RUKKA Päijänne Gore-Tex® jacket and pants are made for moderate and warm weather conditions which is exactly what the conditions have been the last few weeks. Literally anything between 30 degrees (86F) and slightly below the freezing point, but due to the reason that I spent geared up quite a lot time on photographing surroundings, requirements for comfort are even higher. Just like the nature would have been onboard with us and eager to see how well the PÄIJÄNNE -suit performs. The first review is based on over 1000kms (621mi.) of riding in surprisingly warm weather conditions below the arctic circle, starting in the early morning around 14C (57F), reaching 30C in the noon and returning to evening temperatures of 21C (70F).
Below the RUKKA Päijänne Gore-Tex® jacket and pants I had a sport T -shirt and bicycle shorts with light padding. That`s because they both remain dry in hot conditions and remove sweat efficiently. The light padding in the shorts simply brings additional comfort for long LEGs on the saddle. Naturally the Gore-Tex® -liner and the storm collar were in the bag. I had also RUKKA Him -gloves to keep the hands ventilated and comfortable, but the black boots were sealed with Gore-Tex® and the full face SCHUBERT became too hot to wear. The riding gear is only as good as the weakest link and this time the helmet and the boots are slightly pressing the joy of riding. On top of that I had a hydration back pack which limits the ventilation a little bit too by pressing the vents. Fortunately the RUKKA Päijänne Gore-Tex® suit was mostly light brown which gives the advantage against the direct sun light. There is no way I going to buy anymore full black MC -riding suits like the black RUKKA Armacor with fixed Gore-Tex® lamination. It would have not made these trips with such an ease.
Never the less, the RUKKA Päijänne Gore-Tex® jacket and pants kept the body temperature at comfortable levels and during the hottest hours (30C / 86F) I only opened the front zipper when I was standing still and photographing. Most of the time the suit was fully closed, but all ventilation zippers were of course opened. Nearly all the PÄIJÄNNE -vent zippers can be operated also on the move, except the upper back side exhaust. This allows to fine tune the level of ventilation according to the temperature. The vent zippers run really smooth which is not always the case with the competition. That may seem like a small detail, but once you are on the move, a sticking vent zipper can be annoying. Without the hydration back pack pressing the vents, the ventilation efficiency goes well beyond the 30C or 86F and by using highly ventilated helmet and less hotter boots, the PÄIJÄNNE -suit fits for even higher temperatures. Note that all the impact protectors were in place and still the suit was comfortable.
The exterior front pockets of the RUKKA Päijänne Gore-Tex® jacket are quite large and the magnetic fastening is practical. I used the pockets to store the GPS while I was away from the bike e.g. at the fuel station. Unless the mount can be locked, this is usually necessary and those pockets are clearly ideal for it. On the other hand, I am used to keep the GPS stored in the front pockets below the waist line, but the PÄIJÄNNE -jacket has no such thing. At first it seemed a little bit odd and few items such as keys needed another location, but after all it`s more comfortable. There are no items pressing against you or the bike, perfect. Simply leave the unnecessary stuff out or put it in the back pack etc. The jacket has 2 big internal and 3 external pockets which is plenty, but not a lot. Fortunately the PÄIJÄNNE -pants have additional 4 pockets and the thigh pockets are very useful. On top of that, the stretch panels on thighs, behind and above the knees really minimize the press and pull effects. This is the best allroad motorcycling suit I have ever used and I am sure it fulfills the needs for most of us. Read more about the RUKKA Päijänne Gore-Tex® jacket and pants over here.
