Cross country rain gear????

[Checkswrecks]

I've had really good results from the Rukka Armas jacket and pants I bought at Revzilla. The suit has taken me from literally -8 to 115 degree riding temps, and has held up far better than the Aerostitch Darien jacket and pants I used to buy and replace every 2-3 years. I have yet to get wet wearing the Rukka - and it's been through Hurricane Sandy, a tornado, snow, sleet, and hail. Not to mention a whole bunch of really enjoyable riding weather over the past ~ 100k miles.

The Rukka Pluto gloves with Outlast liner have completely changed my view on waterproof riding gloves. Dry hands are such a treat. Warm dry hands seem like an unfair copmpetitive advantage. Kinda like riding a Tenere.

Best,

Chris

Rukka is indeed top of the line. It should be since it is made by Scandinavians and a really nice part is that they are more in what are normal proportions to Americans. It lasts and so cuts the cost of ownership somewhat from that perspective, too.


Unfortunately, it is made in Finland, so between their labor rate and prices it is some of the most expensive gear available.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

I broke the little handle off the zipper on my nice Tour Master Sentential rain jacket yesterday. Did you know you actually need a handle to make the zipper go down? ::010:: You feel only slightly silly as you sit at 5 Guys eating your burger with you stuck jacket all the way to your neck in the warm dining area.

As I road for 2 hours in the rain, not another bike on the road to cause me to wave or otherwise distract me, I started wonder about this whole rain gear thing. I got home and started to research the Klim Badlands jacket to go with the pants I think I'm going to get. First I saw the price ??? Holy $%#@! After getting up off the floor and climbing back into my chair, I elected to research it anyway. What I'm seeing on the Badlands jacket is a lot of people talking about how uncomfortable the collar is against the neck. People saying to wear a turtle neck, or a scarf or something to keep that collar off your neck. Really...? You have a $900 retail price jacket and it's too uncomfortable to use it without a turtle neck?

Rather than going with the review of some stranger on this issue, I want to hear from my experts. Trike, Snake, what's the truth about this collar thing? I really don't want to be wearing a turtle neck to use my gear.

 

[trikepilot]

First I saw the price ??? Holy $%#@! After getting up off the floor and climbing back into my chair, I elected to research it anyway. What I'm seeing on the Badlands jacket is a lot of people talking about how uncomfortable the collar is against the neck. People saying to wear a turtle neck, or a scarf or something to keep that collar off your neck. Really...? You have a $900 retail price jacket and it's too uncomfortable to use it without a turtle neck?

Rather than going with the review of some stranger on this issue, I want to hear from my experts. Trike, Snake, what's the truth about this collar thing? I really don't want to be wearing a turtle neck to use my gear.

First off, I am hardly an expert....

Impressions are as follows. The Klim gear is built extremely well. Everything is very well thought out. I love the wrist gaskets to keep wind out of the sleeves. The venting works surprisingly well but we have not gotten to warm season yet so more testing to come. The pockets are plentiful and large. It is fully waterproof. I have ridden in the rain and the other day just went out and walked around outside in a torrential downpour and no leaks. I REALLY like the hydration bladder pocket in the jacket and the cutouts to allow you direct a hydration hose to the right front breast pocket. This is handy to keep sips of water available without stopping. It fits any old bladder from a camelbak. The armor is really nice compared to my Olympia armor. It is heavy at first touch, but it wears "lighter" than it feels when you pick it up. Everything is precurved and formfit to provide good range of motion. And finally, I like the alternating patterns of black and HiViz which is unlike my Olympia which is 100% hiviz.

