Any gear that's actually waterproof? - Page 2

fisherz28 · 10-17-2012, 09:36 AM

If Aerostitch is too expensive I love my Olympia Phantom one piece textile. The longest ive road in the rain was an hour and a half and everything it covered by the suit was nice and dry. THe glove however were soaked thru. I picked up the suit and gloves for 400$ and it includes a liner. I've ridden in it down to about 25 degrees and stayed warm enough without any heated gear. They have some other nice gear on their website too.

Here is what i have: http://olympiamotosports.com/catalog...ne-piece-suit/

Hawker · 10-17-2012, 09:48 AM

Aerostich makes a garment that works for me. I've had my original two-piece for 12+ years, and it's still great. I now have the "light" version without a liner, works great, better for WA in my opinion. I also like their ability to customise fit. I have very long legs for my height, and the ability to add three inches above the knee was the key to a good fit.

There are two problems with waterproof gear. One is design related, one is WA related. First, most of the gear companies out there use a waterproof liner of some description rather than a membrane-backed outer layer. Motoport is a good example of this. This design choice is cheap, and runs cooler in the summer time, it does, however, create some real problems. The soaked-though jacket prevents the fancy fabric, on the high-end stuff it's invariably made of Gor-Tex or similar, of the liner from doing any of the breathing they're supposed to be good it. In the high-humidity climates like we have here in western Washington, that creates a sweat-box inside your gear. Even if you're dry from the rain, you're soaked with perspiration from the inside. You might as well just save your money and get a rain suit, frog-togs, or similar. At least with them you won't have a soaking jacket to deal with after your ride.

The all-in-one rain gear that works best utalizes Gor-Tex in the way it was designed : as a backing for an outer/shell layer. Klim, Aerostich, and some BMW jackets use this design. The outer layer is treated with a water-shedding coating, and the membrane allows a little bit of breath-ability. If you let the coating brake down (wash it a bunch without re-treating it, crash, etc.) you can end up in the same situation as above : a soaked-through garment that's just holding in sweat.

My old suit is a 44R jacket and 42R pants (not custom). I could be talked out of it for a very reasonable price if it fits you. The pants are in "decent" condition, the jacket is decidedly ugly, but functional, and I replaced all the armour in the last couple of years.

For gloves, I use race gloves with covers for wet riding, and "wet/cold" gloves for winter riding.

Explorer · 10-17-2012, 09:53 AM

I've ridden in steady rains, 500+ miles per ride, in Kilamanjaro jacket and pants without getting wet. Frogg Togs are a less costly alternative or a great backup.

rivensoul · 10-17-2012, 10:47 AM

Try this?
http://www.rideicon.com/products/?productGroupId=1952
http://www.rideicon.com/products/?productGroupId=250

After seeing the Jacket in person, I'd rock the shit out of it in the rain. Looks super sweet and comfy.

KillermondoDude · 10-17-2012, 10:51 AM

Ive heard these "Dry Suits" are pritty waterproof

Juilin · 10-17-2012, 10:55 AM

Originally Posted by rivensoul

Try this?
http://www.rideicon.com/products/?productGroupId=1952
http://www.rideicon.com/products/?productGroupId=250

After seeing the Jacket in person, I'd rock the shit out of it in the rain. Looks super sweet and comfy.

Only about a cool grand for the jacket and pants. A bit out of the budget.

Originally Posted by KillermondoDude

Ive heard these "Dry Suits" are pritty waterproof

Intellectually Sphinctered indeed. Though it would look pretty awesome...pubic awesome even?

Chrishil54 · 10-17-2012, 01:30 PM

I've used the silicone waterproofing sprays over my riding gear and it works well. There are just a couple spots where the seams leak, but a seam sealer should work for that.

Silicone Spray
Sem Sealer Seam Sealing Tape

My pants are cheap and come with attached flaps on the zippers to keep water from leaking through them.

You can also get a one piece suit for $50.00 at Cycle Gear

The biggest selling point for me with cycle gear stuff is the 5-Year Guarantee. I've used it a couple times without any problems.

RideSlow2004 · 10-17-2012, 08:08 PM

Head to Coastal Ranch and Supply, they have a bunch of over jackets and rain gear, I rode for years with that sort of stuff, Helly Hansen used to cut our sleeves extra long, and build the jacket without the hood. Still have some stored, waiting for the older stuff to wear out. The stuff Coastal has is similar, rubber, or rubberized cloth, just got to get it big enough to go over your riding gear. I was in the store for the first time a few days ago, and noticed they had gear in several locations in the store.

http://www.coastalfarm.com/index.cfm

Also, this company does stock and custom outerwear, they did my handlebar covers, whatever they use works well, and is tough.

http://www.gowatershed.com/

smoak · 10-17-2012, 08:09 PM

What works well to keep my helmet from fogging up? That's about the only issue I have.

