Rain suits
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,217
Likes: 48
From: WI
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 274
Likes: 2
From: Baltimore, MD
I use 2 piece and all have either reflective piping or hi-viz. But I have learned that even with a FF helmet, using the hood really does help for me. Water seems to find ways down the back of the helmet and under into the collar and down either the arm or back and the hood helps prevent that from happening for me. But a 2 piece is great for those days when you need that extra layer, but they are warm. Also each of my suits have heat resistant panels on the insides of the lower legs. Keeps the melting on the pipes to a minimum!
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,223
Likes: 394
From: Oak Harbor, OH
What the other guys are saying. Then after they get jostled around and mushed up in your saddlebags or garage for a while, and get used occasionally, hang them from a coat hanger and blast a half a can of waterproofing spray all over them. Especially the crotch and wherever they do a lot of bending; elbows, knees. Do this at least at the start of every season or before each big trip when it is likely to rain. The stuff wears off.
Nothing worse than hitting a monsoon and finding out that your waterproof gear isn't any more.
Also consider the stirrups that keep them from riding up in the breeze. We hit a 3-hour downpour last year and the only thing that got wet on either of us was our jeans below the knees, so we're getting some.
Make sure you zip up and snap the bottoms closed as tight as you can, otherwise you go down the road with inflated bags around your legs flopping around in the breeze. If they still do that; duct tape.
Oh, and also; if you do get caught and drenched before you can put the suits on, unless it's hot out, stop when you can and put them on over your wet gear anyway. Being wet is one thing, but going 55+mph when wet can be miserable, they'll at least keep the wind from pulling all the heat out of your body.
Nothing worse than hitting a monsoon and finding out that your waterproof gear isn't any more.
Also consider the stirrups that keep them from riding up in the breeze. We hit a 3-hour downpour last year and the only thing that got wet on either of us was our jeans below the knees, so we're getting some.
Make sure you zip up and snap the bottoms closed as tight as you can, otherwise you go down the road with inflated bags around your legs flopping around in the breeze. If they still do that; duct tape.
Oh, and also; if you do get caught and drenched before you can put the suits on, unless it's hot out, stop when you can and put them on over your wet gear anyway. Being wet is one thing, but going 55+mph when wet can be miserable, they'll at least keep the wind from pulling all the heat out of your body.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 299
Likes: 51
From: Northwest, Arkansas
I like Frogg Toggs because they breath. I tried a PVC coated suit on a trip and had to strike camp in a downpour. By the time I was done I might as well of not worn the rain suit as I was soaked in sweat and plenty miserable.
The downside is they do melt if you get it nest to a hot pipe.
I hope this helps.
The downside is they do melt if you get it nest to a hot pipe.
I hope this helps.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Niantic, CT
Wes
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23,399
Likes: 8,509
From: Spartan Country, Michigan
Like others, I have the two piece suit. mine is the Harley packable suit. it packs nicely in the bags, it is pretty much solid non-breathable, but I guess when it comes to dry or breathable, you need to make a choice.... when it stops raining I remove the suit. I would spend the money on a top of line rain suit, but those take mega room. your call, but the $100 packable HD rain suit is for me.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,542
Likes: 5
From: Cleveland, OH
I really like my HD Hi-vis suit. It lives in my saddlebag just in case. The hood may or may not help everyone, but it's a nice option to have. Boot gaiters are a must have IMO. I bought some from Tour Master on eBay for ~$20. Tuck them in under the pants and you're all set. I had a Frog Togg suit a few years back, but it melts very easily if it touches any part of the exhaust.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 763
Likes: 6
From: New Hampshire
2 piece, hi vis, get a good one, dont cheap out.
As for a hood, never used one. Dont think it would help. Rather us a full face helmet but dont carry one.
On pants, make certain they have the material on inside of the legs for hot pipes, dont want a melted rain suit,
For coat, zipper and velcro With good neck coverage.
Buy a size larger than needed to get over other clothes
As for a hood, never used one. Dont think it would help. Rather us a full face helmet but dont carry one.
On pants, make certain they have the material on inside of the legs for hot pipes, dont want a melted rain suit,
For coat, zipper and velcro With good neck coverage.
Buy a size larger than needed to get over other clothes
The only thing I would add is a good pair of gaiters - put those on first and then the suit - don't ask me how I know!!