Wow, 9 pages on this and still going?
Personally (and anyone that disagrees is just being stubborn
) I think the definition of "full gear" changes with context, like damn near every other word in the English language.
Had Curb (the inspiration for this thread) been riding at the track or canyon carving when he had his accident and said he was in "full gear", I would assume he meant a 1 or 2 piece leather suit, gloves, boots, helmet, and maybe a back protector.
Since he was riding to or from dinner when he had the accident, I would assume he meant helmet, jacket, gloves, and riding boots/shoes.