Keeping warm in the south?

[Winston001]

Having enjoyed/endured a 13 hour trip in the current arctic conditions from Picton to Invercargill, I'm pondering more gear. Nothing I wore or did could keep me warm.

The first step is heated grips - being done.

I wear a leather jacket 100% of the time. Mates with textile jackets say they are warmer in the winter, plus waterproof (up to a point).

So.....do I get a cordura jacket, like the 1tonne http://www.1tonne.co.nz/index.php?pa...=&categoryid=2 which is a bargain at $135 compared with a good Motoline, Neo, or Dry Rider?

I already use Neo cordura trou all the time. Excellent, can't fault them.

Or follow the advice here and ante up for a good set of two piece leathers, say Quasi or 1tonne. $700. Or just good leather trou and add an 8inch zip to my current jacket.

I'm figuring that whatever I get, wet weather gear will still need to be carried.

[FJRider]

I wear Dri-Rider stuff... no issues with cold. My gloves do need replacing (also Dri-Rider)

[tri boy]

Different folks have different theories on staying warm.
Core body temp in the torso, and skull area are what I try to protect without bulking the clothing too much.
Wind chill via poor outer layer choice is also a factor. my personal clothing choice is:
Good wool socks,(if need be plastic shopping bags can be put over them in foul weather).
Gortex boots, that also receive bees wax treatment especially around the stitching.
Long johns that are light, and good quality.
I have switched from textile pants, to a pair of Quasimoto jean cut leather pants that also get bees wax treated.

Polyprop long sleeve under shirt, (i find these warmer than marino 2nd skin, and sweating isn't a problem on wet/cold rides.
A woolen shearers singlet over the poly prop. This gives great torso temp protection and leaves my arms less bulky.
A Hunting/Fishing micro fibre skivvy to top the torso off. Light and warm, and not bulky.
I stillprefer a textile jacket as they feel warmer, and upper body movement seems easier than a leather jacket.
Good balaclava to retain head warmth.

Good gloves also treated with bees wax. (can't recommend this stuff enough).

If the weather becomes extremely wet, I have an old Bianchi storm suit, (1 piece), that very rarely lets a trickle of rain in. Also is great wind cheating properties.
Two days ago, I spend two 8 hour days riding in wet/coldish/windy/misty rain. Ham-Masterton-Ham rtn of about 1000km. Fingers stayed dry n warm. Boots didn't let any water in, and crotch had a slight dampness. (think this was more sweat/moisture from sitting for so long.

Rode between logging trucks in foul rain with spray pouring off them for 1/2 hour. Still dry.

Avoid bulky clothes that restrict movement, and use bees wax, (available from boot repairers, and farm supply stores. MHO
Hope this helps.

[Guzza]

I'm a die hard leather and woollen jersy man myself but due to the cut of my new Qmoto jacket, I have ditched the woollen jersy for a light weight down jacket, wich works a treat! This time around I bought an oilskin vest to go over the leather jacket. It adds a wind/waterproof layer that is enough for light rain, also gives me somewhere to put rally badges without turning my jacket into a pin cusion.

Alas, leather just doesnt cut it in the wet so I carry a cordura seam sealed jacket of the brightest hi-vis yellow, resplendent with reflective stripes. Bugger this looking cool buisness when it's pissing down, I'd rather bee seen! Wind chill has a huge effect on riders and wearing a wind/water proof layer over your leathers can make a huge difference. I have a set of Rain-Off over mittens and although they are a bit fussy to get on, they are totally water proof and do keep your fingers Way warmer than gloves alone. Thinking seriously about heated grips for myself tho...

As mnetioned by tri boy, a thermal base layer is recommended I use a mix of polipro and wool, cause thats what I have. A micro fleece mid layer then the down jacket. I wear a polipro hat or balaclava under my lid, depending on the temp. I dont own the latest super-duper winter gloves so I wear a thin polipro liner inside the gloves and Rain-Offs over top of the gloves when needed.

Guzza

[shafty]

My two tips would be:

http://www.swazi.co.nz/Online-Shop/O...-High-Country/

www.rain-off.com

Good luck!

Shafty

[martybabe]

Buffalo gear.

Here's a link

http://www.upandunder.co.uk/eshop/ca...cription_ID=66

If you can be arsed, read about the mountain shirt, buy one and wear it under your jacket.

In simple terms: you will never be cold, wet or sweaty ever again.

This stuff is absolutely fuggin brilliant and then some. any one that does long distance winter rides or attends them winter rallies, this is the answer to your prayers. I don't work for them and I don't sell their stuff, I'm just telling you that the manufacturers bullshit is all true, infact it doesn't go far enough. This is the best stuff made anywhere by anybody at any price.

I have mountaineered in it, swam icy rivers in it, skied in it, in fact if you can still get the sleeping bags, you can go to sleep with all your wet gear inside even wet towels and it will all be bone dry in the morning. I have woken up in a tent on top of a mountain at -20 degrees and found my tent full of steam as the shirt dries it self out form a drenching the night before, incredible stuff.

[Ixion]

Do they no longer have newspapers down souff ?

