 1Likes
 |
|
3 May 2008
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: West London
Posts: 920
|
|
|
Can people recommend good extreme cold weather gear?
I've been looking for riding gear for a winter trip across Scandinavia and Siberia, and it seems there's a welter of stuff out there - heated suits, heated undersuits, windchill protectors etc, and that's just for bikes, then I've drifted into snowmobile gear figuring they're out all day in -20° to -30°C temps with little protection so it's close.
But what would anyone recommend? And yes I know it's odd to be thinking of this just as summer-is-a-comin-in.
__________________
Happiness has 125 cc
Last edited by Alexlebrit; 3 May 2008 at 21:09.
|
4 May 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Saintfield N Ireland
Posts: 148
|
|
As you said the bike gear is good but only to a certain temperature but has all the built in protection where as snowmoblie stuff is the other way around.
Why not get the best of both worlds and where some seperate armour then get the snowmoblie stuff. Means you can stay warm and safe. 
|
5 May 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: sunny England
Posts: 790
|
|
|
the trouble with bike gear is you are not expected to go out at those temperatures, so they dont bother making it. also, on a bike youre just sat there, not moving around making your own heat.
if its going to be that cold i would reccomend electrically heated gear, at least for your feet and hands, but what are you going to do if it stops working?
maxwells idea seems the best bet, if you want armour get one of those mesh suits MXers wear and use the base, mid, top layer sytem of technical clothing. probably a top-top layer too! good luck mate
__________________
dave
|
5 May 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: West London
Posts: 920
|
|
Well the armour's really not that important, in fact I'd rather avoid it to be honest. We'll be on/in these
So you can see armour's not needed but protection is. That's why I was looking at bike gear, thinking that layering is the way to go with maybe heated undies and then a decent top layer.
So if anyone's got any tips, that'd be great, and not just of the top layer either.
__________________
Happiness has 125 cc
|
5 May 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: sunny England
Posts: 790
|
|
|
oh how cool is that........
__________________
dave
|
6 May 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Denmark - Copenhagen
Posts: 305
|
|
You need a one piece winter worksuit. Like this:
HELLY HANSEN THERMAL WORKWEAR 1-PIECE POLAR WORK SUIT [Continued]
They use them in cold storage facilities etc. Strong, simple and durable.
__________________
Peter Kongsbak
South East Asia, USA, Central and South America and Scandinavia.
|
6 May 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: West London
Posts: 920
|
|
Peter thank you for that, as I see you're from Denmark I guess you know a thing or two about cold (just thought, why not ask my Finnish girlfriend about this -  !)
I can't say it's the nicest thing I've ever seen, but looks are less important that living, so I shall now attempt to find on I can try on.
Can anyone recommend any other products?
__________________
Happiness has 125 cc
|
6 May 2008
|
 |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland
Posts: 1,350
|
|
I've found merino wool thermals are fantastic for riding. Personally I prefer synthetics for skiing/mountaineering etc. as I find they handle sweat better/get less itchy. But for a reletively sedate activity like biking, they are much warmer. A friend of mine recently got me a merino midlayer top (it's like a jersey with a zip down the front) in New Zealand, which is the best piece of riding insulation I've ever had, because not only is it very warm, it's not too bulky. I used to wear an old climbers down jacket under my riding jacket in winter, but found this felt very restrictive. The merino wool jersey (layered with merino themal underwear, a light fleece sweatshirt and a goretex liner under my riding jacket kept me toasty on my trip to the alps in early April.
Not the temps. you will be encountering admittedly, but on a general principle I can't recommend the stuff highly enough.
Matt 
__________________
http://adventure-writing.blogspot.com
http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/
*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
|
6 May 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Paris, France
Posts: 655
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt Cartney
I've found merino wool thermals are fantastic for riding. Personally I prefer synthetics for skiing/mountaineering etc. as I find they handle sweat better/get less itchy. But for a reletively sedate activity like biking, they are much warmer. A friend of mine recently got me a merino midlayer top (it's like a jersey with a zip down the front) in New Zealand, which is the best piece of riding insulation I've ever had, because not only is it very warm, it's not too bulky. I used to wear an old climbers down jacket under my riding jacket in winter, but found this felt very restrictive. The merino wool jersey (layered with merino themal underwear, a light fleece sweatshirt and a goretex liner under my riding jacket kept me toasty on my trip to the alps in early April.
Not the temps. you will be encountering admittedly, but on a general principle I can't recommend the stuff highly enough.
