Tested: The Best Motorcycle Rain Gear For Wet-Weather Riding

There are plenty of bikers that avoid riding in the rain, as wet-weather motorcycling opens riders up to an increased number of potential hazards — not to mention the discomfort from the cold and wet. The reality is, however, that thanks to advancements in textile technologies, tire compounds, and wet-weather-specific riding modes, piloting a bike in a downpour doesn’t have to be a dangerous, uncomfortable, or anxiety-ridden experience — so long as you have the right gear that is. With so many different pieces of moto rain kit on the market, it can be difficult even knowing where to start your search when shopping. Knowing this firsthand, we’ve opted to do the legwork for you, thoroughly scouring this broader segment to deliver this curated guide to the best pieces of motorcycle rain gear for wet-weather riding. 

Selection & Testing

When we initially set out to uncover the best motorcycle rain gear on the market, we first kicked off our search by making a list of the main genres and categories that we wanted to include — such as best rain boots, best rain gloves, best rain suit, best rain backpack, and so on. From there, we selected two-to-three products from each category, making our choices based on factors such as material selection, construction technique, overall design, price and value, and general weatherproofing.

While product descriptions and spec sheets can be fairly informative, the only way to get a comprehensive understanding of how a piece of motorcycle rain gear performs is to actually use and test it — so that’s exactly what we did. Each piece of gear was used or worn to commute to and from the office for several days, clueing us into how each item actually feels and performs.

Despite conducting our testing at the tail-end of the year during the colder, more precipitous months, we happen to be based in sunny Southern California where rainfall is pretty limited — and unfortunately for us, the skies only opened a handful of times during this testing phase. So, in order to more comprehensively test each piece of rain gear’s overall weatherproofing and water resistance, we conducted some simulated rain tests using a sprinkler head and hose — testing by both spraying water up in the air and letting it fall down onto the gear from above, and spraying the gear from head-on (simulating how rain hits the rider and their gear while moving at speed).

Our hands-on testing process also saw us scrutinize the fitment of each item, along with its overall craftsmanship and build quality. What’s more, we also paid close attention to both how packable each item was, as well as how easy they were to don. Additionally, we also checked out how long it took for each piece to dry. Once armed with all the information and findings from our hands-on review process, we then whittled our original shortlist of gear, selecting a single best item from each category— leading to the list below of what our testing proved to be the latest and greatest motorcycle rain gear on the market.

Alpinestars V2 Hurricane 2-Piece Rain Suit

Best Rain Suit: if you’re going to purchase just one piece of gear for riding in the wet, it should defiantly be a rain suit, as they’re easily the single most important piece of kit for biking in inclement weather. In 2019, Alpinestars released what became widely known as one of the best rain suits with the Hurricane Rain Suit (or Hurricane Rain Pant and Hurricane Rain Jacket). Much more recently, Astars has returned to the drawing board, calling on half-a-decade of R&D and ample customer feedback in order to deliver a new and improved take on the already-stellar piece of rain gear. 

The Good

The Alpinestars V2 Hurricane 2-Piece Rain Suit is technically the Hurricane Rain V2 Pant and Hurricane Rain V2 Jacket which are two separate items. Alpinestars does make a one-piece Hurricane Rain V2 Suit (which can be picked up for under $120), but I just really prefer separate, two-piece riding and rain suits, not only because they’re easier to put on, but also because they’re typically much more versatile — though this is also just a personal preference. Anyway, back to the rain gear.

The second-generation Hurricane pant and jacket are cut from a completely waterproof yet breathable, wind-resistant laminated fabric that’s pieced together using tape-sealed seams and then hit with a special treatment that allows it not to stick to the jacket or pants the material’s being worn over. This suit isn’t designed to keep you warm or protect you from slides or impacts, and is only meant to born worn over other existing riding gear — so you can wear your normal riding kit in the rain and not get drenched. Though it looks like a regular rain slicker and matching pants, there are actually quite a few noteworthy subtle details found both inside and out. 

The jacket features a main zipper track protected via a Velcro-secured full-length storm flap that’s legitimately super effective and does a great job of not letting any water in. The pants boast reverse coil zippers starting at the cuffs and running up several inches making it much easier to get them to fit over boots — plus there’s an internal gusset improving fitment even more. The knees, elbows, and shoulders of the items also feature an ergonomic design that allows you to freely move around on the bike. 

Supplementary Strengths

There’s also a fixed poly-mesh liner adorning the inside of both the upper and lower portions of the rain suit which hep with temperature regulation while also generally making them more comfortable. Elasticated cuffs and elasticated waistbands provide an even snugger fit while also preventing water from finding its way in. What’s more, both the jacket and pans also feature small pockets that they can break down and stuff into. When stuffed into their own pockets, both are roughly twice the size of a fist, making them easy to stash or store on the bike or in a bag. And, while a lot of the packable jackets that I’ve owned, used, or tested can be extremely difficult to actually stuff back into their own pocket, I found it was surprisingly easy to get both the pants and jacket to fit into their respective pockets, and I could do so in a matter of seconds. 

The right side of both the jacket and pants also features an Alpinestars logo and text printed in a white material that’s reflective when hit with a light — a much cooler way of integrating reflective details into riding gear than most motorcycle garments. There’s also an Astars logo on the back printed in the same reflective material. And, like any other one of the dozens of Alpinestars products that I’ve tested or owned over my years of riding, the second-gen Hurricane Rain Jacket and Pant feature top-notch craftsmanship and build quality. 

