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Riding in the rain is no fun, and it’s not just sudden downpours or rainy days you have to worry about.
Splashing puddles and mist flying off the road from recent inclement weather can be just as brutal.
The best way to stay dry while riding is to make sure you have the most effective motorcycle rain gear possible.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Motorcycle Rain Gear
- OUR TOP PICK: Nelson-Rigg SR-6000-HVY-03-LG
- RUNNER-UP: Viking Cycle Motorcycle Rain Suit
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: ILM Motorcycle Rain Suit ILM-RS02
Comparison of the Best Motorcycle Rain Gear Products
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What Rain Gear Do You Need When Riding a Motorcycle?
Whether it’s raining or there are fresh puddles on the road, rain gear is the only way to stay dry. Here are three types to consider:
Pants
Rain pants are waterproof pants that fit over your regular riding pants. Some are large enough to cover things like chaps. Most rain pants have zippers at the feet that make it easy to get the pants on and off without removing your boots. This comes in handy after a wet ride.
Jackets
You may or may not need a rain gear jacket, depending on the type of riding jacket you have. Some motorcycle jackets are already waterproof and may be effective enough to protect you when it’s wet. That said, some jackets are not waterproof, and a rain jacket is an essential piece of gear.
Suits
Rain suits are one-piece waterproof outfits that cover the rider from head to toe. They are usually designed to get into and out of easily. Because they are one-piece, there are fewer seams to worry about. This means there’s less chance of water leaking or seeping in during heavy rains.
Nelson-Rigg SR-6000-HVY-03-LG
Why Did These Motorcycle Rain Gear Products Make Our List?
There are a few features to keep in mind when shopping for rain gear, including:
Ease of Use
Ease of use is a big one. If you’re out on the road and see rain clouds ahead, you need to be able to pull over and get your gear on fast. Look for pants with zippers around the ankles so you don’t have to worry about removing your riding boots. As for jackets, adjustable cuffs and collars are great. You can pull them on easily and then tighten them as needed to keep the rain out. If you’re going for a rain suit, make sure the zipper opens wide so you can step into the suit easily and get it on before the rain starts to fall.
Seams
When it comes to rain gear, the fewest seams, the better. This is one reason why rain suits are so effective. Because there are no seams between the top and bottom, there are fewer places for water to seep in.
Ventilation
Ventilation may not seem like something you need to worry about with rain gear, but it’s pretty important. In the summer, it’s often very humid and hot after a rainstorm. Not all rain gear has ventilation, but it is something to think about.
Review of the Best Motorcycle Rain Gear Products
If you’re looking for rain gear, you’re in the right place. Here are some of the best products available.
Best Overall:
Nelson-Rigg SR-6000-HVY-03-LG
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most buyers agree that this suit is effective at protecting against the rain. Some even mentioned that it worked during significant downpours. Although a handful of people felt the quality was a bit poor, this was not common with most users. Most agree that they’re a little better than the manufacturer described.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We like the way this two-piece set works together. Both have a polyester shell and PVC backing to keep you dry. But we also like that the jacket and the pants are each loaded with their features.
The jacket features a full-length zipper with a storm flap and hood. It also has a soft corduroy inner collar for comfort. There are two large outer pockets, an elastic waist, and adjustable Velcro cuffs. Plus, the cooling vents under each arm help keep you cool during hot summer rainstorms.
As for the pants, the elasticized waistband, cuffs, and zippered gussets fit easily over pants and chaps. Elasticized stirrups help keep the pants in place.
Bottom Line
This is a great suit for a reasonable price. It’s effective against even heavy rains, and most users agree that the quality is impressive. It comes in a wide range of sizes so you’re sure to find a good fit.
Runner-up:
Viking Cycle Motorcycle Rain Suit
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
For the most part, people agree that this rain suit is better for light rain. It’s not quite effective enough for heavy downpours. Some people mentioned that the pants were a little tight. Check the sizing chart carefully.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The best thing about this suit is the way it fits. The pants have an elastic waist, Velcro cuffs, removable stirrups, and an adjustable zipper. They’re easy to get on and adjust to a comfortable fit. Plus, they’re snug enough not to interfere with your concentration but loose enough not to affect your movement.
This suit features reflective piping on the front and back to keep you visible in bad weather. We also like the heat shields that protect the legs from the heat of the exhaust. You don’t have to worry about melting or other damage.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for an affordable suit that’s designed to fit well, look no further than this offering from Viking Cycle. Although it’s best suited for light to moderate rain, it has a lot of great features to keep you safe.
Best for the Money:
ILM Motorcycle Rain Suit ILM-RS02
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
A majority of buyers agree that this suit is a good buy. It’s affordable and works well in light to moderate rain. Some people felt that the material was a little thin and might rip easily. That said, most people were happy with it and it comes highly recommended.
