Check out the latest episode of Moterrific, where we go over my favorite jackets and pants for spring (from this previous blog post). If you're looking for a new 2 piece textile to add to your riding wardrobe, or upgrade your existing one, listen up!
On our next episode, we're going to take a deep dive into Klim's Altitude outfit as well.
It feels good to be back in the world of motorcycle gear! I've seen some really cool stuff in the past week or two, especially for women riders. So here's my roundup of year round / multi season suits that will take you from Fall to Winter to Spring, and maybe Summer depending on where you live.
Remember, your 2 piece suit can only work as well as your base layer allows in terms of breathability. And if you're not wearing a base layer, gooooooooo get some! Not only will it help your gear fit better but it'll also help regulate the sweat and keep the gear from sticking to your skin.
The Sand is a replacement for their first attempt at an adventure touring outfit, the popular Ventura. It's based off the men's version, and follows the same shell/liner system. What I loved about the Ventura and now the Sand is that the jacket shell is super lightweight. It still has the 2 removable liners but once they're out you have a well ventilated, summer jacket. The bust and arms have a fairly generous fit as well as the hips/waist with longer arms and length overall.
Although the Levante isn't a 2 piece set, I have to mention this jacket. It's more of a 3 season jacket with 2 removable layers but not the warmest jacket because of the mesh ventilation on the front and back panels. The fit profile on Levante is definitely more suited to a taller, narrower (shoulders/arms/torso) body type such as my cohost on Moterrific, AdventureGoddess. Check out her review here.
I stumbled upon this outfit recently while helping one of my readers find pants. They have a nice profile to them and go all the way up to a US 18! They would certainly make a nice year round outfit, since you can remove the 2 in 1 liner. The shell is lightweight and would probably work ok in summer, depending on your tolerance for hot weather.
The new Ranger is an updated version of the popular AST women's jacket. Still a waterproof shell, they've redesigned the jacket overall. Check out Rania's blog post about this jacket here.
Women in the riding community have been anticipating this release since rumors of Klim developing a women's 2 piece GORE-TEX shell surfaced a couple seasons ago. It's here, and it basically a women's version of the men's Latitude. Just tailored and fitted for women. This version also has one key feature that the men's doesn't however; Adjustability to lengthen the pants a few inches! Finally something we get that men don't when it comes to motorcycle gear. These also go up to a Size 22!
I especially love how the front of the jacket lays flat, so to speak. Partly because of Dainese's special Mugello fabric, but also just the way they sew and fit everything together. The design is always clean and simple. I'm wearing a Euro 40 (US 4) with the liner in. Of course, you can pair this with any of the Dainese Womens Textile pants (no jeans). The GORE-TEX is not removable, but the thermal liner is.
The Zima is one of my personal favorites. I'd say that it has an average fit. Not too narrow, not too curvy. Somewhere in the middle, but not as narrow as some of their other jackets. If you're looking for the matching GTX pant, the Travelguard (above; thigh vents/hip armor/adjustable knee armor) or Galvestones are the way to go. And of course, if you aren't interested in GTX, then there are a few other Dainese pants to choose from.
Check out my girl Cristi's review of the Levante. A fantastic, 3 season, 3/4 length jacket for almost year round riding (depending on how cold your 4th season is). The fit is nice and long, but with the usual REV'IT fitment; flattering yet easy to wear. With a nice pricepoint of $299, this might be your next purchase.
http://moterrific.com/2013/07/02/gear-review-ladies-revit-levante-jacket/
Available at Revzilla.com
Landing in my hot little hands April 1st, this will be the perfect start for summer gear reviews!
Modeled after the Ignition 2, the Galactic ($499) is designed as a sporty summer jacket with a removable waterproof liner.
Of course, for those of us in mild climates like San Francisco, the Galactic would be perfect as a year round option. A couple of differences between this and the Ignition 2 from what I can tell is the fitment: more hourglass through the middle, vs. boxy on the Ignition 2; and sport cut for a full forward riding position. Now that my body shape has changed, I definitely am looking forward to this newer fit.
I'll also be trying out the Challenger insert ($89), which is a cooling vest that zips in. Genius!
I've got a nice list of weekend trips/rides planned to hot places so I'm sure this will come in handy.
