| You're cruising down your favorite country road on | | | | adding an extension in the back of the garment to |
| what started out to be a text-book-perfect day for | | | | protect the seat of the horse rider's saddle, in |
| riding. Without warning, the sky turns an ominous | | | | addition to leg straps to keep the coat securely in |
| shade of grey. A huge menacing cloud , swollen and | | | | place during strong wind, and sleeves that were |
| black, suddenly releases a torrent of rain. In a matter | | | | extra long to protect the arms while extended. |
| of moments you're drenched and shivering from the | | | | Continuing on with this tradition, modern oilskin |
| cold.... | | | | clothing is designed with the same wet |
| Like most seasoned bikers, I've been searching in | | | | weather-proofing techniques in mind. |
| vain for the the ideal rain-gear to protect myself | | | | Made of tightly woven 100% cotton that is infused |
| from the elements without having to compromise on | | | | with a unique natural oil based formula, oilskin apparel |
| freedom of movement. Luckily a few months back, a | | | | offers maximum defense against snow, wind, and |
| friend, who is an avid horseback rider, turned me on | | | | rain. Oilskin coats, jackets and pants provide an |
| to the perfect solution. The oilskin coat: | | | | impenetrable water barrier that keeps you bone dry |
| From it's humble beginning as the monsoon cape | | | | and able to keep riding, even through the heaviest |
| worn hundreds of years ago by sailors worldwide, | | | | rain. |
| Australian oilskin coats, jackets and pants have | | | | Unlike many synthetics this material also has a very |
| evolved into the emblem of those looking for the | | | | natural feel, and offers excellent breath-ability, |
| ultimate in harsh weather protection. | | | | allowing body moisture to escape, ensuring the driest |
| It all began in 1890 when a Scottish sailor by the | | | | ride possible. |
| name of Edward LeRoy discovered that torn sails | | | | The drawstring waist and gusseted rear vent enables |
| from his ship could be recycled into long coats by | | | | you to slip the jacket over the back so water runs |
| treating the canvas material with a mixture of various | | | | off the bike, leaving your seat dry. Snap together |
| oils. This transformed them into superb wet weather | | | | straps also secures the coat around your legs when |
| gear. | | | | the wind kicks up. |
| Word spread land-side about the effectiveness of | | | | And since the oil blend is not water soluble, any |
| LeRoy's coats in rain and cold, and settlers of the | | | | incidence of water touching the fabric simply runs |
| outback acquired this legendary waterproof material | | | | off, ensuring total weather protection for |
| to protect themselves from the severe weather of | | | | motorcyclists who need to stay warm and dry, even |
| the Australian Bush. | | | | under the most challenging conditions. |
| The oilskin coat was further adapted to life inland by | | | | |