With winter finally here, cool temperatures and unsettled weather are on the horizon. If the bike is your main mode of transportation, you know how awful it is to get caught in the elements unprepared and with the weather shifting towards wetter, colder days, now is the time to make sure you’re ready for whatever Mother Nature has in-store.
We spent some time perusing the shelves at Island Trading with owner and buyer extraordinaire, Laura Farge-Lowe to explore the best, brightest and most functional foul weather gear so that you can look slick (pun intended) even on the rainiest of days.
Island Trading has the largest selection of rain suits in Bermuda, and their extensive range includes a variety of sizes for kids and adults (up to 5XL). Each of Island Trading’s products is hand-selected from countries like the U.K., Sweden, Denmark and the U.S. and each is chosen taking into account Bermuda’s wet and windy winter season.
So, before you accidentally get caught out in the rain without the proper gear, here are the latest and greatest foul weather must-haves from Island Trading.
Stylish and Functional: Regatta Raincoats
Stylish and sophisticated, the Birchdale Waterproof Jacket from Regatta features the brand’s ISOTEX technology, meaning it’s waterproof, breathable and windproof and offers plenty of stretch, allowing you tons of mobility and protection. Taped seams, a moisture-shedding zip, a peaked hood and hook and loop cuffs means even the roguest of raindrops doesn’t stand a chance of penetrating this hard-working rain coat. Available in both mens and womens styles and sizes for $159.
Take it a step further with the 3-in-1 Telmar Waterproof Jacket from Regatta which features a removable fleece interior which can be zipped out and worn on it’s own or zipped back in and worn for warmth inside the rain jacket. The 3-in1 Waterproof Jacket retails for $175. For full body protection from the elements, Regatta rain pants (in sizes for both men and women) are stylish, comfortable and fully waterproof and retail for $85.
Built to Last: The Marine Quality Channel Jacket
Made exclusively for Island Trading, these bright blue rain coats from Channel pack a pretty powerful punch! In fact, they are the same foul weather gear worn by Belco technicians when they’re out in the elements before, during and after a storm. Built to last, Channel’s marine quality jacket will outlive your bike guaranteed: one Island Trading customer has had hers for an astounding 12 years! Available in a range of sizes, the Channel Jacket retails for $110.
And if you’re riding from Somerset to Hamilton in the rain, you definitely want to invest in Channel’s Full Length Bib Pants with suspenders. They’re roomy, comfortable and feature the same marine quality waterproof fabric the jacket is famous for. Channel’s Bib Rain Pants retail for $89.
Best in Safety is the Eton HV
Featuring an impossible-to-miss hue similar to that of a yellow highlighter, the Eton HV raincoat (available for purchase for $155) is perfect for parents who wish for their newly licensed teens to be highly visible whilst on the road. In addition to the bright color, this rain jacket also features HiViz 3M reflective strips for extra safety at night.
Worth the Splurge: Henri Lloyd
Ranging in price from $330 to $440, these swanky all-weather jackets from Henri Lloyd are equal parts beautiful and functional. Featuring the technical qualities to withstand bad weather on and offshore, Henri Lloyd’s Gore-Tex fabric, AquaGuard zippers and fine-tuned velcro closures make their jackets the highest performing foul weather gear available on the market.
Helly Hansen: The Workhorse of Rain Gear
Durable and lightweight, Helly Hansen jackets can easily be stored under your bike seat in anticipation for poor weather and not only can they be used for the rain, but they make great windbreakers to keep you warm on chilly mornings too. While it’s true that some Helly Hansen jackets aren’t sufficient in protecting one from rain, Laura Farge-Lowe guarantees that the styles she carries are the best the brand has on offer and are workhorses when it comes to keeping you dry in the worst of weather. Helly Hansen retails for $295.
Colorful Rain Gear for Kids
Kids need rain gear that performs well through puddle splashing and mud-pie making because let’s face it: kids will be kids. Island Trading’s line of rain suits for children feature environmentally-friendly PEVA fabric which is also odorless (a good thing for kids!) and decomposable. Have your littles choose their own rain jacket ($29) and pants ($18) from a variety of colors and sizes from 2 years old and up.
Protect Your Shoes with High Performance Rain Boots
Don’t risk your shoes in the elements, invest in rain boots instead! Island Trading has two styles of rainboots: the first being the stylish Crewsaver (perfect for going from boat to bike or visa versa) which ranges in price from $110 to $129 or the basic long black wellie which retails for the affordable price of $39. Whether you’re jetting into town, or traversing the island, just slide them on and you’re good to go – no more soggy shoes!
Keep Your Hands Warm and Dry
Quality tested and ensured for maximum durablility, Hanz Waterproof Gloves are designed with the toughest, roughest users in mind and the foulest of weather. Crafted in 100% Nylon, Hanz Gloves are comforable, waterproof and flexible providing you with the ultimate protection from the wind and rain while allowing you to use your hands to ride and steer. Hanz Gloves retail for $59 and Island Trading have a variety of sizes in stock for both men and women. These highly sought after waterproof gloves were out-of-stock but a new shipment has just arrived, so run (don’t walk) to Island Trading before they sell out again.
Island Trading
Store Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
93 Reid Street Hamilton
Visit Island Trading on Facebook!
(441) 292-0400
