Courier Equipment: Rain, Cold, Visibility, Phone

A courier works outdoors, often 6 to 10 hours straight, in all weather. The right equipment is not a comfort: it's what lets you get through the day without getting sick, without falling, and without dropping your phone in a puddle. Here's the checklist by use.

Stay dry

• Breathable waterproof jacket: an impermeable jacket that doesn't breathe turns sweat into an internal shower. Sealed seams, hood compatible with helmet.
• Rain pants and overshoes: wet feet at 9 a.m. mean a ruined day.
• Water-repellent gloves: keep dexterity to handle your phone.

Stay warm (and ventilate)

Cold while moving is the wind cutting through. Priority on windproof jacket and layers (technical, never cotton which holds moisture). In summer, the opposite: breathable fabrics and hydration.

Stay visible

At night and in poor weather, visibility saves lives. Powerful front/rear lights (and spare batteries/power banks), reflective bands on your bag and clothes. A reflective vest is visible dozens of meters further away.

Stay connected

• Sturdy phone mount with shock absorber: handlebar vibration (especially on scooters) destroys phone cameras over time.
• Waterproof case or pouch: rain + screen makes the app unusable.
• External battery: a day of GPS + app drains your phone before noon.

Protect your back and joints

Padded straps, hip belt, and especially bag attachment to a rack when possible: carrying 10 kg on your back 8 hours a day leaves marks. Alternating backpack/rack carrying relieves pressure.

Where to buy

All this equipment is available on major marketplaces and reseller sites, with real-world feedback from other couriers — the best filter for distinguishing gear that lasts from what falls apart in a month. Compare on durability, not just price.

And because equipment isn't everything: a reliable vehicle is the foundation of the job. L'Atelier's assistant supports maintenance for both bike and scooter to keep the pace without breakdowns.