cold weather gear
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6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2007
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cold weather gear
looking for information on cold weather gear. Has anybody rode with Gator Skins or Under Armour gear?? Mostly interested in glove liners, but will appreciate any comments on cold weather gear. Thanks
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Connecticut
I've been doing some research and ended up ordering a merino wool shirt for my base liner. I got the expedition weight and let me tell you, it's toasty!!! Over that you can wear any other long sleeve shirt (I wear a columbia synthetic mock neck I had in the closet), on top of that for a mid layer (the mid layer insulates the heat) I wear a medium weight fleece (heavy would be better but little more bulky) and on top of that my leather.
I have yet to buy the wool long underwear and socks but that's next on my list. I've been using regular thermals flannel lined jeans and chaps. I need to figure out something for gloves as well. Might try those heat packs.
As far as the debate between wool and synthetic material (such as Under Armor etc), I think for cold weather riding where you're not active (hiking, skiing etc) wool works best. A bit more expensive though but if you look online you can find some pretty good deals.
This setup should keep you pretty warm in cold weather. How cold? I'm not sure but I've ridden in 40 to 45 degree weather and it worked for me.
Bottom line for riding. Other than going with heated gear, a good expedition weight merino wool will keep you warmer than synthetics, and a heavy fleece is the best insulator. Good luck!
I have yet to buy the wool long underwear and socks but that's next on my list. I've been using regular thermals flannel lined jeans and chaps. I need to figure out something for gloves as well. Might try those heat packs.
As far as the debate between wool and synthetic material (such as Under Armor etc), I think for cold weather riding where you're not active (hiking, skiing etc) wool works best. A bit more expensive though but if you look online you can find some pretty good deals.
This setup should keep you pretty warm in cold weather. How cold? I'm not sure but I've ridden in 40 to 45 degree weather and it worked for me.
Bottom line for riding. Other than going with heated gear, a good expedition weight merino wool will keep you warmer than synthetics, and a heavy fleece is the best insulator. Good luck!
Last edited by JekyllnHyde; Nov 16, 2011 at 07:02 PM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Potsdam, NY
The most important thing I find in cold weather is blocking the wind. You can have all the insulation you want but it won't help if there is no wind blocking layer over top of it. Textile is better than leather at colder temps too. More than one wind blocking layer helps too as cool air seeps in under a jacket and other areas. Normal winter/ski jackets have insulation but are not as wind blocking as a motorcycle jacket.
I wear 3/4length adventure tour style jacket (Olympia) with the zip in insulated liner which also provides a second wind blocking layer for the cold air that seeps in. On my legs I wear textile motorcycle over pants worn over jeans and long underwear. Heated gear is the cat's *** as someone on this forum said but kinda expensive. A full face helmet really helps to keep you warm as you loose a lot of heat from your face. A motorcycle helmet balaclava (most bike shops sell them for $5-10) worn under a FF helmet keeps your neck and chin warm.
I wear 3/4length adventure tour style jacket (Olympia) with the zip in insulated liner which also provides a second wind blocking layer for the cold air that seeps in. On my legs I wear textile motorcycle over pants worn over jeans and long underwear. Heated gear is the cat's *** as someone on this forum said but kinda expensive. A full face helmet really helps to keep you warm as you loose a lot of heat from your face. A motorcycle helmet balaclava (most bike shops sell them for $5-10) worn under a FF helmet keeps your neck and chin warm.
Last edited by fat_tony; Nov 16, 2011 at 08:09 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 873
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From: Just east of the 'bama line, GA.
I wear a filson Merino wool liner jacket under a heavy leather motorcycle jacket, and a pair of ballistic nylon, fleece lined Colorado Chaps, Merino wool socks, and H-D silk glove liners under Olympia gore/wind-tex winter riding gloves.
Like whoever said, its true..... gerblings electric gear is pricey and the cats azz.
Like whoever said, its true..... gerblings electric gear is pricey and the cats azz.
Last edited by artz; Nov 17, 2011 at 12:05 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 935
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From: Indiana
I don't think we answer the OP's main interest regarding grove liners. I use GatorSkin glove liner, but it's not wind proof. Add a pair of HD fleece on top (not water proof) or a pair of neophane (sp?) with leather palm (water proof). Good to ~40 degree.
Also have a pair of heavier leather gauntlet for severe cold formula, but due to thickness with liner, can't bend my pinkies. But that combination is good down to 30 degree.
I have Gerbing heated jacket liner with single controller, someday might get the heated gloves, but I have to change to a dual controller. Plus quite a toll on my electrical system already (two amps, added passing lights, heated seat, etc.)
Ride safe.
Also have a pair of heavier leather gauntlet for severe cold formula, but due to thickness with liner, can't bend my pinkies. But that combination is good down to 30 degree.
I have Gerbing heated jacket liner with single controller, someday might get the heated gloves, but I have to change to a dual controller. Plus quite a toll on my electrical system already (two amps, added passing lights, heated seat, etc.)
Ride safe.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2011
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From: Mesquite,Nevada
What's the differance between underarmor and old style thermo underwear."long johns". is the under armor worth the price? I have a good leather jacket. Looking at these glove's
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Joe Kucinski
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Connecticut
Under Armor (a synthetic) is considered performance wear. Not the best for keeping warm....great for wicking sweat though. If you go with Synthetic look for extreme cold weather synthetics. These guys I hear make good stuff. http://www.goathleticapparel.com/
I still like merino wool better though.
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Joined: Jun 2010
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The most important thing I find in cold weather is blocking the wind. You can have all the insulation you want but it won't help if there is no wind blocking layer over top of it. Textile is better than leather at colder temps too. More than one wind blocking layer helps too as cool air seeps in under a jacket and other areas. Normal winter/ski jackets have insulation but are not as wind blocking as a motorcycle jacket.
I wear 3/4length adventure tour style jacket (Olympia) with the zip in insulated liner which also provides a second wind blocking layer for the cold air that seeps in. On my legs I wear textile motorcycle over pants worn over jeans and long underwear. Heated gear is the cat's *** as someone on this forum said but kinda expensive. A full face helmet really helps to keep you warm as you loose a lot of heat from your face. A motorcycle helmet balaclava (most bike shops sell them for $5-10) worn under a FF helmet keeps your neck and chin warm.
I wear 3/4length adventure tour style jacket (Olympia) with the zip in insulated liner which also provides a second wind blocking layer for the cold air that seeps in. On my legs I wear textile motorcycle over pants worn over jeans and long underwear. Heated gear is the cat's *** as someone on this forum said but kinda expensive. A full face helmet really helps to keep you warm as you loose a lot of heat from your face. A motorcycle helmet balaclava (most bike shops sell them for $5-10) worn under a FF helmet keeps your neck and chin warm.
This guy gets it, the wind must be stopped.
I am a small guy (no padding) and get cold fairly quick, so once below 60, I must dress differently.You can drop a pile on heated gear, full leathers, but that can get real pricey.
Layering is the key for me. I layer UA fitted all-season gear over UA compression cold gear (size up on compression), my under clothes body armor, then a bad *** Gore Windstopper Hoody.
Gore Windstopper is the way to go, like a brick wall...
http://www.dogfunk.com/burton-ak-bli...ce-jacket-mens