Rukka Energator or 4air for European Alps mid June

[southernpete]

Hi first overseas trip on a bike this June, touring round the European Alps and surrounds mid to late June. So I was wondering whether to go with my energator jacket/pants or my 4air. In New Zealand I tend to wear the 4air if I know the temp is going to get into the mid 20's or higher.
I know personal preference comes in to it, but it would be good to get a gauge of what people think especially since it's not really an option to bring both. Cheers

 

[Neil W]

I've been in the Alps in June where one day it was in the mid 30's on one day , the next day we were on one of the higher passes and there was 2 foot of snow at the sides of the roads and the temp dipped to 4 degrees.

Later the same week we had 200 miles of biblical rainfall and temps hovering around 8 degrees followed by 4 days in the 30's.


Thing is I was back in the same area about 4 weeks later with my wife on the bike and the temp in southern Germany/Austria was in the low to mid 30's for a fortnight and in the Dolomites it was 38 degress for 4 solid days .

Weather in the Alps is by its nature unpredictable , my Rukka Armas is superb if the weather turns chilly or wet but a pain if the temp rises.

My suggestion would be hope for good weather and bring lightweight kit, some base layers and a waterproof one piece ............ or just bring the heavier stuff and suffer it is in the high 20's or 30's

 

[Gargy]

I always take a mesh/ventilated jacket and a waterproof over jacket. Works well IMHO.

 

[Pablo1]

At that time of year I'd go for the warmer suit

 

[beemerboy9]

I always take a mesh/ventilated jacket and a waterproof over jacket. Works well IMHO.

+1 for Mesh jacket + layers. The valleys can really soak up the afternoon sun, such that the hottest part of the day is around 3:30 p.m.

 

[southernpete]

Thanks for the replies. I'll go with mesh and layers. I am fairly cold-blooded.

 

[batman1]

A heated waistcoat will broaden your temperature parameters thus giving you a bit more flexibility, you can dress lighter knowing that you have a switchable heated safety net should things get chilly.
Once in the French Alps, we set off in warm sunshine in the valley, and ended at -2 riding in heavy snow, the kind of snow with huge clotting flakes. It was the scariest coldest ride in my life, my mate nearly went over the edge, it was dangerous to stop and dangerous to ride. We kept going but were like blocks of snow when we reached our destination. France in summer.....that's the Alps for you!