Waterproof shell jackets

[MrHash]

Hello, I'm a relatively new rider getting my gear sorted out. I like the idea of layering for flexibility, utility, and comfort, as opposed to a one-jacket-does-all kind of approach. With that in mind, I'm planning on using a merino base layer, possibly mid-layer fleece if needed, an armoured shirt such as the forcefield pro or knox urbane, and an outer shell.

I'm finding it a bit tricky to find a suitable outer shell which offers both gore tex like breathability with road abrasion resistance. The technology does exist as it is used in many textile jackets. There are very good (expensive) tough shells out there such as the Arc'teryx Alpha/Beta but it seems a bit harder to find a good breathable lightweight leather or textile shell.

What would you recommend? Should i look for a lightweight armoured jacket and just remove the armour? Or just use non-road specific outers?

thanks

[Matt B]

[Rogerborg]

Urgh, layers and layers and layers at the beginning and end of a ride.

There's a reason that jackets with abrasion + impact + water + thermal layers are popular.
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[chris-red]

I agree with Matt.
Armoured shirts are not intended for road use, but for motorcross, where you need protection and breathability to remain cool.

Everyone else uses armoured jackets happily, there is a reason for that.
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[MrHash]

Thanks for the feedback! I don't see the problem with layers. It's convenient, flexible and comfortable, especially when I am in hotter climates. I can also re-use the layers for other activities. I don't think it's a traditional approach to motorcycle gear, but i don't think its necessarily bad or dangerous. The Knox Urbane is certainly not a 'sport' level armoured layer, but it would be nice to have an kevlar/gore tex/windstopper shell on top. I can stash the armour and walkaway with the jacket and not look like Robocop around town. The Forcefield Pro is more pro oriented but then it is also marketed as snowboarding protection... Probably some people use knee protectors over their jeans? Same idea i guess...

[grr666]

My Richa textile 3 season jacket was 30 quid second hand from ebay.
I wear that more than anything else I have, and there's a LOT of choice in my wardrobe. Armour x5, hi spec
abrasion tested nylon, thermal zip in inner and separate zip in waterproof sections. It can be worn in
any combination of the 3 pieces. The jacket also has mesh panels and useful reflecty details, zipping pockets
inside and out which I also like. I even took the armour out of it and took it on holiday to New Zealand last year.

It was a perfect jacket for somewhere like that with rapidly changing weather and it meant I never needed
to pack several coats either (think touring). While there, I wore it while mountain biking, on aerial ziplines all harnessed up,
for many miles of hiking and even on a tarmac luge one time too and suffered no discomfort or restriction of
movement. It kept me warm, cool and dry whenever it needed to.
Best 30 quid I've spent on gear, good kit needn't cost a packet. If you put in just a little legwork, deals are there to be had.
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[Matt B]

I just think it's the wrong approach.

CE armour is good for impacts but what you, and your skin, also need to consider is abrasion. A snowboarding jacket, MOD surplus Goretex, Halloween costume or whatever is not going to give you the abrasion resistance of leather or a high denier count nylon motorcycle jacket.

If it's the look you are worried about then do what lots of us do and throw a hoodie or fleece over the top of your kit.
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[Rogerborg]

[stinkwheel]

Normal leather jacket. Warm stuff under it if it's cold. Throw a pacamac over the top if it's raining. (although a cag in a bag is better, no zip).

Not so dumb as it sounds.

Forgo the waterproofs altogether unless it's raining enough to make you wet rather than damp.

I've recently been wearing merino base with fleece or wool insulating layer then a leather jacket over the top and carrying a waterproof layer (but mostly not wearing it unless it sets in for some "proper" rain I cant see stopping). I've arrived dry where others in the group have arrived damp in their waterproof textiles or all-in-one romper suits. I presume the combination of wicking and airflow in my gear has allowed the damp to disperse as quick as it arrived.

My base layers are merino T-shirts which I can keep on all day.
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[MrHash]

Just to be clear, of course I would need a heavy duty abrasion resistant top layer. I think i'll only be commuting occasionally, not every day so my use case is more casual.

It looks like the more complete jackets are their own layering systems anyway so maybe it makes sense to find a suitable all-in-one and layer it as required.. I guess i just like the idea of total control of all the layers of what i'm wearing

[MrHash]

[MrHash]

Ok so after some research, it occurs to me the best solution may be to use a summer leather jacket and remove the armour if i need. Also A*'s Rideout collection has some technical shells, so there are several options. Thanks all for the advice!