All weather Jackets/trousers

[LEIGH]

Stupid question-- I just cant seam to get my head round this and was wondering if there is a tosser out there that could shed the light.

why do the top-end/expensive jackets have a removable waterproof liner and not made with a waterproof outer in the first place??????

whats the advantage to designing a jacket to get soaked through on a wet ride with only the liner and maybe a single neoprene pocket stopping the wet stuff?????
what about staying under canvas, how do you make it nice and comfy for the next days ride????

or have I got it all wrong

 

[VAL. H.]

I've often ranted about this very subject.

IMO the waterproof layer should be on the outside allowing the water to run off.

However; due to the ever more complex design of the modern M/c jacket, it's becoming more and more difficult to fully proof the outer layer. So instead they make a simple waterproof lining that can't be seen.

This seems a good idea, but in practice causes other unforeseen problems like pooling at the cuffs and the bottom edges of the jacket. This trapped water then seeps though the stitching and wicks up the inside of the armers and the hips. I have a jacket that will soak me to my waist and elbows in even quite light rain.

There is another train of thought though; this is mainly directed at the multi use jackets from the likes of BMW and H/G. These are specifically designed for all year round wilderness riding. Probably the main reason for having the waterproof lining in side the outer jacket is that in the event of a tumble the waterproof layer is far less likely to be damaged.

You might have noticed that some of the owners of these 'adventure' jackets carry a light waterproof 'Kaggle type' jacket that can easily and quickly be slipped over the top. This is a good idea and I'm surprised the manufacturers have not picked up on it.


Val.

 

[Kritou]

Another issue is water soaking into the outer layer and then evaporating in the windblast. The latent heat required for this process is taken from the rider's body - so riding in the rain chills you, winter or summer

 

[LEIGH]

so why are they so expensive then???? Is it better to go for a cheaper jacket with waterproof outer for touring????