Fox Creek Blog

We’re honored by the trust you’ve placed in us over the last 20+ years, and thank you for your continued support in 2009. We look forward to serving you in 2010 and beyond.

Ride Safe and keep the shiny side up!
Fox Creek Leather Wishes You a Happy New Year

All of us at Fox Creek Leather Wish You
a Healthy and Happy 2010!

There are three things I would like to take the time to address with your company: Quality, Shipping and Packaging and Customer Care.

I’m a Marine stationed on Okinawa, Japan for which I use an FPO AP address. It can be a challenge to find businesses that will make the effort to ship to us because someone has to walk packages to the Post Office and mail them in person due to mail security. Not only did you guys make that effort on my behalf but you went the extra step to Insure all my leathers before you sent them! As far as I can see I wasn’t charged the price of the Insurance. Who does that?? Only a company that puts Customer Care first, that’s who.

Your Shipping department is all over it! I ordered my jacket first…I wanted to check it out first before I ordered anything else. I ordered it well in advance of my return from Iraq anticipating a long wait before I received it. I ordered it and about two weeks later I returned to Okinawa to find that my jacket had been waiting for me for nearly a week already. Yes, we obviously have a really good mail system but your Shipping department not only sent me an email the next work day telling me that my jacket had been mailed but it was at the Post Office that day! Who does that?? A company that has a very efficient Shipping and Packaging department, that’s who.

Last, and I think most importantly, is the Quality of your leathers. Now let me tell you that I ride HARD and LONG when I’m Stateside. I’m the guy that puts 50,000 miles on my Road King in 12 months of riding and am disappointed that I missed out on some miles for this reason or that. I’ve been wearing my Harley brand heavy duty FXRG but I really wanted to get away from being associated with “That Guy” that sports HD gear from head to toe just because he owns a Harley. Don’t get me wrong, my HD gear is really great and does exactly what it’s advertised to do but it doesn’t have the classic look I prefer because the Company is pretty busy trying to change everything for the younger generations. I ordered my Classic II motorcycle jacket and I recieved more than I paid for…well, that’s my opinion after looking for this jacket for the last 3 years anyway. (No, I’m not going to volunteer to pay you more, haha!) It’s super heavy in weight but somehow it’s supple and easy to wear! Even better it’s that Classic jacket I’ve been searching for. I love the feel of it and I open my wall locker almost everyday just to smell it. I don’t need it yet here as it’s really hot on Okinawa, but I know when I get back to Camp Pendleton, CA next spring it’ll be exactly what I need when I get on my bike and go to some colder places.

SO! After receiving my AWESOME jacket I couldn’t wait to order my lined chaps and my brand-spankin’ new Indian Head Nickel vest. I received my chaps just over a week after I ordered it and I received my vest today, about 3 weeks after I ordered it. It was right on time though because Fox Creek told me they had exhausted the stock room and had to make this one just for me. My chaps are at least as thick as my jacket and I can’t wait to hit the Sierra Nevadas in June when there’s still snow all over the place….just to test them out. My vest is exactly what I saw online and it’s exactly what I’ve been looking for in a vest. You’re not going to find any of this gear at any rally or roadside/mall leather shop. Forget it. And at this price and quality I got WAY more than what I paid for in just my HD jacket. I bought the jacket, chaps and vest for about $100 more than just my HD jacket. Big bang for my buck!!

So my hat is off to everyone at Fox Creek Leather for an incredible product and awesome customer service. Now I’m going to have to check out what other leathers I’ve always wanted and scratch up some dough….

Sincerely, Lars Torkelson

P.S. I’m hanging out in my barracks room right now dressed in all my leathers to see again just how well they fit and feel. I feel like a kid at Christmas all over again, haha!

Don’t forget — Gift Certificates for qualifying purchases made during December expire January 31, 2010. You can use your Gift Certificate for anything we sell at Fox Creek Leather… from a Guardian Bell to saddlebags to Leather Jackets and protective body armor.

Don’t let your certificate expire - that’s just money down the tubes.

All you do is place your order either online or over the phone and let us know the invoice number associated with your gift certificate. We’ll credit your order with any available balance from the Certificate before charging your card.

Check out Fox Creek Leather on Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter.

We have a handful of new styles and products waiting for you at Fox Creek Leather…

The new Women’s Riding Jacket and Braided Riding Jacket both feature smooth, clean lines with rear vents tucked behind the seams for a classy, elegant look whether you’re riding a motorcycle or headed out for a night on the town.

If bike security is a major concern, secure your ride with a Motorcycle Club or Tire Claw. These are made by the same company that invented the original Club anti-theft device for automobiles.

Our L-Fold Leather Wallet offers a useful variation on the standard tri-fold leather wallet. Your money only gets folded once, so the wallet isn’t as bulky in your pocket.

Pockets can fill up quickly, so carry your flashlight and keys on your belt. We’ve added a new Military or Police-style Key Fob and Leather Flashlight Holder to our product line. These attach to your belt for quick access, and the Flashlight Holder swivels so you can direct the beam without removing the light from the holder.