[BMWST?]

i would think that everything else being equal there is no difference between a leather jacket and a textile.The advantage of a textile is that if it rains it is better than a leather jacket.There is no secret about staying warm,and you wont beleive the difference the heated grips will make.A small fairing which takes the wind away from the torso is also good.Then just layer,with wool,polyprop,icebreaker,whatever.I would say the reason your textile mates are warmer than you is they have better liners in their jackets than you have in your leather jacket.If i knew i was doing lots of wet winter road trips i would find some over boot type things to go over normal leather boots.Keeps the water off but lets the leather breathe a bit

[200BUSA]

I can do a good deal for you if you want new Cordura jacket, or pants. Very warm. Same as all other cordura gear. zip out liner, 600denier corcdura. PM me if interested.

[Winston001]

Core body temp in the torso, and skull area are what I try to protect without bulking the clothing too much.
Wind chill via poor outer layer choice is also a factor. my personal clothing choice is:
Good wool socks,(if need be plastic shopping bags can be put over them in foul weather).
Gortex boots, that also receive bees wax treatment especially around the stitching.
Long johns that are light, and good quality.
I have switched from textile pants, to a pair of Quasimoto jean cut leather pants that also get bees wax treated.

Polyprop long sleeve under shirt, (i find these warmer than marino 2nd skin, and sweating isn't a problem on wet/cold rides.
A woollen shearers singlet over the poly prop. This gives great torso temp protection and leaves my arms less bulky.
A Hunting/Fishing micro fibre skivvy to top the torso off. Light and warm, and not bulky.
I still prefer a textile jacket as they feel warmer, and upper body movement seems easier than a leather jacket.
Good balaclava to retain head warmth.

Good gloves also treated with bees wax. (can't recommend this stuff enough).

If the weather becomes extremely wet, I have an old Bianchi storm suit, (1 piece), that very rarely lets a trickle of rain in. Also is great wind cheating properties.....

Excellent description and advice. I think you are using one more layer than I do which makes the difference.

I'm a die hard leather and woollen jersy man myself but due to the cut of my new Qmoto jacket, I have ditched the woollen jersy for a light weight down jacket, which works a treat! This time around I bought an oilskin vest to go over the leather jacket. It adds a wind/waterproof layer that is enough for light rain, also gives me somewhere to put rally badges without turning my jacket into a pin cusion.

Alas, leather just doesnt cut it in the wet so I carry a cordura seam sealed jacket of the brightest hi-vis yellow, resplendent with reflective stripes. Bugger this looking cool business when it's pissing down, I'd rather be seen! Wind chill has a huge effect on riders and wearing a wind/water proof layer over your leathers can make a huge difference. I have a set of Rain-Off over mittens and although they are a bit fussy to get on, they are totally water proof and do keep your fingers Way warmer than gloves alone. Thinking seriously about heated grips for myself tho...

As mnetioned by tri boy, a thermal base layer is recommended I use a mix of polipro and wool, cause thats what I have. A micro fleece mid layer then the down jacket. I wear a polypro hat or balaclava under my lid, depending on the temp. I dont own the latest super-duper winter gloves so I wear a thin polypro liner inside the gloves and Rain-Offs over top of the gloves when needed.

Guzza

More good advice - thanks.

Do they no longer have newspapers down souff ?

Cheeky bugger. As a matter of fact, I arrived home with a crumpled copy of the Marlborough Express under my jacket.

I can do a good deal for you if you want new Cordura jacket, or pants. Very warm. Same as all other cordura gear. zip out liner, 600denier cordura. PM me if interested.

Cheers, pm sent.

[MaxB]

Come on admit it - you really want a heated vest.

Widder, Gerbing and Tourmaster are good brands if you do.

[Winston001]

Come on admit it - you really want a heated vest.

Widder, Gerbing and Tourmaster are good brands if you do.

Heated vests pah! ...but will just check them out for curiosity..

But I do like Triboy's shearers singlet idea. Southern Man stuff.

Incidentally, Buffalo gear is now available on TM http://www.trademe.co.nz/Members/Lis...member=1469660 This jacket in particular looks too good to be true.. http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-218689368.htm Edit - not sure if its the same and the Pertex shirts are not listed.

I must say that I'm a bit over the basic black (and blue) and prefer something with a bit of colour.

None of which really solves my basic question - quality leather with a rainsuit or cordura - and I expect I'd still have to carry a rainsuit anyway.

Enjoying the input team, much appreciated, more suggestions/sarcasm welcomed...

[skidMark]

Down south i just used heated grips and 3 layers up top... long johns and jeans over the top, was fine in -10 celsius

[NighthawkNZ:Me]

Chill Out GEar is suppose to be real good... me a Xaria will looking at getting some soon...
http://www.roadguide.co.nz/searchres...erms=chill+out

[Winston001]

Chill Out GEar is suppose to be real good... me a Xaria will looking at getting some soon...
http://www.roadguide.co.nz/searchres...erms=chill+out

I have a White windstop top just like the Oxford, which is slightly cheaper and very good. In fact despite this thread, this last trip is the first time I've felt really cold wearing the windstop top.

The Icebreaker gear is very good and I just found an American outdoors review where it was second top. Locally Glowing Skies (Stewart Island) make similar and cheaper merino gear. Got some old merino underwear so will give it a whirl for the Brass Monkey. I think Skidmark has it right - wear more than one base layer.