Grantizzle · 10-17-2012, 08:12 PM

Originally Posted by smoak

What works well to keep my helmet from fogging up? That's about the only issue I have.

pin lock.

that is all.

davidk · 10-17-2012, 08:16 PM

Originally Posted by Grantizzle

pin lock.

that is all.

And That is All as well!!

solunatic · 10-17-2012, 10:36 PM

I've found that my joe rocket alter ego jacket lets a considerable amount of water in down the neck to the arms if I ride upright, but kept me dry all last winter if i was somewhat tucked while riding. My tourmaster transition 3 is much better in this respect due to the higher collar, but i'm sure in longer rides some water will find its way in. firstgear cheapo overpants have kept me dry from the waist down no problem though. you may look saggy, but who cares. I had icon waterproof gloves last year... they're about as waterproof as my perforated summer gloves. Held freezers seem to do the trick though, but I don't do touring so all I know is they're good for my half hour/twenty minute commute. And if you cant afford good waterproof boots, treds overboots work great despite being a bit bulky to pack around if you've got nowhere to stow them at your destination.

For cheap stuff, i'd just say over pants and overjacket, dishwashing gloves over your gloves and the treds over boots.

For fog, check out the fog city insert, it's got a three month warranty, and if you ride every day it'll get beat up enough to get another free one in that time.

wells · 10-18-2012, 07:52 AM

I have tested more rain gear than I care to remember. The only suit that hasn't leaked on me is the Aerostich Transit suit. It is only at 3 years and one high side, but that is way more than I have ever got out of any other suit, and it has many many years left in it... In the long run it is cheaper than buying new gear every year.

cletus · 10-18-2012, 11:40 AM

As all have said, water tends to find a way into your gear. My Alpinstars Titan jacket worked great for one season and then started leaking. Same thing with my rain pants and 'waterproof" boots. I've learned the hard way that the best practice is to get some waterproofing spray and cover the seams on everything before heading out in bad weather. Being lazy, I forgot to do this on Monday and got home soaked. A quick touch up solved all of the problems.

Chrishil54 · 10-18-2012, 01:39 PM

Originally Posted by smoak

What works well to keep my helmet from fogging up? That's about the only issue I have.

My pinlock helps some but not enough. Put a few drops of cheap dishwashing liquid inside the visor and rub it all over with small, circular motions. Let it dry on and then rub it off with a soft cloth. Repeat as needed (about 6 weeks for me).

It still isn't perfect but combined with the pinlock visor, the fogging is limited to very cold & damp days while sitting at lights.

YOu could also go old school and get a open face helmet with a visor. Those never fogged up on me, just colder than the full face.

cletus · 10-18-2012, 01:50 PM

Originally Posted by smoak

What works well to keep my helmet from fogging up? That's about the only issue I have.

I've used a Fog City insert on my visors for the past several years and really like them.

ww73 · 10-18-2012, 08:02 PM

ignore everything above except the Klim link.

I've got a set of traverse and it _is_ waterproof. Rode home today in the rain and stayed dry.

http://www.klim.com/en-us/shop/4050-600

I bought my Traverse suit used. A button broke and they will let me send it to them for repair.

Mic · 10-18-2012, 08:11 PM

When I would commute, I rode every day, rain or shine, I've also traveled in all day long downpours, and I've come out of it completely dry.

That was with my Belstaff Jacket and Pants, which are now manufactured under the name of BMG (British Motorcycle Gear).

I recommend them.

They take a different approach to the "waterproof" situation.

There are good materials for abrasion (cordura) and good materials for being waterproof on the outside, but there is nothing that is really good at both.

So what they did was not make the outside of the jacket waterproof, but instead it has an inner layer of something much like goretex, that is waterproof, but allows you to vent your perspiration.

The hem of the jacket, and the hem of the cuffs on the pants have a "gutter" a rubberized mesh that allows the water to flow out of the jacket/pants.

Sealed up in the pants/jacket with my Infinity Goretex boots, and my Warm And Safe gloves, and never got a drop of water on me. I rode several days through the rain on a trip, and never once worried about getting wet, nor did I ever get wet.