We’re adding new products all the time, so check out our website for new and unique motorcycle gear.

Hi Fox Creek Leather Staff,

Just got my leather jacket and I have to tell you, if you were here you would hear me exclaiming very loudly how happy I am that I purchased my first motorcycle jacket from Fox Creek Leather. Worth every penny!!!!!!!

I was not expecting the jacket until later this week as I spoke to someone on Friday and she said it would be mailed on Monday, ecstatic I am. It’s 85 degrees and I am walking around my house in my new jacket. Needless to say my boys think I am a little crazy.

I went to a motorcycle event this weekend Thunder in the Valley in Johnstown PA and some of the jackets and chaps I tried on “DO NOT EVEN COME CLOSE TO THE QUALITY, HEAVINESS, SOFTNESS…….”.

My friend purchased her jacket and chaps there, wait till she sees and touches what quality and expert workmanship really feels like. I really love my jacket and as a new rider, well I take the motorcycle course next week, I can say for a fact that I will feel very safe and comfortable in my new jacket. Expect an order for chaps soon. :)

Thanks again for your assistance with email and phone calls. Truly a great American company.

Very happy customer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Laura Pechtold
Altoona, PA

Crafted specifically to fit a woman’s figure with foremost attention to detail, our women’s motorcycle jackets are as tough as they are beautiful. So, if you’ve started looking for a special gift idea for her for the holidays, here’s where to start!

Women’s Embroidered Jacket

For just a splash of color, check out our Women’s Embroidered Jacket. Dual front and rear vents keep you cool in the summer. Thick full grain naked leather and a zip out Thinsulate® liner protect you from the cold.

The Embroidered Jacket’s classic clean lines and tasteful embroidery coupled with antique nickel hardware and sumptuous leather make this a beautiful jacket. Pick her favorite: pink, white, red or purple embroidery, and wrap it up for the holidays.

Women’s Braided Riding Jacket

We’ve hidden lots of touches in this Braided sister to our Women’s Riding Jacket. Our Women’s Braided Riding Jacket features the same smooth, clean lines both front and back, with just a touch of elegance in the added braid trim.

Braid accents your curves on the jacket front and back, and adds an elegant line to your rear sleeve seams. Behind the front panel seams at waist level are a pair of snap closure pockets that measure 4in x 6in.

Fox Creek Leather Women’s Vented Reflector

Our Women’s Vented Reflector Jacket is flush with features and has a clean straightforward design incorporating a full sleeve Thinsulate® liner, and a snap down collar. Armor provisional pockets in the elbows, shoulders, and back allow you the option of using body armor with your jacket (armor not included).

The highly reflective piping across the front and rear of the jacket increase your visibility at night. Zippered vents in the sleeves allow cool air to ventilate your core in hot weather.

Women’s Riding Jacket

There’s a lot of class hidden in this jacket. For instance, this Women’s Riding Jacket features smooth, clean lines both front and back. Behind the front panel seams at waist level are a pair of snap closure pockets that measure 4in x 6in.

Sleeve vents are placed in the upper arm section, and the rear vents are tucked behind the panel seams in the back. And the leather collar snaps down securely to keep the ends from flapping when you ride.

Add a purse or wallet…

Our leather wallets and purses are hand-crafted from thick, supple top-grain cowhide. Each purse features lightweight heavy-duty hardware and a leather shoulder strap.

The wallets are quite roomy — carry everything from your license and ID to credit cards, dollar bills and change, and still have room for pictures and your checkbook. And if you need even more room, we have a small and a large tote bag that will get you just about anywhere you need to go.

Antti in his Fox Creek Leather Jean Biker Vest

I spent almost an year and a half trying to find a vest that would fulfill my need. I was disappointed more than a once when testing and buying from anonymous sellers.

One day when I actually had forgotten the whole “vest-searching-project” I followed a link from Finnish Harley forum and ended at the Fox Creek Leather web page. I read a couple reviews and faced my dream vest. I decided immediately to buy it.

My past experiences from the Internet-shops and so on were not so good but somehow I decided to try one more time, and now it was Fox Creek. A company I didn´t know, but had read a couple of compliments about it. I thought that I would like to have a vest that would look good when I leave it open when wearing a t-shirt and on the other hand it wouldn´t look too “tight” when wearing a riding jacket. I like the vest a bit short so that my t-shirt would fairly come over the vest from the bottom.
Fox Creek Leather Jean Biker Vest
Fox Creek Leather
Jean Biker Vest

My first problem was the size. While leaving the order on the web page I left text in the info box about the size. I don´t know if the people work in Fox Creek 24/7, but it seemed like it because the answer came way sooner that I expected (actually all the answers to my emails). I exchanged a couple of emails with (Scarlett) Fox Creek. They had me convinced that the size that would fit best would be 46.

