Alternative Riding Jacket to Aerostich?

[R100RS]

I really like the Aerostich Darien jacket, but am looking for something a bit more affordable that is still high quality.

I'm looking for a waterproof do-anything textile (not leather) jacket. I want good abrasion resistance (obviously) and am a touring/sport-touring rider who also commutes. I'd like to be able to wear the jacket year-round, every day, so venting is a must for the 90-100 degree days. Not overly concerned about having a liner, I already have a fleece liner that I could use with the jacket. I don't need all the pockets and what-not, either, just looking for the basics. I want to replace my Gore-Tex rain jacket with a real riding jacket that offers real protection that I can wear all the time.

Does such a thing exist at a price I can afford?

[Dave92029]

I have owned several Aerostich riding suits over the years, and used to think that they were the best over all piece of riding gear.

Well with the passing of time new products are introduced and improvements are developed. i feel that the First Gear Kilmanjaro jacket and pants are better than the aerostich because:

The Kilmanjaro is 100% water proof ( I rode 700 miles in very heavy rain during a recent IB 100CCC, and stayed dry ); Excellent venting for hot weather; breathable material; great pockets/storage.

My only complaint is the neck flap is long and gets in the way when not secured.

Oh yes did I mention that the First Gear suit is $150 ++ less expensive.

[MarkF]

When I was looking to buy my Roadcrafter I asked about other suits. I didn't want a long style jacket like the Darien. I was told that the Tour Master riding gear is dry and inexpensive but that in a real life crash the armor ended up in the wrong place and didn't do the job. That's why I came up with the extra cash for the 'stich. If you want to spend less then the Tour Master might be a dry suit.

MarkF

[lancew]

Have a TourMaster 3/4 Cortech jacket that I bought in 99 and have put around 35,000 miles on (in?). Have worn it in everything from 35 to 110 degrees. Did a mid-February one day trip from Atlanta to Nashville to Charlotte (750 mi) in some of the lousiest weather I've ever ridden through, it has always worked extremely well.

I am very happy with it, but I think the waterproofing is starting to go. Last couple times I've ridden in the wet have also been on hot days, so I've kept zippers, vents open and gotten damp. Not sure how tight it would be if I buttoned up.

Have no first-hand experience of crashworthiness. Hope to never gain any expertise in that area. Knock wood.

Would buy this one again, also feel the FirstGear stuff deserves a close look- their gloves have been pretty good to me and they seem to be a good value.

[Ted]

Having crashed in a stich I can honestly say the extra $200 is well, well worth it.

[ptero]

I have no experience with the 'Stitch beyond discovering they don't make 'em big enough!

I would heartily mirror the earlier comments on the First Gear Kilimanjaro. I got one last summer and have enjoyed it across a very wide range of temps and conditions. From below 32° to above 100° f. Yah, 100 is still pretty hot, but with the venting, I could keep wearing the jacket longer in the heat than I could with a traditional leather. Part of that was also due to a water source. I use a Camelbak (I think there is a thread on hydration).

I have the jacket only, and still wear leather chaps. The jacket is waterproof and I carry just the rain suit pants these days.

The venting is great. It does require a stop and few minutes to open or close the venting. The pocket arrangement is good too. There is also a liner. I have only felt the need for it when the temps get down towards freezing.

Regarding Dave92029's complaint: the neck flap is long and gets in the way when not secured. It sure is and does. I added a section of velcro of the right 'persuasion' on the relevant section of the collar to provide a parking spot for the neck closure. Then it doesn't flap in the wind.

reid

[R100RS]

Can you open the vents on the stich while riding?

The price difference isn't that big between the Kiliminjaro and the stich, for me. I don't need a liner, so the Darien would be $367, compared with around $300 for the FirstGear. Optioned up (liner, armor, etc), the stich would be a lot more money. But, the armor I really want is the back protector, which is extra money for both of them.

Anyway, keep the info coming!

[ptero]

My First Gear came with armour. It was about $325 off the rack at a bmw dealer.

In this case, armour is defined as the foam pads inserted into the armour pockets in the lower back, shoulders, and elbows.

This is significant stuff, though possibly not as heavy as you would prefer. I understood that heavier duty armour is available. Granted, I have not "tested" it, but I am happy with what I've got.

reid

[Ted]

I found the vents on the stich to be very effective as long as you are moving. You used to be given a choice of armor, not sure if that is still the case (the new stuff Aerostich uses is pretty amazing stuff.) Size is an issue though, they don't make them beyond I believe it is a 52 chest size.

