[JDG76]

It isn't that for fitting. I wear shorts and a t shirt under it in summer and sitting still sucks but basically any air movement provides relief. On super hot days, a wet shirt will allow the suit to have a cooler microclimate inside.

Having owned both a lined and unlined roadcrafter, I can say the unlined are probably cooler than the classic lined version.

 

[Zee Fifty]

IME the only place mesh outperforms textile for comfort is 80s & 90s, higher humidity. Moreso at slower speeds. Unfortunately, that's the bulk of the summer here in the mid-Atlantic and many places.

I wore a mesh jacket for comfort on a week's ride in WV some years back. It wore a bit cooler than my Darien would have, but it fared poorly when I crash-tested it. It wasn't a lousy jacket, just an OK one.

I gave up wearing mesh jackets after that for a while. But when I started working bicycle races and rides, going slow in the heat, I went back to one. I hope I don't crash test it but I spent some money for a more protective jacket: Klim Baja S4. Only CE 1 armor in it at the moment (added a back pad) but the jacket is rated CE AA meaning it won't fall apart like the other did so at least the armor may stay where it belongs. Fingers crossed.

Both my wife and I like our mesh jackets. For day rides to breakfast and lunch I much prefer the mesh over a short sleeve shirt for UV sun protection on my arms rather than a long sleeve shirt or non mesh motorcycle jacket. I’m not talking full day survival riding in super hot weather…. I like to remove my jacket once at my destination and instantly be comfortable in a short sleeve shirt. My main concern is UV sun protection.

 

[Jak]

Ordered a size 46 off the rack, on sale and had it within 7-10 days. It fit well, but was not a suitable garment for hot Arizona. If I lived in a cool or wet climate, I would absolutely have one. I currently wear Aerostich Darien Light pants as a overpant when it's cool and it doubles as a rain pant.....easy on & off and waterproof without being too hot. I sold my Aerostich suit here on the forum.

Did you find the Darien pants to be a bit heavy and warm for AZ? How about sizing? I typically wear 36-38 pants but they are recommending 44?

 

[b206driver]

Did you find the Darien pants to be a bit heavy and warm for AZ? How about sizing? I typically wear 36-38 pants but they are recommending 44?

I have the Darien Light pants. I removed all the armor and usually wear them as over pants in place of chaps or in the event of rain, I'll wear them instead of rain pants. I wear a size 36 or 38 jeans, so the Dariens are a size 40R to go over the jeans. I do have a set of suspenders on them since they ride up over my normal belt line. As long as it's fairly cool (for AZ) they are not uncomfortable.....the Gortex breathes a bit. I recently got a pair of Klim Marrakesh pants and they seem to be great for my application. I wanted a pant with belt loops since I carry a second amendment item and the Klim was one of the very few that had belt loops and a normal zipper up front. Hope you are enjoying your retirement.....stay healthy.🚁

 

[Zee Fifty]

I also have a pair of Darien Light pants in size 44L and lost some weight and have a pair of size 42L AD-1 Light pants. I also remove the armor and use them as rain and cold weather gear here in Az. If I tour for multiple days in the mid to late summer in the Rocky Mountain states where I have a good chance of hitting thunderstorms I will wear them full time and wear a pair of cargo shorts underneath. Very comfortable in hot weather. I don’t have to stop to put them on if I hit rain. I prefer goretex lined gear. It’s breathable and waterproof. It is comfortable for me. Although it’s expensive.

 

[Jak]

I have the Darien Light pants. I removed all the armor and usually wear them as over pants in place of chaps or in the event of rain, I'll wear them instead of rain pants. I wear a size 36 or 38 jeans, so the Dariens are a size 40R to go over the jeans. I do have a set of suspenders on them since they ride up over my normal belt line. As long as it's fairly cool (for AZ) they are not uncomfortable.....the Gortex breathes a bit. I recently got a pair of Klim Marrakesh pants and they seem to be great for my application. I wanted a pant with belt loops since I carry a second amendment item and the Klim was one of the very few that had belt loops and a normal zipper up front. Hope you are enjoying your retirement.....stay healthy.🚁

I've checked out the Klim products but as a lowly retired HEMS mechanic they seemed a bit pricey. Now, if I were a B206 driver then it wouldn't be an issue.😁 Sometimes I do miss those days of all night call outs and cantankerous machines. Ride safe my friend

 

[BumbleJ]

I bought my R-3 one piece several years ago...they sent me two different sizes...one fit, the other didn't. Returned the ill fitting one and kept the one that did fit. Have never looked back...it has been THE best piece of riding kit I've ever had. Still waterproof, comfortable, and highly functional. We also rode up from Atlanta to Duluth two years ago, had wife measured (sadly, off the rack did not fit her), it was at the house about 4-5 weeks later.

Keep in mind folks...Aerostich is a small operation with not a lot of employees...I know most won't care and think the world should revolve around them and cater to their every whim. Sized correctly, it is well worth the wait.

 

[BumbleJ]

I'm like you, wanted one since I started riding, but I still can't justify buying a new one.

The only time I dealt directly it took a few months to get new shoulder pads, since the foam was on backorder.

I bought a used suit in what was supposed to be my size according to their recommendations (40L) but the fit is pretty bad for my height vs waist. It's extremely well made and will probably last forever, but I think I'm going to have to move it on because it fits me so poorly.

Used to think the same thing...until I got one. Should have bought one decades ago...spent enough money on other crap to only replace it after a few seasons...had I bought one sooner, I'd have saved a bunch of money over the years.

 

[Greenham]

I can say that the hardest part of this process is you aren't a standard size and don't want to drive much less fly to Duluth is the time. Back and forth. I know they are small and no organization had everything you want when you want it.

At least it's Winter so some extra time isn't the end of the world.

I know they do pop ups for sizing, but only seem to do them in the PNW. I wish they would go to at least the big rallies. Daytona, Myrtle Beach, Sturgis, Americade...

 

[Big_Bird]

I know they do pop ups for sizing, but only seem to do them in the PNW. I wish they would go to at least the big rallies. Daytona, Myrtle Beach, Sturgis, Americade...

I've seen the pop ups several times in the mid-Atlantic. But it has been a while.

If one comes up, it is worth going to.

 

[FRCTony]

I've seen the pop ups several times in the mid-Atlantic. But it has been a while.

If one comes up, it is worth going to.

How did you find out about the pop up?

 

[Big_Bird]

How did you find out about the pop up?

I think they email blasted folks on their email list in the region.

I've seen announcements from time to time in banners on their site in the past. 10 sec of Google Fu at the moment only returns 2023 hits in the PNW, consistent with @Greenham 's observation.

I wouldn't be surprised if the big leather, chrome, and jugs rally exhibitor fees don't make sense for them with the associated costs compared to their niche, lower retail turnover, and limited production. I think Covid and such but a big crimp in whatever retail outreach plans they may have had on the margins in potentially sweeter spots. Who know? Maybe they'll get back on the road soon. 🤞

 

[JDG76]

Just sign up for their mailing lists and also follow them on Facebook if you use it. They generally publicize the popups to everyone.