Again my expectations were exceeded, the package came so quickly. The shipment took less than a week. I have to say that if you are buying a vest and don´t really know what style and (the main point) where to get it, I will recommend Fox Creek Leather. In my opinion it is a company that exceeds customer needs and provides world class service and products.

Antti from Finland

Designed for safety and comfort
Fox Creek Leather Jacket Sale

When you buy Fox Creek Leather gear, you are not getting apparel created by fashion designers just for good looks. Our motorcycle apparel is designed by an experienced biker who knows what leather thickness and quality best protects you (3.25 - 4.5 oz full-grain leather depending on the jacket, vest or chaps style), what extras keep you most comfortable (strategically placed vents, zip out Thinsulate® lining, internal wind flaps), and which features mold to your riding position (extra long backs, expansion panels in the shoulders, and extra long sleeves). Our motorcycle apparel is comfortable, protective, and crafted from full-grain drum-dyed naked leather.

What is Naked Leather?

Naked leather has only been dyed and has had nothing applied to it that would mask its natural state. Because of this, it is the softest and most supple leather available. It gives the unique natural grain of leather a distinct warm rich glow. With age well conditioned naked leather increases in beauty, growing softer and richer in appearance.

What does Full Grain mean?

The grain of the leather in our leather apparel is unaltered and in its natural state. Hides of lesser quality are often sanded down, obscuring flaws in the leather and giving it a slick more uniform finish. Grain may also be stamped into a hide after sanding in an attempt to give it a more ‘natural’ appearance.

Starting at $345

For maximum protection, comfort and warmth Leather Overpants are the way to go. Overpants go off and on as quickly as chaps, look and feel better and there are certain key components of your anatomy that are not sacrificed to the heartless objectivity of asphalt.

Our Leather Overpants have nice deep front and rear pockets so you don’t have to unzip or unbuckle to get what you need. They are a great alternative for those who prefer overall protection from the elements and asphalt.

Although we have our Overpants listed separately in the Women’s section and the Men’s section, they are exactly the same pant. They feature a full nylon liner to protect your garments, full-length YKK outer zips for easy off and on, snaps for securing around your boots, plus a YKK fly zip.

If you are looking for quality leather and craftsmanship then look no further. You could if you want, but you won’t find better, I assure you. I’ve bought several leather jackets, chaps and pants over the years, and nobody compares to what you’ll find at Fox Creek Leather. I am very happy with my purchase, the fit, the feel and the look. Their leather may cost more than what you’ll find in bike shops, etc. but you get what you pay for and that definitely rings true with these great people. Thank you Fox Creek!!! I truly am impressed.
- D Harvey
Shelton, WA

Last December a buddy and I agreed to take a three week Harley tour out west — sometime around mid to late May. The basic plan was to start at home in Southwest VA and head out to CO, WY and MT, to tour the Rocky Mountain, Teton, Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. Our plan was to “high tail” it through the east and midwest so that the bulk of our time could be spent enjoying the rugged beauty of the Rockies.

As we refined the details, I quickly realized my old riding gear wasn’t up to the task. Going online, I checked the weather statistics for the twelve states on our route. I discovered that the temperature range we would probably encounter was from a low of 30 degrees to a high of 90 degrees, and many states averaged 4 inches of precipitation during the month of May. Continuing to research my options for quality gear up to the wide range of weather extremes, I eventually came to Fox Creek Leather. Much to my surprise they were located in nearby Independence, VA less than two hours away from my home in Blacksburg.

I was immediately impressed that Fox Creek Leather offered not only very well made, thick yet supple leathers, but also backed it up with world-class personalized customer service and a solid lifetime warranty. Never before had I found a company that performed so admirably to earn 100% positive customer reviews. I was unable to locate ANYONE who didn’t like their FCL gear. That confirmed my decision that FCL would be the source of my gear.

Fox Creek Leather Vented Reflector Jacket

After reading everything in the FCL online catalog and mulling over the styles and features, I bought the FCL Vented Reflector Jacket. It offered generous venting on the front and back and sleeves. The removable Thinsulate Liner and fleece neck warmer seemed like they would provide a great deal of warmth for the bitterly cold days. To layer up, I planned on merino wool long underwear, long sleeve shirt, and if needed, a layer of fleece under the FCL jacket. The reflective piping across the front, back and around the sleeves hopefully would provide added visibility at night and in the fog. I decided to add a Frogg Toggs rainsuit layer over the FCL in case of heavy or long rains.

Fox Creek Leather Lined Chaps

In addition to the jacket, I also added a pair of FCL Lined Chaps. The quality and thickness of the leather paired with the quilted Thinsulate® zip-out liner seemed to offer the flexibility for this tour out west as well as for my daily commutes to work. At the end of March I drove down to FCL store in Independence, VA and found that everything I had read online about them was completely accurate! The friendly salesperson took my measurements and quickly retrieved the correct size jacket and chaps from the storeroom. Everything about the jacket and chaps was crafted perfectly. The leather was soft and buttery, yet was quite hefty with the 1.4-1.6 mm (jacket) and 1.6-1.8 mm (chaps) thicknesses.

