. The warmth builds up quickly, and prevents wind chill on the bike. I might wear it indoors all winter. Call me Russell, because it sounds a bit crinkly. Not recommended for ninjas. Stay away from high power electrics. Keep away from fire.

For the sock insulator - simply cut a long strip of space blanket, about your foot's width and a couple of your feet long... then hold one end between your socked heel and the ground, and loop the rest up over the top your toes... then put on another pair of socks over the combination. Much MUCH warmer than socks alone! And on my bike, also resists wind chill. Cold toes no more!

Cheap and effective on-bike insulation. Don't leave home without it:

Pardon our interruption...

 

[StuartsProjects]

Whilst space blankets are a very useful and lightweight tool for use in emergencies, if your doing somthing active, like cycling (or walking) such waterproof layers quickly make things worse due to the fact that the plastic does not breath, so everything under the plastic\spaceblanket quickly get wet.

Its one of the reasons that Gortex and other superior breathable clothing such as Paramo works so well; the sweat you generate with the exersize can escape so whats close to the skin does not get wet.

 

[guerney]

I've got oodles of Gore-Tex, but it's a challenge keeping warm on the bike. I was using a down filled layer last winter, which did get a bit damp despite a Gore-Tex layer over that. So far, this doesn't feel clammy - I leave the poncho open at the sides to vent, it's a narrow ponch which doesn't cover the arms, and the feet aren't fully enclosed in space blanket. Wool jumpers and socks insulate, even when wet. Right now, my toes feel very pleasantly warm, which makes a nice change.

The round cut-out left over from making the poncho, goes under my hat... to confound alien mind control rays

 

[soundwave]

https://www.hellyhansen.com/en_gb/arctic-patrol-modular-parka-53590?kk=a4c6294-183ce0679aa-468fc&gclid=Cj0KCQjwy5maBhDdARIsAMxrkw0_KxeGejja5eomUGFRdYpd-YgA1ix2rDIWTrP2cXULGciggV9U4lAaAuprEALw_wcB&color=623398&utm_source=kelkoouk&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=kelkooclick&utm_term=Helly+Hansen++Helly+Hansen+Men%27s+Arctic+

 

[guerney]

There's rather a lot of merino wool in Primaloft:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PrimaLoft

This winter, I'm trying a space blanket poncho between wool jumpers under a padded leather jacket, for cycling.

 

[Raboa]

In the winter I wear 2 thermal wool baselayers, the first one is thinner. A fleece or Alpkit Jura (buffalo copy), a Paramo windproof and / or a Goretex jacket.
The key to Goretex and other waterproofs is cleaning and reproofing them often. All waterproofs eventually wet out even after treatment, the waterproofing does not last forever.
Ventile has become popular for this reason but it is not perfect.

 

[AndyBike]

Car ?. Built in heater.

 

[StuartsProjects]

I've got oodles of Gore-Tex, but it's a challenge keeping warm on the bike.

I mentioned Goretex, because its popular, but I am not a fan myself.

Goretex does not breath as well as you they would like you to think, particularly when its wet.

Paramo clothing is however in a differnet league, it breathes much like a fleece does, but resists even v.heavy rain. Down side is that its heavier than plain Goretex and a bit warm in summer.

Paramo Clothing - English - Paramo

www.paramo-clothing.com

 

[Bikes4two]

Well @guerney - I'm looking forward to the pics of you in your winter wear

Every little helps though (insulation I mean) - as it gets colder I slip on these Toe Thingies over my shoes but when it's really cold, I don't cycle (I'm a Southern woos).

 

[matthewslack]

Warm feet: two layers of thick wool socks in wellies.
Warm legs: Helly Hansen leggings under tracksters, lightweight breathable over trousers if raining.
Warm top: t shirt under thin fleece under thick wool jumper inside goretex jacket.
Warm extremities: fleece gloves not normally needed, cheap acrylic hat under helmet, goretex hood on if rainy.

All underpinned by my own low level effort enforced by torque sensor!

 

[jimriley]

Paramo cycling jacket, layers underneath including a down gilet, Goretex overtrousers and shimano clipless boots with warm socks. Lobster cycling gloves.
I've been so impressed with the paramo cycling jacket I just got a paramo hiking jacket.

 

[WheezyRider]

Why not cut out a waist coat of this stuff:

Airtec Multi-Purpose Foil & Polyethylene Insulation Roll - 1200mm x 25m | Wickes.co.uk

Airtec Multi-Purpose Foil & Polyethylene Insulation Roll - 1200mm x 25m

www.wickes.co.uk

I've used it for all sorts of insulation jobs and it is quite robust, it won't tear like a foil blanket.

In cold weather, don't neglect your knees...not much insulation or blood supply there and they can suffer being so exposed.

 

[guerney]

For some reason or other, because I've aged probably, my body has developed a circulation issue which causes calf muscle cramps and cold toes - but a long strip of space blanket slipped over the foot between two pairs of wool socks, has totally sorted out the cold toes problem - I thoroughly recommend this for persons with constantly cold pinkies. Cold toes no more! Now toasty, feels wonderful.

I'm hoping space blanket placed at strategic locations, will prevent the chilblains I got while cycling last winter, on all fingers and toes.

Chilblains

NHS information about chilblains, including symptoms, causes and how to treat them yourself.

www.nhs.uk

 

[MikelBikel]

Well *don't* get Columbia "waterproof" trainers, they leak like sieves! Their lined overtrousers are OK, so far. Plus thermals when it gets frigid. Plus Aldi "Ski" gloves.
Fluoro work jacket from Sports direct OK, so far
Got Aldi Safety boots, waterproof, but too heavy to walk comfortably in, so gardening use only.
LS2 open face helmets with full visors, coz its waterproof & comfy, bit cumbersome tho.
Apparently we look like astronauts, hehe

 

[guerney]

It works great indoors, but when cycling my smallest toes got cold with windchill - so... to cover all of my toes, I'll make little space blanket and thin parcel tape caps, plus long thick strips to go under and over each foot. Never again chillblains!

 

[guerney]

LS2 open face helmets with full visors, coz its waterproof & comfy, bit cumbersome tho.
Apparently we look like astronauts, hehe

A flimsy blue easy to breathe through Covid mask keeps some of my face warm in my jawguarded helmet. I don't know if jawguarded helmets are available with visors suitable for the breathing requirements of cyclists. I use a hi-viz rain cap over the top of my helmet, to also keep the draughts out.

 

[AndyBike]

A respro is very good for winter, plus as long as you arent putting in too much effort, something like quilted Czech ex military cold weather under trousers are very good at adding insulation against the chilled air. (I've 2 pairs and wear them round the house as well as on the bike)
Bike muffs take care of the hands, and you can even get 12v versions, so I suppose you could wire those into the bike, maybe via a light socket.
Gore-tex make a nice lid cover, not cheap, but prevents the head from getting cold and wet and I suppose there are cheaper versions.

 

[guerney]

A respro is very good for winter, plus as long as you arent putting in too much effort,

I use one of those, when I can find it - taking the filter layer, valves, and the metal nose bridge part out, makes it easier to breathe through and wear. Keeps one's face warm. It kept falling off - sewing the two parts together at the back, keeps it on more securely than the useless velcro.

quilted Czech ex military cold weather under trousers are very good at adding insulation against the chilled air. (I've 2 pairs and wear them round the house as well as on the bike)

I like that idea a lot! But I might buy something similar new instead, because I worry about crabs in ex-army gear...

Pardon our interruption...