Suitable Clothing for a summer Euro trip

Well, last year I passed my test, got bike & gear. I invested in what I thought were decent leathers etc.

However, as time goes by, I wonder why I bothered....

As in the UK, in the cooler months they are too cold on their own without thermals (thankfully already had from skiing). and then in the summer, they seem to be too warm, even in the UK. So what I'm thinking is, if I go to mainland Europe, and the temp is ~30 degs each daytime. Then what do you wear, and what do you take with you?

This is what I have, is this suitable for riding in warmer climes?
http://www.hein-gericke.co.uk/shop/p...oducts_id/4170

ARLEN NESS LJ-3177 JACKET BLACK/BEIGE

Function: Perforated leather chest panels. Stretch inserts. Removable lining.
Protection: CE-approved protectors at elbows + shoulders.
Construction: High-grade cowhide. Cordura®. KEVLAR® panels. Polyester lining.

[Luckypants]

I use my leathers abroad. It got up to 42C at times last year and was very hot when you stopped or were riding in towns. Invest in some wicking underwear (I use EDZ) which helps you feel cool and less clammy. Ride with a thin neck tube and open the zip at bit at the neck. 90% of the time this is fine.

[SoulKiss]

Originally Posted by Luckypants

Ride with a thin neck tube and open the zip at bit at the neck. 90% of the time this is fine.

However, the other 90% of the time your head can fall off...................

For summer I have a couple of mesh jackets that I use.

Originally Posted by Luckypants

I use my leathers abroad. It got up to 42C at times last year and was very hot when you stopped or were riding in towns. Invest in some wicking underwear (I use EDZ) which helps you feel cool and less clammy.

I thought my skiing underwear already did this, however I think it also has properties to retain the heat! So there may be that problem.

Originally Posted by Luckypants

Ride with a thin neck tube and open the zip at bit at the neck. 90% of the time this is fine.

I tend to open the already open the zip a little when it's warm. But lets face it, UK is hardly hot, so not sure how bad it'd be when it's over 30 deg. you were ok while actually moving? As opposed to slow town riding.

Then obviously you cook in leathers too and stick to them while stopping for a food/drink break I imagine? ie, not being able to take the trousers off.

[Luckypants]

Originally Posted by Hockeynut

Then obviously you cook in leathers too and stick to them while stopping for a food/drink break I imagine? ie, not being able to take the trousers off.

Well yes they can be hot. My leathers are two piece, so off comes the jacket while stopped and then it's not much worse than being in thick denim jeans. I do not stick to my leathers because the EDZ undersuit (one piece baby grow type thing) wicks away the sweat and also allows the leathers to slide off. The EDZ is all I wear besides pants and socks under my leathers.

[Luckypants]

Originally Posted by SoulKiss

For summer I have a couple of mesh jackets that I use.

Claire has bought one of these for our trip, I'm quite impressed.

Yeah, the mesh things are what I was considering as an alternative. However, you gotta be very confidfent about the weather you'll get? ;p

For touring I use Halvarssons kit (Korax jacket, Cobra trousers and Max Tour boots) tried load over the years (Rukka, BMW Enduro/Touring) and found it the best, balance of fit, protection, waterproof and most important temperature regulation. It has loads of air vents but it's Outlast that technically regulates temperature. When the temperature gets below 5 degrees I just add a layer of thermal underwear and a very thin fleece top, otherwise comfortable year round across Europe. Worth every penny.

Outlast® is a high-tech material that evens out differences in temperature. Cold gets warm and warm gets cool. Originally, this material was developed to protect astronauts from extreme variations in temperature. Today, it has numerous uses that are of value to us every day. It has the ability to adjust the temperature around the body to a nice level, even if conditions outside change constantly. It sounds like magic, but there is a scientific explanation. Simply explained, the magic consists of thousands of microscopically small paraffine capsules. They can absorb heat, store it and then send it to areas where the temperature is lower. When the clothes are dry and temperature changes, getting colder, the temperature will remain high thanks to the stored heat in the capsules. And vice versa. Differences in temperature are evened out and and the wearer will feel more comfortable. More information under: www.outlast.com

Leathers on a summer euro trip, I like to travel as fast and light as possible.

Fast = leathers

Light = no textiles in reserve, but I do take an all in one baby grow waterproof unoversuit just in case.