I just got an email from a reader who's trying to figure out which GORE-TEX motorcycle pants to get.
"Ok so being new to motorcycling a few months ago I bought the REV'IT Ventura pants and Indigo jacket. I was biking in a freaking downpour up here in Portland (caught heading home) and noticed that i was starting to get cold from the water soaking the outer fabric before it was repelled by the liner. When it's dry I stay much warmer. This got me to thinking if I should sell this set and get GORE-TEX gear. It makes a heck of a drysuit (I'm a whitewater kayaker so is important to stay dry). :) Do you think the GORE-TEX is better at keeping one warmer than an additional liner?"
I'm a HUGE fan of GORE-TEX. I think overall, it's one of the best waterproofing systems available to us as motorcyclists. I've been riding in the REV'IT Legacy GTX two piece and it's simply amazing. The shell features Cordura 1000 denier Ribstop with Teflon coating. Unfortunately, that, along with hip armor is what also pushes the price point higher vs. the Dainese. If you're a 44 in Dainese, you should be 40 in REV'IT pants. I think the Legacy is the ultimate touring outfit given it's versatility. Check out my first impressions on this outfit here.
There's something about GORE-TEX that is completely different from anything else, especially when it comes to motorcycle gear. It's definitely an investment but well worth it, in my opinion.
"I was looking at Revzilla sale and noticed the Dianese New Galvestone GTX pants on sale. I have hips and booty with athletic thighs but nothing crazy. I fit great in their Firefly(?) leather pants in a 44 (BTW those pants make your butt look really good) so was wondering if you know anything about the Galvestones. Linda - Portland, OR"
Unfortunately I haven't tried on the New Galvestones in awhile, but the fit is pretty consistent across most of the Dainese line. I would think that you'll notice a nice difference in warmth and performance vs. the Ventura with these or the Legacy, mostly because the Venturas are a little more curvy friendly and have a trouser fit. Also because the shell doesn't have a lot of windproof/waterproof-abilities built into it. I think if you match up those pants with the Dainese Adina, that outfit would work well.
I think the advantage to the Dainese outfit is that it'll be a touch leaner and longer, especially with the jacket through the torso and arms. The Galvestone pants will also fit more like a skinny jean with a more tapered leg vs. the REV'IT as well. If you have a longer, leaner frame I'd recommend going this route because the closer the fitment to your body, the warmer it'll be in terms of retaining heat. Whenever you go up in size you're losing heat because of the additional space you're creating between your body and the gear. If you love the fit of the Firefly's, then you'll definitely love the way their textiles fit.
I'd also consider a heated vest or liner to ride in the coldest temps possible. You can't go wrong with heated and either of the GORE-TEX outfits from Dainese or REV'IT. That combination will allow you to ride in even colder temps!
