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What makes the best motorcycle wet weather gear? 4 things to know!

@GetGeared.co.uk - Online - London & Leeds

We've surveyed thousands of bikers to find out what is important when selecting their wet weather gear.

Rain Vs Rider: Overcoming the challenge

Rain is one of the few guarantees in life. You can always count on rain to turn up and make your day a little bit harder, your ride a bit more challenging, and your clothes a little bit more damp. There is a fight on our hands. Here is how to select the waterproofs to conquer this squalid weather.

The mighty battle between man and the elements!

Making wet weather gear better

Motorcycle rain wear is rapidly improving with technical advancements, making the products on offer today the best they can be. Motorcycle waterproofs are not just about being waterproof; They have to take into consideration the practical abilities you look for.

Key Features

The practical attributes you look for in waterproof clothing:

• They keep you dry (obviously)
• They are breathable (or as much as they can be)
• The packed dimensions are small
• They are easy to get on and off

These are the four things we all look for in waterproofs. However trying to find a garment that can for fill all of these requirements is almost impossible: For example, a very waterproof material such as thick PVC isn't breathable but outstanding at keeping you dry. It's also quite thick, so takes up a lot of room in a bag. Each feature is important for various reasons and finding the right motorbike waterproofs for you, is about working out how you use the garment and the combination that's right for you.

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How Breathability Affects You

Our bodies are constantly creating heat and moisture; our wet weather gear needs to be able to release these without letting rain in. The hotter it gets inside the clothing the more uncomfortable it becomes on the bike, leading to a distracted riding experience. There are several ways to combat this that vary in price and can take away from other key features. A material such as PVC is much cheaper to produce but isn't very breathable. An alternative maybe a Polyurethane coating which offers more breathability and comfort but comes out as a more expensive option. Knowing this means you can think about how to apply this to your choice.

#GetGoodGear
Choose something more breathable if you go for longer rides.

Why sizing matters

A comfortable fit is crucial for rainwear. A larger fit can make it easier to get on and off in a hurry but this leaves us open to the risk of flapping flares and billowing rain suits. A tighter fit can aid streamlining but also makes it less practical for getting in and out of. It can also leave us stretching the material which then weakens its waterproofing capabilities. Certain products offer options to help the issue; A diagonal zip on a rain suit makes the opening much larger meaning you can get in and out of a well fitted rain suit quickly. Gusset openings on cuffs and ankles stop our gloves and boots getting caught and leaving us dancing around, tangled up, on the side of the road.

#GetGoodGear
Choose well fitted rainwear when riding fast. For more relaxed rides, larger sizes offer more comfort.

Packability means portability

This is about rainwear not getting in the way when it's sunny, but being available to hand when it isn't. A rainwear jacket needs to fit into your bag snugly and not squash your sandwiches, but be easy to access and use at the first sign of trouble. The key features come down to bulkiness; a cheaper option may be made of material that can fold away small but not offer durable rain protection. Other cheaper options tend to be lined, making them bulky and heavier. Higher end products are light-weight because of the technology used for the waterproof coating. This makes them lighter in weight and sturdy, offering reliable rain protection and small packing dimensions.

#GetGoodGear
Spend a little bit extra for a garment that will fold away and stow easily.

Rain Wear Run Down

Motorcycle rain wear has many variables. Working out how you use your bike and how much you have to spend will really help narrow your choice. Think about how important it is to stow the garments away or how often you'll change in and out of them at short notice. Follow us for further advice on how to choose your perfect rainwear or check out all of our waterproof options here.

The REV'IT Cyclone is a perfect example of lightweight durable rain wear

Related Blog Post:

Rain: Knowing the enemy

Picking the best motorcycle rainwear can seem difficult. We can help! It's important to know how you are going to use your wet weather gear. This knowledge will help you pick the most important features that make up your choice. Follow the 4 steps to pick the perfect motorcycle waterproofs!

Read the full blog

Keywords: what makes the best motorcycle wet weather gear, motorcycle waterproofs, best motorcycle raingear