Chaps

[flsix]

I'm looking into buying a pair of chaps and hoping you guys can guide me to a quality company that you have had dealings with. We don't need them often down here but those times when we venture to the great white north it would be nice to have the option of a little more wind and cold protection.

And info will be appreciated.

[Jess from VA]

Just about the best there is is Fox Creek Leather.  But you will pay for it.  You give then your dimensions and they make them to fit.  Not Sm, Med, Large and XL.

https://www.foxcreekleather.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIpIekr8Gb9AIVXgeICR3YCwWIEAAYASAAEgJE2fD_BwE

https://www.foxcreekleather.com/men/leather-motorcycle-chaps/

Most cheap bike leather is steer hide (hard and thin), not good cowhide (soft and thick).

Best chaps are seamless in front, not two-piece fronts.

Best quality zippers are also a plus.  (KYY)

Most chaps do not have a finished (hemmed) bottom.  So they can be cut down to suit you.  You know that when riding, pants and chaps need to be a bit longer than just walking around pants.  But if you have to cut them down enough, you can cut off of the bottom row of snaps (and they may then flap around in the wind more than you would like).  Cutting is OK, but it's nicer to get a pair to fit without cutting.  If you are trying on at a store, look at length and where you might need to cut when trying on.

Like most bike cold and rain gear, it needs to be big enough to easily fit over everything you might already be wearing.  (Rain gear needs to fit over jackets and chaps)

On the other hand, I bought my chaps off the rack of an aftermarket bike store 40 years ago, and the nice soft cowhide and fit were always perfect for me.

[Tundra]

I understand you said Chaps....
  If interested, I have two pair of cold weather motorcycle pants, (warm, waterproof, vented, large zipper tassels for glove use, with padding and zip out liners. Both lightly used, as new. I'm 36" waist 34" length.

1. Olympia Moto Sports Expedition II

2. First Gear cold weather, liner, vented.

Pm me if your interested

[Jess from VA]

Per Tundra's offer, I long ago gave up wearing my chaps in favor of specific (to conditions present) riding pants; full leather, insulated and or waterproof textile pants.  I like all these better than chaps.

BUT, I don't live/ride in FL.  The thing chaps give you that the others don't, is the ability to put them on or take them off outdoors in public as weather changes.  I've had to find a gas station or convenience store restroom to take off my now way too hot pants or under britches.  

 

[Thunderbolt]

Like Tundra I know you said chaps but Tourmaster cold weather jacket and pants was our go to gear.  The pants have zippers all the way up the legs for easy removal.

[Jess from VA]

I never wear jeans under riding pants because it's too confining.  And make me walk like Gumby. 

I have multiple weights of long johns to wear under them and all are more flexible, comfortable and warmer than jeans.  And sometimes a pair of insulated/waterproof riding pants are fine with just a pair of boxers.

A pair of heavy fleece lined jeans are also in the mix.

One other thing about chaps.  I wear loose jeans for riding, for flexibility and comfort.  A pair of loose jeans under chaps can make your pants seat hang out the back like a diaper (that looks like it needs changed).   

[RustyValkry]

I have a pair of chaps that just hang in the closet.  I haven't worn them since I discovered textile overpants.  Overpants are much more versatile.  I have a pair of Joe Rocket Alter Ego overpants (my second pair).  I wear them anytime I'm on my bike.  Depending on the weather I'll wear them  with just underwear underneath or up to long johns and a heavier pant in cold weather.  They have full length side zippers so you can put them on and take them off without taking off your boots.  They have a zip out panel that starts above each knee and go all the way around the back of the pants for ventilation in hot weather.

I think the big reason people choose chaps is because it's part of the 'uniform', they really don't do anything well.

[John Schmidt]

Aahh the good old days when if we wanted to keep warm we'd cut up a couple truck inner tubes. Get them large enough to slip over boots and Levis, they only covered the legs and we would cut holes in the top at 2-3 places and run a strap from there to our belts. Chaps were available then but as a kid you either bought chaps...or gas(or parts). Besides, with regular chaps(pronounced 'shaps'), you didn't need your lover du jour to help you put them on. Not the case with the truck inner tubes. That was always a struggle and in need of help, which seemed to take longer to get them on at that time.   

A point to remember, when trying them on and determining the length, do it sitting down in much the same position as when riding. If you stand up and cut to length, once you sit down the hem comes up much too high.

[flsix]

Thanks for all the replies. It seems the consensus is to go with riding pants and jacket instead of the leather chaps. Glad I asked.

I'll do some looking around for the pants with the full length zippers. They sound like they would be much easier to get in and out of while wearing boots. My rain gear doesn't allow me to wear it without taking off the boots which usually produces wet feet as I general wait till is pouring before pulling them out of the bags.

[Jess from VA]

Most good rain bibs/pants have zippers up almost to the knee, so you can get them on/off over boots.

Even over pants only need zips up to the knee for on and off.

Just like for rain gear, you carry a couple Walmart bags, bag your boots, and they slide right through getting the pants on. 

Better than hopping around and falling in the mud.

First Gear and Tourmaster make good stuff that doesn't break the bank.

[flsix]

That's a look I'm not striving for.

[Farside]

Thanks for all the replies. It seems the consensus is to go with riding pants and jacket instead of the leather chaps. Glad I asked.

I wear diamond jeans under my Milwaukee Chaps and no problems at all Jeff. I just order pair of the chaps from Milwaukee last year. I like the look and they fit great. I actually wore them in Tallahassee last weekend, it was chilly! A few folks complimented the style of them, not the standard black. I chaps.  

[Pappy!]

If you are talking about Diamond Gusset, I agree. Good riding jeans for sure.
I also have a pair of textile overpants. Used them one time so far. They worked well.

[flsix]

I looked at the Milwaukee Chaps and I like the brown distressed look.

[Farside]

I looked at the Milwaukee Chaps and I like the brown distressed look.

Me too and that is what I bought. 

[DD]

I have 2 pair to sell, don't remember the size but can let you know Saturday when I'm home. 35.00 each 

[Tundra]

I looked at the Milwaukee Chaps and I like the brown distressed look.

Jeff, I looked these up and must say I'm impressed. Especially the zip out quilted lining and positive reviews. The distressed brown looks real nice. In Florida we may need them in the morning and not in the afternoon, the ease of removal makes these a good choice as well for Florida riding. Amazon has them for less than others with free shipping. I already have a distressed brown jacket...hmmm

[flsix]

Nice jacket, but now I'd have to have an F6B patch instead of the Valk patch.