What to wear in hot, humid, sticky, sweaty weather?

[brett7777]

I have actually tended in years gone by to ride more in spring,autumn & winter than summer, cos I cant bear the thought of puttiin on a jacket in this kind of humid weather.
I agree with being sensible in what you wear when you ride, gloves, boots, jacket etc; I have armoured trou too but often go with Levis in the hotter months (more sensible than shorts, haven't graduated to kevlar jeans yet).
Anyway, does anyone know of a garment that you could wear instead of a jacket that would still be somewhat sensible? Even without it's winter lining my jacket is too hot. Sometimes I wear just a long sleeve T shirt but I realize that is really just a token gesture.
I see guys out there in T shirts & shorts etc, I dont agree with that.
Does anyone know of a long sleeve T shirt that has kevlar, vents, or something like that? something that would allow you to get some wind onto you to cool you down, & not cause you to be in a sauna whilst stopped at the lights?
Any suggestions & product recommendations really appreciated,
cheers,
Brett
http://bobbersrus.blog.com/
http://www.freewebstore.org/BobbersRUs

[AllanB]

leather jacket & trou, summer gloves (leather), boots, helmet.

I don't slow down or I'll cook.


Bloody hot and windy in Christchurch this morning - I have seen plenty on small bikes in shorts and T'shirts :facepalm:

[ukusa]

I saw a mesh type jacket at the local Triumph dealer a few weeks ago. A quick google indicates a few mesh type jackets out there. Probably not a lot of retailers in NZ, but Aussie probably has a few (North Queensland probably sells a few).
For me, usually Kevlar jeans in hot summer, with a singlet under my jacket. Thin socks with short boots too.

[brett7777]

thanks, what about a MX or GP jersey? Im really trying to think of something other than a jacket...
anyone tried these GP jerseys from cycletreads?
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Helmets-clothing-footwear/Jerseys-shirts/auction-342316633.htm

[nutjob]

Leather jacket with bugger-all underneath and leather pants or kevlar jeans... otherwise you are only going to be cool until you come off :shit:

[Latte]

That would be no better than a T-Shirt in regards to road rash. If you don't like the idea of a mesh jacket (Surprising just how much airflow they do allow) then maybe some Hard MX Armour (Dainese, pressure suits, etc). Although they'd probably get quite hot as well.

[george formby]

The local postie is wearing trainers, short shorts & a hi viz vest with a bikini top underneath. :yes: to go about her rounds.

On a safer note, I looked at some Adventure riding gear when I was in the UK. Proper desert stuff, very well protected & very well ventilated. The jackets & pants had zips or velcro which opened up mesh panels all over the place. Sadly never seen the like over here, a lack of deserts no doubt unlike the vast sandy wastes of the UK:blink:
Might be worth some intervestigation.

[Gremlin]

Some kind of body skin, then perhaps mx armour, then a shirt over the top?

[AllanB]

The local postie is wearing trainers, short shorts & a hi viz vest with a bikini top underneath. :yes: to go about her rounds.


Bastard - don't you own a camera?

[HenryDorsetCase]

I have actually tended in years gone by to ride more in spring,autumn & winter than summer, cos I cant bear the thought of puttiin on a jacket in this kind of humid weather.
I agree with being sensible in what you wear when you ride, gloves, boots, jacket etc; I have armoured trou too but often go with Levis in the hotter months (more sensible than shorts, haven't graduated to kevlar jeans yet).
Anyway, does anyone know of a garment that you could wear instead of a jacket that would still be somewhat sensible? Even without it's winter lining my jacket is too hot. Sometimes I wear just a long sleeve T shirt but I realize that is really just a token gesture.
I see guys out there in T shirts & shorts etc, I dont agree with that.
Does anyone know of a long sleeve T shirt that has kevlar, vents, or something like that? something that would allow you to get some wind onto you to cool you down, & not cause you to be in a sauna whilst stopped at the lights?
Any suggestions & product recommendations really appreciated,
cheers,
Brett
http://bobbersrus.blog.com/
http://www.freewebstore.org/BobbersRUs

get your t shirt, and soak it in water. wring it out and putit on wet.

go ride.

as the water evaporates it cools you down.