Truth is, don't overspend on gear, there is gear out there that is better.

Oh not to mention they do pants in Wasit as well as inseam lengths.

http://www.britishmotorcyclegear.com/

I just recently bought the challenger Jacket, I'm going to be selling my Discovery setup (with pants), but unless you're near 300lbs it's probably big for you (it's 4x sizing).

Personally for the west side of the mountains in the Northwest I would suggest the Discovery. I will actually be buying another Discovery, I bought the challenger to try something new, and that vented better for warmer days, but I like the features of the Discovery much better. Never thought I'd miss the "crotch" strap.

Here are my full reviews on the Discovery Jacket and Ezeon Pants

Jacket:
http://micsadventure.com/2010/08/rid...f-discovery-2/

Pants:
http://micsadventure.com/2010/10/rid...eon-overpants/

Juilin · 10-18-2012, 08:37 PM

Originally Posted by Mic

When I would commute, I rode every day, rain or shine, I've also traveled in all day long downpours, and I've come out of it completely dry.

That was with my Belstaff Jacket and Pants, which are now manufactured under the name of BMG (British Motorcycle Gear).

I recommend them.

They take a different approach to the "waterproof" situation.

There are good materials for abrasion (cordura) and good materials for being waterproof on the outside, but there is nothing that is really good at both.

So what they did was not make the outside of the jacket waterproof, but instead it has an inner layer of something much like goretex, that is waterproof, but allows you to vent your perspiration.

The hem of the jacket, and the hem of the cuffs on the pants have a "gutter" a rubberized mesh that allows the water to flow out of the jacket/pants.

Sealed up in the pants/jacket with my Infinity Goretex boots, and my Warm And Safe gloves, and never got a drop of water on me. I rode several days through the rain on a trip, and never once worried about getting wet, nor did I ever get wet.

Truth is, don't overspend on gear, there is gear out there that is better.

Oh not to mention they do pants in Wasit as well as inseam lengths.

http://www.britishmotorcyclegear.com/

I just recently bought the challenger Jacket, I'm going to be selling my Discovery setup (with pants), but unless you're near 300lbs it's probably big for you (it's 4x sizing).

Personally for the west side of the mountains in the Northwest I would suggest the Discovery. I will actually be buying another Discovery, I bought the challenger to try something new, and that vented better for warmer days, but I like the features of the Discovery much better. Never thought I'd miss the "crotch" strap.

Here are my full reviews on the Discovery Jacket and Ezeon Pants

Jacket:
http://micsadventure.com/2010/08/rid...f-discovery-2/

Pants:
http://micsadventure.com/2010/10/rid...eon-overpants/

Thanks for taking the time to do the great write-up and post your reviews. I've gone up and down on what kind of solution I was looking for and, as far as proper rain jackets go, this is something I may seriously buy. We'll see how much money I have at the end of the month!

aftCG · 10-18-2012, 08:51 PM

I've got the tourmaster jacket too and it definitely leaks, mostly in the arms. In looking at the construction the gussets used to close out the fore arm zippers are not waterproof fabric and of course the zippers aren't the type to keep water out either.

The pants I have better luck with but they'll get a work out tomorrow. I'm putting in about 500 miles with my son.


