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Rain is a part of life. I vividly recall one ride into work where the weather said there was a 0% chance of rain in Southern California, only to find myself in a downpour that had me cursing the weather app gods. I arrived soaked to the bone and had to stay that way for the rest of the day. It sucked. But if I had a good set of rain gear packed with me, I could’ve saved myself from soggy underpants and smelling like a wet dog.
I now have great rain gear, so I’d like to pass along my expertise to you now that I’ve learned better. Motorcycle rain gear is designed to keep you dry and comfortable in even the wettest weather. Check out my picks for the best motorcycle rain gear and get prepared for biblical downpours.
Best Overall
Tourmaster Defender 2.0 Two-Piece Rain Suit
See ItBest Value
Frogg Toggs All Sport Rain Suit
See ItHonorable Mention
Fly Racing Street Rain Suit
See ItSummary List
- Best Overall: Tourmaster Defender 2.0 Two-Piece Rain Suit
- Best Value: Frogg Toggs All Sport Rain Suit
- Honorable Mention: Fly Racing Street Rain Suit
- Best Jacket: Rev’It Nitric 2 H2O Rain Jacket
- Best for Harsh Weather: First Manufacturing Rain Suit
Our Methodology
I’ve been riding motorcycles for nearly 20 years and have ridden through just about every weather bar a tornado. I pride myself in picking good gear and sticking with it when I inevitably wear through it. I haven’t put my hands on everything here, but based on what I have used, as well as what friends and colleagues swear by, these are good picks that’ll last.
Best Motorcycle Rain Gear: Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall: Tourmaster Defender 2.0 Two-Piece Rain Suit
The Defender suit has a waterproof, polyurethane-backed nylon shell and sealed seam construction. An aqua-barrier, under-the-helmet hood prevents seepage in the collar area, and the pants have a high-density nylon seat to minimize slippage. Suspenders help customize the fit, and underarm vents promote airflow. The jacket has two large side-entry hand pockets and a waterproof zippered chest pocket.
This suit keeps you completely dry for several hours in the pouring rain. The hood and collar keep the rain off your back and shoulders. It is true to fit for wearing over other clothes, and the materials and workmanship are very good. Also, the reflective strip is pretty bright, and it packs small for storage.
One downside is the suit is very lightweight, so you may need to wear something warm underneath if it’s cold outside. Also, you may have to remove your boots to get into the pants, which are tight around the ankles. There have also been some complaints that the zipper on the jacket can fail.
Best Value: Frogg Toggs All Sport Rain Suit
This jacket and pants set feature Frogg Toggs’ breathable, non-woven fabric, which is waterproof, wind-resistant, and lightweight. The full-length, parka-cut jacket has an adjustable, removable hood and open-waist design. The zipper has a snap-down storm flap and elastic cuffs. The pants have an adjustable, elastic waist, as well as adjustable leg openings.
This suit is thick and good quality. The drawstring elastic waist pants are easy to pull over your riding gear and are long enough to cover your boots. It’s very breathable and keeps you cool while keeping the rain and wind out, even at high speeds. The suit is comfortable and easy to pack in a bag or backpack when not in use.
One problem is that there are no pockets on either the coat or pants, and the texture of the material is like paper rather than cloth. Also, the suit does not have reflective trim. In addition, if you accidentally bump your exhaust, the pants will melt rather quickly.
Honorable Mention: Fly Racing Street Rain Suit
The Fly Racing Street Rain Suit is a two-piece set that’ll have you covered—and protected— n the face of rain from your neck down to your ankles. This complete and comprehensive motorcycle rain gear set is designed to keep you comfortable while keeping your clothing dry underneath.
Designed as a shell that fits over your normal motorcycle riding clothing, this rain suit is made from high-quality polyester material. A slick interior liner makes it easy to slide on, even if you’re wearing clothes that are prone to gathering static. The pants are high-waisted, and the jacket completely covers that waistband to prevent water from sneaking in even if your jacket rides up. To keep water out of your shoes, the pants also feature removable shoe straps that hold the legs in place.
Worried about getting too hot while wearing your rain gear? This set is equipped with built-in rear vents that work to remove hot air and keep you dry. Plus, other drivers will be able to see you clearly in any road conditions thanks to the reflective back logo and chest, back, and arm stripes.
Best Jacket: Rev’It Nitric 2 H2O Rain Jacket
The Rev’It Nitric 2 H2O Rain Jacket is a high-quality rain jacket that can keep out rain whether it’s light or heavy. This single piece of motorcycle rain gear is ideal for those who want a jacket that can survive different types of weather, from spring rainstorms to unpredictable weather. With versatile uses, it’s one that can be used almost anywhere.
This rain-ready jacket is designed with a classic overcoat cut. It features an outer shell constructed from PVC-free polyester Oxford with a top layer of PU coating. Inside, a 100 percent polyester lining gives you a bit of extra warmth. Along the exterior of the jacket, you’ll find two large waterproof pockets and a stowable hood that you can wear as needed. Plus the jacket is adjustable to customize your fit and lock out rainwater. It’s made 100 percent waterproof thanks to adjustment tabs at the upper arms and cuffs, waist, hood, and hem.
An added perk of this motorcycle rain jacket is its ability to be worn over thin or thick clothing. You can load up on layers in the cold or wear it over a t-shirt in hotter weather.
Best for Harsh Weather: First Manufacturing Rain Suit
The First Manufacturing Rain Suit is made for rough weather. If you live somewhere that sees some seriously harsh rainstorms, then this is the piece of motorcycle rain gear that you’re going to want to put on. Built tough enough to handle anything, it’s great for cold weather and wet weather.
