Waterproof Shorts... worth it?

[barney]

I need a new pair of shorts and was thinking that perhaps a waterproof pair might make it more comfortable when bivi'ing in wet weather.

Does anyone have any experience of them? Are they worth it or not? Any recommendations?

cheers

[voodoo_simon]

I've trimmed a pair of GTX paclite pants into shorts and it works fairly well. More mud proof than waterproof, but keeps me comfortable during a ride. They do wear thin quite quick though on the bum, guess the sandy mud my way grinds the seat area away

[composite]

I have had several pairs of the endura ones and would say they are great. Doesn't keep all the water out but stops your lycra getting saturated and they don't get heavy and cold like normal shorts do when very wet. I swear by them these days.

[Chew]

Being about and about is more about making sure you are comfortable and being prepared for the weather. On that basis i have a tendency to wear waterproof shorts all year round.

I have some Endura ones which are waterproof on the back and normal shorts on the front which work very well, unless its heavy rain
If it is going to rain i have some fully waterproof Altura ones which keep the worst of the weather out but are not so breathable so have a tendency to get a bit sweaty.

One thing to consider is not just the rain but also the grit which gets picked up and can destroy a pair of shorts over winter.

If you're on a budget, or just want to see if you like the idea, i've heard of people buying a cheap set of ex-army gortex trousers from ebay and converting them to shorts.

[Zoglug]

If you're on a budget, or just want to see if you like the idea, i've heard of people buying a cheap set of ex-army gortex trousers from ebay and converting them to shorts.

I too have been thinking about waterproof clothing, especially as i havent bivi'd so far in the rain (but reckon it will be when i head out next month) and had been considering how to make the experience a little more comfortable, but i hadnt thought of the idea of doing it cheaply to begin with. Cheers for the inspiration Chew!

[Bearbonesnorm]

I've got a pair of Altura somethings and some 3/4 length eVent Enduras. Neither bead water off anymore (re-proofing doesn't help) but they're both still waterproof after quite a few years, many miles and much abuse.

The Enduras weren't cheap, I recall they were about £120, the Alturas were less than £50 ... *Altura would be getting my custom.

*Or maybe ebay for some £10 MOD goretex trousers and a pair of scissors

[composite]

I was going to go with the cut offs until I read about a lot of people complaining that the seat wore out very quickly. For £10 though if you only get one winter out of them then that's still pretty good value.