The collar is also a bit longer than it would be on a normal non-hooded jacket or coach’s slicker, though it doesn’t look weird or turtleneck-esque. Instead, what it does do is a phenomenal job of preventing rain from running down your neck into your suit and clothes. On the first two days I tested this suit, I was wearing an MX-style helmet with goggles and very little water got in. On the third and fourth days I wore a full-face helmet with a visor, and only a few drops got in, telling me that water was entering through the opening on my helmet and tricking down, not getting in through the collar — demonstrating how effective that aspect of the design is. 

The Not So Good

I spent some time testing this pair of rain pants and jacket, only to realize I didn’t have any negatives or downsides to speak of. So, I tossed them back on, did another hose-test, and got some additional seat-time in them, all to no avail once again, as I still couldn’t come up with anything bad to say about them, or even an area I’d want changed if I were to redesign them. They’re just a fantastic over-jacket and pair of over-pants. 

Verdict: Also offered in a single one-piece version, the Alpinestars V2 Hurricane 2-Piece Rain Suit is a lightweight second-generation packable rain pant and jacket combo with a host of integrated features, excellent mobility, and extraordinary weatherproofing. 

Speedmetal Stretch Motorcycle Cover

Best Bike Cover: The Speedmetal Stretch Motorcycle Cover is a thoroughly premium bike cover that’s crafted from a rugged stretch polyester with form-fitting properties that allow it to snugly fit over a bike. Featuring a vented design, Speedmetal’s Stretch Motorcycle Cover benefits from the use of taped seams that sit beneath its already-robust double-stitched construction. What’s more, on top of reinforced front and rear pass-through holes, the cover also features a rear transparent license plate window. This fully waterproof motorcycle cover is also offered in three different sizes which makes it particularly easy to achieve a snug and precise fit on almost any bike — even if fitted with racks, luggage, auxiliary lighting, or other accessories. 

The Good

While it can be a little hard to describe, the cover has an unmistakably high-end quality to it that you can be see and feel. Thanks to the construction’s stretch properties, it can also achieve a better fit, though this area is also helped along by a set of adjustable under-straps and an elasticized hem that collectively make it even more secure. It also helps prevent gusts of wind from entering through the bottom of the cover which can easily set off the types of motion-sensitive alarms that I use to protect my motorcycles. What’s more, the cover also helps shield motorcycles from UV rays. The exterior also sports a large Speedmetal logo that’s been printed a reflective material, plus it ships with an included stretch construction stuff sack.

Supplementary Strengths 

Not at all unlike a few of the car covers I’ve had over the year, Speedmetal’s Stretch Motorcycle Cover boasts “front” and “back” label tags that ultimately make it way easier to orient the cover after removing it from its stuff sack. Additionally, I also really love that this cover’s pass-throughs are big enough to easily allow even some of the larger U-locks and D-locks on the market to slip through — which is something that can’t be said for several of the other covers that I tested for this guide before selecting Speedmetal’s as the very best. And, while it offers pretty decent value, this cover’s overall quality and construction practically guarantee that it will provide years and years of dependable use — increasing its bang-for-your-buck that much more. 

The Not So Good

I first tested this guide back when we wrote our tested review of the best motorcycle covers, and since then I’ve been using this very model to cover my personal daily-commuter bike. Because I’ve now used it for around a year, I figured I’d have come across some additional gripes complaints, but this really wasn’t the case. The only real beef I had with Speedmetal’s Stretch Cover is the fact that its pass-through holes for locks are made from a heavily-reinforced, high-denier nylon — rather than a more hardwearing alloy construction. Considering that quite a few budget bike covers boast alloy grommets, this was particularly disappointing, as it really is the only real flaw in what’s otherwise a truly stellar motorcycle cover. 

Verdict: With a soft construction that can more snugly hug the contours of a bike, the Speedmetal Stretch Motorcycle Cover is a decidedly premium bike cover that affords solid protection in a feature-laden package.

Klim Vantage Vest

Best Hi-Viz Vest: “SMIDSY” is a term used by motorcycle riders that stands for “Sorry mate, I didn’t see you.” The fact this is a common piece of verbiage should tell you how crucially important it is for drivers of cars to see you while riding, which is why so many riders opt to rock high-visibility — or “hi-viz” — gear or at least a hi-viz vest, like the Klim Vantage Vest.

The Good 

Made from a much thicker, sturdier, and more robust material than most high-visibility vests, this item’s main construction is supplemented vis elastic straps at the middle of the torso and at the waist — the latter of which is adjustable. It’s also offered in three sizes to help you get an even more snug fit. A main zipper also runs up the front of the vest, making it super easy to put on without having to remove your hemet. In typical Klim fashion, this vest’s build quality is solid, even if there isn’t a ton going on. You also get strategically-placed sections of reflective 3M Scotchlite. The main zipper track also comes fitted with a HYPALON pull.

The fitment is great, thanks to the adjustability it doesn’t fall off the body too much or create much drag or flapping. It’s really clear it was cut to fit over a riding jacket with shoulder armor. Not that most vests are, but this one doesn’t restrict movement or range of motion while riding in any way. It just has a certain built-to-last feel to it, being a lot more robust than the other hi-viz vests I’ve owned — including from some of the more premium brands like Alpinestars and REV’IT!.