There are only two issues that I have so far that I would like Klim to address. The first is that the pockets where the knee armor pads go into have far too wimpy velcro blobs that hold the armor where it needs to be. The armor is simply too big and heavy for the velcro. I was always finding my armor off my knees while riding and it was disconcerting to think of them not being where they would do any good in the event of a get-off. I have mentioned this to Klim already. My fix was to turn the pants inside out and carefully make some crude stitches on the liners (without getting into the gore layers) to hold the armor right where I want it. And the only other gripe I would have with the Klim gear is on the jacket and is the collar rub you speak of. Yes it is there. I guess it can ride differently on folks with different anatomy, but for me it is there but a minor annoyance that would not - even now after a month or so in the jacket - keep me from buying it. I am going to see how the jacket softens up with use (it is really stiff now!) to see if the collar will not lay down a bit. If not, I will take it to a friend who makes outdoor gear and see if he can stitch a small piece of black fleece over the top of the collar cuff to act as a pad just like my Olympia jacket came with.

Other than the two above issues - which I consider small and fixable - I cannot be happier with my Klim gear.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

Thanks, Harrison.

Since I'm in the mode of considering spending stupid amounts of money for rain worthy gear, why stop now? Have you also invested in GoreTex gloves? It seems wrong to spend so much for jacket and pants, but sit there with wet hands. I've purchased "rain gloves" before, but they were overwhelmed in hard rain over time. What are the plans for keeping the hands dry?

 

[XtreemLee]

First gear Kilimanjaro or Kenya and some HT Over pants will do the job for under/around $500.
I have done over 40k miles in all weather with that gear. If budget isn't a concern I would go Klim or Rukka, but if it is take a good hard look at First gear products.

 

[Checkswrecks]

I've got Klims Latitude jacket and it's kept me dry as a bone for a year. The collar has a funky elastic cord to draw it to your neck and it sorta chafed at first but I never notice it and haven't for a long time.


As for rain gloves, I went the other way and bought a pair on sale at Cycle Gear. Haven't leaked yet and when the rain is over I go back to a better pair.

 

[trikepilot]

Jon - waterproof gloves are on my radar but just barely. I have a pair of goretex gloves that are leftover from my old ice climbing days that work OK in cold weather. But they are highly insulated so they are no bueno in the heat. In the summer, I have just let my gloves get wet and bring a backup pair. So I am thinking of some summer weight goretex gloves and due to my current financial situation, will likely do what ChecksWrecks did and get a clearance pair of something for cheap for right now. Truth be told, that right now I rarely purposely ride in the rain. So rain gear is not a huge issue right NOW. But with my travel plans for the bike after grad school and the availability of funds late last fall, I thought going ahead and getting the Klim Badlands stuff made sense.

 

[toompine]

I have a whole wall of riding gear dating back 30 years (actually more, I have mx boots from 1968 still in my garage ::025:. I have ridden in lots of different gear from adapted to use specific. When I got back to serious road riding I bought a MotoGp mesh jacket with warmth and rain liners. I liked the flexibility but eventually grew weary of changing out the liners. I started wearing Stich stuff maybe 10 years ago and for my use (typically reasonable weather and 2-3 day trips) it was fine. I first got the one piece Roadcrafter and after a year got the two piece Roadcrafter. The only issue I had with them was that in serious rain they leaked. When I got the Tenere it came with a plan to go to Prudhoe Bay and I was looking for a jacket that was warm, protective, RAINPROOF and decently vented. I ended up settling on the First Gear Kathmandu. I have worn that jack about 30,000+ miles now and it is hands down my favorite to wear if I am going for more than a day or the weather is less than perfect. Always dry in any weather, you can wear it with a warmth liner if it is cold. I have an electric liner that I take with me if it is cold. The jacket without the liner for me is good down to about 45 degrees then I need a liner, electric or otherwise.

Funny thing, I do not like any of their pants. I have both the Kathmandu and HT and don't like the fit on either one. My favorite pants continue to be the Stich Roadcrafters. I sent them back last year to have new wp zippers put in and treated. They are much more waterproof now. I am not exactly the most fashion conscience guy and my jacket and pants do not match up like the BMW guys but they work; fit great, easy on and off, waterproof, comfortable enough for 21 days of straight riding and great protection

For a reasonable price you can have great gear. The Klim is amazing stuff but I can buy a vintage motorcycle for what their gear costs. I see not reason to drop more than 2 grand into a jacket and pants.