[jmrosie]

I bought a Darien Light two years ago and find the lighter weight and shorter length to be just about perfect for the March to November weather riding around the Chicago area.

Comes with removeable armor and I got a heated liner to go with it. In warmer airs, I carry it for a rain jacket.

It's expensive, but worth the money. As far as real alternatives to the Aerostich products-there aren't any.

[MarkF]

Originally posted by R100RS
Can you open the vents on the stich while riding?

But, the armor I really want is the back protector, which is extra money for both of them.



Nope, you can half open the sleeve vents with practice but forget opening the back vent.

If you want good back armor just buy a Bohn. They have one that velcros into a 'stich or you can wear it like a backpack with a belt.

MarkF

[hollomon]

I wear a Cycloak three seasons a year and a Firstgear Meshtex jacket in the summer. The Cycloak would be ok on summer mornings as I commute to work, but I like the airflow on the meshtex in the evening as I'm going home. I'm very happy with both. The Cycloak comes with a removeable liner for winter riding.

Just my $.02.

Carl
'97 R850R

[hollomon]

I wear a Cycloak three seasons a year and a Firstgear Meshtex jacket in the summer. The Cycloak would be ok on summer mornings as I commute to work, but I like the airflow on the meshtex in the evening as I'm going home. I'm very happy with both. The Cycloak comes with a removeable liner for winter riding.

Just my $.02.

Carl
'97 R850R

[maggie1]

I wear the BMW Savanna II jacket, and have barely worn the Joe Rocket Reactor jacket I bought this spring. The Savanna has body vents front and back, as well as vents that run from mid-bicep to wrist in the arm. It is tough, and well protected. I must say it was really expensive though, and was purchased as an impulse when I bought the bike. The jacket has proven itself to me though, and it is comfortable from <50 degrees to 90+. If this purchase is going to be made in a few months, you might find a good price on the Savanna II since it looks like BMW is retiring this series.

[longwallman]

I've been using a Cycloak GT jacket for the past year and have been very happy with it. Keeps the rain and cold out, and is very comfortable.

The GT seals up nice and tight around the neck and wrists. The entire jacket is well thought-out. It has under-arm zippers for when things warm up. The removal liner makes it a good 3 season jacket.

I'm going to try it this coming winter with a Gerbing liner.

[Hacksaw]

I've got the Darien Jacket with liner and pants. I can open the under arm vents all of the way (took practice), liner too. Back vent is a no go while your riding. Depending on the weather conditions I keep the back vent open or semi open, then regulate air flow with the under arm vents. I've got 30,000 miles on it in three years. 100% waterproof if you care for it properly. I like it a lot. The only thing I don't like about it is the collar. Most Jackets have felt inside of the collar. The Darien doesn't. It rubs on my neck. I probably need to add some felt.

[gararnett]

Just love my 1 pc roadcrafter. Don't wear either of my Vansons (textile or leather) hardly at all anymore. Better than anything I've ever had. Just can't open/close vents myself with it on - sometimes I can with the underarm vents. Usually I just get the lady behind the register at the gas station to do it.:clap Still better than anything I've ever had. Oh, I hate 3/4 jackets, had a Hein Gericke Paris -Dakar once, nice, but didn't like the 3/4 length.

[drmajor]

It 's SO humid here that nothing helps- except keep moving. JR Phoenix helps for summer, although I really like the First Gear vented.

For the rest of the year, the Belstaff Discovery is GREAT. Not too hot in mild weather, and very snug in winter. I like the way the put internal baffles to keep drafts down.

Pockets everywhere.

A VERY well thought out jacket.

[RichEdwards]

Usually I just get the lady behind the register at the gas station to do it
Yes, I do that too. Always gets a sly smile when I ask a female clerk if she'll open my zipper.:brow

[KAW]

I bought a First Gear Kilamanjaro in the spring of '02 and have been very satisfied riding in all weather conditions. Stay warm, dry, and reasonably comfortable in hot temps.

Regarding the neck flap that a few posts have mentioned - there is a small elastic loop on the inside of the collar that allows you to fold the flap inside and it stays tucked away. It took me over 1/2 a year before I saw the thing! Check it out.

[MarkHerman]

take a look at Clover product. I'm very impressed with quality and fit. Expensive but not as much as the stich.

