Waterproof Gear for Spring Riding

March is an exciting month for motorcycle riders—the start of spring means riding season is just around the corner. But with the beginning of spring comes unpredictable weather. This time of year, temperatures fluctuate and rain showers are frequent. If you’re planning to dust off your bike and hit the gas this month, it’s important to be prepared for the occasional wet ride. Investing in quality waterproof gear can make all the difference in staying dry and comfortable. In this blog, we’ll dive into essential gear, our favorite products, and tips for staying comfortable should the weather take a turn. 

Essential Waterproof Gear for Riders 

Waterproof Riding Jackets & Pants: Wet gear can lead to rapid body heat loss, and a cold rider is a distracted rider. Waterproof jackets and pants are a great way to stay dry, warm, and safe if you encounter wet weather on the road. Look for gear made of breathable membranes like Gore-Tex, which keeps rain out while still allowing sweat vapor to escape. Another important feature to look for is sealed seams, which prevent water leakage and enhance durability. Traditionally stitched seams have microscopic holes, which allow water to seep through the fabric of the jacket. Sealed seams cover those holes and reinforce the jacket’s structure, meaning you stay dry and your jacket maintains its protection even in harsh conditions. 

Waterproof Gloves: Maintaining your grip in wet conditions is crucial, as cold hands can lead to slowed reaction times and a loss of control on slick roads. Many waterproof gloves are made of advanced materials like Gore-Tex or DryStar, which are breathable but prevent leakage. For early spring riding, when temperatures are still brisk, you may want to consider an insulated glove to keep your hands warm and responsive. We also suggest looking for gloves with textured, gripped palms, to combat slippery handlebars and controls, and touchscreen compatibility, so you can continue using your phone or GPS without exposing your hands to the rain. 

Rain Suits & Overlayers: If you already have riding gear you love or live in an area with infrequent rain, a rain suit offers a budget-friendly, versatile solution for staying dry without investing in all-new waterproof gear. Rain suits and overlayers are designed to slip right over your existing gear and allow for additional protection against the elements. They are typically constructed of lightweight, waterproof materials like nylon or polyester, which means they are compact enough to easily pack in your luggage in case of unexpected weather. Our favorite, the Nelson-Rigg Stormrider, features ankle gussets to secure the pants over the tops of your boots and reflective striping for increased visibility. 

Waterproof Luggage & Accessories 

Waterproof Luggage: If you’re riding with luggage, waterproof travel gear can give you peace of mind that your belongings will stay dry and protected. Dry bags are a versatile option that can be carried on your back or strapped to your bike and are often constructed of heavy-duty materials designed to withstand any type of weather. Giant Loop’s Revelstoke and Rogue dry bags feature ultra-durable coated fabric, 100% waterproof welded seams, and roll-top closures for additional water resistance. For longer travels, we recommend the Downpour Duffle from ALPS Mountaineering, which uses TPU coated 420D nylon double ripstop fabrics and YKK AquaGuard zippers for reliable, weather-resistant durability. 

Motorcycle Covers: Continuous contact with water can have serious impacts on your motorcycle. Prolonged exposure to heavy rain can cause corrosion of the frame and exhaust, damage to electrical systems such as lights, ignition, and sensors, and can wash away lubricants from the chain and sockets. If you don’t have access to a garage or covered parking, invest in a motorcycle cover to prevent safety issues and costly repairs.