Steve at St Mary Lake

Of course I had to test out my new purchases locally, well before the big trip, to see how cold I could comfortably ride. So I headed out on a 4 hour ride through the Blue Ridge Mountains on a crisp 38-42 degree early spring day, wearing only jeans and a short sleeve t-shirt under the lined FCL jacket and chaps. I arrived home cool but not frozen. With this benchmark I knew I could handle much longer and colder days out west once I layered up. Our adventure began May 21 as we left VA and rode as far as Evansville IN. The temps were in the mid 80’s so I wore just the jacket and chaps (no liner). I had all vents opened. It was warm when not moving, but comfortable while riding the HD Electra Glide, I directed air from the air diverters under the fairing to the chest vents and up the sleeves, and out to the sleeve and back vents.

The next day we rode to Abaleen KS and the cool morning temps again warmed to the mid 80’s. Continuing with no liner and the vents zipped, as the day warmed up I was easily cooled by opening the vents. The third day we dodged many Kansas spring thunderstorms as the day wore on. The FCL jacket and chaps waterproofing easily repelled the light rain we encountered. We rode on to Greeley, CO and saw massive storms ahead so we quickly found a motel.

Day four we were faced with rain covering most of Colorado with heavy low clouds. Checking the Weather channel we decided to not ride into Rocky Mountain National Park as we had hoped. The Trail Ridge road was going to ice up again, get closed again, and the views obscured by clouds. The weather seemed better to the north in eastern WY, so we rode on to Casper WY. The light rain closed in as fog and we ended up riding in the nastiest white-out soup. Visibility was bad, and seeing the road was becoming exceedingly difficult. While I was glad my jacket offered reflective piping, the fog was so thick nobody could see much of anything, so we pulled into a truck stop for an hour or so to allow the fog to lift before proceeding. We dodged and rode through a few rain showers heading west across WY Rt 26. We passed Hell’s 1/2 acre and I was perfectly dry and comfortable in the cool 60 degree air.

In the late afternoon we began seeing the glory of the Wind River Range, and Red Rocks cliffs. After refueling, we headed out of Dubois WY on Rt. 26 and over the pass near Breccia peak through temps in the mid 30s, with snow still on the road shoulders, and face stinging sleet as we pressed on to the Tetons. Once again, the FCL gear passed with flying colors. I was extremely comfortable and only slightly inconvenienced by the sleet on my glasses.

Hideaway fleece neck warmer

The really great (and probably overlooked) feature of the FCL Vented Reflector jacket is the hide-away fleece neck warmer. In warm weather I keep it wrapped around my camera in my left jacket pocket. However when the temperature dropped below 50, wearing it around my neck added a surprising amount of warmth… So much so, that I never needed to add my fleece layer.

Lake Jackson

We stayed at the Lake Jackson Lodge and enjoyed an excellent Buffalo Prime Rib dinner and stuffed mushroom appetizer, and a stunning view of the Teton peaks through the huge windows of the lodge restaurant.

The next day we relished the beauty of the Teton range, Snake river, Jenny Lake, and Lake Jackson. Then we rode up into the still snow covered Yellowstone Caldera. The lakes in South Yellowstone were still frozen, while others further North were partly melted by the active volcanic calderas under Yellowstone National Park. Gorgeous! After a few days hanging out with friends in Paradise Valley, we rode the best one day ride ever: Livingston MT, Bozeman, Belgrade, down the Gallatin river to West Yellowstone entrance, across Yellowstone out Northeast Entrance to Cooke City, over Beartooth Pass, into Red Lodge, back Rt. 78 and 90 to Livingston. Simply awesome! (~400 miles)

Steve at Beartooth Pass

The Beartooth Highway climbs through one of the highest and most rugged areas in the lower 48 states, with 20 peaks reaching over 12,000 feet in elevation. In the surrounding mountains, glaciers are found on the north flank of nearly every mountain peak over 11,500 feet high. The Road itself is the highest elevation highway in Wyoming (10,947 feet) and Montana (10,350 feet), and is the highest elevation highway in the Northern Rockies!

The next day we headed up to Glacier National Park and explored all the roads we could in the park. Unfortunately we were too early in the season and the “Road to the Sun” was still closed. Nevertheless, the wildlife and rugged ice carved mountains were stunningly awesome.

