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The best rain gear for motorcycle riders

Motorcyclist magazine's top selections to help you stay dry during rainy rides.

by Ken Hutchison/Motorcyclist Online

February 21, 2019

Rain gear for motorcyclists — Don't let a little moisture ruin your ride.Motorcyclist Staff

This story was originally published on MotorcyclistOnline.com.

If you ride your motorcycle on a regular basis as an adventurer or a commuter, then the odds are you will get caught in the rain at some point. And that’s the reason you should add a good set of quality rain gear to your gear bag. Here are some of our favorites.

Klim Forecast GTX Gloves — The Forecast split-finger gloves are for serious motorcycle riders. These 100-percent-waterproof Gore-Tex gloves are great for off-road, ADV, or street riding alike. They are designed to be worn over your regular gloves, providing an impenetrable barrier between your digits and inclement weather. They are lightweight and easy to pack, making them ideal for stowing in your tank bag, backpack, or any other motorcycle storage area for that matter.Klim

Givi Overboot Rain Covers — These covers are designed to quickly fit over your riding boots in case you get caught in the rain. The design features a rubber, anti-slip sole and elastic cuffs that tighten around your leg or boots. They work best when you slip them on under your rain paints and are made of tough enough material that they can be used over and over. They do not pack down quite as small as some of the flimsy options out there, but they are so much better.GIVI

Dainese Rain Jacket — This rain jacket is designed to pack into a very small area, which makes it convenient when you are looking for a handy place to stash it between rainstorms. It also doubles as a simple, light windbreaker for chilly rides and looks great.Dainese

Alpinestars Rain Jacket — This is my favorite rain jacket combo of all time. The Alps jacket is tough enough to be worn on the street and the style works great on dirt or street. You have to take your helmet off to get it on, but it provides excellent protection in the rain. Matching pants are sold separately.Alpinestars

Joe Rocket RS-2 Women’s Rainsuit — The RS-2 is a waterproof polyester jacket and pant with PVC backing designed to fit the form of a female rider. A soft corduroy-lined collar makes for a comfortable fit when you snug it around your neck to keep wind and rain out while keeping you nice and cozy. JR products are always tough, and we've had good luck with this gear despite its low price point.Joe Rocket

Icon PDX 2 Rain Jacket — Available in both men's and women's cut, the PDX 2 Jacket is among the best rain protection you can get. The folks from Icon are based in Portland, Oregon, so they know a thing or two about dealing with the rain. The polyurethane-coated nylon shell features screen-printed reflective graphics, waterproof YKK zippers, and a mesh lining to help keep the wet shell away from your gear. It even has a hood.Icon

Alpinestars Race Rain Jacket — If you happen to be a roadracer then this needs to be in your kit. Designed to go over your leathers with pre-curved sleeves and tucked-in shape that forms tightly against your racing suit so that it doesn't flap in the win when you're blasting down the back straight at 150 mph. Obviously you can wear it on the street as well, so sportbike riders now have an excellent option that looks great and provides even better protection. Matching pants are available.Alpinestars

Fox Racing Legion Downpour Off Road Jacket — Designed to suit the needs of off-road riders and racers who have to trudge through the brutal wet and muddy conditions that are associated with riding dirt bikes in the rain. It features a waterproof, breathable membrane with flexible panels to allow for a range of movement while sitting or standing, plus abrasion-resistant Cordura panels ad zippered pockets. They might be intended for moto but they are destined to be a favorite of ADV riders because they pack down into such a small package and Fox offers matching rain pants as well.Fox Racing

Frogg Toggs Pilot Jacket — Although Frogg Toggs are often associated with hunting and hiking they have made a name in the motorcycle market as well. Constructed of three-layer wader materials with seam-sealed zippers, the Pilot jacket and pant (sold separately) are an excellent rain gear option. Keep in mind they are not as durable as some gear designed specifically for riders, but they are tougher than many others. Plus, they are available at almost every outdoor store in any popular riding area so they are easy to get hold of.Frogg Toggs

Nelson-Rigg Stormrider Unisex Rainsuit — The Nelson-Rigg Stormrider is a two-piece rainsuit that works fine for men and women alike. It might not be the most stylish-looking suit out there but it has proven to be durable enough for long rides in the wind and rain. The Stormrider jacket has underarm vents, storm flaps, Velcro-adjustable cuffs, reflective piping, and an elastic waistband that keeps the design simple. This is a great value in the rain gear department.Nelson-Rigg

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