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Jacket over leathers for rain?

JackEM

New member
Joined
Jun 26, 2002
Location
San Diego
Moto(s)
2 wheeler
Planning to do my first longer trip. I no longer have textiles (used have a closet full of all types); trying to get by without needing to buy a new textile jacket. I prefer leather for the safety aspect too. My leather jacket is a sport riding jacket, so really no room to layer underneath. I would think that an over-jacket might provide an element of warmth for the chilly mornings/evenings too. I'm doing a ride in the Summer up the coast of California (SD to Canada), so not expecting a ton of rain -- but I would think I will hit some in the PNW.

Anyone wear a shell type jacket over your leathers for rain? How does it work out for you? I've seen folks do this - but wondering if it's viable? If so, what should I look for in purchasing one? Other than "it's comfy over my leathers and waterproof"

* I remember seeing GaryJ do this with some frequency, but never got a chance to talk to him about it.

Thanks!
Jack
 
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yep. ive worn a cycling waterproof shell over my leather jacket in the worst weather and everything was golden. i borrowed it from a larger friend, so it fit comfortably over. i was warm, dry, and its hi-viz green so i was very visible. if its not that cold, u might start getting warm and feeling like u are in a sauna. but opening a zipper fixes that quickly.
 
I've done it too, made a mad dash to the hardware store and just bought some 10 dollar slickers, worked great. And I'll second the above sauna statement.
 
I frequently wear a waterproof shell over my perforated leather jacket.

Avoid a shell with a hood.
 
Sure, why not?

I used to wear a North Face rain gear jacket over my "stich on really wet commutes. It was a Hi-Viz orange so it also improved see-ability.
I found one large enough on Ebay to fit over my riding gear for like 30 bucks.
 
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Yeah I've commuted for a year from SF to Stanford 5 days a week at 5 am.

I started with the cycling slicker and a balaclava.

I have no wind protection so the flapping and ballooning up the sleeves taught me why we carry duct tape wrapped around our lighters. All this gearing up and down everyday got annoying real quick.
I ditched this method and just spent the coin on a 2 pcs Rukka which was a great idea. I would have preferred however waterproof leather. I'd look into Aerostich leather, BMW, Rukka etc. It's going to be the best idea for changing weather. I found this is the logical conclusion anyway if you ride enough to justify the cost.

 
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I would have preferred however waterproof leather. I'd look into Aerostich leather, BMW, Rukka etc.
If you're gonna look into Aerostich leather do it fast, as it's been discontinued. Apparently there's no more Goretex Pro Shell leather being made.
 
Planning to do my first longer trip. I no longer have textiles (used have a closet full of all types); trying to get by without needing to buy a new textile jacket. I prefer leather for the safety aspect too. My leather jacket is a sport riding jacket, so really no room to layer underneath. I would think that an over-jacket might provide an element of warmth for the chilly mornings/evenings too. I'm doing a ride in the Summer up the coast of California (SD to Canada), so not expecting a ton of rain -- but I would think I will hit some in the PNW.

Anyone wear a shell type jacket over your leathers for rain? How does it work out for you? I've seen folks do this - but wondering if it's viable? If so, what should I look for in purchasing one? Other than "it's comfy over my leathers and waterproof"

* I remember seeing GaryJ do this with some frequency, but never got a chance to talk to him about it.

Thanks!
Jack

I've done it for many years. At first with cheap Motoboss stuff [that worked ok] then upgraded to Rev'it stuff that is a lot better.
Besides the rain, it also cuts down on windchill so it can be quite useful.
It really comes down to your budget and what you like.
My recommendation is one that singes well around your waist so it won't flap.

 
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Yup, any 3/4 length boating, cycling, sporting 'waterproof' shell with elastic cuffs over the top of armored gear can do the trick.

10263876.jpg

For pants I've been using and can highly recommend the Froggs Toggs waterproof shell over the top of armored gear, only $25.

ToakSkinPantsLarge.jpg
 
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I do the same thing. I ahve a 2 piece dainese rain over suit. Jacket has a hood as well which can be nice at times. I also ahve a rev it over jacket. THe rev it piece is nicer imo but no hood.
 
+1 for recommendation of Frogg Toggs. Not used much in rain, more to cheat the wind. Use both top and bottom. Stuffed into a sack. Low cost solution.

Additionally, a neck gaiter or balaclava does wonders in keeping cold out, warmth in.

But the best pieces of gear owned are Gerbing heated vest and gloves. Toasty.
 
Thank you all! Looks like I have a lot of moto specific options as well as the typical jackets. Excellent.
 
Type of rain gear depends on style and speed of riding. I've had several suits over the years and sold each one because they were loose allowing rain to be driven in and allowing it to flap in the wind, both of which I found that annoying. Then I got a one piece PVC suit like this one made by Respro called I think their Carbon Slick lineup. The suit is great at rain protection but requires a second person to get it on and a few minutes of fussing. So not practical for street riding especially if trying to put on at the road side during an unexpected downpour. I recommend that suit for track riders at track days. Also note, this pic shows a suit (unknown manufacturer) without kneepuck holes, the Respro line-up has kneepuck holes for both the one piece and two piece, and Alpinestars has the holes as well.

picture.php


I did find the Respro 1/2 suit to work great. Easy small storage (can fit in many tiny sportbike glove boxes), easy on and off, works well, and quiet (doesn't flap in the wind).

picture.php


Alpinestars also has a 1/2 suit, but it fits more loose-snug then tight, and might flap in the wind, but can allow bright colors and reflective stuff to show through for enhanced viability.

picture.php


AND the half suits can be ordered with a pant bottom. But often your legs don't get wet in shower like rains.
 
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Frogg toggs

My wife and I recently got back from a trip to the PNW. Only had textiles. Used the FT's for rain protection and it turned out they were amazing at stopping the wind and cold. Rarely used our electrics because of it. Also they are very light weight and inexpensive. Found em at our local BMW shop for sizing.
 
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