My friends who have Darien jackets and pants like them. Aerostich makes nice stuff. Too rich for my budget to buy new, but you could do worse. I am of the opinion that all riding gear leaks eventually so I buy used gear off craigslist.org with light road rash for pennies on the dollar from fashion conscious riders who don't like getting ribbed by their buddies with road rash jokes. I like Aerostich, First Gear, BMW, and Rukka. But would never buy any of it new for the astronomical retail prices. My mom taught me to sew, so I can fix lightly damaged gear.

Black is beautiful when it comes to riding gear that doesn't show dirt. Gray pants will look gross after kneeling in the dirt and fixing a few flats and spilling ketchup and fries in your lap on the second week of overland traveling. You can wipe oily hands on black and still look fine. Neon jackets are good for visibility, but I assume everyone doesn't see me and wear black jackets that look good even after weeks on the road. Just brush off the dead bugs. If I wanted a visibility edge I would wear a neon vest rather than a neon jacket. Aerostich neon looks gross after 10 or 20,000 miles. Not that I would mind looking like a high-viz hobo mind you. I just choose black pants, tees, jackets, pants, long underwear,riding boots you name it. Black looks better longer between washings so you don't need to take as many clothes.

Just my thoughts on the subject. Others may have ideas.

Cheers,
John Downs

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South America and back on a 250 Super Sherpa Minimalist Adventure http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=831076