Darien pants and jacket

[gaijin]

The pants was given to me for free. Darien light was purchased last winter. I was very happy to have them, safety and security. NO MORE RAINGEAR NEEDED. Wrong and Wrong again.

After 3 hours of riding in light/heavy rain, things started to fall apart. Water got into my crotch area, bits by bits.. The darien light jacket start to let water seep in. At first, I thought it was just outer pockets only. Heck No!! It is actually go thru inner layer. My wallet and other items start to get wet. So much for all weather stuffs.

After 18 hours of riding, I am all wet and getting cold. Put on electric jacket w/long sleeves to keep me warm.

Conclusion. Do not count on " ALL WEATHER CLAIMS", carry extra rain gear if you have to ride a long time in nasty weather.

[dbrick]

That must have been uncomfortable.

But I don't think it has to be the case. I've been riding in Dariens top and bottom since the mid-90s (now a few years into set #2), and they've consistently kept me dry. I like not having to deal with a rain suit, and don't carry one. Every year or so, I wash the Darien per AeroStich's instructions, and re-impregnate them with Nikwax to prevent the nylon shell from becoming saturated with water; saturation prevents the moisture from your body inside the garments from passing through the Goretex layer and escaping.

Worst day I remember was a June in the Alps in 2002, ending up at St. Mortiz and containing, among other delights, an ascent of the Stelvio. It absolutely poured the entire day, from Bagolino through Bormio and up over the pass. My wrists got wet, but nothing else. This was aboard an R1100RSL with a stock (i.e., small) screen; not a lot of weather protection. I did have (and turned on) a heated vest underneath; it was cold outside.

[Rog(UK) - Yorkshire Dales]

I've got a Hein Gerrick '4-seasons' jacket. In anything more than very light rain, it is not waterproof. After half an hour, I'm soaked to the skin. I'm a great advocate of modern technology, but I fear that in this case, the modern 'breathable' fabric used in this particular jacket is not quite as clever as the manufacturers would have me believe. I think I would be more comfortable (but not as safe) wearing the 'Emporer's finest clothes' when riding in heavy rain - and I hope that mental image hasn't put you off your dinner!

Rog

[sweatmark]

I'm on my second Darien jacket, the first having been a stalwart companion for 10 years and remains in good condition. Bought a second jacket only because of a great deal on (barely) pre-owned, updated version.

I keep my wallet in the Darien's left chest pocket, and use a plastic zip-loc bag to keep it dry during wet riding. Wish this wasn't necessary, but prior experience has shown that the plastic proterction is needed to prevent soaked chest pocket contents.

Long rides in rain (always on unfaired bikes) have resulted in a few leaks: pants zipper, jacket zipper if I don't get the over-flap velcroed tight. The Darien pants' leg closures don't always keep closed, resulting in some water spray on socks/jeans. Same closure problem has occurred with sleeves.

Finally, I do get the high humidity dampness when Darien Gore-Tex isn't breathing right.

But regardless of the problems, the Darien gear is what I prefer for bad weather every time. Heated gear underneath, a good balaclava, and I'm good to go.

[gaijin]

Since I bought Darien Jacket (9 months), I encountered with light/heavy rain three times (3, 6 and 18 hours). The first two times, I felt damp but dry. The last one was 18 hours of light/heavy rain and I got wet/soaked.

How often do I have to spray some of these Scotchguard or Campdry on jacket, so, it would retain waterproof quality? Normally, I would spray Scotchguard prior to any long trip; I did not do this time. Would that be the cause of wetness, all the way inside the jacket? That would be terrible to have to carry a can of repellent on the trip.

I am all ears on opinions or ways to improve waterproof quality of the jacket.

[dbrick]

I don't use Scotchgard or Campdry.

What I do is follow AeroStich's instructions: wash carefully and completely (several water-only rinses to make sure all the detergent is gone), followed by a Nikwax application according to Nikwax' instructions.

[NoRRmad]

Aerostich is now recommending Scotchgard, or was the last time I re-sprayed my Roadcrafter.

[gaijin]

I received response and recommendation from Aerostich.

Since it does not seem to be rips and tears on the jacket, it could be stitching on lower section of hand warmer pockets (inside). With the right condition, water can get in from this area.

Suggestions: use Aqua Seal or Nixwax could help.

My riding season will be over soon (November 15 or 1st snow til March 31 of next year) in northern Japan. Unless there are lot of rain, I will have to spray a lot of water on the jacket and find out.


thanks again guys.