3 season trousers that don't boil your nadgers in summer?...

I have two suits which I use regularly.

1. Rukka, I forget the model but it was the expensive one. It doesn’t really matter, as they they seem to do a new model every year. This I wear if I know it’s not going to be north of 30 degrees for a protracted period of time. I always remove the linings, which never go back in.

2. A Rukka mesh suit, if I am pretty sure it’s going to be warm / hot enough. For example, I took this away for four days in the Eifel at the end of May 2023, as the very sort term forecast (I take no notice if long term forecasts) showed it was going to be very warm. Would I be stupid enough not to take any back-up, ifreoective of what the man with seaweed and fir cones suggested? No.

Suit one, will work in hot temperatures, as well as when it’s cold and passing down. If you get hot, stop and drink water. If it gets cold, layer up and / or use an electric liner.

Suit two, I take a simple waterproof over suit (separate jacket and trousers) in case of rain or to simply sling on if it drops much below 15 degrees. I also have the layers / electric liner (see above). For a simple example, I used the waterproof top for the late the evening run from London to Harwich, as simple common sense told me it was not going to be 20 degrees all the way. I lobbed my very thin (I forget the make, it scrunches up into a very small bag, which will fit in a pocket) wind stopper liner on, under the mesh, when I rode off the ferry in Holland, discarding it at the first midmorning coffee stop.

That has all four seasons covered but with two very different suits.

Now the killer bit…..

Does everyone like Rukka? No. I do, which is all that matters to me.

Does everyone like something else? Yes, quite often. Why? Well, how long have you got? Does this mean you’ll get lists of things? Yes. For every, “I like xxxx” you’ll get, “It’s crap“. Does everyone think their armour is in the ‘right place’ for them? Rather like crash helmets fitting or not, everyone will have their own favourite. Some really will not care, whilst others will be like the princess and the pea. To continue on the theme, the tale of Goldilocks and the three bears, is a pretty good metaphor as to what is (or is not) ‘Just right’.

Is there some magical short cut to Nirvana? No.

Maybe alone, but just don’t like the big “R” on the back of their jackets! Lol


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I’ve just rediscovered layering. What a revelation, and bizarre considering that’s the principle I used years ago when I was climbing hills.

Light weight breathable gear, with layers under for warmth, layers on top for water proofing.

Lots of different ways to do that, I choose Adventure Spec because it fits me well.

But I’m selling off all the heavy ‘boil in the bag’ waterproof kit as a result.
 
The consensus though seems to be that there is no such thing as 4 season "year round" trousers, unless you have a suggestion, hence the drift towards a more summer oriented design with decent protection.

I agree, there is no such thing as a genuine ’All year round’ singe article. Or rather that there isn’t, if the user is not prepared to accommodate some sort of compromise somewhere down the line. My quip was simply a gentle dig, that you’d moved the goal posts, away from the three season trousers (which don’t boil yer bits) of the title to now embrace four seasons.

The only good news is that most of us have lived to go through the stages: Waxed cotton, ‘boiler Rukka rubber’, newspaper, bin bags, bubble wrap, home made electrical jackets, Tesco carrier bags on our feet, free plastic gloves in petrol stations and more besides, breathing in and out long enough to rejoice that those days are behind us. That being said, the variety of choice available does seem to bewilder some, who cannot decide on a helmet or gloves without detailed help.

:beerjug:
 
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I’ve just rediscovered layering. What a revelation, and bizarre considering that’s the principle I used years ago when I was climbing hills.

Light weight breathable gear, with layers under for warmth, layers on top for water proofing.

Lots of different ways to do that, I choose Adventure Spec because it fits me well.

But I’m selling off all the heavy ‘boil in the bag’ waterproof kit as a result.

Wait until you discover electricity :D

PS Be careful how you word the advertisement for all that ‘heavy, boil you alive’ kit.
 
I'd say +1 for Rokker Revolution jeans - they are my go-to for riding in all weathers. Just back from a long weekend in the UK where the temps hit 30 degrees C 🌞. Rokkers were fairly warm, but so would anything be at that point, and once on the move, there was sufficient breeze to air the jewelry. Being fully waterproof there's no need for an outer layer reducing the faff factor. Walking around off the bike you aren't dressed in a full off-road monkey suit which I like and high end armour in the knees and hips contributes to a decent safety rating. Another option is the Oxford Mondial trousers which are laminated textiles (a la Rukka/Klim) but without the hefty price tag. Great venting, and with the liners out sufficiently breezy down south. (y)
 
I agree, there is no such thing as a genuine ’All year round’ singe article. Or rather that there isn’t, if the user is not prepared to accommodate some sort of compromise somewhere down the line. My quip was simply a gentle dig, that you’d moved the goal posts, away from the three season trousers (which don’t boil yer bits) of the title to now embrace four seasons.

