If you’ve shelled out the cash for a multi-day guided tour, then, by gosh, you’re going to do it. Even if the weather is a little too hot, too cool, or too wet at times, you’ll stick it out. After all, that’s part of motorcycle touring, right? Sometimes you have to grin and bear it… especially when you’ve already paid for the trip.

While I was planning for my Edelweiss tour along the northern California coast last spring (page 30), I wondered how many clothing layers I’d need to bring along. I knew the April weather along the coast could quickly go from warm and sunny to chilly or rainy, but with limited storage space, I wasn’t sure how to pack for it. After searching through catalogs and web sites, I chose three pieces of gear: the BMW Santiago suit, Spidi NK2 H2OUT Touring Gloves, and Set Up Pegaso H2O Boots. All three worked better than I expected, and have even been my gear of choice for my daily commute.

At first look, BMW’s brand-new Santiago suit seemed like a good fit, especially since I’d be riding the company’s K1200GT. Given all the technical features and the price tag, I figured it would probably be the best suit I’d ever own. Still, I wondered what it was about the suit that would justify its high price.

The words “fits like a glove” came to mind the first time I put on the Santiago. I have no problem saying it’s the most comfortable suit I’ve ever worn. (Even if it does remind me of a German officer’s uniform from World War II.) The Santiago is made of lightweight, abrasion-resistant Dynatec with a mesh lining. There are removable CE protectors in all the important areas — shoulders, elbows, back, hips, and knees — and the knee protectors are three-way vertically adjustable with Velcro.

Ventilation is one of the best-thought-out features of this suit. There are vertically zippered vents — two in front, two in back, and one on each leg — and large, arm-length vents on each arm. The arm vents are very user-friendly, thanks to the double-sided zippers. There are also plenty of pockets. Incidentally, one inside pocket is big enough to hold 1.5 pounds of cod (don’t ask).

Of the four outside pockets, though, only one is waterproof. Speaking of which, the Santiago is not waterproof without its Gore-Tex liners, which you have to order separately. The liners did a great job keeping out rain, but I found them difficult to keep in place when I removed the jacket or pants after a wet ride. The sleeve and pant liners clung to my clammy skin and pulled at the straps that attach them to the jacket and pants. I even broke one of the straps on the jacket liner. Moisture-wicking long underwear helps keep the liners from sticking to my skin.

Overall, with its multi-adjustability, good ventilation, and quality construction, I think the Santiago is an excellent year-round touring suit. It worked very well for me in the varying conditions on our coastal ride, as did the Spidi gloves and Set Up boots.

The NK2 H2OUT Touring Gloves are made of Cordura and top-grain cowhide and filled with Primaloft. I chose them because they promised to be wind resistant, breathable, waterproof, and warm as down. Add some great protective features, like the polyurethane knuckle guard and Keramide reinforced palm, and I was sold.

I wasn’t disappointed at all. These gloves are as comfortable as they are protective, thanks to the Velcro wrist and drawstring cuff, the flex panels, and the padding on the palm and back of the hand. Sure, these are all features you can read about in the catalog. But after putting the gloves to work for the past few months, I can tell you that my fingers are always warm and dry. The NK2s are suitable for so many types of riding conditions, that I don’t go on an extended ride without them.

The Set Up Pegaso H2O boots were a great match for the rest of my gear and a perfect fit for the tour, which involved sight-seeing both on and off the bikes. These short riding boots are made with synthetic leather uppers and a special synthetic fabric that’s designed to keep your feet dry. The cotton/poly blend lining is comfortable enough to wear all day long, whether you’re riding or walking around. The Pegasos are easy to secure with the zipper and top Velcro closure, and fit well under jeans.

For protection, the inner ankle has an extra nylon shield, the heel is molded with a thermoplastic heel cup, and the outer layer is reinforced with an extra layer of leather in the toe. However, I’ve found that some motorcycle shifters scuff the boot beyond the area of this layer.

I love these boots, and I sometimes wear them for days at a time, even though my feet get hot. Set Up makes the same style of boot with vent panels, aptly called Pegaso Vented. I may just have to try them next summer — hopefully on another great tour. RB

SOURCES

Santiago Jacket $499
Santiago Trousers $345
Jacket Liners $225
Trouser Liners $150

BMW Motorrad
800/345-4BMW

www.bmw-riders-gear.com

Set Up Pegaso H20 $149.99
Men’s 6-13
Spidi NK2 H2OUT Touring Gloves $99.99
Men’s S-3X

Motonation
1100 North Magnolia, Ste. A
Dept. RB
El Cajon, CA 92020
877/789-4940

www.motonation.com