Guys, I need your help...
First of all I apologize if this is not the proper forum to completely address this topic. Also, I know that everyone has a "favorite" brand so I'm trying to keep things generic.
I am going on my first long trip next month and will be leaving from Atlanta and will go to Abuquerque and, hopefully-weather permitting, move on to Aspen before returning home. If Aspen is out of the question because of snow on the roads we'll head south to Tombstone. It should be a nice ride!
As you know, there is going to be a huge temperature variance from start to finish and I don't want to ruin a good trip by not properly preparing for this. I have a nice multi-season jacket and will be purchasing a heated jacket liner to keep my core temp regulated. (I thought I would just remove the bulky liner and use the heated jacket liner in its place- does that make good sense?)
I don't own any riding pants and am trying to keep costs low. I know I can purchase some mesh pants that I can use for protection throughout the year, however, can I just wear jeans and long johns under them and expect to be comfortable? Or, should I try to buy some cheaper insulated pants? I like the idea of a heated pant liner- but the cost and my unfamiliarity with exactly how functional they really are both keep me from making a purchase at this time.
Also, what are y'all's general recommendations on socks and gloves? I should mention that I do have heated grips... so would leather gloves and maybe some glove liners work? What about wool socks for the feet?
Thanks in advance for your input. I am really looking forward to the trip and don't want to mess up a good opportunity by not seeking good advice.
First of all I apologize if this is not the proper forum to completely address this topic. Also, I know that everyone has a "favorite" brand so I'm trying to keep things generic.
I am going on my first long trip next month and will be leaving from Atlanta and will go to Abuquerque and, hopefully-weather permitting, move on to Aspen before returning home. If Aspen is out of the question because of snow on the roads we'll head south to Tombstone. It should be a nice ride!
As you know, there is going to be a huge temperature variance from start to finish and I don't want to ruin a good trip by not properly preparing for this. I have a nice multi-season jacket and will be purchasing a heated jacket liner to keep my core temp regulated. (I thought I would just remove the bulky liner and use the heated jacket liner in its place- does that make good sense?)
I don't own any riding pants and am trying to keep costs low. I know I can purchase some mesh pants that I can use for protection throughout the year, however, can I just wear jeans and long johns under them and expect to be comfortable? Or, should I try to buy some cheaper insulated pants? I like the idea of a heated pant liner- but the cost and my unfamiliarity with exactly how functional they really are both keep me from making a purchase at this time.
Also, what are y'all's general recommendations on socks and gloves? I should mention that I do have heated grips... so would leather gloves and maybe some glove liners work? What about wool socks for the feet?
Thanks in advance for your input. I am really looking forward to the trip and don't want to mess up a good opportunity by not seeking good advice.