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Wanna stay dry in the worst weather for the least amount of cash possible? Sounds like a motorcycle rain suit is just what the doctor ordered.
Ride for long enough, and you're gonna get wet. It's something we plan for on our adventure tours, especially in places like Patagonia where rain is all but guaranteed, but on the daily commute, it's easy to get caught with your pants down.
That's where waterproof gear comes into play, and for most riders, that means carrying a standalone motorcycle rain suit. Rain suits are easy because they're more affordable than premium waterproof gear, and pack down small enough for anyone to carry either on their bike or on their person.
"Rain happens. Come prepared."
We've ridden in our fair share of motorcycle rain suits over the years, and pound for pound we've found dedicated rain gear delivers more comfort-per-dollar than any other single piece of gear you can own. A rain suit is a smart edition to hot weather mesh gear, a dirt-focused dual sport kit, or even for riders with full touring suits that just want some extra peace of mind.
Here's how to pick your next one.
What to Look For in A Motorcycle Rain Suit
Motorcycle rain suits can be tough to distinguish, and in many ways, most of them are damn near identical. They pack down small, go on over your existing clothes/gear, and (hopefully) keep you dry. Appearances can be deceiving, however, so here's what to look for when shopping for your next set of rain gear.
One Piece or Two?
Ahh, the age-old question. Do you go with a separate pants/jacket combo, or embrace your inner retiree and get a one-piece suit? Both have their advantages, so let's touch of each briefly.
We consider one-piece suits to be the king of outright protection. With zero gap between your nipples and knees, there's no space for rain to creep in and crawl down your waistline, which helps keep you dry for extended periods of heavy rain.
"Two-piece suits are tough to beat for convenience, and are typically easier on your budget as well."
One-piece suits can be a little more challenging to put on, however, as you have to step into both legs with your boots on, then seal up the top.
We'll also note that should you happen to damage part of your one-piece suit due to hot exhaust pipes, abrasion, or punctures, you'll have to replace the entire thing rather than just the top or bottom portion.
Two-piece suits, on the other hand, are the king of convenience. You can throw on just the jacket for lighter showers, just the pants for water crossings, or both for long stretches in an outright downpour.
Two-piece suits tend to be a little less expensive as well, both in terms of initial investment and long-term costs due to damage.
Waterproofing
All motorcycle rain suits should be 100% waterproof without caveat or exception. That's why we buy them in the first place, so if they leak or give up the ghost after a few hours, they're not worth paying for.
With that being said, you've got two flavors of protection to choose from: Breathable and not-so-breathable.
"Less breathable rain gear guarantees protection in the wettest conditions, but can also get stuffy as you heat up."
Breathable rain gear utilizes a waterproof breathable membrane like GoreTex or other proprietary technologies like Alpinestars' Drystar membrane.
This type of rain gear keeps the wet stuff out while also allowing heat and perspiration to escape from your body, which helps keep you cool and comfortable throughout the day.
Breathable membranes have their limits, however, and may begin to "wet out" after several hours of use. Constant exposure to sitting water can also be kryptonite to breathable membranes, which is why even the finest Goretex garments can still leave you with a wet crotch after a few hours as water pools up in your saddle.
Non-breathable membranes, on the other hand, are 100% waterproof, no questions asked. These systems use non-pourous materials like PVC or polyurethane, which completely seal out outside moisture.
The main drawback of these motorcycle rain suits is that they don't allow for any breathability whatsoever, which can lead to a sweaty/clammy feeling inside the jacket, especially on warmer days.
Some models offer direct ventilation with options like zippable pit vents, but they're really only useful in lighter rain as heavier precipitation tends to find its way in before long.
Our Favorite Motorcycle Rain Suits of 2023
Keeping the above points in mind, we've got a few suits we've had success with in recent years. What follows are our top recommendations on any budget, with something on offer in both one and two-piece varieties.
1. Rev'it! Pacific 4 H2O Rain Suit
The folks at Rev'it! have made a name for themselves manufacturing premium quality motorcycle gear, and their latest take on the motorcycle rain suit, the Pacific 4 H2O, brings next-level performance and design to rainy days in the saddle.
Taking a page from the Roadcrafter handbook, the Pacific 4 uses a one-piece design with a single continuous zipper running from the collar all the way down to the right knee. What's different about the Pacific 4, however, is Rev'it!'s use of full-polyester construction, which is then backed with the brand's proprietary Hydratex Lite membrane.
The result is a jacket that's impressively light and comfortable, yet adds a significant degree of breathability over the standard PVC-backed rain gear we all grew up with. The comparatively lightweight material also makes the Pacific 4 surprisingly packable, and the entire suit stuffs down into an included stuff sack that'll easily fit into a small tank bag.
Our only complaint with the Pacific 4 motorcycle rain suit is that unlike the legendary Roadcrafter, the suit's zipper stops at the knee, which can make stepping into the suit on the move a little awkward. It's still completely doable, mind you, especially if you're riding with anything short of motocross boots.
