What is a good waterproof breathable jacket?

My old Firstgear Kilamanjaro jacket has started to leak after 10 years of service. I havent been in the market for gear in a long time and could use some help. I used to push parts at a motorcycle dealership and what I remeber from ten years ago is:

1. Many products claim to be waterproof that arent.
2. Many people think that their gear is waterproof who havent ridden in a storm for more than 30 minutes.
3. The kilamanjaro jacket was the only jacket that could be ridden all day in the rain without leaking.
4. Aerostitch suits are great but...they leak in the crotch.

I sure could use some current information.

 

I have a Cortech GX Sport - in yellow of course!

Motorcycle Daily


Oh, I have FirstGear TPS pants...

 

Looks like you already have all of the info that you need. Buy another Kilamanjaro and be done with it. Why mess with something that has never failed you?

 

I was thinking the same thing but ten years is a long time, the original Kilimanjaro is no longer available, and it did have its shortcomings. I have been looking at the Raineer as a replacement but, dont know if First Gear still makes quality products, and assume that their are probably some other products out there that I am unaware of.
I found the Kilamanjaro by talking to people who were using the products on a regular basis, I appreciated their advice and would like to have the advice of people who use the products on a regular basis again.

 

I remember the original Cortech jacket would leak at the pockets after about 40 minutes in the rain. How well have you tested the water proofness of the new Cortech? I ask because I will somedays spend the entire day in the rain and need it to be truly rainproof.

 

Haven't been that long in the rain - yet.

 

Cortech is garbage in the rain. So are a lot of fieldsheer. I am taking, long, all day rain,.....not sprinkle for ten minutes and I am still dry rain. Well, if you don't mind dropping some coin, this baby should keep you dry.

Klim Adventure Rally Jacket - Dirt Bike Motocross - Motorcycle Superstore

Klim Valdez Parka - Dirt Bike Motocross - Motorcycle Superstore


I think you need to look some into "enduro" type jackets. A lot of them are rugged, and made to be waterproof.

 

I disagree - my fiancee has a Fieldsheer, and we were in a downpour for over an hour last summer in Manitoba - she was dry and I was soaked after 15 minutes (had a FIRSTGEAR SPEED MOTORCYCLE JACKET at the time).

Her son was my passenger - and he had a Fieldsheer as well - he also was dry.

 

No worries, you are intitled to your opinion/experience of course. My last two Fieldsheer have gotten me wet after 1 hour (actually less for one) in the rain. He wants to know about one that will keep you dry ALL day long, so that is why I am against recommending fieldsheer. Why did I buy another? Because they are so damn cheap, and I don't ride in the rain all that often. I do like them besides the staying dry thingy.

 

Wow! Very nice stuff! Wasn't aware of Klim. I've got to save my money for the jacket and also the Adventure Rally Pants.

 

Would you consider rain gear that could be worn over your gear? I know that's not specifically what you asked for, but just throwing out options.

There are companies like Helly Hansen, Cabelas, Bass Pro Shops, etc.

I'm one of those guys that hasn't ridden much more than an hour or so in the rain - certainly not all day. But, I have been on boats (including traveling at speeds above 65mph) in complete downpours for hours at a time. I'll swear by my Cabelas Guidewear system for about $500.

 

I like RUKKA even better. Sweet stuff.

Rukka Airoad Jacket - Adventure Motorcycle Gear

Rukka Armadillo Jacket - Adventure Motorcycle Gear

Rukka Armas Jacket - Adventure Motorcycle Gear

 

Look for something lined with real Gortex not the knockoff stuff. Ya might want to look into one of the "for a few bucks" waterproofing applications like Nikwax on your old jacket.

 

I have had a Frank Thomas jacket and pants for around 15yrs ,has weathered at least 3-4 hundred thousand kms,rode from Vancouver B.C. to San Francisco 2 days solid rain dry as a bone,it also works good in warmer weather as it breathable,the best piece of gear I have ever purchased

 

my current jacket, which is a european brand "REV IT " has an innner warmth liner and a seperate waterproof membrane liner that are removable
from the outer jacket layer.

So far so good with this one, it was recommended to me by a friend to replace my Spidi jacket which was also exceptional but not as good as the REV It is.

REV'IT! - Homepage

check out their web addy which hasa USA/Canada link.

 

Ok, thats not even funny. Now I will never be satisfied with anything else, and I cant even afford the tags on that jacket.

I will start looking at the enduro jackets though. Thanks

 

Hot danmn, what is the story with these $1,300.00 dollar jackets, and why do i feel like I suddenly need one?

 

I have considered it but I have a terrible habit of falling off these infernal two wheel contraptions and have become a big fan of armor and skid resistance.
I do generaly wear my gear over my street clothes and have considered checking out the new aerostitch line.

 

+2

I agree brotha. I can't afford the zippers on it, but somehow, someway, I feel that I badly need one. If it came with a hooker maybe.....

 

In my experence, the Aerostich Transit does not leak.
Also I have 46/40 that I undergrew for sale.

Mac