10-17-2012, 09:36 AM	#21
fisherz28 Licensed Joined: Jun 2011 From: Everett, WA I Ride: Street:R6 Track Project:EX250	If Aerostitch is too expensive I love my Olympia Phantom one piece textile. The longest ive road in the rain was an hour and a half and everything it covered by the suit was nice and dry. THe glove however were soaked thru. I picked up the suit and gloves for 400$ and it includes a liner. I've ridden in it down to about 25 degrees and stayed warm enough without any heated gear. They have some other nice gear on their website too. Here is what i have: http://olympiamotosports.com/catalog...ne-piece-suit/ __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-17-2012, 09:48 AM	#22
Hawker Pit Crew Joined: Apr 2006 From: Seattle, WA I Ride: Too many	Aerostich makes a garment that works for me. I've had my original two-piece for 12+ years, and it's still great. I now have the "light" version without a liner, works great, better for WA in my opinion. I also like their ability to customise fit. I have very long legs for my height, and the ability to add three inches above the knee was the key to a good fit. There are two problems with waterproof gear. One is design related, one is WA related. First, most of the gear companies out there use a waterproof liner of some description rather than a membrane-backed outer layer. Motoport is a good example of this. This design choice is cheap, and runs cooler in the summer time, it does, however, create some real problems. The soaked-though jacket prevents the fancy fabric, on the high-end stuff it's invariably made of Gor-Tex or similar, of the liner from doing any of the breathing they're supposed to be good it. In the high-humidity climates like we have here in western Washington, that creates a sweat-box inside your gear. Even if you're dry from the rain, you're soaked with perspiration from the inside. You might as well just save your money and get a rain suit, frog-togs, or similar. At least with them you won't have a soaking jacket to deal with after your ride. The all-in-one rain gear that works best utalizes Gor-Tex in the way it was designed : as a backing for an outer/shell layer. Klim, Aerostich, and some BMW jackets use this design. The outer layer is treated with a water-shedding coating, and the membrane allows a little bit of breath-ability. If you let the coating brake down (wash it a bunch without re-treating it, crash, etc.) you can end up in the same situation as above : a soaked-through garment that's just holding in sweat. My old suit is a 44R jacket and 42R pants (not custom). I could be talked out of it for a very reasonable price if it fits you. The pants are in "decent" condition, the jacket is decidedly ugly, but functional, and I replaced all the armour in the last couple of years. For gloves, I use race gloves with covers for wet riding, and "wet/cold" gloves for winter riding. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-17-2012, 09:53 AM	#23
Explorer Newbie Joined: Jun 2012 From: Lake Stevens I Ride: 2012 Triumph Explorer	I've ridden in steady rains, 500+ miles per ride, in Kilamanjaro jacket and pants without getting wet. Frogg Togs are a less costly alternative or a great backup. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-17-2012, 10:47 AM	#24
rivensoul Endorsed Joined: Jul 2011 From: Puyallup I Ride: Black 2004 GSXR 750	Try this? http://www.rideicon.com/products/?productGroupId=1952 http://www.rideicon.com/products/?productGroupId=250 After seeing the Jacket in person, I'd rock the shit out of it in the rain. Looks super sweet and comfy. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-17-2012, 10:51 AM	#25
KillermondoDude Intellectually Sphinctered Joined: Oct 2005 From: Camano Island I Ride: cuz levitating takes way to much concentration	Ive heard these "Dry Suits" are pritty waterproof __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-17-2012, 01:30 PM	#27
Chrishil54 Chicken Strips Joined: Jul 2009 From: Kirkland, Washington Blog Entries: 1 I Ride: Yamaha V-Star 1100 Custom	I've used the silicone waterproofing sprays over my riding gear and it works well. There are just a couple spots where the seams leak, but a seam sealer should work for that. Silicone Spray Sem Sealer Seam Sealing Tape My pants are cheap and come with attached flaps on the zippers to keep water from leaking through them. You can also get a one piece suit for $50.00 at Cycle Gear The biggest selling point for me with cycle gear stuff is the 5-Year Guarantee. I've used it a couple times without any problems. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-17-2012, 08:08 PM	#28
RideSlow2004 Shredder Joined: Sep 2006 From: Auburn, WA I Ride: Harley	Head to Coastal Ranch and Supply, they have a bunch of over jackets and rain gear, I rode for years with that sort of stuff, Helly Hansen used to cut our sleeves extra long, and build the jacket without the hood. Still have some stored, waiting for the older stuff to wear out. The stuff Coastal has is similar, rubber, or rubberized cloth, just got to get it big enough to go over your riding gear. I was in the store for the first time a few days ago, and noticed they had gear in several locations in the store. http://www.coastalfarm.com/index.cfm Also, this company does stock and custom outerwear, they did my handlebar covers, whatever they use works well, and is tough. http://www.gowatershed.com/ __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-17-2012, 08:09 PM	#29
smoak Endorsed Joined: Apr 2011 From: Kirkland, WA I Ride: 1982 Yamaha Maxim XJ650	What works well to keep my helmet from fogging up? That's about the only issue I have. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-17-2012, 10:36 PM	#32
