I wear a half helmet, goggles, gloves and jacket according to temp.
Last week I was wearing my leather jacket as it was cold in the morning. Of course when I ride home in the afternoon it is hot. I had a stinging insect fly up my sleeve and sting me twice in the arm. I switched to my River Road Yuma Mesh jacket the next day as it has sleeves that can be snugged shut. I can wear a sweatshirt in the morning underneath to take the chill off.
My mesh jacket is armored. My leather jacket is not, however it is Kevlar lined and reinforced in the key areas. Take my word for it, it does work if you go down.
I would wear a full face helmet on cooler days, but I really cannot find one to fit my fat head. Every one that I try squeezes the blood out of my cheeks. I'll keep trying them on, sooner or later there has to be one out there.
I always have boots on. Steel toe for work, and Schmidt brand waterproof work boots for my regular riding. I get them both at Tractor Supply. I would wear boots no matter what as they give you the ankle support you need.
I have a coworker who hit a deer last year and he had his gear on and is alright. Same coworker just ran into the back of a car that moved to the passing lane in front of him and stopped dead. Once again, he had his gear on and is alright.
Sometimes its hot and uncomfortable, but in the end it is worth it.
|