ATGATT - Layers or "All-in-one"?.

barbagris

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OK this has been occupying my grey cells for a while - and brought to a head when I saw what could have been the PERFECT Jacket but is discontinued. So I'll guess it didn't sell. Was a Vented leather jacket with a bespoke rain jacket that zipped to the core. Set me thinking - why discontinued? - I doubt it was price.

So here's a question.

Do you use "All in one" gear with all sorts of zip-in/out bits to cover all eventualities or do you simply layer up and change gear based on the day/week/month?

The kernel of a thought that could lead to the genesis of an idea is forming.
 
I wore nothing but leather for 50 years.
Was no good when temp were hot.
Decided to go AGATT.
I found the textile mesh, rain & thermal systems light weight, flexible and easy to store in a pannier. After two other brands, I now use the Olympia Air mesh 5.
 
A while back here, someone posted going-out-of-business-for-Triumph-brand sale at Bike Bandit, and I purchased one of the formerly outrageously priced "Touring" jackets (textile) in high-vis yellow.

This replaced a similar, ten-year old jacket that had started to leak.

So, my riding outerwear comes in three parts.

For the upper, the jacket has an outer, waterproof shell, and a zip-in removable thermal liner.

Somewhere around 50°F, I remove the inner liner.

When the temperature is going to exceed 70°F, then I must switch to part three, my lightweight mesh jacket.

For the pants, I wear a First Gear over pants, pretty much any time I have the touring jacket on.

When switching to the mesh jacket, I switch to the mesh pants -- and these have a zip in water shell. It is a curious design, because when I ride in the rain, and go to remove the pants, the mesh is plenty wet, though the shell kept me dry on the inside.

If you have something better, I'm interested.
 
I both layer and zip. if it's cold, i'm wearing a lightweight sweatshirt under my leather jacket (which would have it's zip in-liner installed). as it warms, the sweatshirt comes off then the zip in-liner is removed. like most of you guys, i've got a group of tops and pants that get used based on weather conditions. i've gotten pretty good at selecting the right clothes for that day's ride.
the one thing that doesn't change regardless of weather is the presence of armor for shoulders, elbows, back, hips, and knees.
whatever i strip down to, the armored pieces stay.
and even though my armored mesh jacket sleeve snap failed during my accident last year (resulting in a nice road rash scar on my forearm), i do think there are good mesh jacket options out there that provide reasonable protection and greater versatility than leather.
 
Here is what I believe could be pretty much the best overall LONG DISTANCE solution for me. Long distance implies lack of prediction.
  • Base layer: This is the variable part - and can be long/short sleeves, Technical or natural.
  • Mid Layer (not summer) - this for me would be a Buffalo Mountain Shirt. In Summer maybe their Windshirt.
  • CORE LAYER - Perforated Leather - with all protectors etc. But with dual Zipper to accommodate different thickness of mid layer.
  • Shell layer - Waterproof.
 
I use the "all in one" Tour Master Centurion.

It has a lot of features, rain proof, has vents (scoops) on the shoulders that catch air and run it inside the suit, knee... shoulder protection, zip in or out insulation.

Its a little overkill but there has been times that I was really glad I had it on. I've worn it in the hot summer and people look at me crazy but the ventilation works really well ... IF I'm moving.

Takes about a minute to put it on.

I use the suit when it's cold or chance of rain or both most of the time.

Other than that I use a Alpinestars leather jacket with shoulder protection and textile riding "zip over" pants with knee protection.
 
i use a mix of all in one and layers. if i'm commuting (30 to 45mins) or long hauls its layers due to the weather shifts. All but one of my jackets are three season for the short rides. i always keep my rain gear on the bike now, so if i need a windproof/ rain layer its there.

i just wished there was a big and tall for nice motorcycle gear that wasn't in the $1000 range
 
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