Peter Egan wrote that so it must be true.

[brett7777]

well apart from wet t shirts it seems the general consensus might be a mesh jacket with vents.
anyone have any product recommendations in that area? I can see a few ads on TM but it's always better if something's been tried & tested...

[Scuba_Steve]

Draggin make these http://dragginjeans.net/product%20range/mens/jackets

But its all about airflow... just ride faster

[zeocen]

I have a DriRider climate control 2, which does the job if there isn't much underneath. I've found myself rolling up the sleeves just below the elbow while riding lately. Don't particularly care what anyone thinks of it, either. :)

On extremely hot days i have a 991 Core Cooler that keeps my body temp down. I run hot as it is so this summer has been exceptionally painful. Oh how I long for winter again, the best riding season!

[2wheeldrifter]

How about something like this under your jacket and pants...?

[nadroj]

Try http://www.1tonne.co.nz/index.php?page=listingDetails&categoryid=2&collectionid=&prodid=81&pageNum=1&x=36&y=25

Take the 2 liners out & get good airflow with vents open.

[Latte]

I have this in black.

http://motomail.co.nz/estore/style/rejkair.aspx

Works really well , almost too cold sometimes (even in the height of summer).

[brett7777]

I like 1tonne's stuff (have pants from there, they're great) but it still looks like I might sweat at the lights.
The Revit one really sounds the go, more dosh, but if someone says it really works, from personal experience, then that's a big plus.
and I wouldnt have to soak it in water before riding...

[Latte]

They had another brand (Rjays I think) that was cheaper, but didn't like the fit at all - it did come with a liner though.

[brett7777]

I have an rjays at the moment. sweaty. I like their stuff too, but maybe fit is an issue with them, my rjays helmet took quite a while to wear in & feel comfortable. was the rjays a specialised summer jacket like the revit air one?

[jack_hamma]

How about something like this under your jacket and pants...?

I could see Honda riders wearing that.... :yes:

[Latte]

I have an rjays at the moment. sweaty. I like their stuff too, but maybe fit is an issue with them, my rjays helmet took quite a while to wear in & feel comfortable. was the rjays a specialised summer jacket like the revit air one?

Yeah , a specific summer mesh jacket as well. A normal jacket with zip vents etc has nothing on one of these - the arms etc are cordura (or similar) with all the armour, but the chest and back are mesh, not sure on the Rjays but mine had the soft foam back insert as well.

In saying that I have a Qmoto jacket with perforated leather across the front, and that gives decent airflow once moving (20-30k plus) even in hot weather. Still not as good as the mesh though.

[brett7777]

thanks, I think I'll head into motomail & have a look at them

[Botany Honda]

thanks, I think I'll head into motomail & have a look at them

Mesh jackets, mesh gloves in stock, can get kevlar jeans if you want them.

The answer in this weather:yes:

[brett7777]

Thanks for the advice, yeah I think I need to kit up for summer more. Botany Honda: thanks, I'm out West so you are on the opposite side of the city, Motomail a lot closer :) hey btw, from the perspective of a Honda dealer, whadda u think of these old Hondas I just finished converting? I did 2, they look similar, but one has a 150 rear tyre whereas the other has a 130, plus the exhausts & taillights are different
226883226884

[Botany Honda]

Thanks for the advice, yeah I think I need to kit up for summer more. Botany Honda: thanks, I'm out West so you are on the opposite side of the city, Motomail a lot closer :) hey btw, from the perspective of a Honda dealer, whadda u think of these old Hondas I just finished converting? I did 2, they look similar, but one has a 150 rear tyre whereas the other has a 130, plus the exhausts & taillights are different
226883226884

Nice work, there is alot to be said for customising old jap bikes on reasonable budget, the bobber style is a favorite of mine.........one day i will have time to have a go:violin:

[specter]

i was considering this http://motomail.co.nz/estore/style/rvjkignition.aspx

looks like a winner for summer, and looks really good with the textile/leather combo

[Latte]

Doesn't look like it would cool like a proper mesh jacket would, but definitely a contender for an all seasons jacket, I like the colour contrast too.

