RECYCLED TYVEK ENVELOPES

In case you’ve never heard of it, Tyvek is what FedEx and a variety of other freight companies use for durable envelopes. It feels plasticky — and technically is plastic — but in reality, it’s a fabric-like sheet made of high-density polyethylene fibers. Those companies use it because it’s incredibly flexible, remarkably durable, and provides a surprising amount of protection from the elements.

Which is also why it’s so handy when riding in inclement weather.

Back in the day, riders used to stuff sheets of newspaper down their jerseys to keep chilling wind at bay on fast alpine descents, but newsprint is messy, and hardly durable (not to mention kind of hard to find these days). In contrast, Tyvek is totally impervious to wind, practically waterproof, and DuPont (the manufacturer of Tyvek) even claims the stuff is decently breathable, too.

Full-sized FedEx envelopes are almost perfectly sized for most torsos, and since the material is so thin, you can insert smaller pieces in between your socks and cycling shoes for times when a bootie is too hot, but an uncovered shoe is too cold. The stuff is also easy to fold and pack, meaning you can trim the stuff as needed and keep it in your seat pack or jersey pocket until it’s needed.

And best of all? It’s basically free.