Supplementary Strengths 

Also, while I don’t know if I’d go as far as to say it looks cool — maybe cool for a hi-viz vest or piece of safety gear — but I at least appreciate that it doesn’t make you look like you borrowed it from a construction worker as it’s clearly deigned for riding. More importantly, it’s made to be worn over another armored riding jacket — which is probably my favorite feature on this thing. Plus, the entire vest can also stuff into its own pocket, turning it into a compact form less than the size of a balled-up fist — which in turn makes it super easy to stash under the seat or keep in a riding bag for literal rainy days. 

The Not So Good

I honestly can’t really think of any obvious downsides to this vest, at least as far as it’s performance or user experience goes. It admittedly isn’t the coolest-looking piece of riding gear, but in my opinion no hi-viz gear is. Again, just my opinion. With that said, there’s no getting around the hefty $80 price tag. I do think you get what you pay for — for the most part — but I can’t deny it’s a lot pricier than most vests, and $80 is a lot to drop on a hi-viz vest. If you can swing it, I’d say go for it — especially when you consider that to some extent it’s an investment in your safety in some of the most hazardous riding conditions (assuming it’s worn in the rain).

Verdict: The Klim Vantage Vest is a high-end high-visibility riding vest with a robust construction and a cut that’s designed to fit over a riding jacket with shoulder armor. Sure, it comes at a somewhat steep price, but it really is worth it. 

Dainese Rain Overboots

Best Boot Covers: Walking around with wet shoes and socks is a pretty miserable experience — riding a motorcycle even more so. And while a lot of riding boots with supposedly-breathable waterproof GORE-TEX-style membranes don’t actual offer much in the way of airflow, leaving your feet hot and sweaty. Rain boot covers are a great solution to this issue, as they allow you to wear any pair of boots or riding shoes — waterproof or not — without letting a single drop of water reach them. And while they don’t come cheap, Dainese’s Rain Overboots are almost certainly the best pair currently out there, as they not only keep your feet and boots bone dry, but they also bolster traction and grip, increasing both performance and safety. 

The Good

The boot covers are cut from a waterproof nylon material and then constructed using taped seams all around. Unlike cheaper boot covers, the construction is so robust that you can easily walk around on these — or pivot around on a set of footpegs — for years without them wearing through. The toe shifter area, lower inside area of the foot, and very bottoms are come capped off with thick overlays made from an ultra-grippy rubberized material that feels like something in between the grip tape you’d find on a skate deck and Rhino truck bed liner. These grippy overlays on the inside of the boots are wildly effective. Even in the wet, they seriously bolster your traction and grip on the toe shifters and even heel guards, while still allowing you to move around in the balls of your feet in the corners.

There’s a zipper running up most of the heel of the boot covers and a Velcro tab at the very top of the back of the opening, allowing you to undo them to more easily slip a boot in, and then re-secure them and dial-in a snug fit with the Velcro tab. When we photographed these boot covers, I had to roll up my pant leg and leave the tops of them exposed which resulted in water getting in and then sloshing around until turned inside out and drained. Fortunately, this did confirm that their construction is indeed completely water tight — as were the toes and heels of the TCX boots that I was testing at the time.

Supplementary Strengths

Though they’re shorter in length than the other boot covers I tested, I actually prefer the shorter length of this pair from Dainese, as I plan on always wearing them stuffed under the cuffs of my rain pants, and they’re more than long enough to go up into my pants a few inches, ensuring no water can get in. These overboots also come with a little nylon stuff sack that they can be broken down and stuffed into for easy storage. The inside of the shell is also somewhat grippy in order to help keep your feet from slipping around in/on the boot covers, though this also makes them trickier to put on, as they don’t just slip on in, and instead have to be worked bit by bit — granted even with this it only takes a few seconds to toss each one on.

Like you’d expect from Dainese, the craftsmanship is pretty on point, and the trim and hardware appears to be high quality, as is the primary construction. And, while this applies to all boot covers, I like that these allowed me to wear pairs of boots or moto riding sneakers that weren’t waterproof even on days when it rained. I also really appreciate that these boot covers don’t only keep your feet dry, but also massively bolster grip in the wet. All in all, it’s a great pair of boot covers — and what our testing phase proved to be the best pair currently out there. 

The Not So Good

I don’t really have anything bad to say about these overboots, as they work exactly as intended. They keep rain out and keep your boots and feet dry. Aside from the fact I wouldn’t mind seeing some reflective details added, my only other minor gripe in terms of performance would be that they only come in three sizes, which means there’s a good chance your’s might have a sightly baggy fit which made it difficult for me to sometimes get them to stay perfectly lined up after walking around. And, while I get that using a material that’s tough enough to walk on top of on concrete and a watertight construction don’t come cheap, but they still result in a pretty exorbitant price tag. I do think it’s at least mostly justifiable, but you’re for sure paying a minor Dainese tax here. 

Verdict: The Dainese Rain Overboots are a pair of high-end moto boot covers that not only keep your feet and boots or riding shoes dry. But they also hugely bolster grip in the wet, plus they’re adjustable, watertight, and tough enough to walk around on off the bike without wearing through. This details do result in a steep albeit justifiable price tag.

Alpinestars Bogota Drystar XF Gloves

Best Rain Gloves: Cold wet hands don’t just make riding uncomfortable, they can make it downright dangerous by limiting your dexterity and lessening your ability to control and pilot the motorcycle. Consequently, waterproof gloves are a must for anyone that commutes on two-wheels rain or shine. And with their stellar waterproofing, ample protection, and outstanding value, we’ve gone ahead and selected the Alpinestars Bogota Drystar XF Gloves as our pick for the best rain gloves. 