Why it Stands Out to Us
In our opinion, one of the best features of this raincoat is that the front features a full waterproof zipper and a storm flap. This combination provides extra protection when the rain is coming right at you while you ride.
The seamless design prevents water from seeping in, and the buckles on the hood and high collar stand up to the wind and keep your head covered. We also like that there is so much room to stash your personal belongings. There are six waterproof pockets in all, two on the chest, two on the sides, and two on the inner chest.
Bottom Line
The waterproof and wear-resistant features of this rain gear make it an excellent buy. The seamless design is impressive and keeps any rain from leaking in. Plus, we love that there are so many places to keep your belongings safe from the rain, too.
Best Motorcycle Rain Pants:
Frogg Toggs Road Toad Reflective Pant
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Users comment that these pants are water-resistant more than waterproof. But, they’re still happy with the performance. The material doesn’t leak, and it does a great job protecting your pants in damp, muddy weather. Users also liked that they can get the pants off and on without removing their shoes.
Why it Stands Out to Us
If you already have a waterproof riding jacket, these pants are a great choice to keep your lower-half dry in bad weather. They’re lightweight, wind-resistant, and comfortable to wear. The elastic waistband and cord-lock adjustment make for a customized fit.
We also really like that these pants have reflective piping. Visibility is so important when riding, especially in damp weather. The pass-through pockets are convenient, and the snap closure helps keep them dry. We also really like the 12-inch zippers because they make it so easy to get the pants off and on, even over your boots.
Bottom Line
If you already have a waterproof jacket and need a great pair of rain paints, this is a great buy. We love that these pants are easy to get on over your shoes, and the adjustable waistband gives you a comfortable fit.
Best One Piece Motorcycle Rain Suit:
WICKED STOCK Rain Suit
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Some users mentioned that the suit seems well-made and the fit is great. Performance in rain seems to be a bit mixed. Most agree that it works great in light rain, but some people mentioned that the suit leaks at the bottom and their pants get wet underneath.
Why it Stands Out to Us
People might avoid one-piece suits because they have a reputation for being difficult to get off and on. Not true for this suit. It has a 43-inch long diagonal zipper that opens wide, making the suit easy to step into. Plus, the internal 210 denier non-stick liner prevents sticking and makes it easy to get the suit over your clothes and gear.
That’s not all, there are also wide gussets at the legs to fit over boots and an adjustable neck closure to stop water from getting in around the top. The sleeve cuffs are adjustable, too, so you can seal this suit off from the elements pretty quickly.
Bottom Line
Rainsuits are one of the most effective ways to stay dry while on your motorcycle. What makes this one so great is that it’s designed to but put on and taken off easily. With adjustable neck, sleeves, and gussets, this suit works great in mild to moderate rain.
Best Motorcycle Rain Jacket:
HWK All Weather Adventure Jacket
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This jacket delivers for most buyers. They report that it's warm, fits well, and is resistant to wind and rain. One complaint is that the armors are thin and a bit stiff. Some people mentioned that the jacket was awesome after upgrading the inserts.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This jacket is much more than rain gear. The rugged material is waterproof, breathable, and keeps you cool in the summer. It comes with a removable winter lining so it’s good for cold weather, too. The CE-approved armors are a nice addition, and the high-contrast design enhances visibility.
One of the best things about this jacket is the five-year replacement warranty. It shows that the brand stands behind its gear. This jacket comes in so many sizes, from small to 5XL. Note that the sizing runs a little small, so pay close attention to the sizing chart when ordering.
Bottom Line
This jacket is a bargain for what you get. It’s an all-weather jacket that’s waterproof, and it comes with a removable thermal liner that’s suitable for cold-weather riding. The stretchy shoulders and elbows make for a comfortable fit, and you can’t beat the five-year warranty.
Comparison Overview
If you’re still unsure about the type of rain gear you want, here are some direct comparisons to help you make up your mind.
Polyester vs Nylon Motorcycle Rain Gear
Polyester and nylon are both common materials used for rain gear. While they are quite similar, there are some major differences between the two. Nylon is more likely to absorb water, but it stands up well to abrasion. Polyester is hydrophobic, which means it resists absorbing water. Polyester also stands up to sun damage better than nylon, but it’s not as abrasion-resistant.
Rain Gear vs Leather Motorcycle Gear
Leather gear is great for abrasion protection, comfort, and overall style. But it’s far from ideal when it’s raining. You should avoid wearing a leather jacket in the rain whenever possible. Any amount of water requires care and maintenance to make sure the leather doesn’t get ruined.