We spent a rainy day in Cody, WY enjoying the amazing Buffalo Bill Historical Center. The next day we faced rain, cold, fog and sleet heading over the Bighorn Mountains beginning our ride home. The rest of the ride back east offered moderate to hot 90 degree weather. The worst heat experienced was while sitting in a construction zone traffic jam around Indianapolis. Even that breezeless heat was bearable with the main jacket zipper half opened. Overall, it is remarkable how flexible the lined FCL jacket and chaps perform over such a variety of temperatures and weather conditions. So after 6,400 miles of riding from the low 30’s and sleet, to the low 90s, all I can say is Fox Creek gear exceeded all my expectations providing comfort and protection. Highly recommended in every way! Now to clean all the bugs and dirt off with Montana Pitch Blend…
- Steve Helm
Blacksburg, VA

First off, let me point out that the customer service of Fox Creek Leather is unmatched and way beyond that of what’s expected these days. When I first ordered the vest, it was WAY too small and I called them up to ask about an exchange. They said they would send a larger size out immediately without waiting for me to return the smaller one back to them. I was surprised they would trust a buyer on the honor system, but that just goes to show their level of service!

I ended up keeping the smaller size for my mother, as it fit her great, and I told them to just go ahead and bill me for the larger size. They did so, and I ended up getting the larger size the very next day! Try finding customer service like that anywhere else!

The vest itself is fantastic. A great fit, high quality materials and it looks as good, if not better, than the much more expensive vests you’d get from Harley. I measured a 38 inch chest, but as stated, the 38 was so small I could barely get it on. I ended up going with a size 42 and it’s a great fit! I’d suggest going a size or two larger as they seem to run quite small. I couldn’t be happier with my vest, and I will always recommend Fox Creek Leather to anyone interested in any type of leather product!

Thanks!

Brent S.
Holly Springs, NC

There are few things as iconic to the American culture as a motorcycle and the clothing we wear. “Buy American” is my conviction, and I intend to perpetuate this feeling and support my country and the American ideal. A major factor in my choosing Fox Creek for my riding apparel is that it is made right here, in the heartland of Virginia.* I know, I’ve been to their facility.

There is an innate feel of pride and quality when you wrap yourself in Fox Creek, it’s a knowing that you are supporting American workers and our American economy. It’s a feeling that cannot be realized by inferior products from some unscrupulous overseas manufacturers.

Forget trying to save a few dollars with substandard gear sacrificing quality and the American worker, buy these quality American made products - your reward will be superior goods, a strong economy and a better standard of living.

Wrap yourself in security and impeccable quality, be resolute in this way of life, twist the throttle, and ride an American road with a feeling of national pride.

Wade S. Walker
Milner, Georgia

*Wade visited our shipping facility and retail store in Virginia. Our products are contract manufactured for us by facilities from Maine to Florida to Oregon.

Doug Barber bought his first camera and motorcycle in the 60’s, and has been riding and photographing bikers ever since. In the early 70’s he was invited to photograph the funeral of the Sergeant of Arms for a major 1% Club. From that point on he has been hooked. When he isn’t photographing commercially, he is out and about photographing the ever changing biker’s world.
Q-Ball’s Black and White Biker Art

His old school biker photography has been featured in many magazines, along with museum and gallery shows. Hot Bike Japan used his photos on 8 covers and a calendar. In November 2007 Iron Horse Magazine did a feature story on Q-Ball and his life’s work.

About ten years back he created www.VtwinBiker.com where he not only shares his photos, but developed a biker community resource including Builder & Mechanics Forum, Biker Life & Legal Issues Forum, Biker Culture & Art Forum, plus the largest collection of individually submitted biker poetry anywhere.

When you have some time check out his extensive website www.VtwinBiker.com, then sign his guestbook. Tell him Fox Creek sent you.

Harley’s Angels is a group of women motorcycle enthusiasts dedicated to promoting breast cancer awareness, research, and education. Our primary fundraising project is the publication of a calendar featuring the women of “Harley’s Angels.” With one out of eight women being diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, it is no surprise that there are also several breast cancer survivors within our group. The calendar is tastefully designed featuring the women of Harley’s Angels and our motorcycles.

Our first calendar was published in 2003 and after five successful calendar years, you are likely to find our calendars anywhere from bike shops to grandmother’s kitchen. We have donated $360,000 to two of Houston’s finest research centers supporting Dr. Kent Osborne, Director of Baylor’s BreastCenter, and Dr. Kelly Hunt, Chief Breast Surgeon, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.
Ride for a Cure Bike

Harley’s Angels, Cruzin’ to Cure, is a non-profit 501(c)3 volunteer organization. We would like to invite you to join us in the crusade to find a cure for breast cancer. If you would like to join us in this effort, please visit our website at www.harleysangels.org or contact any of the Harley’s Angels volunteer members.
Harley’s Angels logo

We are Harley’s Angels and we’re Cruzin’ to Cure breast cancer!

Harley’s Angels
Post Office Box 12
Pearland, Texas 77588

No matter how much you are carrying, we have a purse or tote bag that will get your things where you need to go.

Our purses are made in the U.S. from 1.2 - 1.4mm top-grain cowhide and are available in a variety of styles and sizes. If you need even more room, we have two sizes of top-grain cowhide tote bags. We also now carry leather ID badges and cases in a variety of sizes and styles… from a clip-on badge to a folding military-size case. These are crafted from 2mm thick top-grain calfskin for years of use.

