Thread: Textile or Leather Riding Gear?

Leather wins hands down when you arse off on road. Its nice to wear, and in most riding conditions is spot on. It is not as good when riding in the pissing rain or freezing cold. Textiles win out there. Or even as a waterproof covering over your leathers

Off road, you don't see leather being worn. Off road riding (trail, not adventure) You are being too physical and sweating buckets. leather does not perform well there. Adventure riders seem to be 50/50 between leathers and textiles.

Protection: body armour has got lots of advantages and only a few disadvantages. On road it can often be built into the clothing. Off road you use far more body armour: helmet and boots to start with, then knee braces are a biggie, chest and spine protection (as opposed to simple roost protection) sometimes elbow guards. Oh and sometimes neck braces, though the jury is out regarding what they may do in a big off.i.e. transfer the pressure to another part of the spine.

For gnarly riding off road to a hunting spot I'll wear knee braces and sometimes a helmet. 45 years of arsing off bikes lets me know just what parts of the body I injure, and protect accordingly.