How small will a Roadcrafter really pack up?

[Max Wedge]

Still looking at a A/S Roadcrafter...I am wondering if it will pack up small enough to fit into my Vario sidecase with the armor in (especially the back armor). Kind of a specific question, but does anyone here know? Commuting presents no problem, I can just hang it at work, but for going into resturants, if you don't want to wear it in, I would like to pack it away rather than just leaving it across the seat or running a cable lock through it.

[miles]

Which back armor are you talking about?  Just the foam pad, or something more substantial?

The 'stitch by itself is a bulky piece of gear, and if you combine that with, say, a Knox back pad like mine no way is it going to fit in any side case.

[Max Wedge]

I am thinking something a bit more substantial than foam, Knox or some CE rated type back protector.

[still kickin]

This might be a good time to think about a pull behind trailer!! The stitch is huge and stiff..

[falcofred]

I'm on my third Aerostich suit. The first two lasted me about 10 - 11 years. They are substantial in size with padding in knees, shoulders and elbows. I also have a back protector in mine. They are very stiff when new, but get more flexible after the first washing.

With a Roadcrafter you have a choice of one or two piece.
I have a two piece with the bib (suspender) option so I can take off the jacket at quick stops and leave the pants on.
If you get a one piece I doubt there is any side case that would hold it.
If you get a two piece there is a good probability that you could get the pants in one bag, and jacket in another without a back protector.
With a back protector, I doubt it, but I don't know how big a Vairo sidecase is.

You may want to look at the Aerostich Darien line, it is less bulky, but offers some of the features of the Road Crafter.

As I said, I'm a big fan of the Stich, made in USA, repairable after a crash, cool enough in summer with zippers open, warm enough in winter with layers or heated vest. Water resistant, not 100% waterproof, although they have made some zipper changes that are incorporated in my lattest one. I haven't  truly tested my new one in an all day rain.

I carry a cable lock to secure mine to the bike if needed.

[sleazy rider]

My 1 piece will fit in a Givi E35, but I don't have a back protector in it.

[Max Wedge]

I will have to compare volumes of the E35 to the Varios...

[vulcanbill]

I can get a 46 short w/ a competition back pad and hip pads into a V46 if there is nothing else in there.  It requires a little folding practice and probably a specific order but it can be done.  Don't think I'd try with anything much smaller.  And the fight might be more than I'd be up for in a side bag.  

[PatM]

I have a two piece Roadcrafter with the bib. I remove the knee pads to store the pants in my side bag. It's too bulky to store with the pads.
The jacket will also fit in the other bag without the aerostitch back pad. The pad is thick memory foam backed by thick plastic. If you plan to store your suit in your side bags, don't get the back protector. It can't be folded.

[MisterSmooth]

I have a one piece Roadcrafter, size 42.  No back protector ( I wear a separate Dainese wave type BP).

The key is to toss the Roadcrafter into a compression sack (think REI).  Cinched down in the sack, it fills about two-thirds of the right side of a BMW system hard bag.

And about half of the right side of the luggage on my 1200 Sport.  Keeping in mind that the luggage on the 1200 Sport would carry a dozen soccer balls or maybe a cello.

[Cablebandit]

[Carbonero]

Still looking at a A/S Roadcrafter...I am wondering if it will pack up small enough to fit into my Vario sidecase with the armor in (especially the back armor). Kind of a specific question, but does anyone here know? Commuting presents no problem, I can just hang it at work, but for going into resturants, if you don't want to wear it in, I would like to pack it away rather than just leaving it across the seat or running a cable lock through it.

I would routinely pack my 2-pc roadcrafter and helmet into my E45 top case. When I had the 52 ltr top case, I could put the helmet, boots, roadcrafter and tank bag in there. The trick is in how you fold it. Hold the suit up to you like you're test fitting it. Fold the sleeves across the chest, and roll it up. It pack pretty tight. Older ones are better because they're softer and more supple after some aging and washes.

[sleazy rider]

I will have to compare volumes of the E35 to the Varios...

Should be comparable, volume wise.  It's just a matter of breaking the suit in and it becomes a lot more flexible.  Out of the box, it's almost like wearing a suit of armor on the bike.    I used mine for about a month, then washed and Nikwax treated it.

[mxvet57]

Wouldn't it be easier to just take out the back protector and put it in separately. That's what i do with my leathers.