If you have a laced-side vest you wear to show your colors but it doesn’t quite fit over your jacket, we have side vest extenders. All you do is lace them into the sides of your vest to add up to 5 inches circumference to your vest.

With more and more motorcycle enthusiasts reaching new levels of rides and performance, positive safety measures and technologies are working to keep apace with all the new developments. Many of us now ride in varying weather conditions and I think more so with all the advances in clothing and materials that keeps the rain and cold out better than ever.

I know that riding with the girls in the Smokey Mountain Thunder Chapter of Women in the Wind will sometimes catch me out in conditions that may be called “less than ideal.”

Really good products are necessary and when you combine the challenges of safety, weather, durability, and comfort, it’s a no-brainer that quality leather rates as high on the list of riding confidence as good tires, or a good maintenance program.

Doris’ Lined Chaps Nothing I’ve tried feels, (or smells) as good as thick and soft leather. Looking at the standpoint of safety I’d rather leave some of the leather from my new Fox Creek Leather chaps on the pavement than my own skin. From the standpoint of comfort with the zip-in zip-out convenience of the linings, I’m provided with warm and snugly cold protection when I need it.

If conditions change I can always zip ‘em out and put ‘em in a saddlebag or back-pack. Being a return customer of Fox Creek I knew that I could expect a good product with a great team to assist with any problems I might encounter. Sure enough my husband ordered the first ones too large, (by his own measurements ;-) and a second pair was sent to us the very day he called to return them. We had to trim the legs some but remember you want them long for the protection and to keep out the weather. You can always cut off some more.

– Doris W. from Fletcher, NC

We have a wide variety of gear in our Blowout Sale. Men’s Jackets in Cordura and Leather are on sale from $187 - $413… Women’s Jackets from $180 - $316… Men’s Vests from $67 - $148… Women’s Vests from $20 - $98… Chaps and Overpants from $60 - $173… Gloves from $7 - $63… and Belts & Buckles starting at just $10.

Many items on our Blowout Page are available in limited sizes and quantities. These are sold on a first come, first served basis. Please be sure of the fit before ordering one of these items because there is a 20% restocking fee for returns. If you have any questions on sizing, please give us a call at 800-766-4165 or 276-773-3131.

*Sale prices valid on new orders for in-stock items only. Not valid on previous orders or orders in process. Some sale items may not be available in all sizes.

Over the years I’ve logged around 100,000 miles on street bikes and have been fortunate enough to have never had a crash - until this week. And I’m happy to say that the Fox Creek Leather Classic I jacket that I bought 4 months ago truly saved me from serious road rash.

Classic I Jacket I bought my Classic I about 4 months ago. I’ve been in love with the jacket since the day I received it. I’ve worn it EVERY day since even in temps up into the 90’s where I’ve found the jacket to vent surprisingly well when underway. So far I’ve encountered temps down to 40 degrees F and have found it to be warm also.

Two nights ago I was headed home at 1:00 AM on the freeway here in the San Diego area. There were almost NO cars on the road at all at this time. I was wearing my Fox Creek Classic I and also my Fox Creek elkskin gloves. As I cruised along on my Electra Glide at about 65 mph suddenly out of the blue I was SLAMMED HARD from the rear by a car I’d never seen coming. The impact was so violent I was stunned.

The next thing I knew I was flat on my back on the pavement skidding along feet-first at 65 mph. I recall propping myself up a bit on my forearms to try and look ahead of me to see where I was sliding. I could see a massive shower of sparks about 15 feet out in front of me - this was my bike skidding along on it’s side. After what seemed an eternity I came to a rest and immediately jumped up and dashed to the freeway shoulder to get out of the way of any approaching cars that might be coming along behind me.

A witness who had been behind me stopped and told me what had happened. The car had passed by them at approx 85-90 mph and then a couple seconds later drifted into my lane and sideswiped me at my left saddle bag. The car never stopped and fled the scene. The Highway Patrol made a report, etc. I went to the hospital to be checked out and all I had was some minor road rash just above my pants belt from where the bottom of my jacket had ridden up a bit due to the direction I had been sliding on the pavement.

In looking at my gear I was impressed at how well my Fox Creek jacket and elkskin gloves had stood up to the punishment of this incident. Here in California the freeways are cement with longitudinal rain grooves cut into them about 1/4″ or so apart. This surface would have shredded me badly had I not been wearing the top quality leather that I was. The rash I did have was minor and not what I consider the fault of the jacket, however I shudder to imagine what the road rash would have been like had I not been geared up properly. The heavy supple leather of Fox Creek’s jacket and gloves truly saved me from a great deal of pain.

Thanks to all of you at Fox Creek!

Jeff Smith
San Diego, CA

Sometimes you just need a cooler that will ride and go… a cup holder to keep your drink handy… a light for your smokes or comfort for your hands and feet. Well, Fox Creek Leather has been looking for these things, too, and now we’ve found them.

