I recently found a great product that made me ask, “Why didn’t I think of that?” Orange Mud’s Transition Wraps solve two problems. First it is a wrap that cinches at your waist so you can change discreetly after a ride, run or swim. Second, it zips at one end and hangs from the headrest to protect the car seat from dirt and sweat.
Want to see how it works? Checkout the company’s video here.
The Transition Wrap comes in two versions and is made of microfiber. The Transition Wrap 2.0 sells for $39.95, and the Transition Wrap Extreme for $49.95. The difference is the Extreme version has a TPU membrane in the middle of the microfiber towel which makes it waterproof — keeping your car seat dry. The Extreme also comes with its own reusable stuff sack for storage and no packaging waste.
I tested both and I am thrilled to get rid of the old towel I had stashed in my car. The towel never stayed up to keep the backrest covered and would bunch up behind my lower back as I drove. With the Transition Wrap, it stays put.
For the Extreme version, I wanted to test out the waterproof claim, so I gave it the “Bounty Test.” I laid out a paper towel on the counter and then laid the Transition Wrap over it. Next, I poured water on the towel until the area was soaked. Waited a minute and checked the paper towel underneath. DRY!
Then I pressed down on the wet area of the Transition Wrap to simulate sitting on the towel with wet clothes. Checked the towel again. DRY! This would have been great for the times I’ve been caught riding in the rain and jumped in my car soaking wet. Now problem solved.
Both Wraps are 30×60” and come in a variety of colors. The company sent me an orange and a black version. They are machine washable (cold) and come out of the dryer (cool setting) like any other towel. Orange Mud backs the Wraps with a 1-year warranty.
Since I’ve been testing the towels, cycling friends have noticed them on my car seat. My friend Tonya mentioned she gave her husband, who’s also a cyclist, one for Father’s Day and loves it. For triathletes, this is also great for when races begin again, and you need to change discreetly in T1, T2 or post-race. Hence, the product name “Transition Wrap”.
Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women's cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri's full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.
For several decades I have used a large beach towel for changing. It is large enough to cover the seats in my car and wide enough to wrap around my waist and tie in place with a knot. Toss it in the washing machine after each ride or two.