Matt |
yes, try those
ullfrotte original
Woolpower - wool, garments, underwear, ull, underkläder, thermo-wear, micron, work-wear, merino, merinoull, klar, underställ, ullunderställ, undergarment, wool, kyla, trikå, frotté, frotte, ulltröja, ullbyxa, ullkalsong, flamskydd, frottéstickning, s
excellent for cold !
|
6 May 2008
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: N.Yorkshire
Posts: 336
|
|
|
One piece oversuits are great, until you need to "download".
My recommendation is layers,
Norwegian military thermals (so cheap from army surplus),
fleecy leggings, fleecy top,
Goretex, lined ski trousers, (you can wear them if visiting the natives houses)
thick fleecy jacket, with snugpac fibrepile quilted jacket
goretex, armoured motorcycling jacket (XXL)
goretex armoured dungaree trousers (XXL)
All these can be worn in different combinations, or at the same time.
the Norgies are great, breatheable, non itchy, clingy, and cheap......
__________________
Harley Davidsons,
The most effective way of turning petrol into noise without the side-effect of horsepower
|
6 May 2008
|
|
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: May 2006
Location: NC, USA
Posts: 40
|
|
|
Lots of good information on the clothing. Re-think the no armor. I spent quite a bit of time in something every similar to your ride, while in the military. My knees, legs, forearms and elbows took a beating off road, even with a 5 point harness. We had a foam collar (like drag racers use) that helped with neck fatigue though it was still there after long days. Soft body armor should do.
Great web site. Best of luck.
C
__________________
I'm not lost, I'm right here.
'05 650GS
|
18 May 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: sunny England
Posts: 790
|
|
|
youve got a Suomi GF and youre asking us about cold weather?
you nugget!
__________________
dave
|
18 May 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: West London
Posts: 920
|
|
|
Yes I do, but she's not a drive a ridiculous SSV across the planet type girlfriend, and yes she can tell me all about snowmobile gear, but I like to find out what's out there and what people have actually tried.
But anyway, she's now a fiancée.
__________________
Happiness has 125 cc
|
19 May 2008
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Creator of Joroinen Community Finland / All Oceans
Posts: 219
|
|
Lot's of good info but first what route you will use?
Normal snowmobile gear isn't windproof and snowmobile you are generating heat when riding it's lump bumpy. Have done that lot and more than 500km/day.
I recommend layers what I use when riding in winter time.
Rukka, SCOTT (YOKO) or similar underwear's one or two layer.
Biker's windstopper underwear's.
Dainese D-tech pants with removable lining.Dainese Air-flux jacket armors inside and with zipper to join pants and jacket to gather. Also Wave back protector or Wave jacket and take armors off from the Air-flux. Scott Stavanger jacket take armors off.
Top of that Scott X-1 jacket and pants. ESV 2 neck protector.
Now you can add or strip under or mid layers depending of climate.
Good MX boots like TCX to fit with two good bikers sock layers and room to move you toes.
Biker's balaclava, Hanx winter gloves and handelbar protection cover gloves.
RUKKA Allround pants and jacket is also good option.
And don't forget heated grips and MP3 player! 
Have nice trip 
__________________
...You know it's a bit windy when you get passed by your own dust...
|
19 May 2008
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: West London
Posts: 920
|
|
|
Well no need for armour, GSing I know what you mean but the RZRs are lacking in all those sharp pointy bits the military love to add to their vehicles. And heated grips are out too, I don't think anyone makes a heated steering wheel yet.
I'm surprised to find snowmobile suits aren't windproof though, what stops the wind cutting through them when you're riding? Or for that matter if you stop?
Thanks for all the advice, I shall now be looking at what's available here in France, and also in Finland too, I'm sure we'll find something, but if people want to add more then please, please feel free to throw stuff in.
__________________
Happiness has 125 cc
|
|
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
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Next HU Events
ALL Dates subject to change.
2024:
- California: April 18-21
- Virginia: April 25-28
- Germany Summer: May 9-12
- Québec: May 17-19
- Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
- CanWest: July 11-14
- Switzerland: August 15-18
- Ecuador: August 23-25
- Romania: August 30-Sept 1
- Austria: September 12-15
- France: September 20-22
- Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3
2025 Confirmed Events:
- Virginia: April 24-27 2025
- Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
- Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
- CanWest: July 10-13 2025
- Switzerland: Date TBC
- Ecuador: Date TBC
- Romania: Date TBC
- Austria: Sept. 11-15
- California: September 18-21
- France: September 19-21 2025
- Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025
Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!
Questions about an event? Ask here
See all event details
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...
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™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
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 travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
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!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
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.
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.
|
|
|
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
Linear Mode
