Hey all. Looking for a jacket, I live in bremerton, across from Seattle, so it's wet most of the year and never really gets "hot" So, looking for something warm, but not bulky, I like the feel and looks of leather as well as the protection it offers. I commute less than 10mi to work, but go for rides on the weekends also, so I don't need roadtrip gear cause I'm hardly ever on my bike for more than an hour. How does leather stand up to rain? I don't mind the maintenance involved as far as conditioning and cleaning, but I haven't bought a jacket in awhile and seems theres tons to choose from. Any recomendations?? Thanks

 

I would honestly go with a textile jacket, especially with the type weather you describe, it offers comparable protection to leather, better protection from wind and water (cold included) and dries quickly if it does get saturated. Joe Rocket Ballistic series (I have one) are some nice jackets, same with Fieldsheer and Alpinestars has a few nice water proof jackets...keep an open mind and maybe give textile a chance...some hardcore riders will wear nothing but textile!

 

What is textile exactly??? Is it a mesh or some kind of synthetic material?? I have a jacket now, it's some kind of mesh, like a jersey almost, with a liner and huge bulky pads. It's OK, not exactly comfortable, but looking for a dedicated riding jacket and what I got aint it.

 

Just looked at the alpinestars E5 jacket. Looks nice...is this textile? Any comments?

 

Yep, that's textile and there are some very spiffy looking jackets that are weather proof with great protection.