At some point when you’re out riding, you will get stuck in the rain, and that’s when you need some good motorcycle gear—specifically good rain gear—if you want to stay dry and comfortable.
You can pony up the big bucks for riding gear that’s waterproof, but I’ve found it’s actually better to get yourself some motorcycle rain gear that you can stuff in a saddlebag or top case and pull out when you need it.
With that in mind, I thought it best to take a closer look at rain gear and make some recommendations.
What to Look for in Rain Gear
When it comes to motorcycle rain gear, staying dry is the most important thing, but it’s not the only important thing. You should also think about visibility and the ability to easily store your rain gear when not in use.
High-Quality Materials
You don’t have to go full Gore-Tex construction with your waterproofing materials, though you can.
Typically you’ll find motorcycle rain gear is made of some type of polyester fabric with PVC backing or coating. This works just fine, but some treatments or fabrics work better than others.
I would say to look for something with some good thickness. Otherwise, you’ll find that the jacket, pants, or suit you get won’t last long.
When buying online, the best place to find out this information is in the review section of a listing online, a review like the ones you can find on this site and other motorcycle gear sites, or in the description of the product itself.
True Waterproof Construction
Focus on finding something that has what I call true waterproof construction. This means something that not only has good fabric, but offers waterproof zippers and cuffs.
Obviously water can get in anywhere there is an opening, so make sure those openings seal well. Again, going to the reviews and product description is the best place to find out if the rain gear works.
Visibility
Visibility is a little easier to spot. You can see it from images. Does the gear offer a high-visibility color option? What about reflective materials?
If so, you should consider these pieces of rain gear. Visibility is diminished when it’s raining or storming, so any help that your gear can give you in terms of being seen by other riders is a major plus.
Easy Storage
As I mentioned above, I like motorcycle rain gear you can store when it’s nice out.
That means, you’ll need something that can pack up small. Many pieces of rain gear will come with their own stuff sack. That makes storage easy, simply put the gear in the sack and then put that in a saddlebag or strap it to your motorcycle.
The Best Rain Gear to Stay Dry
Now that I’ve discussed why you should think about having some rain gear ready for you next ride, let’s take a look at some of the best options out there for rain gear.
I’ve divided this up into Rain Jackets, Rain Pants, and Rain Suits. Let’s dig in.
Rain Jackets
Rain jackets are exactly what you think they are. They’re jackets designed to keep you drive. They’re a bit different than waterproof motorcycle jackets, in that they might not have quite as much protection as your typical motorcycle jacket.
1. Olympia New Horizon Rain Jacket
Here are the details for this jacket:
- Sturdy lightweight waterproof breathable ripstop nylon
- Back overhang detail with hidden mesh panel insert
- Stowaway hood with 360 neck gator
- EZ-Pack Storage System allows rain jacket can be easily stored
- Double storm placket front closure with two way zipper
- Adjustable Velcro closure straps at the elbows and wrists
- Two exterior waterproof pockets, inside storage pocket
- Microfiber lined collar
- 3M Scotchlite reflective piping at front, back, and arms
- Mesh airflow lining
Check it out at Amazon
Check it out at Revzilla
Check it out at Cycle Gear
Check it out at J&P Cycles
2. REV’IT! Cyclone 2 H2O Rain Jacket
Here are the details for this jacket:
- PVC-free polyester Oxford with PU coating, PVC-free polyester Oxford EN471 with PU coating
- 100% waterproof
- 100% polyester (100% polyurethane coating)
- Reflective prints at chest, upper arms, and back
- Tour fit, regular
- Adjustment tab at collar, upper arms, and cuffs, adjustment drawcord at hem
- PVC-free, EN343 certified, includes a transport bag
Check it out at Revzilla
Check it out at Cycle Gear
3. Firstgear Rainman Rain Jacket
Here are the details for this jacket:
- Waterproof-breathable exterior with fully taped seams
- Dual chest cargo pockets
- Adjustable set-and-forget waist strap
- Integrated and stowable rain hood
- Comes with stuff sack
Check it out at Amazon
Check it out at Revzilla
Check it out at Cycle Gear
Check it out at J&P Cycles
Rain Pants
Rain pants are the accompaniment to the jackets listed above. Their chief concern is keeping you dry. Many of them are not very stylish, but when you’re dry in a rainstorm, you don’t much care about style.
1. Olympia Horizon Rain Pants
Here are the details for these pants:
- Unisex sizing
- Outer shell made of lightweight waterproof/breathable ripstop nylon
- EZ-Pack Storage System for storing in a self-contained storage pocket
- Intake Velcro closure panels at lower legs for easy boot on entry
- Slide waist buckles plus stretch waist detail
- Authentic Nomex heat shields located at inside lower legs
- Cool mesh airflow lining
Check it out at Amazon
Check it out at Revzilla
Check it out at Cycle Gear
Check it out at J&P Cycles
2.Firstgear Rainman Rain Pants
Here are the details for these pants:
- Waterproof and breathable lightweight nylon outer shell
- Generous, overpant fit
- Elasticized waist with belt loops and side adjuster
- 2-inch zippered lower leg opening for easy access
- Hook and loop cuff adjusters
- Integrated self-storage bag with bungee and cord
- Reflective accents
Check it out at Amazon
Check it out at Revzilla
Check it out at Cycle Gear
Check it out at J&P Cycles
3.REV’IT! Acid H2O Rain Pants
Here are the details for these pants:
- 100% polyester PVC-free PWR|Oxford with PU coating
- Reflection at legs
- Tour fit, regular
- Adjustment tab at ankles
- Elastic at waistband
- Includes transport bag
- EN343 certified
Check it out at Amazon
Check it out at Revzilla
Check it out at Cycle Gear
Rain Suits
Having a good suit can make all the difference. This will ensure you’re dry all over. There are two-piece and one-piece motorcycle rain suits, and both work well.
1. Nelson-Rigg Stormrider Rain Suit
Here are the details for this suit:
- Two-piece 100% waterproof rain suit
- Polyester outer shell with PVC backing
- Full-length zipper with self-fastening storm flap
- Two large outer pockets
- Corduroy inner collar with hood
- Elasticized waist and adjustable cuff
- Reflective striping on both jacket and pants
- Oversized zipper gussets and elasticized boot stirrups
- Two-year warranty
Check it out at Amazon
Check it out at Revzilla
Check it out at Cycle Gear
Check it out at J&P Cycles
2. Fly Racing Street Rain Suit
Here are the details for this suit:
- Polyester shell construction with slick inner liner
- High waist to keep water from entering under your coat
- Removable shoe straps hold the pants down
- Rear vents remove hot air, keeping you drier
- Reflective back logo and reflective stripes on chest, back, and arms
Check it out at Amazon
Check it out at Revzilla
Check it out at Cycle Gear
3.REV’IT! Pacific 2 H2O Rain Suit
Here are the details for this suit:
- PVC-free polyester Oxford with PU coating
- 100% waterproof
- 3M Scotchlite laminated reflection at shoulders, reflective prints at upper arms, chest, and calves
- Tour fit, regular
- Adjustment tabs at the collar, upper arm, cuffs, and ankles, adjustment straps at waist, elastic drawcord at hem
- PVC-free, EN343 certified, XL front zipper, includes a transport bag
- Stash pocket on the left leg
Check it out at Amazon
Check it out at Revzilla
Check it out at Cycle Gear