Pros:
- Elevated materials and construction
- Packs down super small
- PVC-free for added breathability
Cons:
- Little tricky to throw on over boots
- Bit expensive for rain gear
Rev'it! Pacific 4 H2O Rain Suit
2. Nelson-Rigg Stormrider
When it comes to cheap, effective, and reliable, nobody gets the job done quite like Nelson-Rigg. Snubbed by elitists the world over, Nelson-Rigg's Stormrider rain suit proves you don't have to spend a small fortune on fancy gear to stay dry in the wet.
We love the Stormrider because it's quick and easy to throw on from the side of the road, 100% waterproof thanks to its PVC backing, and (of course) damn affordable at well under $100 for the full set.
The Stormrider also packs a few extra features like a stowable hood, a corduroy-lined collar, and boot stirrups, which further add to its bang-for-the-buck appeal.
Our only points of contention with the Stormrider are that a) its soft polyester face fabric isn't particularly rugged and b) its PVC-backed construction is about as breathable as a trash bag. Still, it's a proven performer in the wet, and cheap enough to keep a set stashed on every bike you own.
Pros:
- Cheap
- 100% waterproof guaranteed
- Convenient
Cons:
- Next to no breathability
- Not particularly durable
Nelson-Rigg Stormrider
3. Tour Master Defender Two-Piece Rainsuit
If you're digging the simplicity and affordability of the Stormrider but don't mind spending a few dollars more for some extra refinement, the Tour Master Defender is our top recommendation.
For an extra $20 or so, the Defender gets you an upgraded nylon shell, which is then treated with a polyurethane lining for reliable water protection. An additional mesh lining is then added to the inside layer, giving you a more comfortable and breathable surface against your skin, mid-layers, or riding gear.
In addition to the upgraded material quality, we also appreciate that this motorcycle rain suit includes a set of removable suspenders for the pants, which help solve the all-too-common conundrum of an ill-fitting elastic waistband.
Everything else you need in a good set of rain gear is here as well including a stowaway waterproof hood, waterproof hand pockets for quick-access essentials, and the Defender even gets adjustable underarm vents for added breathability.
Our main issue with the Defender two-piece suit is that both the jacket and pants tend to fit on the bulky side, which is to say that the jacket is cut for a lumberjack and the pants for a professional NBA player. It's a common complaint with affordable rain gear, but a complaint nonetheless.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Great features for the money
- Removable suspenders to keep your pants where you want them
Cons:
- Bulky fit
Tour Master Defender Two Piece Rain Suit
4. Klim Hardanger Motorcycle Suit
Full body protection from weather, abrasion, and impacts: That's what the Klim Hardanger motorcycle rain suit is all about. If you're digging the one piece style but don't want to carry around a second set of gear for wet weather, the Hardanger is your ticket to ride.
As Klim's flagship one-piece option, the Hardanger packs all the quality and protection you'd expect from the world's first name in adventure gear. Waterproofing naturally comes courtesy of a name brand Goretex 3-layer membrane, while safety is integrated using ventilated D3O armor and 750D Cordura reinforcements in high-impact zones.
The Hardanger handily breaks our theme of "keeping dry for the cheap" by a healthy margin, retailing for well over $1000. With that being said, it's a one-stop-shop for every sort of protection you could ever want, making it one of the most convenient and versatile one-piece suits money can buy.
Pros:
- Premium Goretex 3-layer weather protection
- Impact and abrasion resistance built in
- Slips on over your civilian clothes
Cons:
- Very expensive
Klim Hardanger One Piece Suit
5. Spidi Touring Two Piece Rain Suit
Last but not least, we've gotta mention Spidi's two-piece motorcycle rain suit. In a world where 99% of rain gear is known for its bulky fit and sail-like flapping in the wind, Spidi makes their mark by delivering a two-piece option that actually resembles the shape of the human body.
While the Spidi is by no means constrictive, we love that it sports a slightly slimmer/more tailored fit. Not only does this improve on the notoriously goofy appearance of most rain gear, but it also cuts down on "balloon effect" and the violent flapping at speed typically associated with two-piece suits.
We also love that the waterproofing is 100% reliable thanks to Spidi's polyurethane-treated nylon construction, as well as the suit's added safety chops from its high-vis colors and retroreflective details. It costs a few dollars more than most name-brand motorcycle rain suits, but between its outstanding fit and above-average packability, it's well worth the investment.
Pros:
- Great fit
- Light and packable
- Highly visible day and night
Cons:
- Expensive for a fairly basic piece of gear
Spidi Touring Two Piece Rain Suit
Closing Thoughts on Motorcycle Rain Suits…
All things considered, a good motorcycle rain suit is just cheap insurance against a bad time. Rain can certainly put a damper on an otherwise incredible two-wheeled journey, but nothing kills the mood like riding in wet clothes.
Each of our picks above is a reliable solution to that very problem, and as you've read, most of them are down right dirt cheap. Fumbling back and forth with an internal waterproof layer is a bummer, and dropping $1,000+ on the latest GoreTex gear doesn't always feel nice either.
A dedicated motorcycle rain suit delivers the same result without the hassle or the investment. Don't get caught without one on your next ride.
→Read More: 9 Best Motorcycle Holidays For Two-Wheeled Travelers and 11 Essential Winter Motorcycle Gear Pieces For Cold Weather Riding
