Touring gear recommendations

**Tank** · 5th December 2008, 10:56

Hi,

Looking at getting a new jacket / pants and the ones I have really are not doing the job for me. (Rev Its)

I'm looking for good touring clothing - pref 3/4 jacket 'style' - Cordura not leather obv.

Good levels of waterproofing, take out liner for both pants and jacket, comfortable, good levels of breathing, and very good levels of safety.

Can anyone recommend brands - or let me know brands to keep away from.

**Tank** · 5th December 2008, 11:00

I should mention - I ride 365 days - so it needs to be something adaptable for winter thru summer. Although in Auckland that can be a single days weather.

**Radar** · 5th December 2008, 11:23

Originally Posted by Tank

Hi,

Looking at getting a new jacket / pants and the ones I have really are not doing the job for me. (Rev Its)

What's wrong with your RevIts? I thought they made good gear.

Do you want vents front and back?
How much $$ do you want to spend?

BTW, nice bike. Stroms:

**sunhuntin** · 5th December 2008, 11:30

ive got rjays pants and jacket. the jacket has elbow and shoulder protection, while the pants have no protection. [i was only looking for waterproof pants, not protection at the time. regretting it now] the jacket also has a degree of back protection, but its more a pad than a hard shell like the arms have.

ive worn the pants down south in many weathers, including hail. 100% leak proof. havent really tested the jacket, but have worn in very heavy rain with no leaks. the jacket has a removable liner, which i leave out year round. [i bulk up the under clothes instead due to losing body heat fast] i dont overheat while wearing either or both items, unless im stationary in traffic. moving, its cool as.

however, i was told the jacket i bought was the last they were getting in, which may mean no more imports on rjays nationwide, but a dealer on here will be able to tell you that better.

**vifferman** · 5th December 2008, 13:55

I've got touring gear - wear it all year round, though mostly communtering.
I did have leather pants (still hanging in my cupboard) and just used to slip on some Motoline waterproof pants over the top. This was brilliant, but with D'Auckland's changeable weather, I wanted summat comfy AND waterproof, so I bought Spidi Gran Turismo pants. They're Cordura with leather panels on the seat (for non-slip, and presumably abrasion resistance) and inside lower legs. They have excellent armour in the knees and hips, and a removable thermal liner. The waterproof liner is non-removable.
On the thighs are some vent zips, and there are zips on the lower legs, as well as a tag with snaps to tighten the bottom if you need to, and a velcroed strap behind and below the knee to make sure the armour stays put. (In actual fact, the armour feels like it sticks to your knees anyway!)
They're reasonable comfy year-round, but they do get hot in start-stop traffic - anything would. They're still cooler than leathers.

I was going to buy the matching jacket, but it's a bit short on venting, in my opinion, after my Teknic Hurricane, which has two vents on the chest, two on each arm, and two in the back on the shoulders. So, instead I bought a Macna Summit leather jacket, which is SO cool in summer, courtesy of a panel up the front and around the back of the neck which zips right off, to reveal mesh underneath, and one double-ended zip on each sleeve (can zip open from either end).
It has a thermal liner and a waterproof liner. You can wear it with both, or just the waterproof liner. It seems to be showerproof at least, with just treatment with a leather conditioner, and (presumably) waterproof (I've ridden in torrential rain twice, but for only a few minutes each time).

I really like this jacket, as it's a true four seasons jacket, which is what I wanted. I can set off on a ride, and it doesn't matter if it pisses down half way, even if it started off summery. All I need to do is zip the sleeve vents and thigh vents shut, and I'm set. (As both pants and jacket have liners, it actually doesn't matter if I leave them open, but I'm not about to invite water in).

IDEALLY, I'd have several suits, but I reasoned it would be hard to justify that, and I've had so many instances where I've set out and it was fine'n'warm, then became very wet and cool, or vice-versa.
The BEST protection is leather, with waterproofs over the top. If I was going that way, I'd get Quasi's leathers, and a Motoline jacket (my pants are still good after 4+ years of use). But if you're like me, there aren't a lot of true 4-season jackets and pants available, and it costs, and it's still a compromise to some degree.

**suckingair** · 5th December 2008, 15:47

I have a Spool suit, with zip out liners. Been using the same suit for over 6 years now. The gloves and boots give out in wet weather before the suit does.

It was reasonably priced, comfortable in both hot and cold, I've been in 2 degrees to 35 with the suit.

One day I'll wash it....

**AlBundy** · 5th December 2008, 16:06

I find that using a higher gear for touring, tends to save the engine over longer distances...

**jafar** · 5th December 2008, 16:15

Originally Posted by AlBundy

I find that using a higher gear for touring, tends to save the engine over longer distances...

There is always a smartass in the group

**Elysium** · 5th December 2008, 18:11

I wear 1tonne pants and boots and they seem to do the job just fine. Though I'm still wearing an old jacket that makes me look bulky.

But if you have they money then get some good brand products, though a lot of people say certain cheap gear is just as good.

**Kiwi Graham:Me** · 5th December 2008, 19:08

Dryrider nordic pro. I ride every day rain or shine. Zip out thermal inner, vents a pleanty, totally waterproof and comfortable. highly recommend this mid/high price range gear.

**NighthawkNZ:Me** · 5th December 2008, 19:37

Originally Posted by Tank

Hi,

Looking at getting a new jacket / pants and the ones I have really are not doing the job for me. (Rev Its)

I'm looking for good touring clothing - pref 3/4 jacket 'style' - Cordura not leather obv.

Good levels of waterproofing, take out liner for both pants and jacket, comfortable, good levels of breathing, and very good levels of safety.

Can anyone recommend brands - or let me know brands to keep away from.

I have found that my RJays Evo Jacket and RJays Trou are great... and unless it is a Milford sound down pour has kept me dry... (haven't had that standard leak in that standard place in the trou as of yet

)

They have vents that can be opened and closed, as well as on the hot days take out the inner lining (which is also washable) On the cold wet days I have an oil skin vest... The trousers go over top of my boots so the don't leak there.

There is armor in the elbows and knees, and well as each protection for your back (not back protector though)

Overall I have found the gear great and have had no problem except having too many pockets.

My only let down has been my gloves...

but with heated grips it takes the edge off even when soaking wet.

I have now gone back to leather but still pick and choose what to wear

**Snails pace** · 6th December 2008, 05:57

+1 on the Macna jacket. Have had mine for a while and used in condtions from snow to tropical rains. Great jacket. The zip off venting is superb. I see they make one with zip off arms but my elbows are a bit special, to me, so I would not use one myself.