Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Equipment Reviews
First gear opinion First gear opinion
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Equipment Reviews Post YOUR REVIEWS of ANY Motorcycle, Camping or Travel Equipment and accessories. Tell us what worked and didn't work for you!
Photo by Lois Pryce, schoolkids in Algeria

25 years of HU Events


Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!




Photo of Lois Pryce, UK
and schoolkids in Algeria



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 19 Feb 2011
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 839
Thumbs up First gear opinion
Looking some honest opinion (if that is ever possible) about the Kilimanjaro and the Kathmandu.

Firstgear Kilimanjaro Textile Motorcycle Jacket

Firstgear Kathmandu Textile Motorcycle Jacket

We already have mesh clothes for Africa ( even if now we may need bullet proof ones) and I am interested to see if they are really waterproof , protective and pretty good quality in general.
i will be leaving for Central and South America this September but will certainly buy the clothes by April to test them
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 19 Feb 2011
Sime66's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Wild West (of Crete)
Posts: 283
OK - I know nothing about the jackets, but I have some of their "Sport" gloves which I bought in Medellin 18 months ago (summer gloves with mesh), and I'm amazed that they're still good as they were so cheap.

Haven't dragged them down the asphalt yet though. Knuckles look like they could handle it - palms are partly Neoprene or similar so probably not.
__________________
Simon

London-Cape Town 2004-06
Buenos Aires-Vancouver 2008-10:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/fitzpatrick
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 19 Feb 2011
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 762
do they stand up to the piss-in-glove-when-drunk test ?
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 19 Feb 2011
Sime66's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Wild West (of Crete)
Posts: 283
Tragically, due to the lack of campgrounds in Panama and beyond, I can't answer that with any accuracy old boy.

That's not to say I haven't wee'd on them without knowing of course - in which case I can only recommend them more highly.
__________________
Simon

London-Cape Town 2004-06
Buenos Aires-Vancouver 2008-10:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/fitzpatrick
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 19 Feb 2011
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 839
first gear
Woa great info about the original question guys
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 19 Feb 2011
GordYukon's Avatar
Gold Member
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Campbell River, BC
Posts: 8
Hi, as my first "technical" gear, have worn the Kilimanjaro jacket & mesh pants for 2 seasons (30Kkm) in fair and warm weather in BC and Yukon. With liners on was kept very dry. In hot wx (25C-30C) found ventilation very good (no liner of course). One minor low speed over the handlebar spill onto shoulder and elbow pads - hardly felt a thing. lots of pockets. waist belt allows for opening up coat when in hot idle environments, or just want cooler ventilation on hot days. Overall, has been a good buy for me.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 20 Feb 2011
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 839
jacket
as far as temperature goes how was the jacket in the 50 F , good enough or.....

Thanks for your comments
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 20 Feb 2011
GordYukon's Avatar
Gold Member
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Campbell River, BC
Posts: 8
hi, at 50F/10C I wear liner jacket and a fleece. upper body is fine. it's the knees and toes that get chilled quickest :-(
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 21 Feb 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Colorado
Posts: 314
Kilimanjaro & Katmandu I've never used.

I do have the First Gear Rainier Jacket though, and it works well. I have used it at 45* C and down to -5 or -6 *C. (with appropriate layers underneath). It is water proof and well designed.

I would expect the other First Gear jackets to be as well made.

..............shu
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 22 Feb 2011
Keith46's Avatar
Contributing Member
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Kilkenny, Ireland
Posts: 17
Kilimanjaro
Hey folks. I've a Kilimanjaro jacket that i've been using for the last few months in Ireland in pretty cold weather, 5 - 10 Celsius. I find it warm with the liner in. The fit is good if a little boxy, as in it's not a very sculpted fit but i don't mind as i'm after function moreso than form with it. Also i'm usually size medium in euro gear but in this i'm a small. The elbow and shoulder armour seems quite good but the back pad is small and light and definitely needs to be upgraded. It's comfy and there are plenty of pockets which are easy to access. I bought it while on holidays in the States and the shop assistant i was dealing with steered me away from much more expensive gear saying that he also wore one and recommended it. So far i have to agree with him. I'll be buying a pair of their pants soon too.
Hope this helps.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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
Want to hear ypur opinion... icarus Which Bike? 3 19 Apr 2010 19:38
Tyre opinion ! Samy Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 11 27 Oct 2008 18:05
My opinion of a KLR after 8000K vinnyt Kawasaki Tech 10 20 Dec 2006 17:29
Need an opinion Stu Seaton Which Bike? 2 23 Jan 2006 23:46
1200GS.. any opinion? usl BMW Tech 7 17 Feb 2005 13:40

 
 

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 11:39.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top