Rukka or best alternative

[leadfarmer]

Here’s a curve ball for ya

Laminated stuff is OK for cool climates,

For warm climates drop layers are better, without the liners they’re cooler and the vents work better, and if you put your water proof layer on the outside your jacket doesn’t get soaked like laminates do

Just my €0.02

 

[Wapping]

Here’s a curve ball for ya

Laminated stuff is OK for cool climates,

For warm climates drop layers are better, without the liners they’re cooler and the vents work better, and if you put your water proof layer on the outside your jacket doesn’t get soaked like laminates do

Just my €0.02

Indeed.

 

[richardbd]

Here’s a curve ball for ya

Laminated stuff is OK for cool climates,

For warm climates drop layers are better, without the liners they’re cooler and the vents work better, and if you put your water proof layer on the outside your jacket doesn’t get soaked like laminates do

Just my €0.02

This. End of...

 

[richardbd]

So I’m going kick up a big discussion with this thread and in response to another thread on Rukka and Motolegends.
I am a Rukka fan. I have 4 suits. A really old Arma S, 2 mesh suits and another lighter but waterproof one

My issues :
Why do the “dots” and logo come off after the first wash. I wash my suits after every longer trip. Absolutely useless.

Why do the water proof troos always let water in at the crotch. And not just damp. Bloody soaking.

And finally why don’t the jackets have enough vents

So asking for a friend. What is the best alternative and why ?

Am looking now at the Madagascar R ( I think that the model) as my next purchase when I go to Germany in a few weeks

I am also a Rukka fan. Three laminated jackets (Armaxis followed by Navigatorr, followed by Nivala). One summer jacket (Raymore). Two pairs of laminated pants, both Armaxion.

Dots washed off Armaxis jacket but not off the others. Dots washed off both pairs of pants. None of the garments ever leaked - not once, not ever.

I had a Stadler Supervent jacket. So stiff it might as well have been made of steel, so I never found it that comfortable. I still have the Stadler pants and they are fabulous. Paired with the Rukka Nivala jacket (and the Motolegends zip adaptor) they are my go-to 2/3 season UK kit.

I am also a Klim fanboy. I've had Traverse, Badlands Pro, Carlsbad and Baja S4. The one I didn't get on with was the Badlands Pro. It's tough and strong and all that stuff but I rode it from London to Beijing and that's when I learned that laminate in hot weather is a really, really, really crap idea. After three months wearing it every day, the suit could have ridden the bike without me. It stank to high heaven (and would you trust a laminate suit to a Tibetan street laundry?). It was way too stiff and way too heavy. Just the wrong tool for the job.

Baja S4 is my current long-distance touring suit of choice, suitably layered up inside and out. It's not perfect - flows too much air for anything but the warmest days - but it's easy to wear and easy to adapt for whatever weather you encounter.

So, in summary (for me). Laminate for UK/Northern Europe from mid-Autumn to mid-Spring. Non-membrane kit for summer and/or long multi-climate trips.

I am doing top to bottom of India next year - Himalaya to Kerala - so most weather condition likely. Baja S4 is the leader in the clubhouse but I have my eye on the new TouraTwat Dustrider...

 

[richardbd]

Oooh - I lied. I once had a set of Rukka Merlin leathers - GoreTex laminated leather. Weighed even more than a Klim Badlands suit but I loved it - and I never got wet wearing it...

 

[trebor]

I have a Stadler supervent pro, excellent bit of kit but it’s not perfect.

I’ve had to put additional poppers on the collar and storm collar and now it’s spot on, no gaps.

Amazingly waterproof, amazing cooling ‘tube’ system, directing air around to your back. Lots of vents.

A bit stiffer than Rukka when new, but it moulds to you in time.

A 3 season suit and standard issue to German police.

Oh, and a 10 year warranty

I have the same, great Jacket. I find I can wear it on all but the hottest of U.K. days which, up here in the North, means I can wear it most days of the year!

I also have Stadler trousers, the 4all Pro Pant. They've never let water in. I just wish the pockets were water proof, though they do stay dry in all but heavy rain.

Unfortunately, Stadler kit are currently not available in the U.K.

 

[Fiddlesticks]

I wear Klim stuff, but only because it fit better than Rukka.

It's well vented, no issues with laminated gear in the heat - although for properly hot weather I'd be wearing a mesh jacket and armoured jeans.

 

[Arsey]

I have the same, great Jacket. I find I can wear it on all but the hottest of U.K. days which, up here in the North, means I can wear it most days of the year!

I also have Stadler trousers, the 4all Pro Pant. They've never let water in. I just wish the pockets were water proof, though they do stay dry in all but heavy rain.

Unfortunately, Stadler kit are currently not available in the U.K.

Motolegends stopped selling it as had too many returns with leaks . At least that’s what big Rob told me .