why leather chaps
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2014
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From: UK
But if you are really interested in protective, wind and rain proof riding pants, then a pair of textile riding pants from someone like Rukka, Klim or Aerostitch will beat chaps hands down every single time. As will a pair of Rokker Revolution armoured and waterproof riding jeans.
Chaps were probably great for cowboys, but clothing technology has advanced since then.
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From: Upstate New York
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From: Michigan
For those who live and ride in the warmer climates, chaps or leather pants probably aren't a needed item.
However, for those of us who do not have that luxury, and depending on where and when we ride heavier garments (of all kinds) can and do make riding in the cooler and damper conditions much more bearable.
I have both "buttless" leather chaps and leather (overall) pants but since buying the pants I have not worn the chaps.
The bad thing about leather is the weight and pants are heavier than chaps so I wear a belt and H-D suspenders which helps keep the pants from sliding down.
My "rain gear" is larger enough to fit over all of my leather gear and just like when snowmobiling, if I'm taking a longer trip, I've found that wearing sweat (light or heavy) pants underneath is more comfortable than wearing belted jeans.
However, for those of us who do not have that luxury, and depending on where and when we ride heavier garments (of all kinds) can and do make riding in the cooler and damper conditions much more bearable.
I have both "buttless" leather chaps and leather (overall) pants but since buying the pants I have not worn the chaps.
The bad thing about leather is the weight and pants are heavier than chaps so I wear a belt and H-D suspenders which helps keep the pants from sliding down.
My "rain gear" is larger enough to fit over all of my leather gear and just like when snowmobiling, if I'm taking a longer trip, I've found that wearing sweat (light or heavy) pants underneath is more comfortable than wearing belted jeans.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2018
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From: West Texas
I still like chaps. Been using them since I first started riding on the road back in the early 80s.
One thing I like about the chaps is that a lot of days can be cold in the morning or evening, but hot in the middle part of the day. Chaps are easy on and off and don't take up much room in the saddle bag. Same for when it is cool and you are riding somewhere that you are going to be inside for a while. I prefer to wear my jeans over the leather pants for nice weather and for stuff other than riding.
Luckily I don't care what other people think about what I wear, same as I don't care what other people wear. Find gear that works and that you like and enjoy the ride.
One thing I like about the chaps is that a lot of days can be cold in the morning or evening, but hot in the middle part of the day. Chaps are easy on and off and don't take up much room in the saddle bag. Same for when it is cool and you are riding somewhere that you are going to be inside for a while. I prefer to wear my jeans over the leather pants for nice weather and for stuff other than riding.
Luckily I don't care what other people think about what I wear, same as I don't care what other people wear. Find gear that works and that you like and enjoy the ride.
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Joined: Aug 2011
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From: Idaho Panhandle
I have to think that chaps came from brush riding cowboys. From 1964 to some time in the late seventies, I was not really aware riders wore leather. Oiled canvas was what I wore.
Then, I got a leather jacket. The typical biker style and I felt cool and safe. But it was a crappy style. But I was younger and impressionable. I picked up chaps, good for those cold morning rides, but even early on the family jewels got cold.
As I grew up, I got a decent leather jacket that fit better, could zip up around the neck and wrists, and had decent vents. I still have that jacket. Fits like meeting an old friend at your favorite tavern. Somewhere along the line, I bought leather overpants. Just as quick as chaps, but oh so much more practical.
Now the wife......she looks far better in her studded chaps. She aint getting leather overpants. At my age, I need all the stimulation I can get!
Then, I got a leather jacket. The typical biker style and I felt cool and safe. But it was a crappy style. But I was younger and impressionable. I picked up chaps, good for those cold morning rides, but even early on the family jewels got cold.
As I grew up, I got a decent leather jacket that fit better, could zip up around the neck and wrists, and had decent vents. I still have that jacket. Fits like meeting an old friend at your favorite tavern. Somewhere along the line, I bought leather overpants. Just as quick as chaps, but oh so much more practical.
Now the wife......she looks far better in her studded chaps. She aint getting leather overpants. At my age, I need all the stimulation I can get!
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Joined: Apr 2014
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From: UK
The bad thing about leather is the weight and pants are heavier than chaps so I wear a belt and H-D suspenders which helps keep the pants from sliding down.
My "rain gear" is larger enough to fit over all of my leather gear and just like when snowmobiling, if I'm taking a longer trip, I've found that wearing sweat (light or heavy) pants underneath is more comfortable than wearing belted jeans.
My "rain gear" is larger enough to fit over all of my leather gear and just like when snowmobiling, if I'm taking a longer trip, I've found that wearing sweat (light or heavy) pants underneath is more comfortable than wearing belted jeans.
Good textile riding pants will do all of this in one garment. No need for extra waterproof layers. And if it's really cold, just put some Merino wool leggings on underneath. Comfortable, protective, wind and waterproof with no need to add or remove layers.
I'll be out riding all night tomorrow from 7pm to 6am doing emergency blood deliveries in expected 36F weather with a very good chance of significant rainfall. I'll be wearing Rukka gear (with a Warm 'n Safe heated jacket liner, glove liners and heated grips) and will be warm, dry and comfortable all night long.
When I want to look cool, I'll wear my leather stuff. When I want properly functional and comfortable foul weather clothing I will wear high end laminated, armoured and insulated textiles. There's no comparison.
I'm not trying to kick off an argument, but the OP seemed to want advice on weather protection and this is the best that I know after spending an awful lot of money on motorcycle clothing and spending a lot of time in foul weather over the years.
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Joined: Feb 2016
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From: NC
I quit wearing leather 25 years ago except for a couple jackets. I have an Aerostitch Darien suit for traveling. Have owned a race n suit since then. Mesh jacket for warm weather.
And on cool dry days I'll wear insulated Carhartt bibs, and a leather jacket.
Leather is no longer king. And at 6"7 and 300 pounds it's hard to find tall sizes that are really tall sizes in leather.
And on cool dry days I'll wear insulated Carhartt bibs, and a leather jacket.
Leather is no longer king. And at 6"7 and 300 pounds it's hard to find tall sizes that are really tall sizes in leather.