Zippo® lighters are packaged in a gift box and warranted for life. They make a classy gift - especially when you combine your choice of lighter with a Gift Kit. The Kruzer Kaddy comes with 2 insulating wraps that hold drinks of different sizes snugly on your handlebars. Crampbusters give your hand a break - great for long trips. All you do is rest your palm on your grips to regulate your speed. The Cooler Bag fits over most sissy bars and converts to a backpack for carrying. And don’t forget - Fox Creek Leather now stocks select Milwaukee boots.

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Yes, rewards. Affiliates are rewarded for promoting Fox Creek Leather with a generous 10% commission. This can mean big money for you because of Fox Creek Leather’s high conversion rate. Average orders are just under $200 with some orders as high as $1000. Your little corner of cyber real estate could be yielding you quick and easy money now! The more you promote Fox Creek Leather, the more you can earn…

Visit Fox Creek Leather’s Affiliate page to learn more. Sign up today and start earning right away!

After nearly 10 years living and working in New York City, I returned home to Southern California in the Spring of 2004. I had said that when I returned to California I would buy a motorcycle and so in April 2006 I did. My 2006 HD Sportster 1200L is my preferred mode of travel as I make my way to and from work on a daily basis.

While the distance between my home and office is a mere 12 miles, 12 miles in Los Angeles traffic can be anything but relaxing and so in those first years back before I bought my bike, I grumbled every day about being stuck in a car, sitting in traffic…

Now, I rise in the morning with great anticipation of what lies ahead. In the colder months when it actually gets as low as as the mid 30’s without the wind, I don my lined Fox Creek Gauntlets to keep my hands warm and my Fox Creek chaps.

I walk around the bike, checking to be sure everything is in good order - disconnect the battery tender, roll the bike out of my garage and start her up. Keeping the volume as low as I can on the deep rumble of the Vance & Hines pipes so as not to disturb my neighbors I head off to work up and through a lovely canyon known as Beverly Glen, out to Sunset Blvd and on to Santa Monica Blvd. There are days I must admit, that the turn on to Sunset Blvd brings rise to the voice in my head that says “keep going”… on to Pacific Coast Highway and then reality sets in and I turn towards my office anticipating the end of my day when I can make the return trip home.

Judi Flournoy
Los Angeles CA

Now we have Men’s and Women’s Fox Creek Leather T-Shirts. These organic cotton t-shirts are made in the USA from cotton grown on certified organic farms in Texas. The cotton is planted in mid-May and harvested after frost in November. It is ginned at a certified cotton gin in Texas, then spun, knitted, finished and sewn in the Carolinas. Our logo decorates the back and the front left breast pocket.

The Drawstring Gauntlet is excellent hand protection. One simple pull of the nylon string tightens the cord lock for a perfect seal and there is no cold air licking around your wrists or up your sleeve. This supple deerskin gauntlet features leather palm and knuckle patches, a leather wrist strap and a fit equal to or better than any other glove we carry, and is available both in a lined and unlined version.

Fox Creek leather is a family owned and operated company located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of southwestern Virginia that specializes in the manufacture of high quality Leather clothing products made in America, they generally aim at motorcycle riding apparel but some of the products are very well suited to conceal carry clothing. My general impression of the products that I have purchased is that they are twice the quality at half the price. I have been riding street bikes for over forty years so I have accumulated a closet full of leather riding gear and few are of the quality I have seen at Fox Creek leather.

When I first looked at the Fox Creek web site I was impressed with the variety and styles of leather goods offered. Since I have usually purchased my leather vests, which I wear on a daily basis, from a large American motorcycle manufacturer, I was a little concerned at the price differences. Most of the leather goods I had purchased from other companies were made in places like Pakistan or Podunk China and the cost for durable leather products is generally higher in price than Fox Creek was charging.

I finally ordered a black classic vest, at half the price I have previously paid for a quality vest. When the vest arrived, I checked it out and promptly ordered two more vests of different styles and colors, as well as gloves and a belt.

What was impressive about the first vest I ordered was the quality of construction, the liner was very nice and the vest is equipped with an inside gun pocket with a barrel holder that will hold my Kimber Ultra CDP 2. This Leather lined pocket on the left chest has a snap close and leather strap inside the pocket to stabilize the barrel. With a compact 45 in the gun pocket the vest would not bulge or show the handgun outline from the outside. The vest was perfect for a shoulder carry but was just a little too short for belt carry. I considered sending the vest back and ordering a longer size vest in the same style but I did not have the heart to send such a nice vest back for any reason, so I elected to order a couple more vests in different length and larger chest size as well as different color.

One of the two additional vests I ordered was a half price overstock and a charming lady named Ashley from the company called me to let me know that the vest was no longer available in the size I ordered and wanted to confirm that I still wanted the other items ordered. I agreed to modify the order and they immediately sent the Brown vest that I had ordered as well as deer skin gloves and a heavy duty belt.

