Product review- Fly Trekker III jacket

Fly Trekker III Jacket

I bought this jacket for several different reasons that appealed to me. The jacket had a removable thermal liner, zip out, allowing for riding in cool and warm riding. It certainly kept me warm in all my riding conditions, and if it ever got chilly, a simple long sleeve took up and extra chill that crept in. It was also pretty waterproof, I would give it 80 or 90 percent waterproof rating. A particularly strong storm in Wyoming while I was crossing Big Horn Pass with snow, sleet, rain and hail still did not get through the jacket, and I was dry while my fellow riders were soaked to the bone. I think these two factors, combined with its great bargain-like price, were the jackets most outstanding features. I would say its pretty hard to find warm, waterproof riding jacket for less than 180$. Even the pockets were 100% waterproof, with lined walls, and zippers as well as over-flaps for each pocket. The enormous pocket on the lower back was very handy, and the fact that the jacket went past my waist was great and helped in both comfort, and weatherproofing. It certainly looks good too, the reflective piping is just enough to be visible but still look stylish.

The jacket fit me well, i am 6’ 2” 205 lbs, and I decided to get an XL so I could wear clothes underneath the jacket if neccessary. I have a more thing waist but broad shoulders and long arms, and the XL fit me excellent at the waist, arms and chest. There are multiple adjustment points on the arms and waist which really allowed me to perfect the fit, such as tightening my arms but loosening my waist to fit my riding pants. There are also multiple zip open/close spots on the back and shoulders which really worked well- when it was especially warm, you could open the shoulders and fresh wind would buffet down into your back and feel heavenly.

The downfall of this jacket, I believe, was the build quality. Alot of small features on the jacket wound up falling apart, which alone would not have been a big deal, but combined became annoying. The velco on the pockets and cuffs would begin to fray quite soon, and eventually start coming off the jacket on the backside where it was glued to the jacket. The main zipper head broke off and I had to attach a small carabiner to it so it could be operated, especially with gloves on. Multiple points of the thread came undone, mostly at the corners of the chest pockets. The included armor felt pretty cheap and small, and while I fortunately never got to test it out, I questioned its strength.

I have put approximately 4500 miles on this jacket, including a cross country trip from Vermont to Alaska. I would give it a 7 out of 10, mostly because for its price, its an great jacket that does keep you warm and dry, even in the craziest weather. The small details like stitching, velcro and zipper tabs didnt hold up for long, but the important details held up just fine. For 180$ jacket to get me to Alaska, I was pretty happy!

The ferry trip north

Today marks the 6th day that I have been aboard the Alaskan Marine highway ferry Kennicott. I boarded in Bellingham, Washington and will be disembarking in Whittier, Alaska. It has been an amazing trip, and much to my surprise, one an experience that I will not soon forget. I’ve met some amazing people from all over the world, witnessed amazing sights, and for the first time in a long time, been able to truly relax. The passage of beautiful snow capped mountains, snorting whales and playful dolphins has been magical, given the lack of worry and thought. It’s by far the most expensive thing I have done for myself that is “relaxing”, tho I only took this boat because it proved to be my only way to get the motorcycle and myself to Alaska.

Chris & I at 10,000ft on Mnt. Baker

I had been staying with my good friend, Chris, in Bellingham while i searched for a way to Alaska. The Canadian border crossing was proving difficult because of some issues with my passport. I spent three days tramping about the local docks, and even traveled to Seattle in search of a fishing boat or barge that could transport me and my bike to mainland Alaska. But everyone I talked to could not, whether it be because of no room, only traveling to the islands, or being worried about insurance issues. 

Strapped down in the belly of the ferry

Waiting for news of the ferry

I spent another day at the border, even applying for a temporary traveling visa, but that was to no avail as well. A day on the phone with the airlines told me that it would cost me 1100 dollars alone to ship my bike to Anchorage, and to do so I would have to drain it of all fluids; my personal ticket would be another $500. The local ferry system had not been open all week to try to figure out something with, and online everything said there was no trip to the mainland until September. Waiting until the day the ferry left, my only option, I talked with the officials and got my name on the waiting list, the best I could do because all spots were apparently booked. Luck finally came through for me, and I boarded the ferry 3 hours before departure. I was joyous beyond words, I had finally found a way to Alaska! While it was not cheap, at a total cost of about 1400$, it was well worth it, as it would soon prove. 

Enjoying the view

A sunset on board

Among the next 6 days, I quickly got used to life on board, and I came to truly enjoy the relaxed nature, and came to make friends with several people from all over the world. A German man was backpacking from British Colombia to Juneau, then ferrying to Whittier and hiking all the way back down to Arizona. A Spaniard on a lifetime goal of visiting the last frontier told me of his many travels across the globe. A fisherman from Seattle was ditching the daily grind to explore Alaska in his truck. A married man from Georgia was hiking through the territories for his own soul searching. A biker was heading home to Fairbanks, Alaska and had many recommendations for the road ahead. A Venezuelan woman was working on the ferry system as a way to make money and explore the coast. 

Such a huge cultural range of people, communication and experience made the trip so much more then a simple ride to Alaska, and when coupled with the amazing views and variable wildlife, I was almost dreading the end of the trip. But another part of me was anxious and excited about what lay ahead- I was going to be exploring the great state of Alaska alone, on my bike, with no time restraints or worries. I felt truly freed from the strain of society, and at peace for the first time since I

had set out on my trip. I found myself smiling randomly while I sat on the deck, overlooking the massive ocean around me. A look at the GPS, showing me the thousands of miles I was from my small cabin in Vermont, never failed to bring one up again. I had finally made the dream I wanted for myself, a reality. 

Last sunset for a long time! (sun never sets in Alaska)