Leather vs Textile jackets
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 149
Likes: 1
From: Somewhere in the US
Leather vs Textile jackets
Do the textile/cordura jackets block the wind as good as leather? Are they as warm and has anyone tried or have both? I am wanting a jacket that is warm and will keep the wind out. I just recently bought two leather jackets with removable Thinsulate liners for me and her. They are kind of heavy and very bulky to pack. I don't mind the weight at all while I am wearing it but biggest issue is just the bulk of them. Just wanting something that is warm and easier to pack and was looking at the textile jackets but I don't want to give up much warmth. In the spring and fall, we will ride in temps down into the 30's and have rode in the 20's. Thanks.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
A suitable brand textile jacket can be much warmer than leather in my experience and completely water proof and can be had with removable inners as well. Mrs B and I have Halvarssons suits, but then we live in a climate with very variable weather, so want to keep warm and dry. I haven't worn a leather bike jacket of any sort for many years.
Advanced
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 89
Likes: 5
From: Middle TN
I have both, prefer leather just because I like it, no technical reason. For riding below 50 I use an electric vest under my leather jacket, good gloves, and a neck/chin cover under a 3/4 helmet with a face shield, and my insulated boots. I'm comfortable down to 30 with that combo.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 529
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota
My textile jacket has two zip-in liners. One liner is waterproof and does a good job of blocking the wind. The second is a thermal liner which I've never used because I use my Gerbings heated liner on days when temps are in the 30's (Oct, Nov in these parts).
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 10,858
Likes: 5,421
From: My own little slice of heaven
I have both an while I like leather I have to admit I think the textile does a better job of warmth, especially with a windblocker fleece underneath. Quality fleece will be very thin.
My choice of textile is, and has been for decades, Aerostich. I have the Roadcrafter as well as Darien
My choice of textile is, and has been for decades, Aerostich. I have the Roadcrafter as well as Darien
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,190
Likes: 2,419
From: USA
I've both. Leather blocks wind,period. Textiles greatly reduce wind, depends on how tight the weave is. Wind down the collar or up the sleeves is wind, leather or textile.
Insulation under either a textile or leather she'll is a function of the insulation. Though wind through it will negate it.
When it comes to sliding down asphalt, leather is king. ,
Insulation under either a textile or leather she'll is a function of the insulation. Though wind through it will negate it.
When it comes to sliding down asphalt, leather is king. ,
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 10,135
Likes: 4,780
From: Sandpoint, Idaho
I agree with most that the textile is warmer than leather. And it also has the advantage of being able to remove liners and open up the shell for ventilation when it is warm outside.
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 345
Likes: 1
From: s.e. Wisconsin
I have both the textile and leather. The textile for me is my favorite. Thermal remove able liner, much less bulky, waterproof and way more comfy. I own 5 harley leather jackets and I only wear my harley textile jacket.
