Found a big design flaw with the 1st Gear Riding Suit

[DR Buck]

I've had my First Gear thermal riding suit a little over a year and today I found the first major flaw with it. Granted I haven't done a lot of cold weather riding and for some of what I did do I wore my First Gear Kilimanjaro coat which is absolutely great. Anyway, today was my first official ride of 2014. I rode to work this morning and since it was only 38º when I left for the 38 mile ride I decided to wear the thermal suit. I discovered the major flaw when I stopped to fill the Spyder gas tank. I damn near had to completely undress to get my wallet out of the back pocket of my jeans. I think this is the first set of coverall type suit/clothing I've ever owned that did not have a way to access pockets without taking the suit off. I may be rethinking when I will wear this thing again.

[bruiser]

Hate when that happens.

[bullant12]

I can see why you are complaining. But the suit provides 3 pockets (one in the upper right chest, 2 others on the front calf area). The first time I wore it I said the same thing. But after realizing the wet conditions, I much prefer it this way because any opening is likely to get wet. What I did last time I put my wallet in the frunk to access it faster than having to strip out of the suit to get it, use it and then dress back up. I had my cellphone in my chest pocket and used the other 2 to put cash and extra gloves.

[Cavman]

If I know that I will be stopping for gas or another reason that I need to access my wallet, I will put a charge card in a pocket that can accessed easily. Money too.

[Dragonfly]

Note to self. "Empty pants pockets BEFORE putting on First Gear Thermal Suit"

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[murphybrown]

I've had my First Gear thermal riding suit a little over a year and today I found the first major flaw with it. Granted I haven't done a lot of cold weather riding and for some of what I did do I wore my First Gear Kilimanjaro coat which is absolutely great. Anyway, today was my first official ride of 2014. I rode to work this morning and since it was only 38º when I left for the 38 mile ride I decided to wear the thermal suit. I discovered the major flaw when I stopped to fill the Spyder gas tank. I damn near had to completely undress to get my wallet out of the back pocket of my jeans. I think this is the first set of coverall type suit/clothing I've ever owned that did not have a way to access pockets without taking the suit off. I may be rethinking when I will wear this thing again.

That's where I pack mine (plus my .38 fits in there nicely.) Remember old dog's CAN learn new tricks. So put it there and enjoy the warm ryde!!!

[3 Wheel Addict]

It would be nice if they had some side zippers so you could access your pockets.

[Sarge707]

Wallet - Right thigh pocket
Cell Phone , House keys- Left side thigh pocket
Camera- Upper Pocket-Easy to get to
Gun- Don,t need one.

[smurfette]

Definitely hit the head before suiting up!

[Bob Denman]

If I can't get to my wallet; it must be somebody else's turn to pay!

[Benggolf]

I noticed too how difficult it is for me to unsuit just to get to my wallet and keys.
So now, I put all the stuff I need inside a lightweight backpack that I take along. That backpack ends up in the frunk at times.

[ARtraveler]

The solution here is to re-position the wallet or credit card. I usually move the credit card to one of the accessible jacket pockets. I have a Hein Gerike jacket with a credit card/drivers licensce pocket built into the left sleeve. The pocket is zippered and very convenient.

[Bob Denman]

Which Hein Gerike jacket do you have?
I've got a Dakar jacket, that I've used for over 30 years...

[ARtraveler]

Which Hein Gerike jacket do you have?
I've got a Dakar jacket, that I've used for over 30 years...

The label does not indicate a model name. It was purchased back in mid 80's and I paid about $300 for it at that time. Black leather, sewn on elbow pads, vented, and liner that snaps in. I wore it a lot last summer and plan on doing the same this year. Still looks like new and well broke in.

[Bob Denman]

Like this one? Dakar.jpg That's the Dakar!

[ARtraveler]

Like this one? Dakar.jpg That's the Dakar!

Close. The shoulder pads and collar are similar, but the pockets are different. Adjustment bands are at the bottom of mine also.

[Bob Denman]

Not the Dakar then...
That's okay; they were all GREAT jackets!

[OldDog]

I have a First gear riding jacket that seems to have shrunk in the washer, especially around the waist.

[ARtraveler]

Not the Dakar then...
That's okay; they were all GREAT jackets!

You meant they are GREAT jackets--right?

[ARtraveler]

I have a First gear riding jacket that seems to have shrunk in the washer, especially around the waist.

A defect that seems to go across all brands.

[Bob Denman]

You meant they are GREAT jackets--right?

A poor choice of words on my part; you are correct!

[Fat Crip]

I live and ride in Scotland. Here it rains quite a lot, sometimes it seems it's wet more than its dry, so we understand wet weather gear. One really important rule is that any zip not only can leak, but will leak. So pockets in the outside are fine, pockets on the inside are fine, but openings from the outside to the inside will let water in. So either put your wallet in an outside pocket for ease of access or right inside in a chest pocket to keep it warm and dry. If you use an outside pocket, put it in a plastic zip-lock bag, even if it's 'waterproof' pocket as they never are!


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[Bob Denman]

VERY good advice!

[cuznjohn]

take it to a Taylor and have them make cutouts where you want them and put a velcro flap over the slit for easy access

[Dan McNally]

I live and ride in Scotland. Here it rains quite a lot, sometimes it seems it's wet more than its dry, so we understand wet weather gear. One really important rule is that any zip not only can leak, but will leak. So pockets in the outside are fine, pockets on the inside are fine, but openings from the outside to the inside will let water in. So either put your wallet in an outside pocket for ease of access or right inside in a chest pocket to keep it warm and dry. If you use an outside pocket, put it in a plastic zip-lock bag, even if it's 'waterproof' pocket as they never are!


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. . . and cold gets through zippers, too . . . the suit is designed to keep you warm and dry . . . and does a great job. Put your wallet in one of the provided pockets!