The only good news is that most of us have lived to go through the stages: Waxed cotton, ‘boiler Rukka rubber’, newspaper, bin bags, bubble wrap, home made electrical jackets, Tesco carrier bags on our feet, free plastic gloves in petrol stations and more besides, breathing in and out long enough to rejoice that those days are behind us. That being said, the variety of choice available does seem to bewilder some, who cannot decide on a helmet or gloves without detailed help.

:beerjug:

I get all that and sadly, have also had to suffer the waxed cotton, rubber rukka etc lineage so most clothing today is head and shoulders better. I moved goal posts to test the waters to see if anyone had actually managed to find one design for year round, but it appears not, hence happy to see how others have got on with a variety of choices. It's not needing detailed help, it's exercising prudence before laying down a not inconsiderable sum, and I'd rather get user feedback than to trust any short term on line review by those with vested interests. I have decided what I'm going to try and strongly suspect, subject to fit, I'll end up with one of the options strongly recommended on here by people who have put this stuff to use.
 
What makes you think that all online reviews have some vested interest? Is it because they like the product? If someone puts the same words as they use here on U`kGSer into a blog or a video, do the words and opinions all suddenly become untrue?

In truth, it’s pretty hard NOT to like most 21st century motorcycle clothing, modern fabrics (if nothing else) having made life much easier for most of the designers and manufacturers. Then it largely comes down to nothing more than style and design, a very personal matter. One fellow doesn’t like the big H on the back of some jacket or other; I have no idea what he is on about, but that doesn’t matter. Some like to be branded, their TriuHarlHonBMYam clothing, matching their bike. Some take the armour out or replace it or just find it to be ‘In the wrong place, so don’t like the clothing someone else says is the dog’s nuts, as it suits them perfectly. Why? It’s up to them. Some boil, the moment the sun comes out. Some never go out in the rain. Some ride around in a T-shirt. Some fit a screen so large, that no air, no matter what the temperature, no wind ever hits them, then try to find clothing with more zips to open than the Sid Viscous Appreciation Society Christmas Party. Some want to look like an extra from Be a great Adventure Rider Part 17 and some are very happy with their old Frank Thomas……
 
I agree, there is no such thing as a genuine ’All year round’ singe article. Or rather that there isn’t, if the user is not prepared to accommodate some sort of compromise somewhere down the line. My quip was simply a gentle dig, that you’d moved the goal posts, away from the three season trousers (which don’t boil yer bits) of the title to now embrace four seasons.

The only good news is that most of us have lived to go through the stages: Waxed cotton, ‘boiler Rukka rubber’, newspaper, bin bags, bubble wrap, home made electrical jackets, Tesco carrier bags on our feet, free plastic gloves in petrol stations and more besides, breathing in and out long enough to rejoice that those days are behind us. That being said, the variety of choice available does seem to bewilder some, who cannot decide on a helmet or gloves without detailed help.

:beerjug:

I do agree with most that you’ve said, but things have changed now…….and not particularly to my liking. Many of us order shit online (particularly on Friday nights when drinking) and when it arrives, it almost fits and we nearly like it. We can’t be arsed sending it back (cause most bikers are used to improvising) - so we stick it in a cupboard hoping one day we might actually like it. 2 years later it ends up on here with the title “never worn” at a discounted price. Alternatively, we do actually wear once or twice and get it covered in dead flies - so can’t send back. Sadly it ends up in same death row cupboard awaiting execution on eBay or here.
In the old days you’d go to J&S or wherever on the high street. You’d try bunch stuff on, look in mirror and do Rossi ritual sac adjustment and squat………then buy and never look back. I’d still be wearing some of this stuff, but it doesn’t fit. Collectively we’ve killed the high street, but I am encouraged with the likes of Sportbikeshop if you’re lucky enough to live near one of their stores.
So my point is, occasionally I find a product that actually really like and it’s fit for purpose (like an Arai helmet for example) - so it’s good to share experience with others


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PS. I don’t like excessive branding which is why I seldom buy Harley stuff even although I own one as 2nd bike.


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So my point is, occasionally I find a product that actually really like and it’s fit for purpose (like an Arai helmet for example) - so it’s good to share experience with others

Congratulations, you have an Arai shaped head. Let’s hope the bod who reads your ringing endorsement does too :D

As to the rest, is it really so hard to go to a shop and try things on, or (as with the feckless youth, too lazy to move *) has it just been made too easy to sit at home and shop, based on nothing more than Fat Bob Bikermate on UKGSer says it’s great mate? What happened to the regularly recommended method of visiting shops, trying everything on, then leaving (bitching about UK rip-off) and buying it online from Germany, ‘cos it’s well cheap mate.



* See UKGSer pub section for regular updates on that topic.

** Actually, we know why that stopped. Because bods don’t want to pay the rip-off import duties and taxes and fret about returns.
 
