As a touring cyclist and scrambler motorcycle rider, I whole heartedly agree with a layering system. So, It tales a few minutes to put on or remove a item of clothing. I look at it as a leg stretch and a bum saver! Great video, thank you!
Hello from the States! Nice video! The first laminated gear I am aware of is the Aerostich from the '80s. FYI, I had to look up what you meant by piles..... 😄
Truly a great video and as an outdoor enthusiast I agree with the layering theory HOWEVER I have recently purchased a Knox Urbane Pro jacket which has the required protection and found I need not add any other new clothing. I can simply use my existing mountain gear (Rab, Icebreaker, etc). This said I love the Scott waterproof and if starting from scratch would definitely follow the Marrakesh plus route as described here.
Great informative video, so much so I did a 190 mile round trip to see Chris last Friday and now own the four layers he discussed in the video. Great service from Motolegends and learnt a lot.
If you look at the hiking climbing community, most of these problems were addressed three decades ago. I remember getting a new waterproof breathable climbing jacket with taped seams in 1992 that worked really well both in freezing mountain conditions and in hot summer rain storms; in both situations I might have to really exert myself (unlike just sitting on a motorcycle). This was combined with a wicking layer and and insulation layer to cover all situations. The motorcycling community has the additional problem of impact/abrasion protection but is still decades behind and with clothing that is very overpriced.
Awesome video! Sound advice for sure. Dry humor presented perfectly. Layering works perfectly. Today the temperature here is 30' at 2000 ft . Where I ride the temperature is 13' C at 5000 ft. Simply put, it works! Best!
Layering yes, loose armored jacket NO. Base layer is body armor - has to be close fitting to stay put in case of a crash. Fluffy roomy armor doesn’t stay where it needs. When cold wear a merino base underneath or just a breathable t shirt, then close fitting body armor, then wind breaker, down jacket, rain etc. That’s how you do it. Knox does it well - as does Bowtex - both have AAA rating and chest protection which is key, that way your outer doesn’t have to be AAA rated and your options for outer layers open up a lot. I wear all my hiking / climing / mountaineering outer wear no issues.
I ride 10 months of the year and ride a Multistrada, big days and big tours are my thing so I went down the laminate route. But now I’ve changed to the layering approach, AAA jeans with a lightweight AA jacket with updated armour, the Lysvik. I use Scott waterproof trousers with a Revit jacket for torrential rain. Upgrading the jacket to the Marrakesh or similar next time, I already use the Klim Zephyr jacket for colder days as a windstopper.
I do use layering, but tend to dress according to the weather. If it's a hot day, i'll wear my riding shirt or mesh jacket, for cold days i'll wear gear with more substantial insulation/windproofing. But whether it's hot or cold, i always carry Scott waterproofs for those unexpected downpours. I've never used heated clothing, never felt a need for it even at sub zero temps, but i can see the logic for it
from Sharks' site: "The visor, with anti-scratch treatment, offers a panoramic field of view. With two open options, full or partial, enjoy the freedom to ride with the visor in the “air stream” position for a personalized driving experience. ". I'd like to see what the partial position is.
I went with your layering advice last year! I live in Utah, USA and do long distance touring from Canada to Mexico, with wild swings in weather. I went with a Klim kit nearly identical to yours bought from my BMW dealer (they discount the gear and I got to try them on in store, otherwise I would vacation in the UK and swing by your store!). Exceptions: LD Comfort base layer, I skipped the Maverick and just wear my Warm n Safe turned on or off, and a Klim Forecast because Scott isn’t available in the States. The Forecast doubles as another wind breaker below 60F since I don’t find my Zephyr very effective. I also factor in my Klim A1 Rally vest in my layering. All of this stuff packs very small and takes up part of my top case (the vest and base layer don’t count because I wear them 100% of the time). The Marrakesh is not as breathable as mesh jackets! When temps here are in the 80s and low 90s F, I swap it for my Klim Induction, which I’ve had for years. Bottom half is DYNS jeans (I took out the armor and wear Bohn Body Armor mesh), and Nelson-Rigg rain gear, which I’ve had for years. I have ridden from 30 to 100 F through rain, hail, sun, high winds and all of this has held up!
