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How To Keep Your Bad Ass Warm & Dry
I am baffled by how many riders I meet who can’t keep warm while riding. Not that I’m a know it all, but I’ve been fortunate to pick up a few tricks over the years.
First thing you need to do is to stay dry. Not just from the outside but also from the inside out. As much as you might love to wear cotton, it can be one of the worst things to wear next to your skin. This is because it will absorb sweat, and wet cotton transfers heat away from your body. There are plenty of high dollar high tech perspiration wicking underwear, personally I prefer 100% silk. OK, are you done laughing.... 100% silk is cheaper, lighter in bulk and weight, and does not melt to your skin if you are exposed to fire. (I’ll explain fire later.) It creates a comfortable dry air space between you and the other insulating layers. Silk packs small and it is easy to wash and dry. This comes in handy on long trips through many different weather conditions. There are silk tops, long johns, beanies, glove and sock liners also. You can get it in black, so you can wear it all by itself.
Your next layer should be wool. Not all wool itches, and the silk underwear will keep you comfortable. 100% wool is also fire safe, and can insulate you when wet. If you don’t believe me ask a fireman. Other than Dupont’s Nomex, silk, wool and leather are your best bet. The problem with man made fabrics is they are highly flammable, and will melt to your skin. If you don’t think fire is an issue, consider what’s between your legs at highway speeds, or the campfire your trying to warm up by.
Now for your outside layer. That’s right, leather. Not all leather is made the same. What you should be looking for is well made, quality tanned heavy weight 1.4-1.6mm (3.25-4.5oz) Naked Cowhide. Why, because it’s the only thing between you and the cold, or the asphalt. Cheap leather will not keep you safe or warm. When you buy good leather measure yourself wearing a couple of layers of clothes. Also look for versatility like zippered vents for summer riding, and a collar that zips up to keep the cold wind out. Any riding below 40 degrees will require a jacket, chaps, gloves, and a face mask. If you dress correctly, you can ride comfortably well below freezing.
I can hear some of you now... dude, I spent all my coin on my ride. How much is this gunna cost? Ask anyone who tried to skimp, you will end up throwing away the junk and eventually buy the good stuff. But there is no reason you have to spend too much. Try Fox Creek for Made in the USA Leathers with a lifetime guarantee. You can spend more, but your are not going to find any better. Then try Sierra Trading Post for some major discounts on outdoor clothing. And for everything else go to J&P Cycles. Yea, I get a small piece of the action, but these are the folks I go to when I need quality at a good price. No bull, let me know what you think.
Long May You Ride,
Q-Ball
qball@vtwinbiker.com
Also read Q-Ball Rides Naked to Harrisburg
*** Here is an e-mail I received concerning this article.***
I once read a study that compared what the Vikings wore to what today's high tech Coast Guard Rescue is wearing. The Viking's oil skins over wool did better. When you're raiding and pillaging coastlines from the Arctic Circle to the North Sea you better have something that works.
Now as to that "silk underwear": What you say is true, but finding silk underwear for my three-hundred and fifty pound hulking hairy ass ain't easy (yeah, I lost a little weight). An Internet search for silk underwear took me to Victoria's Secret and I got distracted.
Baynee
PS Fox Creek Leathers are top notch and can fit even the biggest monsters. The leather is really thick and heavy duty. I've been very satisfied with their products for many years. No, I don't know them or get a dime. I just like to see credit given where due.
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