After getting reasonably waterproof riding gear, the one area I find I still get a bit of "dampness" in a frog-strangler is...down my "front." I believe some water is getting in that inevitable gap between helmet and jacket collar, i.e. the front of my neck. Tightening my jacket collar helps, but I'm curious what other riders use to help waterproof the "neck" area... Thanks for any tips. --Doc
I use a balaclava. Mine is 50% nylon and 50% cotton. Surprising how well it works, with just a slight dampness on an extended rain ride getting past it. Jim
+1 Balaclava. Mine is an Alpinestars waterproof and windproof. Works very well, but it's not perfect. At highway speeds, any opening (jacket, gloves, helmet, boots) is a potential avenue for wind-driven rain. You're just trying to minimize water intrusion.
The absolute best piece of neck protection I've ever found is the Halvarssons neck tube. Finally, someone built the neck warmer we all wish we had. Most of it is waterproof, other than the rear that is elastic. It pulls over your head, and the thin microfleece fits snug so it works under a collar, unlike a bulky Buff. It is cozy, waterproof and mine is still as new after 3 seasons. It lives in my pocket. It is perfect. It sounds to me like exactly what you need, but you'll have to go through Europe for it. I bought mine here.
The problem is that any wicking material will "pull" water down to your chest if it gets wet up around your neck. Generally that is not a problem in most rain showers, but is definitely an issue when riding longer in rain. What I found works best is any kind of wind/water stopping neck tube, but when you want to prepare for longer rain rides, you need to get an additional layer that stays outside of the jacket so that water running down doesn't get in. Like the removable double collar system on high jackets (e.g. Alpinestars, Rukka, Dainese).
I never wear it but I have an Aerostich wind triangle, it's made of goretex, the part that's nearest you is microsuede. Should work for ya. If you happen to not mind red I have one sitting here.
I have a North Face Windstopper Neck Gaiter that (I think) works real well. http://www.thenorthface.com/catalog/sc-gear/ws-neck-gaiter.html
Another vote for the Aerostich Wind Triangle, and it works great for keeping your neck warm in cold weather.
I use the Schampa Tall Neck Dickie. It's just fleece, so it's obviously not waterproof, but it soaks up the rain and keeps it from going down your neck. I've ridden in all day rain with it and it does a great job of keeping the rain out. Good enough that I haven't gone looking for a better solution!
I was given one of these for Christmas. Works well http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/rukka-neo-windstopper-neck-warmer
My Triumph Explorer jacket has a detatchable storm collar that works well. I'm starting to see this feature on a few other brands as well. Something to consider. Mostly, though, I use a buff and it seems to work fine. koF www.kingoffleece.com SplitWeight(tm) waterproof seat covers\rated 5 stars MCN 6/2012
Wow, lotsa good ideas there...more than I ever expected. Thank you all very much for all your suggestions. --Doc
Saw this at REI on sale today: http://www.rei.com/product/790919/rei-thermo-neck-gaiter I may just try it and see how well it works, cheap enough at $17. KP
I got something similar at Cabela's on sale for around $8. I make sure to keep it out side my jacket, on top of the collar, when it is raining. On the bad days it stops about 95% of the water, on the cold mornings it keeps my chin warm.
