Nice Post Hacksaw. I have two of the coats mentioned (one's rather beat up and I use it for "work" type situations and my newer one I use for everyday. I can understand what you are getting at here, but for me the versatility of the 3-in-1 system really is helpful. I've been out working and just stripped off the outter layer to keep cooler. In the cold of winter, I try not to open the vents wide open as I just feel it's too much cold air and too fast of cooling. The other nice feature is that for the money, you essentially get a 3 season coat. Lightweight windbreaker, Warm "chill-proof" fleece (if wind stays moderate, it's still very comfy). and Deep Winter. I've been out in some pretty low temps with that coat without any sort of discomfort.

I would be afraid that a motorcycle jacket that's meant to be worn in warmer months might not provide that level of flexibility.

The Colombia 3-in-1 is pretty tough material (although it probably isn't going to withstand a spill at high speeds!). It has a waterproof shell, it's fairly breathable with just the fleece (though it does tend to retain moisture if you have them put together. And it has vents and a great collar. Although the hood is next to worthless for insulation, it DOES help keep the wind out, so it has a warming effect - but heat loss occurs.

To each his own, I suppose, but I guess I don't see why the Teknic jacket is more suitable in every way except weight. Perhaps I'm missing something, but the Columbia and the Cabella's and I think even the LL Bean jacket "systems" are very flexible and offer a everything you've pointed out for a reasonable price (on sale).

I'm not saying you're wrong... I'd just like an analysis to see what I'm missing. The Motorcycle jacket looks cool, but I'm afraid I might not be able to pull that off at my age. Or weight. :-)