[Makonasson]

This is certainly an old topic in this august bunch.

But,

I put off getting rain gear, and today paid the price.

Soaked like a wet dog, caught in a good downpour on the way home from work.

Now I could have waited an hour and then just wet roads, no rain. I thought I would beat the rain, let's just say that didn't happen.

Sedici modular helmet performed fine, I could see, but caught in a good rain and thunder storm nonetheless. With some lightning thrown in, well, because this is Florida.

Thankfully no issues. With the good Lord's care and great caution all was fine.

My V performed admirably and I'd like to believe I was careful as possible.

Moral to this story?

One is; get your rain gear while the sun is shining!
???

 

[Big B]

Or wear Gore-Tex gear and never really worry about it.

 

[Stalky Tracker]

I have Frogg Toggs Horny Toadz. They were about $100, about 7-8 years ago and are still in use. I have been through quite a few multiple day frog chockers as well as a hurricane (Harvey) and some snow. No leaks and no issues. I supplement with Aerostich Triple Digit waterproof glove covers. They pack relatively small and I would purchase again without hesitation.

 

[Rick123]

+1 on Gore-Tex

 

[notacop]

Good quality rain resistant protective gear, like Aerostich or others of similar quality.
But don't leave the side vents of your Darien jacket open, whole bunches of rain can get in there in a frog strangler. :surprise:

 

[Reibs]

+1 for Gortex. Was able to keep my last issue gear from my LEO days. Made by Blauser. I’ve ridden in pretty much every weather imaginable outside of a twister and this gear has never failed me. Packs nice and small and I use a Velcro strap to bundle it up tight. I also have frog toggs for backup just in case.

 

[Nicad]

I have a lot of GoreTex outer wear. I find it usually disappoints me when I really need it to keep me dry.

 

[drrod]

I have a lot of GoreTex outer wear. I find it usually disappoints me when I really need it to keep me dry.

I believer Gore-tex has a pretty good warranty if it leaks. There are several anecdotes of Gore-tex gear getting repaired or replaced when returned to them. May be worth contacting them to find out if they can help .

 

[realshelby]

Yes, Gore-Tex gear can be wonderful.

But if you just want rain gear there is a BIG difference in what actually works. If it does not have zippers on the pant legs, don't bother buying it. More often than not, you will be in a hurry to put the gear on, and taking off your boots to put on rain pants just isn't what I am willing to do. You have to have rain gear that is tailored to go over what you ride in. Again, to make it work when in a hurry and not bind you up when moving. Some rain gear, just like waterproof gloves, are simply water resistant. Not waterproof. Try riding for a couple hours in heavy rain. That separates the stuff that works from what doesn't. One of the biggest problems you might face on a trip is rain gear that flaps in the wind. Doesn't sound like a big deal, but I have had to stop and put tape on my pant legs after my lower legs got sore from the beating they were taking! This is why I don't recommend non motorcycle rain gear if you really want good stuff.

I have a Nelson Rigg rain jacket. Very well designed and has been waterproof. One of there top rated rain gear sets is only $100. Nelson Rigg link. They have cheap sets too. Nelson Rigg also makes a pair of boot covers that pack up tight and work very well. Even help a lot in cold weather.

Gloves are hit and miss. Even those that are waterproof tend to turn clammy inside as they don't breathe all that well. I have found the Aerostich 3 finger overgloves to be a very good answer to wet weather riding. About $50, but you won't care once you ride with them in heavy rain.

 

[Big B]

I have a lot of GoreTex outer wear. I find it usually disappoints me when I really need it to keep me dry.

Should call Gore-Tex, they have a lifetime warranty.....NONE of my Gore-Tex gears leaks. Now I do wash my gear in Nikwax tech wash, then waterproof the surface again with the waterproofing wash.

 

[Null 13]

30$ rain suit from a local hunting store. This year i got it for 17$+tax.
Usually lasts me two seasons before the stiching stretches and the material thins out.


Now if i only could find cheap waterproof gloves...

 

[Anthony_L]

Me, I just get wet....
I'll watch this again when I get something for rain days

 

[nvr2old]

My Regular riding gear is all GorTex and works well, but when I know I'm going to be in rain for hours(I do live in the PacificNorthWet) then FrogToggs go on. Gives me a second layer of protection(When the regular could fail) and keeps the dirty spray from the cars off my good gear.
I've done several 8-10 hr. days this way and was dry at my destination.

 

[PerazziMx14]

Quite happy with my FrogTogg road toad's. Affordable, durable and most importantly they work.

 

[mark444]

I have a KLIM GoreTex suit now (have not tested it in a hard rain), but keep my bright yellow Frogg Toggs handy........I look like a school bus coming down the road and most everyone gives me the right of way.

 

[Rolex]

All rain gear "including Gore-Tex" have a rating for droplet size, something that will keep you dry while standing still will not work at 100kph over a extended period.

I was going on a 3 day ride and they were predicting 3 days of torrential rain so I was shopping for a light jacket to go over my waterproof riding jacket as extra insurance and I think keeping the outer layer dry works best, "think of the wet water bottle hanging on the front of the car to keep it cool"

I was hunting around my local sporting goods store when one of the staff asked did I want help, I told him what I wanted and he told me there was only one jacket in their store that would suit my needs, it needed to be rated at 18,000mm and up to work at speed, he pointed me to a Rainbird branded jacket, I then pointed out to him there was another 10 or so Rainbird jackets in his store, his reply was this is the only one rated above 18,000mm, I checked out all the labels on the different jackets and none of them had a rating printed on them, I got the right guy at the right time and walked out a very happy customer, that guy had the information I needed in his head and the jacket has been perfect, never a damp spot.

I now know what to look for and the majority of gear sold as motorcycle wets will not work over a long period & high speeds because of the low rating.

If the gear is not rated above 18,000mm keep shopping to avoid disappointment.

I investigated the Aldi gear a few years back and it came up at 12,000mm, so it's OK in a shower around town but may not work over a longer period at higher speeds.

My pants are Klim and so far have worked as expected but they have never been tested to the same extent as my Rainbird jacket, I have a second pair of Gore-Tex pants but you can feel the fabric is much lighter than the Klim.

 

[eagleeye]

Quite happy with my FrogTogg road toad's. Affordable, durable and most importantly they work.

I agree, I have MC gear that is water resistant, but when it is really raining my road toads go on, and can ride all day in rain to be dry at the end of the day.
What more could you ask for?

 

[Inpitt/Mac50]

I have Olympia Horizon Jacket and Pants gear. Bone dry in the rain with an added bonus of added layer of wind protection in the winter over my Gore Tex jacket. I also like the high viz of the jacket on those cloudy/rainy days. Expensive, but it lasts. Doesn't flap in the wind and can get pants on over the boots.

 

[Big B]

Goretex gear washed in Nickwax Tekwash used regularly......it's pretty damn waterproof.

 

[ToontownTim]

I am either cheap or broke. I finally need to replace my pants. They are 10 years old. They are an overpant which I prefer with a zip in waterproof liner. How good are gortex pants as far as longevity? They are expensive. Will they last me a few years?