I ordered another Kilimanjaro. It functioned fine for 8 years so I’m hoping it will again. Riding so much in bad weather and darkness I decided I should go with a bright color instead of that lovely green Falstaff. Didn’t like the way the Aerostich HiViz looked so that was that.

I’ve heard good things about Aerostich and their ability to deal with out of the ordinary needs. Good to hear that you found it to be true.

I have an Australian Outback drovers coat that is waxed cotton and I’ve rewaxed it once. Ugh. And it smells.

I considered the Darien jacket as well but at the end of my deliberations I was happy with the First Gear and hope to be happy again. If I hate it when it arrives I’ll look to the Darien jacket.

We do have warm summer rains here along with chilly spring and fall rains and cold winter rains. Some general protection from rain is in order for three seasons and specialized protection for those long wet rides.

I like the subdued green color too but as Kim pointed out to me –“What’s the safest thing for you?”. I looked for a second at the hi-viz color in the Falstaff but it just looked butt ugly. So another First Gear jacket in on its way.

David, I pulled the trigger on another First Gear Kilimanjaro. As much as I love the look of the Aerostich it just didn’t seem like a smart move on a lot of levels. I’ll post how that choice turns out.

No, I went online for the jacket. I’ve never found one that fits me in any motorcycle store. Always surprises me how few big pieces there are. And of course the yellow and black combination isn’t real popular.

Good idea about putting my riding coat into service for Junior. I bet he would like that considering the only washing it’s ever gotten is from the rain. Eight years of use would definitely provide his master’s fragrance!

So have you decided?

I also wear 6E width shoes – but that is another story.

I opted for the Aerostich Roadcrafter last year, and love it. No maintenance, water tight, windproof, and built like a tank. Who cares if Steve McQueen would have approved…it’s just me and the rain out there, and I want to stay dry while riding. I don’t want to huddled under an overpass thinking about Steve McQueen, but riding, watching the rain bead off my gear.

It doesn’t rain enough here to get a dedicated foul weather riding jacket. The froggtogg jacket and generic rain pants I carry are enough usually. I wonder, do you have “warm summer rains” in PA? They don’t exist here in Colorado.

I do like the subdued green color….