Chris such an informative email - I discovered the 20 odd year with Harley in the garage are the cause of my Jack Giles. Also the reason just why I attract so little attention on my GS 😂. However as a dyed in the wool 65 yo I have to say you convinced me to adopt the layering system a few years ago. I have toured down to Morocco (not the woosy ferry down half way either ) endururing 30c plus and ridden through most conditions during a UK winter and have needed nothing else. ATB
Would it be better to skip the Zephyr and the Maverick and use warm and save jacket underneath the Marrakech as a windstopper when chilly and when even colder plug in the vest? Of am I missing something?
Very amusing how he states the Scott Ergo is "totally waterproof". I can assure you, it is NOT. My Ergo trousers let a ton of rainwater in at both ends in the zip area. When I complained about this, I was told by a member of his staff "Waterproofs are not entirely waterproof and rain will come in, maybe it's the bike you ride". Strange how an opinion changes when sales techniques are employed!!
I have stopped wearing the Scott Ergo trousers for the same reason. I have found the Klim S4 jacket and pants much better, and the S4 pants have zips on the full length of each leg, allowing them to be put on while standing up and still wearing your boots.
There’s no argument that a layering system is superior in large temperature and weather changes, the downside is you have to carry those layers. Laminated clothing is more convenient within reasonable temperatures (like Scotland 😂). If you hate the heat as I do and tour Europe often in the 30’s my solution for the last 20 years has been Mesh plus waterproof layer (until now Goretex). Requiring maximum airflow though means for me, the Baja or equivalent rather than the more comfortable Marrakesh. Until someone invents a refrigerated suit anyway..
Awesome video Chris, thanks for sharing. QQ please, should the heated jacket be between the Zephyr jacket and the Marrakesh or between the down jacket and the Marrakesh? Thanks.
What about the Klim Kodaik for all weather conditions?? Say I am riding from 43 degree c towards 12 hour journey to cold area say -1 and I don’t want to carry 2 riding gears .
I am a layering Boy, but trust me, this is not working for everybody. Usually it takes a long time to get fully dressed in the morning. According to my mind, it's best to take a proper laminated Jacket with me as well. As I don't take any further laguage with me, this is no big deal for me, even on very long trip's as I do usually. This way I easy travel from 5-38 *C, with max comfort. The laminated Jacket is ready to go in a extra bag. In the panniers I carry a load of next to nothing, 1-3 kg each. I also take a heated Jacket from Macna with me, this is perfekt working with my Phone, for easy ajustment. There are day's, where the Thermometer is jumping like crazy, than this jacket is doing a perfect job. Degrees are just a number, sometimes the feeling is totally different.
38 degrees in a laminated jacket? Sorry that’s just an accident waiting to happen. We all feel the temperature differently, but why would anybody choose to put any kind of waterproof jacket on in a heatwave? It sounds to me as though you are trying to justify the choices you have made. My view? Get yourself a Marrakesh, and then you’ll know the meaning of comfort. If it rains, and it doesn’t rain all the time, stop and put a waterproof on. Remember, we sell all kinds of gear, including all the best laminates out there. We don’t recommend this approach for any reason other than the fact that it’s the only way to be comfortable in all conditions. You simply cannot achieve this level of flexibility in a waterproof jacket. You may think you’re comfortable in 30 plus temperatures in your laminated jacket, but remove the membrane, and you’ll enjoy your riding more, you’ll ride better, and you’ll ride safer. I am afraid your claim is not credible. Sorry! CP😮
@@Motolegends The laminated is for the tough day's, where conditions are rough, jumping from rainy to warm in just a secound. Think of the Mountains, on top it's still cold and maybe also snow (not on the road, but next to the road), go up on north and down on south in sunshine. With a good laminated you simply keep on riding. With a RevIt dress you don't even need to stop, just open the flapp's on the go, while riding. When really tough, just close the flaps, switch on the heated layer, it's that simple, Sir. Would love to go with Marakesh Sir, but it simply does not fit my shape (1,86 m / 65 kg). But don't worry, I go with the Bowtex, whitch you don't like, plus a Merino Layer for very hot condition, in the morning I like to wear the Macna Ascent heated Jacket on top, this makes me very flexible. Yes, I ride a lot, big trip's, 500 km every single day, up to 18.000 km in one stretch is no problem for me, in 38 day, with 36 day of riding. The laminated is ready to go, with just one Layer/Jacket you are pretty well and fast dressed, and when it's getting hot, you stow it away in the bag, as I told you and switch to your breathing Jacket. In my case, the bright Bowtex (tripple A rated)
I find the Touratech Companero summer suit or probably any mesh suit much better in hot conditions than the Marrakesh. The ladder works for me up to about 27°C but not more.
