Originally Posted by Hackd

Lots of threads on rain gear in this forum. And like oil, cams, and women: Everyone has an opinion as to the 'best'.

If your touring plans will include extended periods of time riding in the rain, both at interstate and slower speeds, then you will want to get quality rain gear, designed for motorcyclists. I've been both wet and dry. I prefer being dry.

Here's what I'd recommend:

The Harley stuff is very good, and IMO fairly priced for the quality. I purchased a set (dealer tent at the York open house) back in 1995. They were a Varathane (sp?) material. Pricey, but they were discounted almost 40%. These are by far the best summer rain gear I could ever want. Two pieces, Bibs and jacket. They are large enough to fit over my riding leathers if necessary, and very easy to put on. They fold up into a very small bundle/bag (actually I have all my rain gear in the same HD bag). The only downside is they aren't windproof, so for late fall or cold weather, they won't keep you warm. Dry, but not warm. My gear has kept me bone dry, on several occassions, while riding 8+ hours on I-75 in the remnants of hurricanes. I will rue the day I need to replace them. But I imagine the materials, construction, and comfort has improved in the last fifteen years.

In 2003 I purchased my wife a two piece set at the local dealers. Her's are black/silver, and they stop a bit more of the wind. They also kept her perfectly dry, as tested at 70 mph on I-75, in 7 hours of rain from Knoxville, TN to Lake City, FL.

I should add, that our rain gear also includes Tote's slipover boots, and gauntlet length 'rubberized' or 'chemical' gloves. I wear a pair of cheap white/brown cotton gloves inside them to keep down the sweat. My hands stay dry and warm with this combo. I also have a pair of clear wraparound safety glasses (when it's too dark for sunglasses) that I put on, 'cause even with a windshield, da rain stings at 70 mph when it hit's ya in da eye.

I would recommend a two piece suit. Mainly because you can put it on in stages. When the first indication of rain appears, stop and put on the bibs (you want bibbed pants-trust me) and rain boots, if your boots aren't waterproof at 70 mph. I wear a light set of Rockies, that claim to be waterproof, but don't pass the 70 mph test. Make certain the bibs have easy access to your wallet, or remove it and put it in a saddlebag when you put on the gear. Or you'll be fighting for it at every fuel stop. Also, you want stirrups on the pants that go under your boots to keep the pants from blowing up your leg. Check where the heat guards are on the pants. If you've got a custom exhaust, they may or may not be in the right location.

Look for a jacket, with a collar, that fits snuggly around your neck, because the rain will waterfall off you helmet/head and get you wet from the inside out. Ya gotta trust me on that one too. Another option is a scuba drysuit hood you could wear under your helmet and over your jacket collar. Also look for one that has a good seal around your wrists, WITH or WITHOUT your gloves on. Pockets are a personal thing. Some people use them, some don't. I don't carry anything in them while riding.

When you try the various suits on, wear your normal riding clothes, and do it while standing or leaning against something. This will recreate the amount of contortions you will be doing while stand under that overpass (or along the side of the road), trying to get on your gear before you get soaked. If you're only going to purchase one set of gear (summer vs fall/winter), make certain you can get the suit OVER your leathers AND any other clothes you might be wearing due to cold temps. Loose is better than snug. Most jackets have internal cords to snug up the fit around your chest/gut. If you're a diehard rider, I would recommend two different suits for the spring/summer and fall/winter. All depending on where you do your riding. I've seen riders, in full blown snowmobile gear, riding in the dead of winter on the interstates.

Visibility. Make certain there is adequate amounts of reflective material attached to the suit. If there isn't, consider getting a Hi-Viz mesh vest and wearing that over the rain gear. Especially at night. When it gets dark, and the trucks/RV's are kicking up a bunch of spray, you want to stick out.