 

[snakebitten]

I agree on some of that First Gear stuff. It's like a poor man's Klim.
Currently wearing a pair of their pants with the Badlands jacket. They've performed well in rain. But I bought them the wrong size. Bought "tall", thinking it would insure against them riding up my boots when sitting. I now know I shouldn't have. Too long. Knee pads ride too low.

Not sure I would pay Klim or Rukus full price. I'd wait for the weight gainer-loser.

 

[snakebitten]

Oh, and that stiff collar on the Badlands.........
It breaks in. Did for me anyways. But it was a bit stiff when brand new.

 

[trikepilot]

Thanks Snake. I figured that collar would lay down and play nice after some use. It is already getting a bit better.

I agree on availing oneself of the used online market for gear that is in the price range of Klim and Rukke. When I bought my Badlands pants late last fall there were a good many ads posted for Klim stuff at ADVrider. I checked today and there are a few but not as many. It likely goes in cycles. I bought my pants within minutes of seeing the ad - you gotta act fast or they are gone. I got them for a $250 discount which made me feel not so bad for having to pay the $895 out the door for the jacket. Were I not so dead-set on the HiViz for the jacket, I could have bought a grey or black model at the ADV forum and saved even more. But in the end after riding in the gear awhile now, I have no regrets. The Badlands stuff from Klim is simply exceptional personal protection and comfort gear that should perform very well for many many years to come. And if not, then that is what a lifetime warranty is for.

And I hear you Toompine on seeing no reason to put 2 grand into jackets and pants. I hold the same feeling for all the bikes I see out there with $2k, $5k, or more in farkles so they can be super commuters. Everyone has a different emphasis on different farkles.

 

[creggur]

I'm two years into a Klim Latitude jacket and pant set. The Latitude is in the lower price range of Klim stuff (about $1100 for the set) and it's been simply amazing. I've ridden from 30 degrees (with a heated liner) to well over 100 in southeastern humidity, through steady rain for hours, and it's performed brilliantly. Not saying it doesn't get hot, it does, especially with the humidity here - actually thinking about picking up a Klim Induction jacket for the summers.

And I don't mind the investment, after two years of riding in all kinds of weather, the stuff still looks brand new (even in light gray). Just went through the whole wash and Revivex routine, and the gear looks almost like it did when I cracked the box on it two years ago. I figure picking up the induction will just net me more years from the Latitude jacket...

 

[Karson]

Gear is a tricky thing when it comes to the OP's question. Being comfortable and confident in the fact you've got the right gear on makes you a better rider, and if either of those two aren't met, the chances of wearing the gear drops, too. I honestly believe that. I also believe there is no perfect suit in the Adventure bike arena. Just like the bike we ride, it might do some of everything adequately, but it can't do everything perfectly.

I recently sold my Klim Traverse suit that's performed OK for the past couple years, but it's on its way to a new owner in California simply because it lacked features and fit for a true Adventure style suit for me. This past weekend, I put about 150 miles of riding in wet, frost heaved gravel with some of my backup gear I was less than comfortable and confident in. While I didn't consciously ride any different, I know I did because the thought of, "What if I high side, or hell, even low side in this stuff?" was a thought that crossed my mind a few times.

That being said, I recently scored a great deal on a new Badlands Pro suit today. For the countless lost hours I've spent researching the right gear, and I considered everything I know of, this suit offered the most bang for the buck. I hope the garment's life expectancy is given a good run for the cash outflow. Short of wearing armor that straps on you in weather that's always perfect, this is what I felt was the best bang for my dollar in an all in one type suit.