Thanks for the excellent explanation of layering jackets ! Did I understand correctly, from outside to inside: Scott -> Marrakesh -> Zephyr -> Maverick -> Base Layer ?
What? Picking up a GS is easy, how can the chap not know about Jocelyn Snow? She’s a 5 foot lady that picks up big GS’s like they’re candy, and you can too.
I'm a great advocate for the layering system, and use it when I'm on a bike. It does mean that the jacket need to have enough space to allow for layers beneath. However when you remove these inner layers I do have concerns that the armour has the potential to move. This is why I think the close fitting Knox jackets have the benefit of holding the armour close to the body, and crucially being in the correct place regardless of what layers you have over the top (windproof, insulating or waterproof).
@@davebethell1 No, the armour in the Marrakesh doesn’t move, because of the stretch. The Knox jacket is not really comparable. It’s an off-road concept that Knox has tried to make work for the road rider. It’s a very strange looking piece, in my view, but putting the thermal layer on the outside just doesn’t work. It will sit too far from the body to absorb heat, and it won’t pass heat to the body for the same reason. The wind will also rip through it, again negating the thermal layers effectiveness. But the other flaw is that when you get off the bike to go somewhere, you have to remove the layers, take the jacket off, then put the layers back on. It’s simply too much faff. The Marrakesh is also in a different league in terms of comfort. The system is warmer. The waterproof is better. And you can wear the windproof layer inside the jacket, whereas with the Knox you have to wear your waterproof layer to prevent wind chill. We know the Knox system. I have tested it, and ridden extensively in it. I just don’t think it works. CP.
Rukka Nevala 2 for commuting. Marrakesh with layering can so pretty much anything. Leather jacket for meetings your mates down the pub. If you can only afford one get the marakesh with down liner and scotts ergo water proof.
Or a Bowtex Elite or even a Knox Honister. Both similar to the Marrakesh, but rated to CE AAA whilst offering similar ventilation. The concept behind the Marrakesh is great, but it’s not the ultimate iteration of that concept in my opinion.
Usually, a single layer jean. The problem is that jeans don’t lend themselves to layering in the same way. There’s no windproof layer to go under a jean. All you can do is wear a Merino mid-layer when it’s cold, and a waterproof over-pant when it rains. CP
I’m thrilled and proud that you have reached over 100,000 subscribers. It’s much deserved, and I dare say, `Hats off to you!’
As a touring cyclist and scrambler motorcycle rider, I whole heartedly agree with a layering system. So, It tales a few minutes to put on or remove a item of clothing. I look at it as a leg stretch and a bum saver! Great video, thank you!
Always so, so educational....
A pleasure to listen to.
Thanks for the energy you put into this.
Hello from the States! Nice video! The first laminated gear I am aware of is the Aerostich from the '80s. FYI, I had to look up what you meant by piles..... 😄
Truly a great video and as an outdoor enthusiast I agree with the layering theory HOWEVER I have recently purchased a Knox Urbane Pro jacket which has the required protection and found I need not add any other new clothing. I can simply use my existing mountain gear (Rab, Icebreaker, etc). This said I love the Scott waterproof and if starting from scratch would definitely follow the Marrakesh plus route as described here.
Great informative video, so much so I did a 190 mile round trip to see Chris last Friday and now own the four layers he discussed in the video. Great service from Motolegends and learnt a lot.