[slofox]

I just wear the usual - and don't slow down :whistle:

[Shadowjack]

32 degrees today, same-ish yesterday, and the day before.
Dri-Rider Rallycross Pro jacket.
Zip out the waterproof and/or thermal liners.
Open the chest vents.
Draggin's with additional armour.
Good to go.
(Helps having gale force nor'westers, too)

[Mental Trousers]

UnderArmour Heatgear. Most racers wear something along these lines under their leathers. They keep you much, much cooler and it's piss easy to get in and out of your gear because it no longer sticks to you.

You can get some from your local Stirling Sports or surf ebay.

[The Everlasting]

Some good recommendations there,it seriously can get unbearable having to stop when it's so hot,sometimes it gets so bad,upon arriving at my destination,I literally throw off all my gear in a few seconds!!

Will have to search those alternatives!

[st00ji]

Some good recommendations there,it seriously can get unbearable having to stop when it's so hot,sometimes it gets so bad,upon arriving at my destination,I literally throw off all my gear in a few seconds!!

Will have to search those alternatives!


im feeling that, working all day as a mechanic in stuffy workshop and overalls, climb into the wet weather gear i've been forced to wear recently with the way the weather has been... by the time i get home its like my own little sauna.

i just tell myself it'll make me lose weight, haha... will be having a serious think about that revit air jacket! sounds awesome.

[varminter]

Switch off brain, get gear on, swallow 2 HTFU tablets and go.

Just had a thought, I'll leave the helmet in the fridge all day:yes:

[trumpy]

I have a Dririder "Drimesh" jacket. Armour in all the right places and pretty much mesh everywhere else. Bonus is it comes with a thermal and waterproof liners for the rest of the year. PM Katman he has some and I'm sure he would do a VERY good price for you.

[mattian]

The local postie is wearing trainers, short shorts & a hi viz vest with a bikini top underneath. :yes: to go about her rounds

Thats really really dangerous......... for those of us driving/riding past at the time.

[nadroj]

http://www.coolshirt.net/

http://www.otago.ac.nz/textiles/clothing_textiles_centre/cool.1.nz_vest/index.html

http://www.facebook.com/pages/COOL-VEST/401748525342

[baptist]

Just had a thought, I'll leave the helmet in the fridge all day:yes:

<_< ummmm

I have a Cordura jacket and Pants with vents in the arms, chest, back legs etc... I sweat so much in it I have found I am better off in my normal Leather Jacket and Pants. I just lift the front of my Helmet up if I am stuck at lights or in really stop start traffic on the way to work. Just cannot jump on the bike in shorts and tee, just does not seem right to me anyway.

[BMWST?]

The Americans who ride in the southern states talk about mesh jackets with armour

[bsasuper]

I only have one alpinestars jacket, in winter its warm, in summer I let the zip down a bit.I tried one of those mesh jackets with armour but there is so little to them the armour moves about, I just didnt feel safe in it.

[specter]

The Americans who ride in the southern states talk about mesh jackets with armour

ya never know maybe in 100 years time they will start wearing gear

[Latte]

I was watching a motrorcycle chase from the US on youtube last night, and the thing that got me was the chasee was wearing a leather jacket, boots, helmet and jeans. And the cop on his harley (or clone) was wearing short sleeved shirt and an open face helmet, not even proper boots.

[specter]

I was watching a motrorcycle chase from the US on youtube last night, and the thing that got me was the chasee was wearing a leather jacket, boots, helmet and jeans. And the cop on his harley (or clone) was wearing short sleeved shirt and an open face helmet, not even proper boots.

can you post the vid?