This two-piece rain suit is made out of 100 percent waterproof and breathable rip-stop fabric. It’s sized to fit over your regular riding gear and clothing, with a jacket and pair of pants included in the set. The material is quite durable, and it features a drop seat in the pants, adjustable waists, and 360 degrees of reflectivity. Large bands of reflective material cover the chest, arms, legs, and back of the suit. Plus, boot stirrups help your bottom half stay in place.
Do keep in mind that this motorcycle rain suit will keep you dry only to an extent. Riding for one to two hours in heavy rain is fine, but if you’re planning to stay dry all day long in pouring storms, this suit may not be enough to stay completely bone dry.
Our Verdict
Our pick for the best motorcycle rain gear is the Tourmaster Defender 2.0 Two-Piece Rain Suit. It’s waterproof, keeps you dry for hours, and has a hood that repels moisture in the collar area. The pants have an anti-slip backside, and the jacket has several pockets for convenience. The suit also features a reflective strip to boost visibility.
For a less expensive option, consider the Frogg Toggs All Sport Rain Suit.
Things to Know Before You Buy Motorcycle Rain Gear
Here’s everything you need to know, consider, and be aware of before you hit “Buy It Now”.
Types of Motorcycle Rain Gear
One and Two-Piece Suits
When selecting the best-rated motorcycle rain gear, you can choose between two- or one-piece suits. The former will effectively shelter you against the elements, but the best one-piece motorcycle rain suit will keep you 100 percent protected against the rain. One-piece suits are harder to put on in a hurry, and they don’t have the versatility of a separate jacket and pants. Both types of suits are meant to be worn over riding gear.
Boots and Gloves
Boots and gloves should be waterproof because water-resistant gear only keeps you dry for a certain amount of time. When selecting a pair of gloves, choose a brand with a pre-curved design so they are easier to use. If you ride in colder temperatures, consider purchasing heated gloves for comfort. Rain overboots and rain gators slip over your regular boots. An elastic band keeps water from penetrating.
Key Features
Waterproofing Capability
Nearly all motorcycle rain gear is made with waterproof materials, but some rain gear has superior capabilities to repel rain. This is due to the materials used in the manufacturing process. Water-resistant gear will not be as effective as waterproof jackets and pants, which are 100 percent impenetrable. The best waterproof motorcycle suits are made of impermeable materials or are covered in a protective coating.
Size
It’s important that your motorcycle rain protection fits properly. First, it should be loose enough to fit over your riding gear and clothing. Also, it should be easy to put on and take off. You don’t want motorcycle rain clothes to be too large or they may get in the way while you’re riding. If it’s too small, it won’t be comfortable.
Coverage Level
Motorcycle rain gear comes in many forms. While rain suits, jackets, and pants are the most common kinds of rain gear, this category of items can also include rain-ready gloves, boots, eyewear like goggles, and more. So, when you start shopping for motorcycle rain gear, it’s important to decide how much or how little coverage from wet weather you’d like. If you’re primarily concerned with your grip and exposed skin, rain-ready boots and gloves are most important. However, if you need more complete coverage, you’ll want to equip yourself with a rain jacket and pants (or a whole-body suit).
Weather Readiness
Like we mentioned above, waterproofing is one of the most important features to look for in your rain gear. But some rain gear can go above and beyond waterproofing and keeping rain at bay. Some upgraded options can also handle other types of inclement weather, like freezing temperatures, windy weather, and even snow. So, if you want motorcycle gear and accessories that can serve you in both the rain and other kinds of inclement weather, you might want to think about an item’s weather readiness. Look for details like extra lining for added warmth, ventilation panels, or wind-resistant material to assess different gear.
Motorcycle Rain Gear Pricing
You’ll likely be spending between $100 and $300 for quality motorcycle rain gear. You shouldn’t go under or past those, cause if you do, you’re getting ripped off.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.
Q: What’s better: a rain suit or waterproof jacket?
A rain suit is specifically designed to repel rain. It fits over your regular riding gear and is very effective in heavy downpours. However, you must pull over to the side of the road to put it on if you get caught in inclement weather. A typical waterproof riding jacket can be worn whether it’s raining or not and is intended for surprise rain events. It’s not quite as effective as a rain suit.
Q: How do I select the correct size of a motorcycle rain suit?
If you can, try things on at your local motorcycle shop. However, be sure to measure yourself in the gear you wear when you ride. The size may vary depending on whether you’re wearing summer or winter riding apparel. Measure your chest and belly for the jacket. For pants, measure from the top of the hips because rain pants sit higher than regular pants. Also, measure your inseam from the crotch to the ankles.
Q: How do I clean my motorcycle rain gear?
It’s best to hand wash your motorcycle rain gear in order to maintain the waterproofing properties. You don’t want the coating to break down in the washer and dryer.
Q: How do you pack rain gear on a motorcycle?
If you want to be prepared for anything and carry your rain gear with you, you’ll need to have some kind of storage solution. Most rain suits, jackets, and pants are thin enough to be packable, which makes them light in weight and able to take up very little space. You can either carry your motorcycle rain attire in a backpack, or if you have a trunk or other storage space on your bike, fold up the gear so it’s small and stash it there.
Q: What is the most durable motorcycle rain gear?
When it comes to durability, you’ll want to choose rain gear that features rip-stop material. With rip-stop fabric, you’ll be well-protected against wear and tear. This kind of material can also reduce the risk of rips and tears, especially in comparison to your basic nylon and polyester material. Additionally, rain gear that features multiple layers and sealed seams also enhances a suit, jacket, or pair of pants to offer better longevity and durability.