If you look at the hiking climbing community, most of these problems were addressed three decades ago. I remember getting a new waterproof breathable climbing jacket with taped seams in 1992 that worked really well both in freezing mountain conditions and in hot summer rain storms; in both situations I might have to really exert myself (unlike just sitting on a motorcycle). This was combined with a wicking layer and and insulation layer to cover all situations. The motorcycling community has the additional problem of impact/abrasion protection but is still decades behind and with clothing that is very overpriced.
Awesome video! Sound advice for sure. Dry humor presented perfectly. Layering works perfectly. Today the temperature here is 30' at 2000 ft . Where I ride the temperature is 13' C at 5000 ft. Simply put, it works! Best!
Layering yes, loose armored jacket NO. Base layer is body armor - has to be close fitting to stay put in case of a crash. Fluffy roomy armor doesn’t stay where it needs.
When cold wear a merino base underneath or just a breathable t shirt, then close fitting body armor, then wind breaker, down jacket, rain etc.
That’s how you do it. Knox does it well - as does Bowtex - both have AAA rating and chest protection which is key, that way your outer doesn’t have to be AAA rated and your options for outer layers open up a lot. I wear all my hiking / climing / mountaineering outer wear no issues.
I ride 10 months of the year and ride a Multistrada, big days and big tours are my thing so I went down the laminate route. But now I’ve changed to the layering approach, AAA jeans with a lightweight AA jacket with updated armour, the Lysvik. I use Scott waterproof trousers with a Revit jacket for torrential rain. Upgrading the jacket to the Marrakesh or similar next time, I already use the Klim Zephyr jacket for colder days as a windstopper.
I do use layering, but tend to dress according to the weather. If it's a hot day, i'll wear my riding shirt or mesh jacket, for cold days i'll wear gear with more substantial insulation/windproofing. But whether it's hot or cold, i always carry Scott waterproofs for those unexpected downpours. I've never used heated clothing, never felt a need for it even at sub zero temps, but i can see the logic for it
from Sharks' site: "The visor, with anti-scratch treatment, offers a panoramic field of view. With two open options, full or partial, enjoy the freedom to ride with the visor in the “air stream” position for a personalized driving experience. ". I'd like to see what the partial position is.
I went with your layering advice last year! I live in Utah, USA and do long distance touring from Canada to Mexico, with wild swings in weather. I went with a Klim kit nearly identical to yours bought from my BMW dealer (they discount the gear and I got to try them on in store, otherwise I would vacation in the UK and swing by your store!). Exceptions: LD Comfort base layer, I skipped the Maverick and just wear my Warm n Safe turned on or off, and a Klim Forecast because Scott isn’t available in the States. The Forecast doubles as another wind breaker below 60F since I don’t find my Zephyr very effective. I also factor in my Klim A1 Rally vest in my layering. All of this stuff packs very small and takes up part of my top case (the vest and base layer don’t count because I wear them 100% of the time).
The Marrakesh is not as breathable as mesh jackets! When temps here are in the 80s and low 90s F, I swap it for my Klim Induction, which I’ve had for years. Bottom half is DYNS jeans (I took out the armor and wear Bohn Body Armor mesh), and Nelson-Rigg rain gear, which I’ve had for years.
I have ridden from 30 to 100 F through rain, hail, sun, high winds and all of this has held up!
Scott may not be available in the US but you can buy it from Europe. I live in GA and have one. It's great.
Fortnine in Canada sells Scott if you can make arrangements.
@@danipokornik9463 good to know, but since I already have the Forecast, I’ll stick with that.
Chris such an informative email - I discovered the 20 odd year with Harley in the garage are the cause of my Jack Giles. Also the reason just why I attract so little attention on my GS 😂. However as a dyed in the wool 65 yo I have to say you convinced me to adopt the layering system a few years ago. I have toured down to Morocco (not the woosy ferry down half way either ) endururing 30c plus and ridden through most conditions during a UK winter and have needed nothing else. ATB
Great presentation and video with excellent advice. Only wished I lived closer to your country to take up your offer of those biscuits.
Very helpful! Thank you!
