Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Camping Equipment and all Clothing
Camping Equipment and all Clothing Tents, sleeping bags, stoves etc. Riding clothing, boots, helmets, what to wear when not riding, etc.
Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

25 years of HU Events


Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!




Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia




Like Tree8Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 8 Jan 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Barcelona
Posts: 16
Advice needed on Gear for a Rookie!

Hi folks,

I am planning a one year travel by motorbike and my current schedule hits places where is going to be burning hot and places where it is freezing even in summer.

This will be my first serious travel by motorbike and I’ll use a 250cc Honda. I like to pack lightly and I have under control all the tent, stove, panniers and this kind of stuff BUT I would like to hear your recommendations for jacket, pants, helmet, boots and gloves.

-Is there any gear that is good both for winter and summer?
- Which are the best brands?
- Which is the most durable, comfy and simple gear?

I would like to keep it as simple as I can. No high tech, no racing stuff, etc. I do not want to step in a store and hear what dealers want to sell as I will rely on your experience! :-)

Cheers from Spain!
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 8 Jan 2015
stuxtttr's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Lutterworth,Midlands, UK
Posts: 574
Clothing think layers, you don't need to spend a fortune to get good useable gear. Do you have Decathalon stores ?

I would use kevlar denim jeans these can be worn on or off the bike, underneath leave enough room for thermal leggings and then a good waterproof trouser to go over the top that will keep you warm and dry, Ex military gear is good for this layer you can get cheap gore tex military jacket and pants that are tough and will go over your other clothes.

For a jacket again go for a good sturdy riding jacket maybe leather, leave room underneath for a fleece and a thermal longsleeve top then gore tex jacket over the top.

This combo should cover most climates and keep costs low.

Boots? if you pick good strong hiking boots then you can hike off the bike and they are very useful ok they offer less protection than bike boots but they are more useful overall. if you have waterproof covers or plastic bags then your feet stay dry in heavy rain. ( again ex military gore tex socks can go underneath) Military boots are also strong and cheap.

I like mx gloves as they are nice to control the bike and I use again a military over mitt than is waterproof and warm and cheap.

You should check out the guy who is traveling Africa with a surf board in ride tales section for how little you need to take.

Remember travel light and enjoy the ride. You can alkways buy cheap warm garments on the road and pass them on when you get to a warmer climate.

A one piece waterproof suit is very good for keeping cold wet weather out but they are not normally as durable or useful off the bike.

Check out Sydney to London, that guy rode the whole journey through many changing climates in non biking gear.

Get a helmet that fits and one that you dont mind people trying on and it will probably take some knocks, open face lets you smile at the world as you go by, mx also does the same but adds chin protection. Flip up seems a good comprimise of safety and smiles full face most safe but more clasutraphobic and head gets hotter!!

You proabably wont ride much faster than 50mph on most of your journey. I took mx shin, knee gaurds but you can get cheap kevlar denim jeans now with knee gaurds in from discount stores like Aldi and Lidl etc

Last edited by stuxtttr; 8 Jan 2015 at 21:01. Reason: extra
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 9 Jan 2015
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
Spain has 5 times the amount and variety of gear the UK does ... and at better prices too. Big Spanish cities sometimes have "clusters" of bike shops. Lots to choose from and wide variety of prices HIGH to LOW. Bikes are a BIG deal in Spain and so is riding gear.

I'd first go to a few good shops and ONLY LOOK ... do not buy. See what is there, learn price ranges, look for good and bad quality. Look at Moto Cross type gear for HOT weather, look at touring type gear for cold, look at everything and learn.

Local Moto magazines have gear reviews, read them, but don't take them as word of God. But you can learn a lot about products and what features they have.

Advice here on HUBB will probably mention many brands you don't have in Spain ... so, useless to you.

Perhaps there are some experienced Spanish Motoqueros who can help you with shopping for gear in Espana?... if not, then you are on your own.

For HOT conditions, wear what the Moto Enduro or Motocross guys wear. For
cold weather, find warmer gear and use layers and use heated gear like a Gerbing elec. jacket. (lifesaver!) You will need at least two pairs of gloves.
One for hot weather, another for the cold.

As you travel you will learn what is good or bad.
You can always buy gear on the road or trade with other riders or give away what you do not like or need.

Suerte!
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 9 Jan 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Barcelona
Posts: 16
Thanks for the info guys!

I have been checking the website / stories of the guys that have done looong travelling and I see that almost all of them use leather pants and jacket
Why?
Is there any practical advantage in using them?
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 10 Jan 2015
stuxtttr's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Lutterworth,Midlands, UK
Posts: 574
Quote:
Originally Posted by apinajus View Post
Thanks for the info guys!

I have been checking the website / stories of the guys that have done looong travelling and I see that almost all of them use leather pants and jacket
Why?
Is there any practical advantage in using them?
I wouldnt go for leather pants (just watch the Friends episode where Ross gets stuck in a pair to see what happens when you get hot)

Leather jacket is fine it offers good protection but be aware that protection is only there if the jacket is fastened correctly!! so make sure the jacket is not too hot.

One more thing to consider is what gear/clothing you have already from that you should know what works and what does not.

enjoy the journey
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 14 Jan 2015
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
Quote:
Originally Posted by apinajus View Post
Thanks for the info guys!

I have been checking the website / stories of the guys that have done looong travelling and I see that almost all of them use leather pants and jacket
Why?
Is there any practical advantage in using them?
Leather? Really? Folks on this forum and many RTW types do not wear leather all that much, least I haven't noticed it.