The Good

The Bogota DrystarXF boasts a full-length design that’s brought to life in a combination of goat leather for the fingers and synthetic suede for the palms. The gloves feature a shell lined with the Italian outfit’s proprietary DrystarXF membrane. Standing for “Extra Flow,” the XF label denotes that this membrane offers increased breathability and airflow over the standard Drystar membrane. The shell also comes stuffed with 80 grams of  80g PrimaLoft Silver insulation — a synthetic insulator with high breathability and unparalleled thermal properties.

These moto riding gloves also feature seamless over-injected knuckle armor that helps them to achieve a CE Level 1 rating. There’s also a padded section with a special overlay on the outer edge of the palms. One of my favorite details present on this glove, this padded, overlaid section will almost always be the first point of contact you make with the ground when going shiny-side-down, and as such is just a really practical and welcome addition to any glove. 

Offering a ton of movement and flexibility, the gloves also sport strategically-placed technical stretch inserts. The tips of the thumbs and trigger fingers are also touchscreen compatible which is a very welcome touch in today’s smartphone-obsessed world — especially because most riders now have motorcycle phone mounts on their bikes. There’s also a finger bridge that helps to mitigate finger roll and decrease the chances of separation in a serious wreck. 

Supplementary Strengths

The gloves have elasticated cuffs that are secured using a pair of super low-profile Velcro closure flaps with one at the base of the wrist and a larger one just below it. These not only allow for a precise and east fitment every time, but they also help trap heat inside — and keep water out. Even with the outside of the gloves wet, they still do a great job of keeping your hands dry and warm. They also offer an impressive combination of warmth and protection while still affording ample tactile feel. 

When you consider everything that these gloves offer relative to their MSRP, they also afford pretty terrific bang-for-your-buck. Are they cheap? No. But value-laden? Definitely. Thanks to their membrane’s increased breathability, I also found I could wear these gloves on hot days without my hands getting overly hot or sweaty — which increases their veracity and further bolsters their value. And, in the company’s typical fashion, the workmanship and build quality on display is beyond satisfactory — just one more detail further that already-great value. 

The Not So Good

I didn’t really have many complaints about these gloves, though there was definitely one thing that bothered me. While Astars’ proprietary membrane works as intended, keeping water out while still being breathable, the thing is located on the inside of the glove. So, while my hands stayed completely dry, the outside of the glove got somewhat soaked pretty much every time I used them. This didn’t weigh them down to an uncomfortable extent or make them any harder to use, but it wasn’t fun putting them on when the outside was still wet or damp as they’re extremely cold. Also, the closure was a little tight and it was kinda tough to slip my hands in — at least at first until they broke in a bit — though once inside they fit like a glove. 

Verdict: Affording excellent value, Alpinestars’ Bogota Drystar XF Gloves are a modern pair of commuter-ready riding mitts that are completely impervious to the elements thanks to a proprietary membrane and a generous amount of Primaloft Silver insulation. You also get palm and knuckle protection, touchscreen-compatible fingertips, and a premium material selection — all of which adds up to our favorite pair of wet-weather riding gloves. 

REV’IT! Rain Smock Barrier

Best Rain Jacket/Over-Jacket: Most packable rain over-jackets are extremely spartan and minimalist in nature, consisting of a mere layer to keep your underlying jacket dry, though REV’IT!’s DIRT Series Rain Smock Barrier is a totally different story, being laden with amenities normally reserved for full-on full-feature waterproof riding jackets, not just over-jackets. Add in a highly technical design, stellar waterproofing, a lightweight proprietary construction, an athletic cut, a host of subtlety-integrated moto-specific features, and a level of versatility that allows it to be worn in or out of the saddle and you’ve got one of the best rain jackets for motorcycling on the market.

The Good

The Rain Smock Barrier is part of REV’IT!’s DIRT Series collection, which is comprised of a modular lineup of off-road-focused apparel that’s inspired by traditional hiking, camping, and outdoor garments. This anorak-style item is composed of the Dutch moto gear maker’s PWR|Ripstop 10D which is a proprietary structure that’s super tightly woven together using ultra-thin yarn to create a super water repellent construction that’s also remarkably thin and lightweight. In fact, featherweight is probably a more appropriate word here. 

The half-zip setup isn’t just to achieve Wendy anorak-style looks, but it also allows you to don or remove the Rain Smock Barrier without first taking off your helmet. Consequently, at one point during testing, I was Abel to stop at a stop light, and within a matter of seconds, have the thing out of my backpack, unstuffed from its sack, and thrown on over my regular jacket, all before the light changes — and all without ever getting off the bike or taking off my helmet or gloves. 

The hood and collar line also does a phenomenal job of staying under the helmet and blocking water from entering from the opening and rolling down your neck, chest, and back. There’s also an adjustment drawcord at hem, and laminated reflective details on the back, collar, and elbows. And, while it doesn’t stuff into one of its own pockets, it does ship with a small fist-sized stuff sack that it can be broken down and stored in. 