Would it be better to skip the Zephyr and the Maverick and use warm and save jacket underneath the Marrakech as a windstopper when chilly and when even colder plug in the vest? Of am I missing something?
Very amusing how he states the Scott Ergo is "totally waterproof". I can assure you, it is NOT. My Ergo trousers let a ton of rainwater in at both ends in the zip area. When I complained about this, I was told by a member of his staff "Waterproofs are not entirely waterproof and rain will come in, maybe it's the bike you ride". Strange how an opinion changes when sales techniques are employed!!
I bought the Scott rain suit a few weeks ago and I must say it’s 100% waterproof.
I have stopped wearing the Scott Ergo trousers for the same reason. I have found the Klim S4 jacket and pants much better, and the S4 pants have zips on the full length of each leg, allowing them to be put on while standing up and still wearing your boots.
Great tutorial
There’s no argument that a layering system is superior in large temperature and weather changes, the downside is you have to carry those layers. Laminated clothing is more convenient within reasonable temperatures (like Scotland 😂). If you hate the heat as I do and tour Europe often in the 30’s my solution for the last 20 years has been Mesh plus waterproof layer (until now Goretex). Requiring maximum airflow though means for me, the Baja or equivalent rather than the more comfortable Marrakesh. Until someone invents a refrigerated suit anyway..
@@foodtech426 I agree to you, I also go with to Jacket's on my trips. Only go for long adventures, I am not a Sunday rider, or go on short trips.
Awesome video Chris, thanks for sharing. QQ please, should the heated jacket be between the Zephyr jacket and the Marrakesh or between the down jacket and the Marrakesh? Thanks.
What about the Klim Kodaik for all weather conditions?? Say I am riding from 43 degree c towards 12 hour journey to cold area say -1 and I don’t want to carry 2 riding gears .
I am a layering Boy, but trust me, this is not working for everybody. Usually it takes a long time to get fully dressed in the morning.
According to my mind, it's best to take a proper laminated Jacket with me as well. As I don't take any further laguage with me, this is no big deal for me, even on very long trip's as I do usually. This way I easy travel from 5-38 *C, with max comfort.
The laminated Jacket is ready to go in a extra bag.
In the panniers I carry a load of next to nothing, 1-3 kg each.
I also take a heated Jacket from Macna with me, this is perfekt working with my Phone, for easy ajustment. There are day's, where the Thermometer is jumping like crazy, than this jacket is doing a perfect job.
Degrees are just a number, sometimes the feeling is totally different.
38 degrees in a laminated jacket? Sorry that’s just an accident waiting to happen. We all feel the temperature differently, but why would anybody choose to put any kind of waterproof jacket on in a heatwave? It sounds to me as though you are trying to justify the choices you have made. My view? Get yourself a Marrakesh, and then you’ll know the meaning of comfort. If it rains, and it doesn’t rain all the time, stop and put a waterproof on. Remember, we sell all kinds of gear, including all the best laminates out there. We don’t recommend this approach for any reason other than the fact that it’s the only way to be comfortable in all conditions. You simply cannot achieve this level of flexibility in a waterproof jacket. You may think you’re comfortable in 30 plus temperatures in your laminated jacket, but remove the membrane, and you’ll enjoy your riding more, you’ll ride better, and you’ll ride safer. I am afraid your claim is not credible. Sorry! CP😮
@@Motolegends The laminated is for the tough day's, where conditions are rough, jumping from rainy to warm in just a secound. Think of the Mountains, on top it's still cold and maybe also snow (not on the road, but next to the road), go up on north and down on south in sunshine. With a good laminated you simply keep on riding. With a RevIt dress you don't even need to stop, just open the flapp's on the go, while riding. When really tough, just close the flaps, switch on the heated layer, it's that simple, Sir.
Would love to go with Marakesh Sir, but it simply does not fit my shape (1,86 m / 65 kg).
But don't worry, I go with the Bowtex, whitch you don't like, plus a Merino Layer for very hot condition, in the morning I like to wear the Macna Ascent heated Jacket on top, this makes me very flexible.
Yes, I ride a lot, big trip's, 500 km every single day, up to 18.000 km in one stretch is no problem for me, in 38 day, with 36 day of riding.