[jgr451]

Hmmm lots of talk about good jackets..I bought a First Gear Kilimanjaro in 1998 at the Montana rally and had the privilege to test its crashworthiness on the way home.It works!It was very durable and I got my local seamstress to patch up the various scuffs with material which First Gear was good enough to supply when I called them with my tale of woe.I find it hot though in really hot weather,the vents not working all that well...it is real handy for pockets and a camel back etc.I still wear it quite happily.I also have a Joe Rocket summer weight,armoured and made of a windy material which I like for day trips in really hot weather.It is not real handy as it does not pack very small.
What a world!Where compromises must be made because you just can't pack everything.

[GlobalRider]

Originally posted by Dave92029
I have owned several Aerostich riding suits over the years, and used to think that they were the best over all piece of riding gear.

Well with the passing of time new products are introduced and improvements are developed.

Well I'm still on the same Aerostich Roadcrafter II suit that I've had for just over 11 years now. A good all around suit, but then, I have nothing to compare it to.

I looked at a Darien jacket a few years ago that someone had at a rally. For the price and even at half the price, I thought it to be an unfinished product. No lining and all you saw were taped seams which from reports that I've read, start to unravel over time. Has the design changed or is it still as I saw it then?

I'd buy a Darien jacket and pants, but for me to fork out those dollars, I'd want to see a lined jacket and pants, a zip-out cool weather fleece lining in the jacket and new generation padding (not like those that look home-made in my Roadcrafter II).

In the near future, I'll be looking at either the high end Rukka or Dainese gear. I want an all-weather riding suit. The days of rainsuits are long gone unless you buy cheap gear. The Roadcrafter will be kept for good memories and for all the years that it served me well.

[Win3855]

I have a Belstaff Discoveryhere (http://www.belstaffusa.com/detail.asp?Product_ID=7777&SRCH_ID=&Category=Jackets&DESCRIPTION=&Manufacturer=) Use it all the time.

[pbansen]

I have a 1991 Roadcrafter two piece and a 2001 model. The Roadcrafter is just an excellent suit for protection, weather resistance and durability - I really don't think it has an equal.

I had a pair of Darien pants for a while and didn't care for the fit or finish. They were well made of quality materials, but as others have commented, the unfinished look and feel didn't make me want to keep them.

I had a Belstaff Merlin for a while that I bought in a weak moment during the races at Sears Point. Nice jacket for winter/cold weather riding, but too poorly vented to be usable during the summer. Great, weatherproof collar, though - best I've seen.

I had not been much of a fan of the BMW Rider Gear until I had a chance to wear some on a bike. It didn't do much for me in the store, but the riding experience was a whole different ball game. I used a Savanna II jacket and pants for a few days during the 80th anniversary celebration and I was very impressed - great materials, great fit and finish and great venting.

Very nice gear and some of it is on closeout right now at reasonable prices - I bought a pair of the Savanna I pants with the optional hip and thigh armor for about $200 delivered (2nd day air by FedEx). Not bad. By the way, when you buy the hip and thigh armor, you have to buy two sets - each has ONE hip pad and ONE thigh pad. Strange, eh?. Very good armor, however.

Pete Bansen
Truckee, California

[Big Blue]

I find the Joe Rocket Tahoe does the job for me. Watrproof, (except when I leave the vents open) , breathable, pads, pockets,
liner. I live in Charlotte, NC & ride year round with it. I picked mine up new on E-Bay for $109.00

[richc]

I use a BMW Commuter jacket, waterproof, lined, excellent armor (back, shoulders, elbows), good vents. I don't think it'll save you any money over the Aerostirch Darien.

[Zaphod0808]

:bliss

Mike:

The thread is a month or so since a posting, and you may have made a decision about a jacket. I'm happy with my choice. Although I have only my regularly worn leathers (Teknic jacket, Z gloves, Hein Gerike pants) and varioius bits of outdoor sports technical gear to have as a personal experience base when trying to decipher promo copy or testimonials on web pages, my choice of the Teknic Sprint jacket seems to be right on...for the first six weeks of use. I haven't ridden it through a car wash, but it has handled intermittant showers and foggy mist just fine.

I was really bummed that I couldn't see much of anything "in the flesh." "We can order that for you" got to be pretty silly, especially as I could order it for myself at a pretty hefty discount, but I digress...

I also have to say that cyclestuffusa.com had the best price, no fee on standard shipping and excellent!!!! service. We bought two Teknic jackets through them, the Sprint for myself and the Sequoia for my wife.

