The most basic riding gear question .....

[Lannis]

I�ve narrowed it down the last few years to just keeping a set of frog togs and boot covers along with my bike cover, in a small gym bag which stays in one of my hard hard bags. Then I simply wear the appropriate jacket for the weather conditions. ....

That's what we do now, carry Frogg Toggs, but ...

 ... is it going to be just a little light rain, no need in changing just for this, I can see the other side of the storm, we'll be dry again in 3 minutes ... then WHOOSH, a monsoon, and it's too late to put the wet gear on and now you'll never dry out until the jacket and pants are hanging from the TV set in the motel room ....

.... and when you DO decide it's time to put on the rain gear, sometimes there's literally no place to stop and do it.   In the Virginia/West Virginia mountains, for example, you can go MILES through the mountains and woods with almost no shoulder, no turn-outs, nothing but ditches and mud along the road, so you either have to stop in the traffic lane and then jump around on one leg trying to pull on an already-wet rain suit on the pavement, or keep going until you find a place to pull over, and then sometimes you're already soaked to the skin.

We may still do that, but if we can find an alternative, I'd love to be able to just ride on when the weather changes!

Lannis

[Ncdan]

That's what we do now, carry Frogg Toggs, but ...

 ... is it going to be just a little light rain, no need in changing just for this, I can see the other side of the storm, we'll be dry again in 3 minutes ... then WHOOSH, a monsoon, and it's too late to put the wet gear on and now you'll never dry out until the jacket and pants are hanging from the TV set in the motel room ....

.... and when you DO decide it's time to put on the rain gear, sometimes there's literally no place to stop and do it.   In the Virginia/West Virginia mountains, for example, you can go MILES through the mountains and woods with almost no shoulder, no turn-outs, nothing but ditches and mud along the road, so you either have to stop in the traffic lane and then jump around on one leg trying to pull on an already-wet rain suit on the pavement, or keep going until you find a place to pull over, and then sometimes you're already soaked to the skin.

We may still do that, but if we can find an alternative, I'd love to be able to just ride on when the weather changes!

Lannis

When I’m traveling on the bike I check the weather channel on my smart phone and hid the most part I know where the rain is going to be. If there is a big green blob on the weather map and I’m riding into it, I get dressed for it upon saddling up and pulling out. The weather app is pretty dang accurate to the start of the foul weather. You pretty much can map the weather for the whole day.

[Lannis]

When I�m traveling on the bike I check the weather channel on my smart phone and hid the most part I know where the rain is going to be. If there is a big green blob on the weather map and I�m riding into it, I get dressed for it upon saddling up and pulling out. The weather app is pretty dang accurate to the start of the foul weather. You pretty much can map the weather for the whole day.

When the weather's really hot (as it's likely to be when thunderstorms are about), traveling 10 extra miles than you have to, encased in the steam-sauna outfit known as Frogg Toggs, is not really "on"!    It's just too hot to "suit up" just in case!   Besides which, this "smart phone" thing of which you speak just isn't our bag, as they used to say.   Like alcohol, dope, and gambling, I've heard many people in my ever-longer life say "I can handle it" or "It's just a tool" or "You can stop any time" .... and watched many of them become dependent, pathetic addicts that will kill someone to get their dopamine fix.   I have to dodge some of those addicts every time I go out on the road, and I can tell you that I'd rather face a drunk than a smart-phone addict .... I don't want to take a chance of becoming one, even though many decide they can handle the risk.   So I'll just keep my eyes open and use Gore-Tex!! 

Lannis

[Lannis]

I can hear an Aerostich Roadcrafter Lite video playing in another room ... the idea of "custom U.S.-made" gear, cut to your own measurements, is starting to sound like a good one, I think ... !!

Lannis

[kingoffleece]

I used a R3 light for a few years.  Great kit and highly recommended.

[Ncdan]

When the weather's really hot (as it's likely to be when thunderstorms are about), traveling 10 extra miles than you have to, encased in the steam-sauna outfit known as Frogg Toggs, is not really "on"!    It's just too hot to "suit up" just in case!   Besides which, this "smart phone" thing of which you speak just isn't our bag, as they used to say.   Like alcohol, dope, and gambling, I've heard many people in my ever-longer life say "I can handle it" or "It's just a tool" or "You can stop any time" .... and watched many of them become dependent, pathetic addicts that will kill someone to get their dopamine fix.   I have to dodge some of those addicts every time I go out on the road, and I can tell you that I'd rather face a drunk than a smart-phone addict .... I don't want to take a chance of becoming one, even though many decide they can handle the risk.   So I'll just keep my eyes open and use Gore-Tex!! 