solunatic Endorsed Joined: Feb 2012 From: NE Portland I Ride: Ninja 250	I've found that my joe rocket alter ego jacket lets a considerable amount of water in down the neck to the arms if I ride upright, but kept me dry all last winter if i was somewhat tucked while riding. My tourmaster transition 3 is much better in this respect due to the higher collar, but i'm sure in longer rides some water will find its way in. firstgear cheapo overpants have kept me dry from the waist down no problem though. you may look saggy, but who cares. I had icon waterproof gloves last year... they're about as waterproof as my perforated summer gloves. Held freezers seem to do the trick though, but I don't do touring so all I know is they're good for my half hour/twenty minute commute. And if you cant afford good waterproof boots, treds overboots work great despite being a bit bulky to pack around if you've got nowhere to stow them at your destination. For cheap stuff, i'd just say over pants and overjacket, dishwashing gloves over your gloves and the treds over boots. For fog, check out the fog city insert, it's got a three month warranty, and if you ride every day it'll get beat up enough to get another free one in that time. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-18-2012, 07:52 AM	#33
wells Training Wheels Joined: Feb 2009 From: Tacoma, WA I Ride: 04 Buell XB12s, 07 DRZ 400SM, 06 CBR 1000RR, 01 TTR 125, 2011 WR450f, 2010 Ducati 848, 2013 Aprilia SR50	I have tested more rain gear than I care to remember. The only suit that hasn't leaked on me is the Aerostich Transit suit. It is only at 3 years and one high side, but that is way more than I have ever got out of any other suit, and it has many many years left in it... In the long run it is cheaper than buying new gear every year. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-18-2012, 11:40 AM	#34
cletus Shredder Joined: May 2009 From: sammamish, wa I Ride: 2006 Suzuki GSXR 600; 2007 Yamaha FZ1 (the Mrs.'s bike)	As all have said, water tends to find a way into your gear. My Alpinstars Titan jacket worked great for one season and then started leaking. Same thing with my rain pants and 'waterproof" boots. I've learned the hard way that the best practice is to get some waterproofing spray and cover the seams on everything before heading out in bad weather. Being lazy, I forgot to do this on Monday and got home soaked. A quick touch up solved all of the problems. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-18-2012, 08:02 PM	#37
ww73 Endorsed Joined: Jan 2007 From: Sammamish, WA I Ride: 03 ZZR 600, 05 BMW K1200S, 07 MV Agusta F4-1000R	ignore everything above except the Klim link. I've got a set of traverse and it _is_ waterproof. Rode home today in the rain and stayed dry. http://www.klim.com/en-us/shop/4050-600 I bought my Traverse suit used. A button broke and they will let me send it to them for repair. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-18-2012, 08:11 PM	#38
Mic Retired Joined: May 2007 From: Between Bellevue, Wa and Hood River, Or Blog Entries: 26 I Ride: a KLR 650, and an XT 225	When I would commute, I rode every day, rain or shine, I've also traveled in all day long downpours, and I've come out of it completely dry. That was with my Belstaff Jacket and Pants, which are now manufactured under the name of BMG (British Motorcycle Gear). I recommend them. They take a different approach to the "waterproof" situation. There are good materials for abrasion (cordura) and good materials for being waterproof on the outside, but there is nothing that is really good at both. So what they did was not make the outside of the jacket waterproof, but instead it has an inner layer of something much like goretex, that is waterproof, but allows you to vent your perspiration. The hem of the jacket, and the hem of the cuffs on the pants have a "gutter" a rubberized mesh that allows the water to flow out of the jacket/pants. Sealed up in the pants/jacket with my Infinity Goretex boots, and my Warm And Safe gloves, and never got a drop of water on me. I rode several days through the rain on a trip, and never once worried about getting wet, nor did I ever get wet. Truth is, don't overspend on gear, there is gear out there that is better. Oh not to mention they do pants in Wasit as well as inseam lengths. http://www.britishmotorcyclegear.com/ I just recently bought the challenger Jacket, I'm going to be selling my Discovery setup (with pants), but unless you're near 300lbs it's probably big for you (it's 4x sizing). Personally for the west side of the mountains in the Northwest I would suggest the Discovery. I will actually be buying another Discovery, I bought the challenger to try something new, and that vented better for warmer days, but I like the features of the Discovery much better. Never thought I'd miss the "crotch" strap. Here are my full reviews on the Discovery Jacket and Ezeon Pants Jacket: http://micsadventure.com/2010/08/rid...f-discovery-2/ Pants: http://micsadventure.com/2010/10/rid...eon-overpants/ __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-18-2012, 08:51 PM	#40
aftCG Endorsed Joined: Mar 2012 From: Renton, WA I Ride: '97 Bandit 1200N	I've got the tourmaster jacket too and it definitely leaks, mostly in the arms. In looking at the construction the gussets used to close out the fore arm zippers are not waterproof fabric and of course the zippers aren't the type to keep water out either. The pants I have better luck with but they'll get a work out tomorrow. I'm putting in about 500 miles with my son. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode