Some time ago I made the decision to begin upgrading the rain linings in all my gear to bona fide Gore Tex. I have made progress and so far I've been very pleased. In summer heat I ride in an Olympia Stealth onesie. hyea:
Its textile/mesh design offers great ventilation but there's no waterproof layer whatsoever. Warm weather is coming and so is the rain and I absolutely abhor the vinyl rain suit I have to wear over the Stealth. I read with interest on ADV of riders having success with Gore Tex Paclite backpacking gear. I patiently watched items on ebay and eventually scored. The pants I found bear the Cabela's brand and cost me $40. It's amazing how lightweight the material is. And the quality is excellent. All zippers are waterproof and the cuff zippers go to the knee. Cabela's: Cabela's GORE-TEX® PacLite® Rainy River® Pants - Tall
Most of the jackets listed were designed for snowboarding or winter expeditions - too heavy for summer. Finally one appeared and it was even motorcycle specific. The Klim Stowaway Gore Tex Paclite jacket was exactly what I was looking for. I would have bid all the way to its $199 retail but luckily won it for half that figure. It's last year's model (new with tags) but I actually think I like the style better. The new model is a solid color and comes with a hood. Klim Stow Away Jacket - RevZilla
Like the pants the jacket is lightweight and breathable and has waterproof zippers. The front pocket becomes its own stuff sack.
The plan is to don the Paclite gear under my Olympia textile / mesh suit. So far so good.
I have worn the new rain gear around the house for over an hour with no sign of clamminess. This stuff is surprisingly cool and comfortable.
Another advantage of the "Paclite" line, since it was designed for backpacking, it and packs very small. I was still surprised when the items I ordered arrived in standard 9x12 envelopes. Here's the Klim jacket in its own built-in pouch.
And here's the jacket and pants together.
I'm as frugal (cheap) as they come but sometimes you just have to throw money at a problem. I think I'm ready for summer now. I'll report again after the first Texas deluge.
Oh, and if anybody wants a worn 3 or 4 times Tourmaster Elite rain suit cheap, let me know.
Its textile/mesh design offers great ventilation but there's no waterproof layer whatsoever. Warm weather is coming and so is the rain and I absolutely abhor the vinyl rain suit I have to wear over the Stealth. I read with interest on ADV of riders having success with Gore Tex Paclite backpacking gear. I patiently watched items on ebay and eventually scored. The pants I found bear the Cabela's brand and cost me $40. It's amazing how lightweight the material is. And the quality is excellent. All zippers are waterproof and the cuff zippers go to the knee. Cabela's: Cabela's GORE-TEX® PacLite® Rainy River® Pants - Tall
Most of the jackets listed were designed for snowboarding or winter expeditions - too heavy for summer. Finally one appeared and it was even motorcycle specific. The Klim Stowaway Gore Tex Paclite jacket was exactly what I was looking for. I would have bid all the way to its $199 retail but luckily won it for half that figure. It's last year's model (new with tags) but I actually think I like the style better. The new model is a solid color and comes with a hood. Klim Stow Away Jacket - RevZilla
Like the pants the jacket is lightweight and breathable and has waterproof zippers. The front pocket becomes its own stuff sack.
The plan is to don the Paclite gear under my Olympia textile / mesh suit. So far so good.
I have worn the new rain gear around the house for over an hour with no sign of clamminess. This stuff is surprisingly cool and comfortable.
Another advantage of the "Paclite" line, since it was designed for backpacking, it and packs very small. I was still surprised when the items I ordered arrived in standard 9x12 envelopes. Here's the Klim jacket in its own built-in pouch.
And here's the jacket and pants together.
I'm as frugal (cheap) as they come but sometimes you just have to throw money at a problem. I think I'm ready for summer now. I'll report again after the first Texas deluge.
Oh, and if anybody wants a worn 3 or 4 times Tourmaster Elite rain suit cheap, let me know.