The laminated is ready to go, with just one Layer/Jacket you are pretty well and fast dressed, and when it's getting hot, you stow it away in the bag, as I told you and switch to your breathing Jacket. In my case, the bright Bowtex (tripple A rated)
Excellent video and advice as always
Winter: cycling sweatshirt + CE level 2 body armour + dow jacket + motorcycle jacket
Summer : CE level 2 body armour + motocross sweatshirt
Which are the alternatives to the Marrakesh? Knox? Revit? Others?
The KLIM Induction Jacket
I find the Touratech Companero summer suit or probably any mesh suit much better in hot conditions than the Marrakesh. The ladder works for me up to about 27°C but not more.
i use this set up and its great highly recomended
“Nobody will ever take a photograph of your bike”…true.
As long you the owner take tons of pictures like they would a pet or child, thats all that matters.
Thanks for the excellent explanation of layering jackets ! Did I understand correctly, from outside to inside: Scott -> Marrakesh -> Zephyr -> Maverick -> Base Layer ?
Don't forget your outer water proofs. Scott ergo
Instead of a down puffer jacket, you can substitute a good fleece layer depending on the ambient temps.
What? Picking up a GS is easy, how can the chap not know about Jocelyn Snow? She’s a 5 foot lady that picks up big GS’s like they’re candy, and you can too.
Especially on a mountain track, in the rain, on an incline. Simple really 🙄
@@chelg probably the easiest one of the big bikes as it leans at 45 degrees unlike something like a T7 that lies flat or worse.
Chris, what do you think about Knox armored jackets?
I'm a great advocate for the layering system, and use it when I'm on a bike.
It does mean that the jacket need to have enough space to allow for layers beneath. However when you remove these inner layers I do have concerns that the armour has the potential to move. This is why I think the close fitting Knox jackets have the benefit of holding the armour close to the body, and crucially being in the correct place regardless of what layers you have over the top (windproof, insulating or waterproof).
@@davebethell1 No, the armour in the Marrakesh doesn’t move, because of the stretch. The Knox jacket is not really comparable. It’s an off-road concept that Knox has tried to make work for the road rider. It’s a very strange looking piece, in my view, but putting the thermal layer on the outside just doesn’t work. It will sit too far from the body to absorb heat, and it won’t pass heat to the body for the same reason. The wind will also rip through it, again negating the thermal layers effectiveness. But the other flaw is that when you get off the bike to go somewhere, you have to remove the layers, take the jacket off, then put the layers back on. It’s simply too much faff. The Marrakesh is also in a different league in terms of comfort. The system is warmer. The waterproof is better. And you can wear the windproof layer inside the jacket, whereas with the Knox you have to wear your waterproof layer to prevent wind chill. We know the Knox system. I have tested it, and ridden extensively in it. I just don’t think it works. CP.
Rukka Nevala 2 for commuting. Marrakesh with layering can so pretty much anything. Leather jacket for meetings your mates down the pub. If you can only afford one get the marakesh with down liner and scotts ergo water proof.
Or a Bowtex Elite or even a Knox Honister. Both similar to the Marrakesh, but rated to CE AAA whilst offering similar ventilation. The concept behind the Marrakesh is great, but it’s not the ultimate iteration of that concept in my opinion.
@@TeslasSecret in my opinion with regard to airflow there are much better jackets than the Marrakesh
@@thomasstaudigel7264 I’ve never ridden with the Marrakesh, but both my Knox and Bowtex jackets ventilate wonderfully well.
In this system, what's your solution for the pants?
Usually, a single layer jean. The problem is that jeans don’t lend themselves to layering in the same way. There’s no windproof layer to go under a jean. All you can do is wear a Merino mid-layer when it’s cold, and a waterproof over-pant when it rains. CP
@@Motolegends Thank you. I've been considering doing just that. I'll look into it deeper and see what pairs with the Marrakesh nicely.
👌
Scott has very short legs & arms design.
No need for heat for anything above freezing.
🧇
Why do you constantly use the wrong pronunciation of the brand Klim? Are you just lazy?