The Sprint is a little lighter than the Kilaminjaro, Savannah, Darien and Cycloak GT Pro. Maybe the Darien light would be a good comparison, but I've never examined one. I wanted something that could be year 'round. I rode in Montana in August. Standing around I was hot, but on the bike I was fine and I didn't go to a wet t-shirt. It's armored well, mesh lined, vented, pocketed, reflectivated, and a detachable insulation layer is also provided.

It was $225.00 to the door.

I don't think it can be beat!

PJ Wise, Nemah, Washington, #65985
'81 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce -- Verena Ragazza
'93 BMW K1100LT -- Berrin Marte

[rottenbiker]

I am wearing the Belstaff Explorer jacket and pants are typhoon model. Love both!!! jacket has better venting then merlin, is similiar to discovery jacket and has removable fleece liner that can be worn as light jacket around campfire alone. Waterproofing is great, and can be resprayed after washing to help maintain waterproofing, very inexpensive to do as well as easy. I wore in IB rally and was in all temps and weather with it.

[Munchy]

I bought a Belstaff Discovery Jacket last October to get me through a winter of riding. Superb quality and this jacket has it all. Lots of pockets, warm, CE in elbows, shoulders back, really lites up at night, waterproof as far as I can tell (Colorado doesn't get much rain). It has a unique removable neck guard that really works well in winter. T he underarm zips and back zipped vents work pretty well for riding in the summer, though it is really not a summer jacket when it is 80 degress out, but I wore it on my ride to the Top O' the Rockies Rally in July this year and was fine as long as I was moving. Paid about $360 from MAWOnline, later discovered www.britishmotorcyclegear.com and bought pants from them, very pleased with their response to e-mails so would recommend them. Excellent quality, stitching, etc. and would buy another of anything Belstaff makes.

[PhilR807]

I bought a Spidi H2Out at the national ralley and so far am happy with my decision. It is a little different as the rain gear component goes inside the jacket! The outside shell was great for warm days ( I don't think anything works when it is 90+ and you are at a stop light). It is meshed under the arms from front to back.

The rain liner zips inside and acts as a wind/moisture barrier. The third liner fits inside, but I haven't had a chance to use it yet since it has only been in the 50's.

The key feature I like is the zipper on the cuffs, a must have in my opinion.

[LTOwner]

Like some others have said, Stitch doesn't make anything to fit me, had one, and had to send it back. I have a First Gear Kilimanjaro jacket, and matching pants, and think they are about as good as you can get off the rack. I only use it under 70 degrees though. Use a Joe Rocket Phoenix mesh jacket and pants in hot weather, and it does reasonably well into t he nineties, as long as you are moving. I see where First Gear has come out with a more vented Kilimanjaro style jacket this year, which may prove to be more of a year round option.

[KeyLime]

TourMaster is fine, but I've needed to waterproof it annually with Scotchguard.

[Rad]

Originally posted by R100RS

I'm looking for a ..........

The one truth I've found in my years of motorcycling is there is not one of anything that does it all, bikes, gloves, pants and yes….that includes jackets.

If yur only get'n one jacket...it's gonna be a compromise. If it’s good in summer, it is not so good in winter. If it is good in winter you will sweat in the hot summers.

Figure out what end of the spectrum you are willing to give up. For me I have a couple of jackets. Kilimanjaro for late fall, winter, early spring. I also have a Vanson Falcon vented synthetic jacket…very nice in summer heat yet still gives excellent protection.

If I could only have one, I would go for the Kilimanjaro ‘cause it covers more of the spectrum than others like Roadcrafter or Darian. They don’t vent like the Kilimanjaro.

The weakness of the Kilimanjaro is two fold. Vents are difficult to use. Forget opening the 2 front vents and two arm vents when on the bike. You have to stop, take the jacket off and futz with the Velcro to do it. On the plus side, they vent very well. Second problem is the outer material is rather lightweight. Be careful in off road get offs or when tinkering with yur bike on the side of the road…the material melts /tears easy.

[2Tonic]

It has been relatively cold riding in October and so far in November. Between 22 and 50. My Cycloak has been warm, dry and comfortable. I was able to buy the jacket for $299 from our local BMW dealer.

[MarkF]

They are made right here in the USA by people working for the same company that sells them. You can only buy them from the manufacturer, not at a rally or thru a dealer. I'm not sure any other jacket can say that. Therefore, when you need alterations or repairs it gets done by the same folks who made it. That means alot to me.

