Which is the better touring jacket?

skithepowder · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 27 May 2010 Karma :

Say for travelling around Europe at the height of summer for 5-6 weeks, would you want a good textile set, would leather be cooler for the most part and possible to wack on a good waterprooof oversuit for the times when it does rain? What is better suited to such a trip?

ram_doom · World Chat Champion Joined: 25 Mar 2006 Karma :

Oversuits are fucking annoying to put on over leathers, especially at the side of the road in a sudden downpour. Worse still to get off when you're dying for a piss.

Textiles are a good bet, but most of the cheap ones leak, and once the outside gets saturated (even the waterproof ones), they take forever to dry, which makes them feel damp and horrible everytime you put them on.
____________________
TL1000s, KDX200

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

Road crafter one piece. Only problem is you don't have a jacket to wear on it's own when off the bike.
They do a two piece version, but not sure if the trousers are still 'easy on'.

Phoenix · Twisted Firestarter Joined: 01 Aug 2002 Karma :

First trip I used 2pc leathers and had a waterproof hi vis bomber jacket for my top and a pair of over trousers. This worked perfectly when it came to staying dry and being easy to put on in a hurry but the bomber jacket was too hot to have on during rain, over my leather jacket.

last year I used the same 2pc leathers and bought a 1 piece oversuit, leaked like a sieve. I think this trip I shall use the waterproof overtrousers and get a very flimsy but waterproof high vis jacket so it doesn't make me overheat.

motoman · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Karma :

i prefer textile suits for longer distances as i find them more comfortable and practical. take the liners out if they get too warm. i've been in thunderstorms with the heaviest rain ive ever seen in france one day and 36 degrees sun in spain the next day and so glad i had textiles on.i think they have the best balance of pro's and con's over leathers. i have 1 and 2 piece leathers ( which i would not say were cool on a hot day)for day runs and a good textile suit for longer jaunts.

barnhatter · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 05 Jan 2005 Karma :

Wear whatever you find comfortable.
You might be lucky and never get caught in the rain.
If you are comfortable you will ride more relaxed and safer.
I wear kevlar jeans and a leather jacket. The jeans are one up on normal denim I used to wear. I have some oversized thin basic 2 piece waterproofs which I can get on if needed, however its quite rare as you get further south.