I also got tired of swamp foot from my Sidi Adventure Rain boots at water crossings and wet rides. Several years ago when I bought them, they were advertised as having an offbrand waterproof membrane. Now, if you go back it's been changed to water resistant. Also, if you look at the boot, it might appear adequately protective. But after a couple years of use, I can flex it laterally all over various critical points of the boot. Great for shifting while standing and walking, but that's about it. Wearing these off road, 900 miles from home in places where if you get a divorce, you're still brother and sister, isn't a thought that makes me feel great. Sidi Crossfire 2's are on the way. Goretex or seal skinz socks will soon be behind them.

The TL;DR (too long; didn't read) take away from this is: Buy the absolute best you can afford. Something, although unlikely perfect, is better than nothing. There's probably a tradeoff somewhere.

WRW9571 - if you read this I appreciate the insight you gave me about gear as we parted ways Saturday. ::26::

 

[trikepilot]

Yer gonna love that Badlands gear!!!!!!

 

[snakebitten]

Hope the pants are too big Karson.

 

[Karson]

Hope the pants are too big Karson.

The price threshold is such with these that it is going to fit one way or the other. Has to. And we both know it isn't the gear that's gonna have to change. I could return/exchange them, but that's a downer. I hate downers.

Yer gonna love that Badlands gear!!!!!!

I thought hard about the Adventure Rally setup, the pants aren't much different in cost, but no way in hell was $600 more for the jacket necessary for me.

 

[Tippo]

I washed my Badlands jacket and pants at least 3 times before I wore them to soften them up a bit. I also used a magic marker to tone down some of the logo "art". The jacket collar includes little velcro tabs that can be used to hold the collar out of the way in good weather. In bad weather I use a cotton neckerchief around my neck to keep the collar from rubbing on my razor burned skin. I use the same trick on my Aerostitch Roadcrafter suit. A cotton neckerchief has many uses and I usually carry one year round where ever I go.

Jeff

 

[WRW9751]

There is no doubt the better you feel in your gear the more comfortable and confident you'll feel on your ride. Confidence is probably the key in about any endeavor. But in riding it's just about everything!
Your motorcycle is the first level. Having it fit you and do all the things you ask it to do is paramount. After comes you clothing, we have all spent mile after mile with chaffing collars, wet feet, cold hands, ect.
I'm very picky! Quality generally comes with a price. I've tried several suits and jackets, pants.
I have some favorites and have some that hang in the closet never to be worn again.
Some name brands that have fallen along the wayside for Hype that they never lived up to.
I prefer to ride a little on the cool side. Over 90 is out for me, much over 80 is marginal.
Rain suits when it's hot is uncomfortable no matter what brand. I almost prefer mesh with liners.
Karson mentioned Seal Skin socks, I would wear them on a trip to arctic circle or long cold rainy days but they have there drawbacks as well. I have Seal Skin Gloves also not much protection but do keep your hands warm and dry. You will sweat some in each.

I'm so picky I don't even like some clothing on a different motorcycles. I have some jackets I don't feel comfortable on some of my bikes. It's a tough problem to have I know! Same with Helmets I have some I only wear with certain motorcycles, it has to do with confidence!
My point to all of this is to buy and use just what is comfortable and confidence inspiring to you!
Don't forget to buy some stock in Revzilla and Rocky Mountain ATV!

If there is a couple of name brands that jump out of the pack, they are KLIM and Areostich !!!!!
Andy Goldfein is a pillar in the motorcycle clothing industry, he has single handily has changed the entire industry for the better! If they sell it, it's worth owning!

 

[snakebitten]

Goldfine. And I agree.

 

[Karson]

Aerostitch was a contender. Classic and proven. But one thing I couldn't figure out is with all the new technology and fabrics out there why they don't come out with some updated designs. Maybe cost is a prohibitor - the whole Made in the USA (serving one up for you RonH) and also keeping it affordable might come into play?

At any rate, it's just another box in the matrix of buying that "perfect cross country rain gear" you'll have to consider.

I dunno.