Lannis

I hear ya and understand your disclaimer and no arguments here. An access to weather information is a valuable tool as modern technology can be helpful although not always best for everyone. I aknowledge that not all old dogs can be taught new tricks, just funning:)
I think bottom line is, there is no way to cross the country without encountering less than perfect weather on the way, at least on a bike. We all just have to do the best we can with the choices we make with our ridding gear. I for one have been caught out many times wishing I had better or different gear. Keep us informed as you attempt to come to a solution to this ongoing issue we all must deal with. Be safe:)

[Chuck in Indiana]

I can tell you that I'd rather face a drunk than a smart-phone addict ....

I've said that many times. A drunk is at least making an effort to stay on the road..

[Lannis]

I've said that many times. A drunk is at least making an effort to stay on the road..

Yep.   Out driving the truck today making (charity) furniture pickups, up high where I can look down on cars, and the number of drivers paying no attention to the road is frightening.

At any rate, we ordered and sent back a Klim "Artemis" outfit for Fay, and now we sent back the Klim "Altitude" outfit, so Klim isn't on any more after an intensive effort.   

Current videos playing are Aerostich two-piece "Roadcrafter Lite" ... Fay's realized that fit is the most important thing, and Aerostich (besides being made in the USA which is always a good thing to do, she's had enough of those poncy European sizes and shapes!) will take down all of your measurements in good old inches, ells, and furlongs,  and make you an outfit to those numbers.

Good news is that they'll adjust it if the first draft isn't good .... bad news is that once a custom suit has been built, it's YOURS, looks like .... not like Revzilla/Klim, where you get all your money back if it doesn't work out ... And so it continues.   Who woulda thought?  Top marks to Revzilla for customer service, no matter which way she goes ....

Lannis

[Chuck in Indiana]

Top marks to Revzilla for customer service,

Yep..

[Lannis]

Well, we've been at this for 9 weeks now and no solution yet.   Fay has tried on and returned 3 different outfits so far.

I'm starting to have second thoughts about the "all rounder" GoreTex rainproof suits (Klim, Aerostich, Rukka) that don't require you to put rain gear over them when it clouds up.

It's 85 degrees and humid here today.   Sometimes it's 95 degrees and humid.   If I'm on a trip, I can't imagine stepping out of a restaurant lunch stop at 1:00 PM in Utah in mid-September at that temperature, and shrugging myself into a 7-pound Klim "Badlands" or Aerostich "Darien"  solid jacket, with the sun blazing down, knowing I've got 6 hours to ride behind a fairing in that before it's time to stop for the day.   I'm not sure we could even carry enough water to pour into the suit to make that bearable.

So we're branching out a bit in the search ....

Lannis

[Seventy One]

When it's 95 degrees and humid my Darien is my favorite jacket.

I like it much better than perf. leather. Mesh textile is certainly more comfortable but I'd never dream of touring in it due to dehydration concerns. In my experience the Darien vents 'enough'. You can have too much venting.   

When it's 95 degrees and humid my black Darien overpants are insufferable. My Draggin' Jeans are much more comfortable but I don't want to tour in them either. That's my current dilemma. Think I'm gonna try the Dariens with LD Comfort shorts under 'em. 

 

[Chuck in Indiana]

I'm starting to have second thoughts about the "all rounder" GoreTex rainproof suits (Klim, Aerostich, Rukka) that don't require you to put rain gear over them when it clouds up.

I been tellin ya, Lannis.. BTDT. 

[Lannis]

In appreciation of all the great suggestions here, I've been going back through it all and reviewing it with Fay.

The breakdown of current experience goes like:

20 Aerostich (8 Darien, 12 Roadcrafter)
6 Mesh (various brands) with textile and Frogg Toggs   
6 Leather, raingear, and layers
5 Klim of various models
4 Olympia Goretex liner      
3 Tourmaster Transition
1 Speed and Steel
1 piece wool, rubberized coveralls, rain gear
1 FirstGear Kilimanjaro, Frogg Toggs
1 Tiger Angel

with a lot of good experience about venting, water-cooling, layering, etc.

As Chuck said, this represents millions of miles of experience and needs to be all considered ....

Lannis

[Lannis]

That is what I've settled on. My Olympia jacket is waterproof with full length sleeve vents for when it is warm.

We were really getting excited about the Olympia AST jacket with the sleeve vents and then realized they quit making them around 2011 and that they don't make anything like it today, AS FAR AS WE CAN TELL .... so that might not be an option any more.

As far as I can tell, there no jacket that's:

1) Gore-Tex outer shell

2) Long sleeve vents and chest vents like the AST

3) 3/4 length.

The Darien Light jacket looks good but (you Darien fans) also looks like it has no venting at all?   How would it hold up in the heat with no airflow ... ?