Congratulations, you have an Arai shaped head. Let’s hope the bod who reads your ringing endorsement does too :D

As to the rest, is it really so hard to go to a shop and try things on, or (as with the feckless youth, too lazy to move *) has it just been made too easy to sit at home and shop, based on nothing more than Fat Bob Bikermate on UKGSer says it’s great mate? What happened to the regularly recommended method of visiting shops, trying everything on, then leaving (bitching about UK rip-off) and buying it online from Germany, ‘cos it’s well cheap mate.



* See UKGSer pub section for regular updates on that topic.

** Actually, we know why that stopped. Because bods don’t want to pay the rip-off import duties and taxes and fret about returns.

Guess you missed my main point caused too eager to get your retort in?!
There is no bike clothing shops near where I live!!


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PS. Frank Thomas is quite heavy on the branding too


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Guess you missed my main point caused too eager to get your retort in?!
There is no bike clothing shops near where I live!!


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I was not referring so much to you in your remote hideaway, as to those who do not move at all :D :beerjug:
 
Back on the trail…. Beware though, these reports are probably heavily biased, funded entirely by hidden forces to enrich the vendors at the expense of the working man.



 
What makes you think that all online reviews have some vested interest? Is it because they like the product? If someone puts the same words as they use here on U`kGSer into a blog or a video, do the words and opinions all suddenly become untrue?

In truth, it’s pretty hard NOT to like most 21st century motorcycle clothing, modern fabrics (if nothing else) having made life much easier for most of the designers and manufacturers. Then it largely comes down to nothing more than style and design, a very personal matter. One fellow doesn’t like the big H on the back of some jacket or other; I have no idea what he is on about, but that doesn’t matter. Some like to be branded, their TriuHarlHonBMYam clothing, matching their bike. Some take the armour out or replace it or just find it to be ‘In the wrong place, so don’t like the clothing someone else says is the dog’s nuts, as it suits them perfectly. Why? It’s up to them. Some boil, the moment the sun comes out. Some never go out in the rain. Some ride around in a T-shirt. Some fit a screen so large, that no air, no matter what the temperature, no wind ever hits them, then try to find clothing with more zips to open than the Sid Viscous Appreciation Society Christmas Party. Some want to look like an extra from Be a great Adventure Rider Part 17 and some are very happy with their old Frank Thomas……
You're reading too much into it. I simply mean that I would rather take the opinion of someone who's used the kit a good while with no commercial links back to the manufacturer, or from something other than a general brief review by some anonymous you tuber who's perhaps unboxed something and used it for a few rides. Of course there's a lot of good online review material by those with no commercial links, but there's nothing wrong in asking the members of an online "club" either unless of course you're saying that any questions asked about any kit on this forum are just lazy and generally asked by those who couldn't be bothered to visit their nearest retailer? Why stifle what for me has been an interesting and informative thread? I've certainly benefitted from some of the responses which have given me food for thought, and now when I DO go to my nearest stockist, I have a better idea what to try. I simply don't get all the negativity?
 
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You're reading too much into it. I simply mean that I would rather take the opinion of someone who's used the kit a good while with no commercial links back to the manufacturer, or from something other than a general brief review by some anonymous you tuber who's perhaps unboxed something and used it for a few rides. Of course there's a lot of good online review material by those with no commercial links, but there's nothing wrong in asking the members of an online "club" either unless of course you're saying that any questions asked about any kit on this forum are just lazy and generally asked by those who couldn't be bothered to visit their nearest retailer? Why stifle what for me has been an interesting and informative thread? I've certainly benefitted from some of the responses which have given me food for thought, and now when I DO go to my nearest stockist, I have a better idea what to try. I simply don't get all the negativity?

Know this simple plan has dragged on a little, but I do have one more tiny contribution. I recently bought some summer gloves from Motolegends and the stitching came away after 2 rides - so I submitted a 3 star review with comments.
It was never published by them. Would seem they only post the good ones. I’m assuming they’re not alone with this and highlights the pointlessness of the whole review process
 
PS. I don’t have affiliation with Sportbikeshop or any others!


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Havn't read all of this but I have a pair of BMW "Summer Pants" for the last 8 years and I have to say they are great ! They are coming with me to Interlaken in a few weeks and although NOT waterproof they are a brilliant all round summer choice.
 
What works depends on your summer. Up here in Scotland having laminate trousers, with vents works 99% of the time as we don't often see temperatures above 30 deg C, and have many miles of open roads. Trying the same trousers on in much busier SE England when it hits 40 deg C, they'd probably be horrible.

In spite of, or maybe because of that when I go to Spain in September, I'll be using my new Marrakesh trousers, with waterproof over-trousers which I'm hoping I don't need. Fingers crossed that mainland Europe doesn't get a typical Scottish summer, though so far it's looking very hot.
 


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