You should always wear a rain jacket over your leather jacket when it’s raining or wet outside. As we mentioned several times, rain gear is designed to protect you and your gear from water damage. It’s the ideal solution to avoiding damaging your leather coat.
Frogg Toggs vs Gore Tex
The biggest difference between Frogg Toggs and Gore Tex is the price. Frogg Toggs is a much better value, and it works. Gore-Tex is considered by most to be more comfortable, but it’s also more expensive.
Frogg Toggs are lightweight and easy to fold and store. It’s a great choice for camping and road trips because it dries fast and packs small. Frogg Toggs keeps you dry, but it doesn’t breathe well.
Gore-Tex is waterproof but breathable. It’s thicker and heavier, which makes it a little more difficult to travel with. It’s also more durable, which means it’s likely to last a little longer.
What’s Better: a Rain Suit or Waterproof Jacket?
It depends on what you’re looking for. Some people have a regular riding jacket that’s waterproof, which means that they don’t have to worry about using a rain suit. A good pair of rain pants is enough.
If you wear a leather riding jacket or another type that isn’t waterproof, a rain suit may be a good choice. It covers you from head to toe so you don’t have to worry about putting on two separate pieces.
How to Clean Motorcycle Rain Gear
Keeping your gear clean is one of the best ways to make sure it lasts as long as possible. Here’s a quick look at how to clean Frogg Toggs, one of the most popular brands for rain gear.
How to Clean Frogg Toggs
First, gather your supplies. You need mild detergent and a large tub or bucket. The detergent should be free from additives and as gentle as possible so it doesn’t damage the material. If you use soap that is too harsh, it could damage the material which will affect its waterproof properties.
Add some detergent and warm water to the tub then handwash your Frogg Toggs. Then, rinse in warm water until you remove all the soap.
Hang your rain gear to dry, but keep it out of direct sunlight. This is very important to avoid mold, mildew, and other damage. Wait until it dries completely to fold it or store it.
Viking Cycle Motorcycle Rain Suit
Tips for How to Ride a Motorcycle in the Rain
Riding a motorcycle in the rain is risky and takes special care. Here are a few tips to follow. For a more extensive review, check out the video below.
- Get proper rain gear. There is no better way to keep yourself dry, and it’s one less thing to worry about when you’re trying to focus on the road.
- The roads are slickest when it first starts to rain and the water begins to pick up the oil and other debris.
- Ride on the part of the road that has the least amount of water.
- Avoid puddling as much as possible.
- Be smooth with the brakes and the throttle to maintain control.
- Increase the distance between you and the vehicles in front of you. This gives you extra time to react in case of a problem.
- Take slippery spots, like railroad tracks, manhole covers, and painted lines, straight on as you’re more likely to maintain control.
- Look for rainbow swirls on the ground and avoid them. This indicates that there is oil or fuel on the road, which can cause you to lose control.
- Don’t be scared. You should be on high alert when riding in wet conditions, but it’s important to be relaxed enough to think clearly.
Conclusion
Investing in good rain gear is the best way to make sure you stay dry and safe when riding in the rain. There are a lot of things to think about when choosing the right rain gear for you. We hope we helped make the decision a little easier.
People Also Ask
If you’re shopping for rain gear, we know you probably still have a lot of questions. Here are some of the most common things people wonder about when choosing their gear.
Where to Store Motorcycle Rain Gear?
You can store motorcycle gear just about anywhere, but there are two things to keep in mind. First, let the gear dry completely before you put it away. If not, mold and mildew will grow and ruin the fabric. Second, keep the gear out of the direct sunlight after it's dry.
Can You Ride a Motorcycle in the Rain?
Yes, but it’s not always a good idea. If it’s raining very hard and you can’t see the road well enough to drive safely, pull under an overpass or take shelter somewhere until it stops. You should also be very careful during storms with lightning and high winds.
What Are Frogg Toggs Made Of?
Classic Frogg Toggs material is made of three players, a top and bottom layer of nonwoven polypropylene with a middle layer of micro-porous film. They also use a proprietary DriPore technology that improves wind resistance.
Will My Rain Gear Lose its Waterproof Coating in the Wash?
It might, which is why it’s always best to use a gentle detergent and wash your gear by hand.
Can You Wear Rain Gear Over Your Leather?
Yes, you can, but it’s not always necessary. Some leather biking jackets are pre-treated for water protection. You should always check to make sure, though. If your leather jacket isn’t properly treated, it will get ruined in the rain.
What Thickness Should Rain Gear Be For Motorcycles?
There’s no specific answer to this question. Rain gear should be as thin as possible while still being effective. Super thin material is no good if it doesn’t keep the rain out, and thick material that makes it difficult to move is not good, either.