Lannis

[stubbie]

Don't know if anyone has mentioned these.
https://www.cyclegear.com/gear/bilt-explorer-adventure-waterproof-jacket

[Lannis]

Don't know if anyone has mentioned these.
https://www.cyclegear.com/gear/bilt-explorer-adventure-waterproof-jacket

That sure looks like it has all the features I was asking about.   It's almost scary that it costs 1/4 of the price of the ones I've been looking at.    We actually have a Cycle Gear store within a day's ride so I'll get a chance to see one, I hope ....

Lannis

[Sheepdog]

The underarm vents and back vent of the Darien is very effective at keeping a rider cool. Along with the front zip, arm zips, and the Darien pant’s side zips, the Aerostich offering has a great deal of flexibility for a wide range of conditions. The only downside is that it is a little blousey, particularly in the arms. However, the newest versions have arm adjusters.

[Ncdan]

You know, as a rider of of 50 plus years I totally understand all the pros and cons of safety ridding equipment and of rain equipment and I’ve over the years experimented with about every combination possible. The bottom line now, for me, is a simple issue. If it cold as ice, done all the cloths I have in my bags. If it’s hot as hell, take everything off the law will allow me to pass through their town or jurisdiction wearing. For the safety factory.... ride like I’ve got common sense and use my 50 years of experience. :)if it starts raining and it’s 90 degrees, to hell with rain gear period as you will be dry in five minutes after you are out of the rain and for  once that  day you will ride in the cool air 😎

[pressureangle]

This is an epic thread.

I've decided (albeit with some waffling) I'm going for the Roadcrafter probably light 1-piece. I'll let time and AMEX take care of any weather outside my ability to tolerate.

[Sheepdog]

I recently came across this Ikon jacket:

http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/jackets_jerseys_and_vests/textile_jackets/icon/raiden_dkr_mochrom_wp_jacket.html

I was impressed by the fit, the armor, the ventilation, and the subdued appearance. The combination of an integral waterproof layer and truly adequate ventilation seems to be the characteristics of quality touring kit. I like this jacket better than my Aerostich Darien because the cost is lower and the fit is not as "blousy." The included D30 armor is form fitting and comfortable. This looks like my next traveling jacket...make mine grey.

[Lannis]

I recently came across this Ikon jacket:

http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/jackets_jerseys_and_vests/textile_jackets/icon/raiden_dkr_mochrom_wp_jacket.html

I sure am glad there's a team searching out these things.    I thought for certain that I had exhausted RevZilla's inventory of jackets with built-in waterproofing, using my best thumbnail "search" techniques, but you've found yet another one!

This one's been bookmarked too.   

I was scoping out everyone's riding gear at the Virginia rally, since there were 80 hard-core Guzzi riders there and you would expect (and you wouldn't be disappointed) that you'd see some good stuff on people's backs.   I must say I was impressed with ZoomZoom Henry's "Darien" gear - it was a warmish day but he wasn't the least concerned about the heat, said when he's moving it's cool as it needs to be ...

Since we have to buy two outfits, it sure would be tempting to spend $1200 total instead of $3200 total, but I'm still resolved to not let that stop me .....

Lannis

[kirby1923]

I have two Darien jackets one light and one regular. I like them and they vent well enough for me, are completely water proof.
If you decide on a purchase you might consider having the length shortened, they are a bit long in my opinion. When sitting on the moto they can be a bit uncomfortable and will pool water in heavy rain.

If I know that a heavy rain event is coming I "roll" the bottom of the jacket inward so water will not pool.

If mine were a couple of inches shorter it would be better.....I'm tall.

FWIW

Edit:

I also have the Darien pants and they are easy to get in and out of if using over your street pants. Water proof and you can get the proper length of the legs (very important to me).

[kingoffleece]

Darian or AD-1 light pants over shorts works a treat-the overpant is armoured.
LD comfort shirt and any jacket work great.  As long as you can get a bit of breeze up your sleeve the "swamp cooler" effect works almost too well.  Our own Moshe Levy had a review in one of the moto mags he writes for-

I think it was MotorCycle Consumer News.

The IBA web site has some information that's culled for riders who ride for 1000 miles a day for 11 days.  Hard to think that there is not something to learn there.

[Lannis]

Darian or AD-1 light pants over shorts works a treat-the overpant is armoured.
LD comfort shirt and any jacket work great.  As long as you can get a bit of breeze up your sleeve the "swamp cooler" effect works almost too well.  Our own Moshe Levy had a review in one of the moto mags he writes for-

I think it was MotorCycle Consumer News.

The IBA web site has some information that's culled for riders who ride for 1000 miles a day for 11 days.  Hard to think that there is not something to learn there.

I'll check out the IBA site.   Thanks!

Lannis

[Chuck in Indiana]

Better start getting this stuff sorted, Lannis, or you'll miss your window of opportunity for this year. 

