How warm is a non insulated jacket?

Merc63

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I Found a nice motorfist jacket I like, but it isn't insulated. I feel like I would freeze to death wearing it.

I currently wear an insulated FXR jacket, klim pull over mid layer that is decently thick and a base layer.

What would I wear if my jacket wasn't insulated now?
 

Staple_STI

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It really depends where you ride. I've ridden the last 3 years with a non-insulated FXR jacket, all in the mountains without an issue. I wear two smaller layers underneath and usually end up pealing down to one as the day goes on.
 

Merc63

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90 % of the time mountains, vale, mcbride, etc.

Thinking of getting a klim intake vest to wear as a third layer under the jacket, over a thick mid layer might do the trick?
 

~Rowdy~

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I'm a girl and am typically always cold. But when I sled I only wear shells and layer up appropriately underneath. I also ride with an avy vest which helps keep me warm. I just prefer layering instead of a heavy insulated jacket. So I'd say it depends on your comfort level.
 

scottp

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I have the FXR elevation non-insulated and wear a long sleeve wicking base and a pullover for a mid layer. Was riding as high 7500 feet and was fine all day. Its nice to have the mid layer to take off when you work up a sweat getting unstuck.
 

Merc63

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Thinking, long sleeve base layer, thick mid layer pull over, vest then non insulated jacket will do the trick, I hope.

Im actually switching to the avy vest so that will help some too.
 

0neoldfart

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As said above, it depends where you ride, and how you ride. Personally, I carry a mid layer (never use it), wear a shell with no insulation with a light base layer underneath up to -20C temps. That said, I work outside in the winter and am used to the cold. Sweat is your enemy, if you overdress or wear cotton (or cotton blends) as a base layer, you will be wet and cold. Better to dress light and maintain a comfortable body temperature in my opinion. Everyone is different, and runs a different body temperature, so if you are comfortable with an insulated jacket and layers you have now without sweating excessively, you are likely NOT a good candidate for a shell.
 

moyiesledhead

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I have one of those Motorfist uninsulated jackets. Only wore it once riding and froze. Now it's just a summer jacket.
 

Bnorth

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Learn to layer and you'll never go back to a heavy insulated jacket. I wear a light base layer and a shell then my avy vest. Only time I wear a mid layer is when it's more than 20 below. The mid layers are packed as just in case for an emergency overnight stay.
 

Rene G

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I always wear shells and later up underneath, never had a problem.


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blubbles

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Non insulated Klim jacket with a under armour layer works pretty well for 90% of mountain riding for me. I keep a thin mid in the bag, but rarely use it. Ends up as a goggle wipe most times.

Honestly all the times I've ever been cold were mainly just because of wet hands/wet feet. Just get good quality gear and you will be amazed at how much better you can regulate your body temperature.

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blubbles

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One thing to look is all the different weights of base layers as well, some of the new stuff will keep you toasty with one layer under a shell.

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4mcntrls

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I haven't owned an insulated jacket for years, I just add layers underneath my shell. The new shells are awesome along with the improvements in base layers I have had no issues. No matter what temp just adjust the layers to meet the temp.
 

NoBrakes!

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Bought a Klim Valdez (Shell) and was skeptical, but I love it and wouldnt go back to insulated. I wear one long sleeve UA wicking layer maybe a second in the back pack.
 

Quattroman

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Yep, been wearing a 509 shell and layers for the last few years. Cant remember the last time i wore a thick insulated jacket sledding/snowboarding.
 

fnDan

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Uninsulated is great. I like the freedom of movement. Base layer should be something that wicks moisture (sweat) away. Under armour or even the cheap stuff from Walmart. I usually wear a midweight fleece (long sleeve from Walmart or Canadian Tire) over the t-shirt and I am never cold. I used to get cold wearing the wrong material like a cotton polyester t-shirt. Sweat would stay in that an when you stop for lunch, the sweat makes you cold.
I was worried the avy vest I bought last year would be too warm.
Uninsulated bibs too. I do carry an extra layer in the tunnel bag just in case.
 

007sevens

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I used to wear bibs under my non insulated jacket and found them to be to much and my belly would sweat lol. I wear a long sleeve UA and maybe a soft shell over that and the jacket. I now wear light insulated pants.
 

C of Red

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I would never own an insulated jacket/pants again. If they get wet from sweat or from rain while getting ready at the bottom they hold the moisture all day. Get a good GorTex shell (or similar) and wicking base and mid layers. Warmer and much less bulky. When my wife and I climbed Kilimanjaro a few years back we used the same three jacket from base to summit (+30C to -10). Just in different combinations. We still use the shells on rainy days in the summer and all the layers when outside in the winter. Great versatility +10 rain to -25 snow. Just don't use any cotton.
 
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adamg

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I Found a nice motorfist jacket I like, but it isn't insulated. I feel like I would freeze to death wearing it.

I currently wear an insulated FXR jacket, klim pull over mid layer that is decently thick and a base layer.

What would I wear if my jacket wasn't insulated now?

For mountain riding they work well. I usually go with a tight long sleeve shirt like a merino wool or athletic shirt as base. Then a fleece indoor jacket, then Motorfist uninsulated. The Motorfist's job is to keep wind and water out, and your other clothing keeps your warm. If it is a warm riding day I can take off the fleece and stay cool.

For prairie flat-land riding at -20 the Motorfist can work, but I have to add another jacket underneath. They aren't great at this kind of riding but get the job done.
 
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