[Latte]

I'll try and find it (will have to be after work). Was a case of randomly following "related videos"

[specter]

I'll try and find it (will have to be after work). Was a case of randomly following "related videos"

yep have had a few of those hunts before

[Gone Burger]

I'm up from Wellington, visiting family in Auckland and have been riding round here all week. Wow - different experience up here thats for sure. This humid weather is something that is just unheard of in Welly and takes some getting used to. Yesterday I cam through from Albany to Mission Bay. Got stuck in rush hour traffic and am too hopeless to filter (nearly got taken out by a 4 wheel drive that wanted my lane anyway she could take it!). So.. downtown, stopped in traffic in leather jacket, draggin slicks, gloves and boots - was a cooking! Vents all open, zip on jacket half undone, bike over heating from idling for so long and roasting my leg near the pipes. HOT STUFF!

Have seen sooooo many riders round Auckland wearing just their shorts and t-shirts with a helmet. and now I can understand why they are so tempted by this. Wouldn't do it myself, but couldn't help but be rather jealous of them in their cooler attire. I'm on the bike all day at the moment in and out of town, and I'm a sticky sweaty mess at each destination I get too (haha my lucky family and friend who are not bikers and look at me in disgust like I've made no effort in their presence).

Looking forward to perhaps the Coro loop today and getting some pace to get the wind going through. :) Weeeeee

[BMWST?]

I'm up from Wellington, visiting family in Auckland and have been riding round here all week. Wow - different experience up here thats for sure. This humid weather is something that is just unheard of in Welly and takes some getting used to. Yesterday I cam through from Albany to Mission Bay. Got stuck in rush hour traffic and am too hopeless to filter (nearly got taken out by a 4 wheel drive that wanted my lane anyway she could take it!). So.. downtown, stopped in traffic in leather jacket, draggin slicks, gloves and boots - was a cooking! Vents all open, zip on jacket half undone, bike over heating from idling for so long and roasting my leg near the pipes. HOT STUFF!

Have seen sooooo many riders round Auckland wearing just their shorts and t-shirts with a helmet. and now I can understand why they are so tempted by this. Wouldn't do it myself, but couldn't help but be rather jealous of them in their cooler attire. I'm on the bike all day at the moment in and out of town, and I'm a sticky sweaty mess at each destination I get too (haha my lucky family and friend who are not bikers and look at me in disgust like I've made no effort in their presence).

Looking forward to perhaps the Coro loop today and getting some pace to get the wind going through. :) Weeeeee

welly is actually very humid but the lower temps and wind make it more ageeable

[pritch]

My touring kit has vents in both jacket and trousers. The leather jacket is vented too and that would be my preference tomorrow, but if there is rain around it'll have to be the touring gear.

Whatever, it's best to keep moving.

[Pussy]

I can HIGHLY recommend this stuff.... works VERY well!

http://vm.net.nz/crownkiwi/catalogue/showitem.jsp?ItemID=14668&sizeIndex=0&cCode=AS-475259-10-XS/S&QOH=7&categoryID=210&customlistNum=1

http://vm.net.nz/crownkiwi/catalogue/showitem.jsp?ItemID=14671&sizeIndex=0&cCode=AS-475269-10-XS/S&QOH=7&categoryID=210&customlistNum=1

[jrandom]

T-shirt, shorts, slip-on shoes, helmet and gloves.

Seriously, folks. Are you really that uncertain about whether you can avoid falling off your motorbikes?

Harden the fuck up.


Yesterday I cam through from Albany to Mission Bay. Got stuck in rush hour traffic and am too hopeless to filter... stopped in traffic in leather jacket, draggin slicks, gloves and boots - was a cooking! Vents all open, zip on jacket half undone, bike over heating from idling for so long...

