SIX tips for choosing the right winter jacket
A good jacket can make all the difference in the cold stuff...
Riding in winter can be a lot of fun with quieter roads and fewer bugs landing on your visor. However, when the mercury drops and the heavens open, you’ll want to be well kitted out to battle the elements. Get it right and riding in the winter months can be a joy, get it wrong and you’ll have a perfectly rotten time on your bike. The good news is that it’s easy to prepare for the winter and, right now, the bike shops are full of cool winter kit. Here are a few tips for selecting the right jacket this winter...
SAY NO TO SOGGY BOTTOMS
The main thing to check is that your jacket and trousers are water and windproof. Many manufacturers have their own patented technologies, or use universal brands such as GoreTex. Some jackets use waterproof liners (often removable ones) to do the job, while others have the waterproof membrane incorporated to the outer fabric. The first places that will leak are the collar, cuffs and zips, so when choosing a jacket, pay special attention to these bits. If your suit is not waterproof and you want a cheaper way to keep the elements at bay, try separate waterproofs that go over your jacket and trousers.
AND BREATHE
Many textiles are designed to be waterproof but still breathable, keeping you dry without making you sweaty. Wearing a technical shirt under the jacket will also help wick moisture off your skin, but for complete comfort make sure that the jacket is breathable. Separate waterproofs can reverse the benefits of a breathable jacket, so ideally the jacket itself should be waterproof, too.
BRIGHT SPARKS
Considering how often drivers fail to see motorcyclists – even in good weather conditions – when the days are short and wet the risk is even higher. It's worth checking that your gear has bright hi-vis and reflective elements; often piping, logos or styled patches. Bright coloured hi-vis gear is great for making you more visible in daylight, and reflective patches will make you more visible in poor light. If your jacket has no hi-vis or reflective patches, there are various vests that will add a bit of sparkle and visibility to your attire.
TURN UP THE HEAT
Staying warm on two wheels in the winter months is a tricky business. A good thermal lining in your jacket goes a long way to keeping you comfortable, but an extra jumper won’t be a bad idea either. If the thermal layer is removable you can use the same garment in the warmer months and save money by not having to purchase a separate summer jacket. If all else fails, heated vests add a lovely warm layer under your jacket, and some even come with pockets for the manufacturers’ own heated elements.
TEXTILES OR LEATHERS?
As a rule of thumb you get better weather protection from top quality textile jackets and trousers than the leather equivalents, but leather offers better abrasion resistance. However, cheap textiles can be worse than good leathers. If you’re planning on riding your bike through the winter, high-quality water and windproof textiles might be a more suitable option than leathers. If you opt for leathers, you can always keep dry with the help of some separate waterproofs.
ZIP IT!
If you buy your jacket and trousers as a set they often come with a zip to attach them together at the back. This stops the trousers sliding down, the jacket riding up and cold air coming in. Depending on the garment the zips can be just a few inches long or go round the whole waist. Check that the zip is easy to use and that there are no snags. Some trousers also come with braces that will do the same job.