why leather chaps
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,842
Likes: 16,582
From: Wisconsin, USA
This has been asked and answered many times. https://www.hdforums.com/forum/searc...rchid=53401394
Like Smitty said, they are standard in cold states. Some people prefer textile overpants, I have never tried them. I have seen many chaps I wouldn't want to wear because they fit poorly, or are made of stiff leather. I have elkskin chaps, they are soft and you don't even feel them on. So if you buy some, get them fit by someone who knows what they are doing.
Like Smitty said, they are standard in cold states. Some people prefer textile overpants, I have never tried them. I have seen many chaps I wouldn't want to wear because they fit poorly, or are made of stiff leather. I have elkskin chaps, they are soft and you don't even feel them on. So if you buy some, get them fit by someone who knows what they are doing.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,525
Likes: 646
From: Saint Charles, Missouri
I like my leather chaps on days when it is cooler than 70 degrees, I wear a leather shirt and vest until 60 degrees or cooler then throw on my lined leather jacket.. The chaps allow me to wear my pistol on a belt holster and it is concealed, sheath knife is also for the most part concealed. The do make chaps with a zip out lining for even more cold protection. Cowboys wear chaps so that trees and brush don't tear up their pants and legs. Wooly chaps are a northern states item for during the winter.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,548
Likes: 7,173
From: Oxford, Nc
Chaps that I can easily remove when I get to work (and then roll up and store in my saddlebags,) are the only way I can conveniently still ride to work when it's 35 degrees outside on a December morning. No muss, no fuss.
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 69,901
Likes: 18,589
From: South Florida
I only wear them when the temp drops to the 40's. That is about ~49 deg's and lower.
Temp + wind speed drops the temp abt 8 - 10 deg's at high speeds. (There is actually a chart on this matter.)
Temp + wind speed drops the temp abt 8 - 10 deg's at high speeds. (There is actually a chart on this matter.)
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,475
Likes: 70
From: Sierra Foothills, California
Mid 60's and below I wear my leathers, chaps and jacket. If it's really cold I layer underneath as needed. I just bought some Tourmaster textile lined overpants that look like they will be really warm for winter rides. Going to be trying them soon. I like to wear my leathers when I know I will be riding long distance interstate riding. It helps protect against wind fatigue and any debris that may kick up on the road.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 740
Likes: 743
Haven't ponied up for chaps yet, but my fleece lined wrangler riggs work great for cold weather rides.
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