3 in 1 jackets?

[GB]

I understand what you are saying Bernard but I wouldn't want to wear that set up on a daily basis. In over 30 years of riding I have found the ideal set up for me. I wanted a waterproof breathable jacket which has enough venting for the summer and can carry my armour so when I take it off I'm not taking another layer of armour off as well, and I did't want to stop to put another jacket on if it started raining. I did't want a zip in liner that I can't wear on its own, I either wear a soft shell fleece or a heated jacket in the winter, then a T-shirt etc.
The only manufacture Ive found that provides that is Klim, I had a traverse which was superb, 100% waterproof and plenty of vents for the summer and no zip in liner. Since my accident I have replaced it with a secondhand latitude because I couldn't find a Traverse. I know they might seem expensive but I wore my Traverse virtually everyday for over a year with no signs of wear, I would expect that to last for 5-10years and I do 15000miles a year, I think thats good value for dryness and peace of mind.

[jkyz]

Had my old Frank Thomas gear for plus nearly 10 years, still in good nick. I did find its easy with layers ie thermal long sleeve plus a t shirt, fleece if its that cold out. Worked out well for me using that gear and if its cold did wear the bike jacket at the time as it was not that big or heavy. OK I have replaced it with Icon Patrol gear now but that was not because It was worn out. Just fancied a change since I got my KTM, suppose its just what people want for there needs at the time but layering up is always the best option in my book.

[Freeloadeur]

I'm in total agreement about layering but isn't that what any of the 3-in-1 jackets offers anyway but with the convenience of one fastening holding the whole lot closed?

There may well be an argument that in the more extreme conditions the lack of insulating layer at the zip can guve you a cold strip but more the majority of riding that's not the issue.

I know I can buy a protective jacket and then a fleece from Go-Outdoors and a waterproof to go over both and have a highly efficient system for not a lot of money if I avoid big brands but there is something convenient about having the whole lot zipped together when I want to take it off and also about having the sleeves, collars and bottom hems all lining up so that water doesn't soak into an unprotected under-layer.

It just struck me as odd that none of the current crop of adventure pyjamas seem to offer inners that can be unzipped and worn as stand alone jackets for those off the bike moments.

[Maljones]

For me layers waterproof outer, fleece that can be worn off the bike inner , and some old military wicking layers underneath if needed. I've never spent hundreds on gear to be honest but have always been warm and dry. And with the invention of eBay last years ultimate must have gear are today's bargains for someone who must have them! The only thing that is a must for me is the outer must be protective and waterproof from the off. The only technical reasons I could think of is a lot of motorcycle clothing these days is too technical! Farkles for clothing!

[RH_SCOTLAND]

I have used a Hein Gericke Cruise 2. Laminated gore tex liner and removeable insulated inner. Fine most of the year.

But in the depths of winter I have been riding in figures well below zero. I take the inner jacket out to give me a wee bit more space. Then I wear my North Face Nuptse 'puffa' jacket underneath. 700 fill down jacket I use for winter mountaineering and generally knocking about. Bulks out under the goretex HG jacket as it fills with air and forms a cracking insulated layer. Toastie. Does make you look like the michelin man however!

Autumn and spring I wear a 1/4 zip fleece under my HG jacket with its liner in. Usually warm enough.

About to buy the RST Paragon 4 jacket and trousers. See what that is like in comparison.

[Wilso122]

Agree with everyone, there are some great combinations some cheap some not, some good some not but each manufacturer is just following a trend set by the previous guy, it needs a re-think.

Personally I've had it with most bike jackets & Trousers and their stupid design leading to heavy over weight nonsense that would hurt in a crash and does not leave the armour in the right place, ridiculous ideas about removable liners leaving a useless heavy jacket that takes days to dry. And as you said different layers that are not complementary or stand alone. Having worked in the outdoor industry for quite a few years I'm convinced all this can be done better.

All I can say is watch this space.

[AndyB]

I used a Klim Latitude jacket with an old Mountain Equipment lightweight down jacket under it then a heated jacket under that this winter and the heated jacket kept turning itself off even on the lowest setting so I was nice and toasty.

My biggest concern was that the down jacket might get damp from sweat but even when I felt as if I was sweating buckets it was still bone dry every evening when I took it off so that was a bit of a result.

I've got plenty of mountaineering kit that I never use in the mountains these days and for layering under bike outer gear it's ideal. The main reason I don't use my old mountaineering shell over my off road armour is that the hood doesn't fold into the collar and is a nuisance on a bike.

[Geoff10]

Have you seen the 2014 Oxford catalogue some nice stuff in there at reasonable prices. Including 3 in 1 jackets with wearable inner puffa jacket. Couldn't copy off the net but here's a photo....m

image_2014-03-18.jpg (43.23 KiB) Viewed 1170 times

[Freeloadeur]

That's just the type of thing Geoff, thanks. It just seems to make perfect sense for an adventure jacket to have something that has two uses.

[-Ralph-]

Have you seen the 2014 Oxford catalogue some nice stuff in there at reasonable prices. Including 3 in 1 jackets with wearable inner puffa jacket[/attachment]

They look like a shiny duvet and fit like a parachute, I wouldn't be seen dead wearing one anywhere off the campsite (where everyone's wandering about in pyjamas anyway). Frank Thomas and FS (used to be Fieldsheer) also do a 'puffer jacket' as the thermal liner, and they look just as cheap and ridiculous.

The only manufacturer I've seen that does a separate jacket that can be worn separately off the bike, looks good, and won't see you hiding in shame, is Alpinestars.