[Lannis]

Better start getting this stuff sorted, Lannis, or you'll miss your window of opportunity for this year. 

No doubt about it ... it's been all of April, all of May , and almost all of June we've been figuring this out.   

We've bought three different outfits, tried them, sent them back, we've visited half-a-dozen shops and tried on their stuff, so we HAVE been working.

In the Old Days, we (or anyone else) would have just grabbed something and gone with it, risking being too hot, too cold, not really waterproof, not really fitting right ... but with the information available from so many good sources today, I hate not to take advantage of it.   

In this lovely comfortable place we live in, one of the most voluntary ways to make yourself absolutely miserable is to take off on a long bike trip with the wrong gear!   Been there a time or two and getting too old to make that mistake again when I could have done it right.

We'll get there ....

Lannis

[kingoffleece]

I have my shells in order and use what I need under them.  Works a treat.

[Rainrider]

I'll add my two cents on the Darien (and a few other items). I've been wearing Dariens for, I dunno, twelve, thirteen years. My first one was already five or ten years old when I got it, and it lasted me into 2014. I guess that means I've had the current one four years. I've worn both in lots of different kinds of weather, including:

• 105-degree heat (dry heat, though)
• mid-90s mid-Atlantic humidity
• Oklahoma dime-sized hailstorm
• 300-400 mile all-day rain

There's a key feature to the Darien (maybe the Roadcrafter, too, I dunno) that I don't think anyone's mentioned. There is a gap between the main jacket and the two chest pockets, which is ideal for stuffing ice packs in. In a pinch, I've also stopped at a 7-11 and filled a cup with ice and just dumped the ice in the gap pockets. They're waterproof, so after the ice melts, you can just press on them and the water comes out the top and down the outside of the jacket. Obviously, whatever you've got in the inside pockets will get cool before you do, so you may want to reshuffle the 15 pounds of stuff you'll end up stowing in the Darien's 259* pockets.

I've never found that I have to close the Darien's vents in the rain. Often on the first hot day of the year, I'll go to open the vents on my jacket before leaving work, only to find that they've been open all winter (yes, I tend to dress warm under the gear). Somewhere around here, I've got a photo that's a pretty good testament to the dryness of the Darien, but I can't find it at the moment. Basically, I had just gotten back from a 300 mile freeway ride under a hard spring rain the entire way from BC to Portland (including an hour in line at the border), came in the door, threw the jacket and pants on the rubber mat in the entryway, and ran to the bathroom for an urgent pee. When I came back to pick up the gear, my cat was curled up inside it. So, yeah, dry.

I've had AD1 pants for the past four years, and I'm less impressed with those. About ten times so far, I've had the zipper teeth on the right leg pull apart as I swing my leg over the bike. Relatively easy to fix, but annoying. My previous pants were Olympias, which were fine as far as waterproofness went, but they let me down as far as crash protection: in a 30mph getoff, the knee armor on both legs rotated away from my kneecaps, and I've still got dark spots on my knees where the cordura melted into them.

______________
* Seriously, I think the thing automatically generates pockets. I just found a new one last week, hiding inside one of the other pockets. Sneaky.

[malik]

.... and when you DO decide it's time to put on the rain gear, sometimes there's literally no place to stop and do it.   In the Virginia/West Virginia mountains, for example, you can go MILES through the mountains and woods with almost no shoulder, no turn-outs, nothing but ditches and mud along the road, so you either have to stop in the traffic lane and then jump around on one leg trying to pull on an already-wet rain suit on the pavement, or keep going until you find a place to pull over, and then sometimes you're already soaked to the skin.

Lannis

Know where you are coming from here. I found a couple of different rain pants in the UK that have a full length zip right up to the waist, so you can put them on like a sarong & zip down the legs - quickly & no hopping around. Cheap too - single layer siliconised nylon for LSD 29 & lined for LSD 40 or thereabouts. If you come across something like those in your search, it's worth grabbing a pair to try out.

They have worked well for me. Normally reside under/behind the wok on top of the luggage under 2 Velcro straps, so easily accessible. And mated to my Transit pants (no longer available - leather, but waterproof for a couple of hours, & a 3/4 length zip on each leg) and with either silk or merino next to the skin, comfortable in all conditions, at least on the bike - not so good for walking around town when it's 100F.

[Socalrob]

Regarding riding jeans, I just picked up a new pair of Dragging Jeans.  Kevlar lining.  The comfort fit, they added 3% spandex to the jean fabric and it allows for slight stretch.  Really seams to be an improvement.

I have been wearing Dragging Jeans for 15 years as my daily jeans as I commute by bike.  One get off on the freeway at 50mph.  No injury and that pair of jeans just suffered the loss of one belt loop.