Supplementary Strengths 

REV’IT has also done a phenomenal job of delivering a riding jacket that’s completely effective and functional for riding, while also looking clean, technical, and stylish enough to be proudly worn off the bike. It also doesn’t announce itself as being a piece of riding gear, as its riding-specific features are neatly hidden or integrated into the jacket. The laminated reflective details are printed as stripes/panels on the various parts of the jacket that they adorn, allowing them to look like stylistic elements rather than reflective hits. The hood and collar line give it a technical look while preventing water from entering, and the opening for the head is styled like an anorak but actually lets the jacket be put on without you having to remove your helmet. 

This super packable layer sports a super active cut that allows it to afford a completely unrestricted range of motion. The main zipper also has an oversized plastic pull that makes it ridiculously easy to use when wearing gloves. The jacket is also super easy to clean, either by hosing and wiping it down, or simply tossing it in the machine, as it’s washing machine-friendly. It’s also extremely thin and lightweight, yet still has a fairly high-quality feel to it which is pretty rare based on every other over-jacket I’ve ever used or tested. Because of its stellar waterproofing, modern technical aesthetic, and extreme packability, I’ll most likely be adding this riding jacket to my normal everyday carry backpack, as it makes for a great backup/emergency rain jacket even when not on the bike. It’s stylish, it’s comfortable, and it doesn’t look moto-specific. It’s also just a really good-ooking jacket with an unmistakable athletic cut and technical influence.

The Not So Good

My one and only issue with this jacket is that its zipper isn’t a coated YKK AquaGuard track, which seems like a pretty major oversight. I will admit that I didn’t experience water finding its way in through that zipper, but I imagine that in a heavy enough downpour it likely would eventually start seeping in. Other than that, it’s a truly outstanding piece of rain gear. 

Verdict: Great for use on or off the bike, the REV’IT! DIRT Series Rain Smock Barrier is a technical anorak-style rain over-jacket that’s brimming with features normally reserved for full riding jackets.

Revival Cycles Dirt Bag Rolltop Duffel

Best Luggage/Duffel: Founded back in 2008. Revival Cycles is an Austin-based custom motorcycle shop that’s widely regarded as one of the most elite and respected bespoke bike building operations on earth. Alongside its world-class one-off bike builds, Revival has also expanded into making an array of parts, accessories, and soft goods. And despite Revival just dabbling in these areas, the shop has managed to deliver a few bags that are legitimately better than models coming from companies that only make bags. Case in point; the Dirt Bag Rolltop Duffel. 

The Good

Offering a whopping 60 liters of totally waterproof storage space, the Dirt Bag Rolltop is crafted from a rugged 840-denier nylon that’s been further fortified via a heavy weatherproof TPU coating and constructed exclusively using sonic-welded seams — resulting in a 100% waterproof storage solution. The mouth of the main rolltop closure is also magnetic and automatically couples and sticks together, which is simply a brilliant touch that I’m honestly surprised isn’t found on pretty much every rolltop bag or backpack. To rolltop closure is secured by being rolled up, and then fastened down using precision-machined mini Cobra-style buckles at each end of the duffle. 

The outside of the bag also boast some adjustable netting, a mesh pocket, as well as dual MOLLE webbing systems on both sides of the back. Also adorning the shell are a combination of black and “Revival Red” mil-spec webbing straps and a super beefy grab handle that’s heavily anchored and reinforced. In fact, pretty much every element on the entire bag is heavily reinforced. Aside from one waterproof interior zippered pocket, the inside of this waterproof duffle bag is about as spartan as it gets, just being one large, fully-lined compartment. 

As you’d probably expect from an outfit that’s meticulously building world-class custom bikes, the build quality on the Dirt Bag Rolltop Duffle is just outstanding, with every seam and detail being just perfect. I also just love the look of this bag. Its design is clean, the red accents add a lot of character, and the various Revival logos and branding really elevate it as a whole — plus said logos and branding and printed using a reflective material. 

Supplementary Strengths

It also ships with a removable adjustable shoulder strap with EVA foam padding and alloy rifle clips. The clip points for the duffle’s removable strap are milled from aluminum. Every piece of hardware is just really high-end. Cleaning the duffle is a breeze too, being as simple as hosing it and wiping it down. Between the rugged materials, excellent craftsmanship, and thoroughly premium hardware, this duffle’s sub-$200 price point is ridiculously impressive. To say it offers great value would be a massive understatement. It’s overall durability and build quality also practically guarantee that it will provide a lifetime of dependable use. 

While it doesn’t actually have any impact on the bag’s performance or user experience, I still think it’s really cool that this waterproof duffle is made by one of the most respected custom motorcycle builders on the planet — plus it’s ridiculously impressive to me that Revival was able to deliver a duffle that’s better than most models coming from companies that only make bags. It’s also offered in an OD green color option as well. 

The Not So Good

While there’s absolutely no denying that Revival has delivered a phenomenal bag with the Dirt Bag Rolltop Duffle, there was one aspect that I feel would improve it, and that’s installing a (preferably hidden and/or removable) set of backpack straps so the duffle could also be worn on your back if desired. Also, because of its generous 60-liter capacity, the duffle can sometimes throw off your weight when heavily loaded up due to the non-symmetrical way it’s worn on the body, though this isn’t a problem with this bag so much as it’s a problem with large duffles in general, so I can’t really fault Revival for this — though I will still mention it. Both these minor downsides are massively outweighed by everything else this bag has going for it — which is a whole helluva lot. 

