--- In
DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "j solo" wrote:
> I'm looking for a Textile Jacket for mostly summer-warmfall use.
Have been
> using perf leather for years, while road riding, and that works well
at road
> speeds. But being a slow fart offroad, I'm sweatin my butt off and
clammy
> leather is really yucky.
> Would prefer something not 'mesh', but one that has good venting,
front and
> rear.
> Have seen the lastest version of the BMW Savannah Jac. Great sleeve
vents
> and delux verticle back vents.
> I like this config over a horizental back venting arrangement.
> Big Minus is the 400+ clams one would set me back.
>
> Anyone have a rec for a really well vented jacket? Preferably the
3/4 length
> coat variety? At some reasonable price much less than the Savannah?
> Thanks
> js
>
You probably know all this but, for those late to the party...
I searched for years for the perfect warm weather jacket at the right
price. Finally went for a silver TourMaster Cortech GX Air mesh,
despite the $160 price tag. It's shorter than the 3/4 lenght, but
cool and comfy to about 100 dF. Over that temp, the scale changes to
hot, very hot, and fooking brutal. It aint perfect, but the GX Air
works well, and IMHO is a damn site better than ...
a. No protection at all
b. Any substantial 3/4 length jacket
c. A pink spandex tutu
d. anything in black leather
(light colors reflect more heat than darker color, but you knew that)
I looked at the white jacket, but a bonehead like me would have that
thing colored a dingy gray in no time. Saved the hassle and just
started with the gray (silver). Fit and finish were fine. And I had
crashed hard in a Cortech 3/4 and it stood up very well, so I had some
comfort with the brand (if not the materials).
And yes, I've seen Yuma, Indio, Phoenix and Tucson at 100 - 120 dF.
Wear a cool-max or even heavy cotton long sleeve T shirt. Buy a gal
of drinking water from the cooler section of the convenience store.
Drink half, pour the other half all over your head and shirt. You'll
be cooler for about 30 minutes. Just keep the air moving around you,
and keep taking in fluids (some salts, but not too much or you can get
water logged -Gatorade or other sports drinks can help). Keep sucking
on the Camelback (or other drink system). If you're desert adapted it
helps alot, I used to commute year round on a bicycle in Tucson. It
was hot at times (saw 117 dF max) but you can get used to that. Beyond
120, even the hardiest souls should be looking for shade. May have
been different for A/C techs working on the roofs in the bright sun
in Yuma? It is possible to get too hot -watch yourself for signs of
fatigue, lightheadedness, general malaise -and get to a cooler space
ASAP. People still die of heat prostration. Do a little homework to
better prepare yourself.
http://www.healthsquare.com/mc/fgmc1403.htm
For true offroad, a coolmax T, then a chest protector and elbow
guards, then a light colored mesh jersey. Works great as long as
you're moving. Pack a rain jacket just in case a thunderstorm whips
up unexpectedly. (mine goes in the Camelback)
GX Air, works for me,
MarkB (AZ native)