Modern synthetic fabrics are what most wear, have done for ages now ... most all products are off shoots of Dupont Cordura, which got into moto gear about 30 years ago.

Some commuters and weekend riders wear full leathers and of course the sports bike and vintage bike guys still wear it full time. But among ADV types leather went out maybe 20 years ago for most??

This especially true since companies like BMW, Aerostich, Rev'it, Klim, Motoport and several other good ones started going UP market with their gear. So yes, higher prices but more features, better fit and quality.

Most top of the line Cordura type gear includes Gore-Tex in some form. Gore Tex you know as a hiker and you also probably know it does not work when dirty.

Some are foolish enough to believe Gore-Tex's breathable quality means it will be perfect in HOT weather. WRONG! Gore-Tex works in Cold, like when your hiking up a mountain, cross country skiing.

But when sat on a bike in 100F and 90% humidity with little ventilation, Gore-Tex will par boil you as ANY synthetic gear will.

My thoughts on Leather:
About 12 years ago the guys I was riding with used Cordura type gear, pants and jacket.
Most guys use Aerostich (USA) many still use it exclusively for our 2 to 4 days rides here in San Francisco Bay area.

But some of us realized we liked our leather pants better than synthetic ones.
Not for the hottest weather but it's good nearly year round here in California where we have HUGE range of weather, from 120F Death Valley to minus 24F in our Sierra Nevada. I've ridden in BOTH extremes dozens of times.

It's leather pants for me every time.

But now, about half our group of 25 riders, wear leather pants for all but the hottest weather. No one wears leather off road ...if they can avoid it.

Many riders forget that leather is the "original" breathable fabric and breaths 100% better than any synthetic pants I've worn (and I've tried many as I get the stuff free from a magazine to test)

I like leather. It works for me in the coldest conditions up to about 85F. Over 85F I switch to mesh dirt bike riding pants (with armor underneath).

Good leathers offer great protection and comfort. While my synthetic pant clad buddies are sweating like rapists at the fuel stop, I'm nearly always fine.

For a jacket, I went to Cordura type synthetic jackets 20 years ago and have never looked back. So, synthetic jacket, leather pants is how I roll.

But traveling I always pack dirt riding vented pants for hot conditions. The leathers are a PAIN to pack but worth it when it cools down or I go back into the mountains.

If it rains, with leather you have to have a plan. I always carry rain pants. These pack to nothing and can be slipped over my leather pants in 2 minutes. My leather pants are also treated with Sno-Seal, a Bee's wax leather treating
product that makes them quite water proof.

Last edited by mollydog; 16 Jan 2015 at 20:00.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 13 Feb 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Born Hereford UK Currently in South America heading north
Posts: 12
Leather workerd for me

hi apinajus
a quick note for you, I am using leather pants and jacket, with thermal long pants and long sleaved top underneath. We rode Alexandria to Cape Town 2010-2011. (Sudan was 54') Sure it was warm but the thermals were quick to wash each day and kept (most, lol) of the stink off the leathers. We rode around Auz (2013) after working for a bit in W.A. Currently in Santiago waiting for bikes and leather clothes to arrive!!
Diane has synthetic with thermals under, worked well to. BUT yes you do needs waterproofs over when it gets rainy, mine, super cheap two piece from a builders merchant, pants and jacket roll up to the size of a mug.
We did hit the tar (70kph) Sudan / Ethiopia border, both set of clothing got scuffed, no more. Diane does find it a bit of a drag unzipping rezipping water proof and thermal layers out of hers. I just cook gently!!!!
Final note I had the leathers for years before I left, old Belstaff gear. not new or 'fancy'.
Check all our gear out www.rimorterra.wordpress.com
Safe trip!
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 11 Jan 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
Leathers one and possibly only advantage is wear. Jeans are only good for one crash and you'll wear the knees out of a clown suit changing tyres. Your old leathers will be cold, hot, wet and stinking but you won' t be chucking them out because they are trashed.

Andy
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 11 Jan 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Barcelona
Posts: 16
haha, just watched that Friends episode
So then which is the advice on the pants? I have a waterproof trousers from Decathlon already.

Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 13 Jan 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Barcelona
Posts: 16
Oh, by the way, what about gore tex leather pants? Are they a good option?

Alex
Life on Bikes - ride, experience & live
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 13 Jan 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
Sorts the problem that clown suit nylon shreds on impact, burns on exhausts and wears out faster that a students bed springs during rag week. Also partially solves the lack of waterproofing in leather.


Filthy leather will block the pores in the Gortex turning it into a sweat bag. Soaked leather that's been over Goretex over sweaty legs is not something you'd want to share a tent with.


7/10 for effort.


There is no 10/10 answer.


To me waterproofed cotton or nylon over trousers work better as all the inner layers stay dry and you don't have to take the wet bit into the tent.


Andy
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Ebola related travel problems, advice needed please. zedsdead sub-Saharan Africa 6 29 Oct 2014 19:06
Spiti Beginner Bike trip Advice needed lucian.barnard West and South Asia 9 3 Oct 2014 04:44
Advice needed for Imilchil-Cascades d'Ouzoud route CaBRita Morocco 8 4 Feb 2014 17:28
Planning first trip Across the US, advice needed Akira181 North America 6 23 May 2013 05:35
RTW trip - route planning advice needed electro Route Planning 3 26 Sep 2012 13:13

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
Ecuador June 13-15
Bulgaria Mini: June 27-29
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Aug 14-17
Romania: Aug 22-24
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)

Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 05:38.