Jackets Suggestions for 3 season jacket

[gregj]

Now that I've had 2 seasons with my K4, I think it's time to upgrade. I commute daily, so the ride in is often 20* cooler than the ride home, so versatility is also key. Here's what I'm looking for:

- Light color (I cant do hi-viz, sorry, notyet), to maximize sun light/heat reflection in summertime.

- Plenty of vents for hotter temps, and ease of access/operation of vets with gloves on. I have a mesh I like for middle of summer, so that's taken care of.

- Versatility. Like I stated above, I commute daily, and the ride in is often 20* cooler than the ride home.

- Good thick liner, perferrably one that blocks cold/air.

- Integral waterproof/breathable membrane. I dont want a waterproof liner.

- Textile that doesnt "leak" cold air. I've had a couple of textile jackets, and when the temps get really cold, it feels like the jacket is porus. I usually wind up wearing a second liner, and when temps are below freezing, I wear a rain jacket over the top as a wind breaker.

- 3/4 length, the K4 length is about right. I'm not too concerned about number of pockets.

- Nice collar, with some sort of keeper for the collar flap.

- CE armor is a plus.

I'll probably get a Gerbing liner, or a Kanetsu liner, for next winter.

So far, the Olympia AST is in the lead. I like the Pewter color, but afraid it's darker color will make it a heat sink come summer time. I also like the Gerbing Cascade jacket, but it doesnt appear to have a waterproof membrane.

Other suggestions?

 

[pepollock]

Look for an Olympia AST jacket. Lots of pockets and vents, all of which seal up very well. Try one on, though - you may not like the collar. I'm not sure I can live with mine. It's too tall and doesn't stay folded down. Great hi-viz screaming yellow! Loud clothes save lives; loud pipes just irritate people.

 

[pepollock]

Also in the running should be the Belstaff Challenger jacket.(britishmotorcyclegear.com) No hi-viz but a very snazzy blue and white design. $279 direct.

 

[1999purple]

I wear a Belstaff Discovery jacket, It's the swiss army knife of jackets. great liner. 100% water proof. lots of vents for warmer days. this is my second belstaff jacket in 12 years riding.they last a long time. ED

 

[Eclipse327]

I prefer the Joe Rocket Alter Ego. Has a water proof liner, and a shell you can remove to make a mesh jacket. Have used it confortably from 50's to upper 90's.

 

[TRICKYRIC5474]

Still really like my Cycloak GT I got in 2001. Gortex, 3/4 length, kevlar in key areas, many interior and exterior pockets..completely dry in very heavy rain...but gets a little hot when the temps hit 80+ and armor is not CE. Top shelf technology and materials in it's time, still a great jacket but I'd upgrade the armor.

I recently got a new Cortech GX-Air w/Leather jacket and compatible Tourmaster Venture-Air pants. Love this jacket so far. With the liners in it's good down to 45 degrees at least, take both liners out and it a mesh jacket with leather in key areas. CE armor, seperate rain and thermal liners can be used together or seperately. Dry in light rain, haven;t been in heavy rain with it yet. Many nice color options unless like me you need the Tall sizing, then only black. A very good option to consider.
Also the Olympia stuff is pretty nice, they just don't offer Tall sizing and their liner is one piece rain&thermal together which could be hot on a rainy summer day. Their bright "safety" lime green is painfully bright to onlookers out in the sun. Wear sunglasses if you look at one ! A very nice feature that I could not get in a tall size.