Comments on: Upgrading to an Aerostich Darien Riding Jacket

By: Scooter in the Sticks

Scooter in the Sticks — Sun, 20 Sep 2026 04:01:37 +0000

I resisted buying a leather jacket for a long, long time. In part because I never saw one I liked. And in part because they seemed hot, heavy and uncomfortable. When I finally bought the right one, the Merlin Hixon II, it is fantastic. It has a thermal liner but I can’t layer much with it. Its range seems to be 50F to 75F. So the Aerostich is the cold weather choice I hope. I’m hoping the Aerostich will keep me comfortable down to 25F.

You’re doing well with four leather jackets in 54 years!

By: Scooter in the Sticks

Scooter in the Sticks — Sat, 19 Sep 2026 02:22:56 +0000

In reply to PETE DAVIS.

She has some great information. An earlier video got me to purchase a new helmet with MIPS technology.

By: Scooter in the Sticks

Scooter in the Sticks — Sat, 19 Sep 2026 02:22:13 +0000

In reply to David Blewett.

Glad the Roadcrafter suit still fits! Have a safe and dry ride this weekend.

By: Scooter in the Sticks

Scooter in the Sticks — Sat, 19 Sep 2026 02:17:55 +0000

In reply to Tom.

Yeah, that price stopped me many times. For me it is not a calculation based on how much I ride. It’s for that one ride. And that MotoCAP site got me thinking for sure.

By: Scooter in the Sticks

Scooter in the Sticks — Sat, 19 Sep 2026 02:16:29 +0000

In reply to Shirley Hackman.

Wash? I don’t think I have ever washed any of my riding gear aside from turning a hose on them when they’re muddy.

By: Scooter in the Sticks

Scooter in the Sticks — Sat, 19 Sep 2026 02:15:52 +0000

In reply to Shirley Hackman.

Thank you for the head’s up on the Nikwash. I need to more closely read the Darien handbook they sent.

I’m hoping I can wear the Darien jacket through the winter with the proper layers. They had me size up to allow for that and it seems the right choice. Time will tell.

By: Jim Zeiser

Jim Zeiser — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 16:39:09 +0000

I’m on my fourth leather jacket in 54 years. Good for warm weather with the lining out or cold weather with the liner in. My Wife bought my last one in 2021 from Leatherup for about $165.00. Since it’s Chinese made it didn’t sacrifice quality for cost. It has all the features and quality of my previous American made jackets. Nylon variants of todays riding jackets might be better than in the old days but leather stops the wind from penetration like nothing else.

By: PETE DAVIS

PETE DAVIS — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 14:00:15 +0000

Doodle on a Motorcycle’s videos on gear safety are absolutely worth watching. Sobering to watch her show how inadequate most of the available stuff is. I’ve decided that my next helmet will definitely have MIPS technology.

By: David Blewett

David Blewett — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 13:54:31 +0000

Good timing for this post. Last night I tried on the old Aerostitch roadcrafter one piece suit that one of my coworkers gave to me back in the 90’s. Still fits! I plan to use it on a campout ride to western Maryland today. It probably isn’t waterproof anymore so I will take rain gear as well. Riding home on Sunday looks like it will be a very wet ride.

By: Tom

Tom — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 12:47:38 +0000

Gotta admit, I gasped when I saw the price. I don’t know that I do that much riding anywhere anymore to justify that cost. I’m aware of the counterargument, of course. I use MSR gear, which isn’t rated on the MotoCAP site AFAICT. Makes you think about things.