Removeable Waterproof Membrane Jackets - Any Good ??

[Andy Hird]

Hi Folks,

I'm in the market for a new jacket, and was wondering what those removeable waterproof membrane jackets are like ??

I've always, just completely put them out of mind, as I've never thought they were waterproof - put I've nothing to base that assumption on.

So what are they like ?

I've been looking at the Revit cayenne Pro, does anybody have one ? Are they any good ?

Cheers

Andy

 

[John Armstrong]

Problem is, if it starts raining, you have to take the jacket off, put the lining in / on and put the jacket back on. Bit easier to just put a waterproof layer over the top of the jacket. But then it doesn't look quite as integrated and can be a bit more faff to take on / off repeatedly.

 

[shugie]

I had a Rukka jacket where the waterproofing was in the liner, and found that although I didn't get wet, the outer got soaked through. As the wind caused the water in the outer to evaporate, it felt damned cold at times. So my preference is for a jacket like the Streetguard where the outer layer is waterproof and doesn't get sodden.

The downside is that this sort of jacket can be a bit hot for summer use.

 

[stolzy]

Its a daft marketing idea to get the gullible shell out for goretex linings they don't need and which don't work.

If someone suggested a waterproof vest & pants to keep you dry, would you go for it?

You need the waterproof layer on the outside to keep you dry and, more importantly, warm.

 

[John Armstrong]

I have had a few BM jackets and trousers with removable linings, and have never ever got wet when I had them fitted, and being on the inside they are protected a bit from the grime that gets thrown up from wet roads.

But unless you have insulation between you and the liner, then it may feel like it's leaking as it cools you down so well. So to some extent it depends on where you're going to use the jacket

 

[Andy Hird]

If someone suggested a waterproof vest & pants to keep you dry, would you go for it?

Very good analogy that, summed it up perfectly !

Still a load of people seem to fall for it, just look at how many people buy those BMW Enduro suits, and the Revit gear......can it be that bad ??

 

[MikeP]

If you are looking for the perfect gear, try searching for the Holy Grail instead (you have a greater chance of success).

After a life-time of fruitless searching, I've come to realise that different gear for different occasions is the only answer.

As to the specific question: The benefit is that you can reduce the weight and heat of such jackets when the weather demands (in the UK, that means when you are feeling lucky). As mentioned, the downsides are that if in doubt, you need to carry the liner with you and take-off the outer layer to add the inner one (more of an issue with the trousers).

Yes the outer layer can become sodden but that's part of the compromise you accept.

In short, if you are determined to have one all-year garment, you have to live with the compromise. If someone made me reduce my gear to just one jacket, I'd keep the Tw@t-suit* one.

*So called because seemingly every Tw@t has one (probably because they are quite a good compromise really ).

 

[6821snape]

I have the Revit Cayenne jacket and trousers and while i have never got wet it is a pain when its wet and you have to put the gear back on the next day full of water adds fair amount of weight when ist wet.Have taken to carrying one peice oversuit with me so if it really starts raining heavy end up with oversuit on. I never remove the waterproof liner just remove the thermal liner on hot days.The suit is well made in my 3 years 30,000 miles has stood up well.BUT i woudnt buy another or this type ,waterproofing on the outside for me next time,any ideas beside the twat suit anyone?

 

[Bryn]

I had a Rukka jacket where the waterproofing was in the liner, and found that although I didn't get wet, the outer got soaked through. As the wind caused the water in the outer to evaporate, it felt damned cold at times. So my preference is for a jacket like the Streetguard where the outer layer is waterproof and doesn't get sodden.

The downside is that this sort of jacket can be a bit hot for summer use.

+1

Rallye 11 was like that , got soaked, then was cold .... I've had a few jackets in my time, but the Hein Gericke Master V with the Gore Tex XCR bonded on the outside is about the best I've found....

It was up in the 30's on the Italy trip we did, and I was still comfortable in the Master V suit

 

[Sleepy]

Very good analogy that, summed it up perfectly !

Still a load of people seem to fall for it, just look at how many people buy those BMW Enduro suits, and the Revit gear......can it be that bad ??

Fashion has a lot to answer for, people will buy anything, as long as they look 'the part', and not just motorcyle clothing.

 

[stolzy]

The pint is that the outer gets wet, the water evaporates taking your heat with it and you get cold.

Waterproof on the outside of the jacket is much better, keeps the water out and stops you getting cold.

On the other hand it doesn't need to be Goretex. Goretex is a dead loss for most motorcycling. The breathability doesn't really work without the thermal gradient from inside to outside. Its fine for active pursuits, but expensively pointless for motorcycle touring.

 

[John Armstrong]

The pint is that the outer gets wet, the water evaporates taking your heat with it and you get cold.

Waterproof on the outside of the jacket is much better, keeps the water out and stops you getting cold.

If it's 30 degrees C plus and raining, is that a bad thing?

 

[AberdeenAngus]

Fabric jacket. Ditch the liner and get a waterproof overjacket.
That way, its easy to put on when it starts raining.
When it stops, it dries quickly and doesn't chill you down.

Same with the trousers. Try hiking over-trousers. They're designed to go on over walking boots so bike boots are not a problem.

The latest $2000 Touratwat suit has a waterproof 'outer'.
You can get a good North face Gore-tex one for £70.
It also means when you get where you are going you have a waterproof jacket with you.

I've also ditched my thermal liner now and use a normal fleece. Much less faffing about - and again when you get there - you have a fleece to wear.

 

[Timolgra]

So what are they like ?

Andy, you'll have to make you're own mind up on this one. As this thread has shown some sarcastic comments, it's not everyone's opinion

Baz, in the baking Gobi desert

Timpo, in soaking wet Wales.
Both wearing HG with waterproof liners.......when needed