Went for a ride to B'Ham (actually Pelham, Al to the Heart of Dixie HD dealer). Was looking for things I can't live without - and, yup, I found some - those beer bottle holders with the zippers. Got one in HD orange for everyday use and one in black for more formal occasions.

Anyways, on the way back I was travelling the back roads and trying to avoid the ever present rain clouds, but of course, one found me less than half way back. I was able to pull over and don the rain attire just a half mile before the bottom fell out (rained like an 1" in less than 10 minutes). It was raining and blowing wind so hard I decided to pull over into a vacant vegetable stand to wait it out. Didn't have to wait too long before I was on my merry way.

The Frogg Toggs performed reasonably well keeping me dry with the exception of those parts still exposed. It comes to mind gauntlet gloves and gaiters would be a good thing to have in addition to the suit. Had I had those items, I would have remained dry throughout the ordeal. But, unfortunately I didn't, so my arms and feet got a soaking. I had taken my gloves off because I didn't want the black from the leather to stain my hands. I hate that look.

The water was able to run up my arm under the cuff into sleeve. It wasn't too bad, but gauntlet gloves would have prevented that entirely. Of course, we all know about wet feet/boots and why that happens. Too much beer? I think not. I would never advocate imbibing while riding, much less peeing in your boots.

Part of the story continues about 75 miles up the road. I had already stopped, removed the rain suit, dried the seat, and packed everything in the saddle bags. With my luck (none), another rain cloud found me on a lonely stretch of highway with no shoulders. Needless to say I rode until I was dry which didn't take too long. The second storm was much less intense than the first. I was dry by the time I got home. That's when I started drinking to excess and, of course, washing the bike. Had to make use of those really cool beer coolers with the zippers. They work.

 

sweet.

I just rode 12 hours through NJ, PA, and into upstate NY this weekend in mostly rain, sometimes torrential downpour.

Icon products are garbage. Even seam sealed by me with silicone, the pants still leaked at the crotch.

 

get a few pairs of latex gloves to keep in your tool kit. they are thin and take up very little space but will keep your hands dry.

 

I sometimes have done the latex thing. The problem is, even when your hands are technically dry inside the latex, they still feel damp, cold, and wet, because the latex transfers the sensation pretty well. But they sure will work in a pinch and will keep your hands from blistering from grip contact on wet skin.. unless you sweat like I do. Latex does NOT breathe.

 

My Frogg Toggs worked fine too; until I melted holes in the right leg on the exhaust. It made a huge mess all over my heat shield. I have rain gear now with a heat resistant panel on the right leg.

 

I don't even bother to take rain gear anymore. If it is bad enough I find shelter or eat a meal while waiting it out. If it is something I have to ride through. I actually just put on my light summer leather coat and chaps which are always in my saddle bag. That usually keeps most of it out of my boots. I hate wet hands and wet feet. Only time the rain gets bothersome is when hypothermia tries to set in from being cold and wet.

 

You are tougher than I am. I like staying dry.

 

I bought my wife some Frogg Toggs last year. Putting them on for the first time on a trip to Joshua Tree the front zipper broke; just came apart in my hand. Its a good thing we never ran into any real rain on that trip. Now, I wouldn't take a pair if you paid me. Nothing I hate more than to have gear that don't work when I need it to work.

 

A reasonably good set of rain gear is less than $100 and is comfortable enough to wear all day; and mink oil is fairly cheap. No reason to get wet.

 

bought a set of them myself used once and tossed them. Besides the jacket blowing up like a balloon the crotch leaked and I hate having a wet *** while riding, plus the fact of having to put velcro around leg to keep them from melting. Never again bought good gear.