Verdict: Brimming with mounting points that make it super easy to secure to a bike, the Revival Cycles Dirt Bag Rolltop Duffel is a value-laden, premium roll-top-style duffle bag that offers a whopping 60 liters of watertight storage space. The thing is not only designed incredibly well using top-shelf materials, but its entire suite of hardware is crafted exclusively from aircraft-grade aluminum and includes alloy keepers and mini Cobra-style buckles. 

TCX X-Five.4 GTX Boots

Best Rain Boots: Whether waterproof or not, motorcycle boots have a tough balancing act to pull off, as they have to be lightweight enough and have enough mobility and range of motion to allow the bike to easily be controlled while still being robust enough to provide real protection in the event of a crash. Most of the time this results in super clunky, stiff boots — that do admittedly afford great protection — however, every once in a blue moon we come across a boot that offers the best of both worlds in terms of ample protection and ample mobility. And that’s exactly what we’ve got here with TCX’s X-Five.4 GTX motorcycle boots. 

The Good

Rocking a full-length, sport-touring design, the X-Five.4 GTX boots feature uppers crafted from full-grain cowhide leather. Lining the leather uppers is a four-layer GORE-TEX Performance Comfort membrane that’s thermoregulating, keeping you warm in colder temperatures and affording the necessary breathability to keep you cool in the years warmer months. The GORE-TEX Performance Comfort membrane works exactly as advertised, being completely impervious to water while still being plenty breathable — the latter of which I tested by wearing them to the office on several fairly scorching days. 

Inside the boots are a set of anatomic and removable Ortholite footbeds that are made of breathable open-cell foam and equipped with different thicknesses in different areas in order to optimize the level of comfort, cushioning, and breathability at any given time. Padded front and back bellows bolster comfort even more. Fortifying the boots are reinforced armor inserts at the shin and ankle, as well as at the toe and heel. While they’re technically touted by TCX as being touring boots, I found they worked just as well for commuting or canyon carving, feeling a lot like my Alpinestars Supertech R Boots. 

Borrowing elements from TCX’s adventure and touring boot outsoles, the bottom of the boots are composed of an oil-resistant rubber compound with differentiated grip areas. One of my favorite details is the way that the shifter pads on the toes have been integrated into the construction of the outsole, with the rubber compound capping off the bottom of the boots extending up around the thumb toe and covering the area where the boot touches the gear lever. Does this really serve any major benefit over separate outsoles and shifter pads? No, not really, but it certainly does look cool — and it definitely doesn’t hurt in my eyes (though it may complicate things a bit if you ever want to get them re-soled. The shifter pads not only protect that part of the boot, but they also make it much easier to bang through the gears on a wet shift lever, as they also hugely increase grip — just like the bottom of these rubber compound outsoles. 

Supplementary Strengths

On the inside of the ankle, there’s an elasticated zipper that runs vertically up the boot and opens up to provide the space needed to more easily slip them on. These vertical tracks are then fortified via a large Velcro-secured flap that wraps around the inner-side of the boot. And, though it’s a very minor detail, I nonetheless appreciate how the zipper track running up the inside of the boot uses a Velcro zipper pull that can be stuck to the Velcro section to keep it tight — and prevent it from bouncing around or flapping. 

The accordion-like inserts at the arch of the foot provide a ton of flex and definitely make shifting easier, allowing you to do it with your toes rather than having to move your whole foot like when wearing MX boots. The TCX logos on the boot are also applied as 3D rubberized inserts which is a cool premium touch, as are the little metal GORE-TEX badges. They also didn’t create any hotspots or areas of discomfort, and even after wearing them on a five-hour ride, my feet didn’t feel at all sore. The build quality on display is also pretty fantastic, though that’s to be expected from a brand under the same Italian-owned umbrella as AGV and Dainese. 

The Not So Good

While they’re great for commuting to work, TCX’s X-Five.4 GTX did require me to bring a separate pair of shoes to wear while at the office or studio, as they’re pretty awkward and difficult to walk around in — though this is admittedly fairly typical of sport, touring, adventure-style, and MX boots, so it’s hard to fault TCX for this too much. And that’s the only real issue I had with these boots in the time I spent testing them, as they’re otherwise fantastic — which really does say a lot considering how many options there are in the GORE-TEX-lined motorcycle boots segment. The price isn’t cheap, but it’s definitely justified, all-things-considered. 

Verdict: The TCX X-Five.4 GTX is a full-length full-grain leather, all-season riding boot that’s technically designed for touring but lends itself just as well to commuting or canyon carving. With great waterproofing, ample comfort, and solid overall performance, the X-Five.4 GTX is without a doubt one of the best rain boot riding options out there at the moment. 

Kriega Max28 Expandable Backpack

Best Moto Rain Backpack: A lot of pieces of rain gear aren’t very practical or useful when it’s not raining (plus they often just look weird), but this isn’t the case with Kriega’s Max28 Expandable Backpack. The bag’s made 420-denier CORDURA Lite Plus and features a HYPALON storm flap that’s secured via a pair of plastic buckles. It has 22 liters of storage in its normal “mode” but can be expanded to a max of 28 — hence the name. 

The Good

Lifting the storm flap grants access to a front zippered pocket with several built-in organizational features including two interior zippered pockets, some pen slips, and a large full-length flap pocket set behind the zippered ones. Behind that is a zipper track that opens, allowing the pack to expand from 22 liters to 28 — providing extra storage when needed, while keeping the bag as close to your back and as low profile as possible the rest of the time (and also eliminating what’s probably a negligible amount of drag). When expanded, the bag can also fit a full-face helmet which is pretty impressive on its own. Behind that is a main zippered pocket — which is where I normally carry my laptop as it doesn’t have a dedicated sleeve, though this pocket works perfectly fine and is protected on both sides. Then finally there’s the roll-top compartment which offers total waterproofing. 

