Jacket wise, I'd get a lightweight summer jacket with built in shoulder and elbow armour. No jackets come with decent back protection so I think I would always get a good quality and most importantly, a good fitting back protector. I wore mine all the way to Capetown and forgot I was even wearing it, even in the crazy desert heat.

Trousers wise, maybe look at the BMW Summer II pants. They get great reviews. Failing that, good summer weight riding pants with armour in all the right places..

Personally I find anything with internal water protection USELESS. What's the point in soaking your jacket through. They mostly leak anyway and make you sweat like a whore if you leave them in the jacket and then take AGES to remove/install etc.

Just get a cheap rain OVERCOAT and seperate rain proof OVER trousers. That way you can stay cool in the sun and just throw them on if it starts pissing down..

Best thing is, you can use them off the bike too so no need to pack another waterproof jacket.

For boots, look at these...

eBay - The UK's Online Marketplace

They seem to be getting rave reviews off everyone.

I personally think anyone who rides a bike in the 3rd world in anything but proper armoured riding boots is asking for trouble... But that's just me.

__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.

thanks for the advice Ted - I appreciate the insights. I got a pair of Alpinestars Scout boots that are short of full motoX boots, but still very protective.

Sounds like I should be fine with what I've got and I just need to get on with it.

That's what we ALL should do...

But then we'd be taking half the fun out of it

__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.

the new forcefield Pro Shirt now includes a back protector. main reason why I didn;t buy a forcefield so far.

I will order it for sure now:
Forcefield Pro Shirt | Forcefield Body Armour and Climate Control

I actually prefer the old forcefield action shirt paired with an l2 back protector above the new one.

Main reason is that this combo gives you the support of a kidney belt for manhandling the bike when you get stuck.

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Quite like this.

It's a bit light for trails all day, an Axo would be much better. But on lots of paved and dirt roads it would be great. You'd need a dedicated riding long sleeve shirt though with all the dust and for sun protection.

Can't get this bloody embedded code to work on this forum.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCfCDKj-V-o

I was flicking through our dealer copy of Adventure Bike rider...

It's a bit of a weekend dreamer magazine but the gear reviews are good. Who's testing them I don't know but they seem to know what makes good gear.

They really rated the 'Forcefield Pro Shirt'

Forcefield Pro Shirt | Forcefield Body Armour

I have heard good things about this company before. Full on MX armour is just too much. I tried it in Africa and it was a pain in the ass. Walking around like a Ninja turtle, sweating and uncomfortable.

__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.

Stick with the local attire and go the loincloth mate ;-)

Dririder RallyCross Pro 2 Jacket

http://www.bikebiz.com.au/products/D...Pro-Pants.html

152 Quid for the Jacket and 87 Quid for the pants ;-0

For the money you cant buy better!

Quality gear which is versatile, dry & comfortable and you'll look as flash as a rat with a gold tooth ;-)

I don't need anything for Africa now... I've left, ridden and returned. This thread is years old

__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.

It's not the first time I've replied to an old thread

Still, the gear's bloody great mate