I am trying, and failing, to figure out why you don't just buy a Corolla with air conditioning.

[st00ji]

I can HIGHLY recommend this stuff.... works VERY well!

http://vm.net.nz/crownkiwi/catalogue/showitem.jsp?ItemID=14668&sizeIndex=0&cCode=AS-475259-10-XS/S&QOH=7&categoryID=210&customlistNum=1

http://vm.net.nz/crownkiwi/catalogue/showitem.jsp?ItemID=14671&sizeIndex=0&cCode=AS-475269-10-XS/S&QOH=7&categoryID=210&customlistNum=1

whats it do then?


Seriously, folks. Are you really that uncertain about whether you can avoid falling off your motorbikes?

why the helmet then? surely sunglasses will suffice :P

[Pussy]

whats it do then?





Wear this stuff as an under garment. It serves several purposes. Wicks sweat away from you (feel noticeably cooler when wearing it). Also ensures your jacket, trou etc don't stick to you. Also helps with freedom of movement. I bought a set at the tail end of last summer. The ONLY thing that pisses me of about these under-garments is that I didn't have them years ago. Get some, you won't regret it

[SPman]

get your t shirt, and soak it in water. wring it out and putit on wet.

go ride.

as the water evaporates it cools you down.

Peter Egan wrote that so it must be true.

It is true. The missus tried that out a coupla weeks ago - under a mesh cordura jacket. had to keep wetting down every 30km though......

Over here most people have mesh Cordura or leather jackets. Once the temps get up over 36-37 though, it makes sod all difference - water cooled leathers would be good.

[st00ji]

under a mesh cordura jacket.

boooooooo!

[Little Miss Trouble]

I Yesterday I cam through from Albany to Mission Bay. Got stuck in rush hour traffic and am too hopeless to filter...

Have you met Madduck? I've seen her do some pretty impressive filtering on her tractor, perhaps she can give you a lesson.

[Gone Burger]

Have you met Madduck? I've seen her do some pretty impressive filtering on her tractor, perhaps she can give you a lesson.

I have met her, down in Wellington. Have heard she is pretty ace at filtering. But I have come to accept that its something I 100% suck at, and that's no ones fault but my own. I do it a bit back home, but am a little overhwhelmed with the traffic up here and became too chicken on my first day to cut through. Soft - I know I know - HTFU. Ahhh.... one day ;)

[vifferman]

I bought a four-seasons jacket. There are very few on the market; the Spidi Gran Turismo comes close, but my Macna Summit is better. While the Teknic Hurricane jacket I used to have had more vents (a total of 8, with two on each sleeve, two on the chest, and two on the back), the Macna goes one better. It has only two long sleeve vents, which are a little ineffectual as the fairing on the VFR directs air away from my lower arms. However, it has a lether panel on the front and up around the neck that zips off, leaving mesh underneath. The airflow through this is phenomenal, even at 50 km/h with the waterproof lining in. Even with the winter lining in (I forgot it was still in place :facepalm: ) it's cool, but with both linings out, it's heavenly to ride in.
My pants (Spidi Gran Turismo) aren't so good, as they have only two thigh vents that are pretty ineffectual, and the goretex lining isn't removable. Even so, they're OK when moving, but suck in stop/start traffic, so if I'm going to the shops for example, I wear jeans. My Held gloves have vents in the fingers, which are only effective on the highway, which isn't really a big deal unless it's very hot.

[brett7777]

I got the Rev'it Air Jacket (thanks for the recommendation). It's brilliant. I went for a ride today in the scorching heat & really enjoyed the ride, no more sauna inside my jacket! Saw a couple of other riders with T shirts on. Didn't envy them at all haha!
Indicentally, I tried the wet t shirt thing at home the other day, just to stave off the heat. It works, to cool you down, but...once it's dry it reeks ! (you know, that smell your clean washing gets if you leave it wet for too long without hanging it out or drying it...yuk). So that could be a big downside to that method.