Interesting, though only the roll-top-secured compartment is advertised as waterproof, the other pockets actually keep really dry in the rain. The storm flap protects the horizontal-running top section of the zipper tracks, meaning rain can only touch the vertically-running side parts of the zippers which mainly see water run down rather than find their way in — or at least this is my theory as to how everything else in the rest of the backpack remained so dry during rain and hose-testing. 

The back panel is heavily cushioned and feels great, even when the bag is heavily loaded up. This is also owed to the padded straps on the bag’s QUADLOC Lite harness system, which does a pretty outstanding job of keeping weight even distributed while also keeping the thing firmly planted to your back and preventing it from shifting as you move around on the bike. The harness’ straps also use Kriega’s signature dot measurement system. This is a single dot, spaced out several inches from two dots, spaced out several inches from three dots. They’re all positioned at the exact safe place on both straps, so when you tighten them you have a visual reference to always keep them adjusted perfectly even. 

Supplementary Strengths

Sure, it’s simple, but it’s also kinda brilliant, plus it always an already great harness system to be even more effective. And this is just one detail that speaks to how calculated it is as a whole. It’s just a really well-thought-out riding backpack that’s incredibly practical and super easy to use (for the most part at least, though more on that later). Its zipper pulls make the tracks easy to open when wearing gloves, the harness system is really solid, and the little dot system is one of the coolest touches on the entire pack. Backed by a ten-year warranty, the backpack is pretty rugged in general, owed to both its materials and how well it’s been pieced together. The build quality really is pretty top notch, just further elevating this bag. 

Between years of freelancing for moto outlets and half-a-decade at HICONSUMPTION, I’ve used and tested dozens and dozens of motorcycle backpacks, and in that time I’ve acquired quite a few of them. Unless I have a super light load — in which case I’ll usually take my Klim Tek Pak — I pretty much always use the Max28, whether I’m commuting, canyon carving, or running errands. And I ultimately think this speaks volumes about the overall quality of this riding bag. The fact my previous go-to riding pack was Kriega’s R25 backpack (which has since been updated and made even better with the new second-gen R25 backpack) definitely points to the company just making outstanding riding packs (or just points to my personal affinity for them based on my own wants, needs, and preferences, or maybe its a combination of both).  

The Not So Good

While I’d argue that this is easily one of the best motorcycle backpacks on the market — and not just rain moto backpacks — it isn’t without a few minor downsides. For one, though the QUADLOC-Lite harness system is still fantastic, it’s not quite as good as the regular QUADLOC harness (which I’m used to from my R25). With that said,  the Lite-spec is still better than 90 to 95% of other harness systems out there right now. My only other issue is with how long it takes to access the fully waterproof compartment as it requires undoing both buckles, flipping up the flap, and then unclipping and undoing the roll-top. Even accessing the other main compartment takes a bit. I do realize it’s because of these elements that it offers such secure waterproofing. Lastly, I’d love to see a dedicated laptop compartment added, as this seems like an obvious feature to omit on what’s supposed to be a commuter-focused backpack. 

Verdict: Engineered from the ground up for commuting on two-wheels rain or shine, the Kriega Max28 Expandable Backpack combines a world-class harness system with stellar weatherproofing and a host of extremely clever and practical features — all of which adds up to what’s easily one of the best rain-ready riding bags on the market, as well as one of the best motorcycle backpacks, period. 

Type Of Coverage: Full-Gear Vs Covers

Though it applies exclusively to riding garments, pieces of motorcycle rain gear typically come in one of two forms. Full pieces of kit include items such as all-weather motorcycle riding jackets or waterproof gloves or boots that are comprised of an entire piece of gear, from its chassis or frame to its mid-layers to its external structure. These items typically feature breathable yet waterproof membranes and often come lined with insulation to bolster warmth. 

On the other hand, you have veneer-style covers. Not unlike a rain slicker or poncho, this latter type of rain gear consists of only a waterproof cover that’s designed to fortify an underlying piece of non-waterproof gear — allowing you to protect your regular pieces of riding gear from the wet, and enabling you to use non-rain-specific gear in the rain. Obviously covers are markedly cheaper than buying pieces of full-on kit, though clearly aren’t anywhere near as robust, only providing protection from water and not from the cold, abrasions, or impacts. 

The Main Areas To Consider When Buying Moto Rain Gear

Wet weather riding gear isn’t all that different from regular moto kit, however, there are a few key areas that are unique to moto rain gear that are important to factor into your equation when shopping. Below, we’ll briefly break down the half-dozen most pivotal areas to take into account when buying motorcycle rain gear. 

Materials & Build Quality: Just like with any piece of motorcycle riding gear, the materials that comprise an item play a monumental role in its overall quality and durability — as do the techniques that were used to piece said materials together. Certain construction techniques — such as seam-sealed configurations — also afford tremendous levels of waterproofing, making this another crucial area to consider. More specifically, when looking at most pieces of motorcycle rain gear, you’ll want to look at the exterior construction, any underlying liners or membranes, and if any exterior layers have been fortified with any type of hydrophobic treatment. 