MarkF

[HarveyMushman]

Since Mike's original post was back in July I assume he's already bought a jacket but I'll go ahead and post for others' possible edification.

I have a one-piece Roadcrafter but am less than impressed with its water resistence. Also, it's drafty and lacks room for layering (we won't talk about the few extra pounds I've collected since buying the thing . . . ). So I wanted something else for the cold, wet winters 'round here.

I settled on Hein Gericke's Eco jacket/pants combo. They feature 500 denier Cordura, integral Gore Tex liner, and removable quilted liners. The jacket has CE armor in the back, shoulders, and elbows while the pants have the same in the knees. Both are styled in understated black and the jacket has some small reflective piping across the back and shoulders.

First, this outfit is draft-free and very warm. So far this year I've ridden in 26-degree temps and was comfortable (with an e-vest). There's room for layers, although the jacket's neck is too tight to snap all the way up when I'm wearing my collared e-vest or a collared fleece pullover. I'm shopping for some thin, collarless fleece (any ideas?).

I've ridden in some significant rain too and so far have remained completely dry. I haven't yet tested it in an all-day rain but I have ridden for an hour in moderate rain and stayed dry. As with any Cordura product, the outer fabric gets soaked. I don't know if this would present a problem in a long rain ride. Anyway, the Eco is easily superior to the Roadcrafter in terms of water resistence.

There are NO VENTS in the jacket or pants. With the quilted liners removed there is enough "breathing" to stay comfortable up to about 75 or 80 degrees, but you'll definitely want to wear something else for hot weather.

I haven't tested crash worthiness . . .

http://www.motorhelmets.com/pics-general/gericke-eco-gore-tex-jacket-pants.jpg

[username]

hi everyone. im new to beemers (had a few bimmers) and am working to get properly outfitted. this thread is a great one, and i'd like to hear if anyone has some more feedback for me. im cose to a jacket purchase myself. ive narrowed my choices to the first gear kilimanjaroII and the cycloak GT pro. things i'd like to learn a little more about before i take the plunge:

1. the fit. the FG fit fine. i havent had the chance to try on the cycloak, and am not sure i have a dealer here in austin. anyone know if the fit is hugely different between the two?

2. the venting. im in austin, so i ride in three seasons - warm, hot and hotter. i dont expect to be able to ride this jacket all year-round, but i would like to have maximum flexibility allowed. we have a lot of days where in the morning its chilly and in the afternoon it's, in the vernacular, durn hot. so if the FG is better vented i'd like to hear about it, or vice versa.

3. the material/armor - im assuming that both will protect me equally well? they each have different trade names for the fabric, and what im wondering is if one is wayyyy better than the other?

lastly, i can get the cycloak for $100 less than the FG. naturally $$ factors in as well.

thanks for reading.

lee
austin, tx
2002 r1150r

[RevWillie]

For general usefulness, I don't think you can beat Aerostich. I've had 2-piece Roadcrafters since '86, and they have worked wonderfully. One thing that I have learned is that you must spray waterproofing on the suit at least once a year, but it is better with a good spraying every time you wash the suit (at least twice a year). Except in the middle of the humid Southern summer (when I use a Firstgear mesh outfit), a Stich works just fine for all my riding needs.

I have crash tested the suits--they work very well with padding and abraision resistance. Unfortunately, the EMTs usually tend to cut the suits off the inert rider, so stay awake to keep your suit intact. :D

[R100RS]

Thanks for all of the great replies! Nice to see the thread is still going to help others.

Yes, I did purchase a jacket, in September. I ended up with the Belstaff Discovery and have put close to 1000 miles on it.

Overall, it appears to be an excellent jacket. Everytime I turn around I find some new feature.

I have worn it in the cold (down to 20* F) and it's been fine for the very short commute to work. For longer rides in that temperature, I'd probably wear something under it, in addition to the liner. I don't particularly like the (detachable) neck gaiter that comes with it. It's a neat idea, but it just seems to direct cold air up into my full face helmet. Again, it's fine to work and back and it's easy as it's attached to the jacket. For longer rides, I will wear a separate windproof fleece neck gaiter.

I haven't had the chance to wear it for any length of time in the heat, but I DON'T expect very good things from it. As mentioned before, the venting is pretty wimpy. As someone else mentioned, it should be acceptable at speed, just not stuck in traffic.