The Brown classic vest is by far the best quality and cut vest I have ever owned. For complete hand gun coverage I suggest that any vest ordered should be one size larger than the sizing chart recommends for your chest size and order the vest in the long style for that size, this will give the vest two additional inches of length and will do a good job of covering inside or outside belt carry. The vest has a gun carry pocket inside the vest and conceals a shoulder carry rig very effectively.

Fox Creek Leather has a great web site that shows the leather clothing in graphic detail with lots of angles inside and outside the vest. Their selection for men’s vests are very nice but the selection for women’s vest clearly show that the owner Paul Trachy has too many women working for him as the women’s vest are truly beautiful designs and cuts; the most beautiful vests I have ever seen.

Don’t be put off by the fact that the company is aimed at the motorcycle rider, they offer quality leather clothing that would be great even if you don’t ride a motorcycle. The key thing to remember is to order in the long size and order a little larger chest size to compensate for the bulk of a handgun in the pocket carry.

Fox Creek Leather offers a lifetime guarantee on the quality and construction of the products they produce and as soon as you slip on one of their vests you will know that that is a tough long lasting quality vest, and great for concealed carry.

I have never really had much luck finding a simple, stylish, sturdy belt that could carry a hand gun day after day without being either too flimsy or looking like a utility belt until now. Fox Creek leather offers simple and attractive belts in Black, Brown and Tan that can do the job well. If you take four dimes and stack them up or take three quarters and stack them up, that is how thick the belts are. The designs are simple and sturdy. Give the belt section at Fox Creek leather a quick look if you are still trying to find the perfect belt for concealed carry.

More then a few times I have been on the range and realized that the slide on my handgun had taken a little bite out of the web of my right hand. I have several pairs of gloves that have the fingers exposed for manual dexterity. I decided to order a pair of gloves with the fingers exposed and Fox Creek had the gloves in deer skin which is much softer and thinner than gloves made with cow hide. The gloves are really worth considering if you want manual dexterity with good hand protection and solid grip. Nice gloves well worth consideration for a shooting glove.

For good quality leather concealed carry vests, belts and gloves as well as other accessories, at reasonable cost, please give Fox Creek Leather a visit at their web site and happy shopping.
http://www.foxcreekleather.com/

Bill Oliver is a 58 year old retired forensic Psych. Tech. who worked 20 years at Atascadero state hospital and Pelican Bay State Prison in California and now works part time for the state of Colorado. He has a concealed weapons permit from Colorado and Utah. No discounts or other financial considerations involved with this product review.

Riding Noel from the Coast

A friend and I drove from the Eastern Shore of
Virginia, 412 miles one way so that my friend Roger could get a new jacket. Didn’t understand his desire at first, but I went with the plan anyway. We did this on bike, braving the winds of Hurricane Noel, and morning temps around 21 degrees. Knowing all this was going on, I was praying to God that Roger would cancel the trip. Didn’t happen. He insisted, and we rode. Best trip I’ve ever made. Roger rides a VTX 1800, and I’m on a tiny 883R Sportster, a bike that no one should ride for 412 miles in one day. Round trip came out to just around 900 miles, since we chose to go the way of I-81 and Rt. 460 back to the shore. (Rode Rt 58 on the way out)

Anyway, I’m writing to express how impressed I was with the store, and the individuals who helped us out. I can’t recall both of their names, but Melinda comes to mind. Her customer service skills, and knowledge on proper fitting helped me get into a pair of leather over pants, gloves and belt, while Roger walked out with gloves, a new jacket and belt also. It was well worth the trip to get out there and see you folks. We’re already talking about when we can do it again.

Bottom line, we wouldn’t have rode so far if it wasn’t for the quality gear you sell. I was hesitant at first simply because of the ride and the weather at the time, but I regret none of it now. Please pass my thanks along to Melinda and (I can’t remember the other lady’s name) for their help, and the convincing that they did that leather pants were indeed a bonus when it comes to cold weather riding. I froze my tail off heading over the hills on the way out there, but the return trip was comfortable, and I can’t for the life of me understand how I went without them in the past. It did take a little convincing though on thier part however, that leather pants were indeed OK to wear, even by men. I made a comment that I felt like I should be singing “YMCA” when I was wearing them, but fortunately that feeling went away real quick.

Again thank you to Fox Creek. I’ll be sending a letter (and hopefully some pictures) via regular USPS mail, but for now, I hope this will at least let you know that there are two very satisfied bikers over here in the eastern part of the state who will be praising and recommending Fox Creek to everyone we meet.

Take Care -
Joe Posinski
Destroyer Squadron Twenty Eight
United States Navy Chief Petty Officer

Thanks, Joe and Roger

Thanks, Joe and Roger, for sharing your story with us. Sounds like you had a ‘cool’ ride in November!

What’s your story?

Tell me and you could be in our next issue…

Your stories and photos may be used in our newsletter, magazine advertising or web site. If your story is used in the newsletter, you’re automatically entered in a random drawing for a $500 Fox Creek Leather gift certificate at the end of the year.