Waterproofing: It’s important to point out that water-resistant, weatherproof, and waterproof all mean different things. As such, it’s crucial to pay close attention to the verbiage used when a piece of gear is being described, as this one single factor will have a monumental role on the overall experience offered.

Breathability: As briefly touched on above, the vast majority of modern pieces of motorcycle rain garments feature GORE-TEX style membranes that afford incredible weatherproofing while still allowing its wearer breathability to prevent sweat and heat buildup. The inclusion of these type of membranes do come at a financial premium, though are well worth it — as evidenced by the widespread use of these membranes in contemporary moto rain kit. 

Insulation: It’s not enough to simply stay dry, as low temperatures — which are often compounded by wind and the speed at which you’re riding — can be extremely unpleasant while in the saddle. As such, a lot of modern rain gear has been bestowed with insulation in order to increase warmth and comfort. What’s more, most modern moto gear manufacturers often opt for cutting-edge, often-synthetic materials that do an incredible job of insulating while barely adding any noticeable bulk or weight.  

Visibility: Cars on the road always present a threat to motorcyclists, though this hazard increases in the rain, as not only do drivers have longer stopping distances, but their visibility is also limited, making it harder for them to see bikers. For this reason, a lot of modern rain gear is sold in high-visibility colors — often bright highlighter yellows and neon greens — that have been selected for their ability to better catch the attention of drivers. There are also high-visibility vests that can be worn over regular riding gear in order to be more visible to drivers in inclement weather. 

Impact On Dexterity: A beefy set of membrane-lined, insulated gloves or boots can be a tremendous job keeping you comfortable and warm while riding, however, these same factors can also have a negative impact on rider’s tactile feedback and dexterity — making this a crucial area to consider when shopping. The good news is that even limited dexterity from a thick pair of riding gloves will almost always be a much better — and safer — bet compared to not wearing any gloves, as the cold will limit feel and dexterity far more than a set of gloves will. 

Versatility: Even if you’re buying gear for use in the rain, there’s nothing wrong with considering a piece of kit’s ability to be used in non-inclement weather, as this will massively bolster a product’s versatility — and therefor value. As such, we recommend thinking about second and even third possible uses for rain gear when shopping. 

Honorable Mentions

We’ll be the first to admit that the MUC-OFF Rain Shield Re-proofer isn’t a traditional piece of riding gear, though it seems relevant enough to highlight here as an honorable mention considering how immensely useful it is for wet-weather riding. As you can probably tell from the name, the Rain Shield Re-proofer is a liquid formula that when sprayed onto any piece of riding gear — be it a jacket, gloves, boots, etc — creates a durable water repellent (or “DWR”) coating that allows water to bead and roll off of fabrics, textiles, and other sift goods rather than being absorbed. It also obviously works just as well for regular clothing too. Plus, it’s also only $2 for a 250ml. 

Though we happen to prefer REV’IT!’s Barrier Rain Smock Jacket, we’d still recommend at least checking out the REAX Traveler Rain Jacket if you’re looking for an effective, packable rain jacket for riding. Crafted from a waterproof and windproof polyester fabric that’s pieced together using taped seams, this jacket boasts YKK zippers, a microfiber lined collar, and a slim fit that helps to minimize wind-flapping. At just $50, it also offers pretty great value. It’s also probably worth mentioning that this item is made by REAX, which is Revzilla’s own in-house moto gear brand. 

Just like MUC-OFF’s Rain Shield Re-proofer, this next honorable mention isn’t technically a piece of riding gear, though it’s still an item that we’d recommend checking out if you happen to be in the market for wet-weather riding kit. Best described as a Rain-X-esque spray formulated specifically for motorcycle visors, the VisioDry SuperHydrophobic Anti-Rain Visor Spray makes it substantially easier to see while riding in a downpour, as it creates a hydrophobic — sorry, super hydrophobic — film on the visor that allows water to instantly bead and roll off. 

Taking inspiration from retro Jordans, the Stylmartin Matt WP Riding Shoes are a fashion-forward pair of waterproof kicks that are designed to keep you safe — and dry — while riding, and then keep you looking your best when off the bike. Made in Europe, the Matt WP features a set of uppers cut from Hydrograin leather before being fitted with a waterproof air mesh lining, a microforated footbed, and malleolus PU internal ankle protection on both sides. Not only do they look great, but they’re also incredibly comfortable, plus they aren’t at all awkward to walk around in — which is something that can’t be said of most motorcycle footwear. 

If you want a nice packable lightweight rain suit, Astars’ second-gen Hurricane set is a stellar option, though if you genuinely want the very best motorcycle suit that money can buy, then you want the Aerostich R-3 One Piece Suit. Made by hand in America by a team of artisans using some of the finest materials available, the R-3 One-Piece is made in over 30 general sizes. Once the company determines which size you’re closest to, exact measurements are then taken, allowing it to be custom-tailored — not at all unlike the process of buying a high-end suit. While it doesn’t come cheap, this is truly a grail product. Sadly, due to a shipping issue, we weren’t able to get our hands on a unit for testing, otherwise the R-3 would have 100% been on our main list. 

Tested: The Best Motorcycle Covers For Protecting Your Bike

If you happen to live somewhere that gets a lot of rain or snow, there’s a decent chance you and your bike could benefit from a proper motorcycle cover — the latest and greatest of which can be found in our guide to and hands-on review of the best motorcycle covers for protecting your two-wheeler.