Best Motorcycle Rain Gear: What Stays Dry at 70 MPH

The best motorcycle rain gear for most riders is the Nelson-Rigg Stormrider Rain Suit (~$70), a two-piece waterproof suit with sealed seams and reflective striping that goes right over the gear you already wear. On a tight budget, the Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite2 (~$25) is fully waterproof and packs small enough to live in your tail bag forever. Want separate pieces? The Nelson-Rigg Solo Storm Jacket and Solo Storm Pants let you build your setup one half at a time.

All right guys, so here's the thing. Rain gear is the most slept-on gear in all of motorcycling, bro. Everybody buys the helmet, the jacket, maybe gloves, and then the first real downpour catches them 50 km from home in jeans and running shoes, soaked to the bone, questioning every life choice that got them there. Look at the photo up top: two bikes sitting on soaked pavement after the rain rolled through. That's every Ontario riding season a few times a year, and it is what it is.

The fix is hella cheap. A $25-80 rain suit goes over your normal gear and packs down to about the size of a water bottle. So I went through the rain suits, jackets, pants, gloves and boot covers riders actually buy, checked the listings and real owner reviews, and kept the stuff that holds up at highway speed in sideways rain. Let's go.

Quick Picks:

Why Do You Need Dedicated Motorcycle Rain Gear?

Your jacket might say water-resistant on the tag. But guys, listen to me, water-resistant and waterproof are two completely different things. Not even cousins.

Water-resistant gear handles a light drizzle for maybe 20 minutes, then water creeps in through the seams, the zippers and eventually the fabric. Wet at 100 km/h when it's 13 degrees out means cold, and cold means your reaction time, grip and focus all go. That's not a comfort thing anymore bro, that's a safety thing. The Federal Highway Administration says wet pavement is involved in nearly 70% of weather-related crashes, so staying warm and alert when it's wet actually matters.

Dedicated rain gear goes over your riding gear. A waterproof shell keeps everything underneath dry, and when the rain stops you peel it off, stuff it in the bag and keep riding. Boom.

And honestly, ATGATT doesn't mean much if the gear is soaked and you're shivering so hard you can't feel the clutch.

What Should You Look for in Motorcycle Rain Gear?

Some rain gear is fire and some is straight garbage that leaks the first time you need it. Here's the difference.

Is It Waterproof or Just Water-Resistant?

Waterproof means the material blocks water completely, even with highway-speed rain getting blasted into it. If a brand lists a rating, look for fabrics at 10,000mm+ hydrostatic head, which is basically how much water pressure the fabric can take before it leaks.

Water-resistant means a coating that sheds light moisture. Fine for a quick shower, useless in steady rain, and it's where most regular riding gear lives. For rain gear, you want waterproof. Period.

Are the Seams Sealed?

This is where cheap rain gear dies. The fabric can be 100% waterproof but if the seams aren't sealed, water wicks through every single stitch hole like a sponge. Electronically welded or heat-sealed seams are the best. Taped seams are next. If the listing doesn't say anything about sealed seams, assume they leak, because they probably do.

Will It Fit Over Your Gear?

Motorcycle rain gear has to fit over your riding jacket, pants, boots and gloves, so you size up from your normal clothes. If you wear a medium jacket, you're probably looking at a large or XL rain suit. When in doubt, go one size up.

Too tight and you can't reach the bars properly, it rides up at the wrists and ankles, and water pours into the gaps. Scuffed.

Can Drivers See You in It?

Rain kills visibility both ways, and drivers can't see you through wipers and spray. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation pushes high-visibility gear as one of the easiest ways to cut crash risk, and I'm with them on this one. Hi-viz colours and reflective striping on a rain suit aren't a fashion choice, they're a safety feature. A black rain suit over black gear in a grey rainstorm? You're basically a ghost, bro.

Don't want to look like a highlighter? At least get reflective piping. My night riding guide covers why rain plus dark is the sketchiest combo there is.

How Small Does It Pack?

You carry it on every ride, so a suit that packs to Nalgene size is perfect and one that needs its own bag is not happening. Most good ones come with a stuff sack or pack into their own pocket.

What Are the Best Motorcycle Rain Suits?

These are the full two-piece suits, jacket plus pants. If you only buy one thing from this whole page, buy one of these three.

1. Nelson-Rigg Stormrider — Best Overall Motorcycle Rain Suit

Price: ~$65-75 | Type: 2-piece jacket + pants | Colour linked: Hi-viz yellow/black | Key features: Sealed seams, underarm vents, boot stirrups

Guys, the Stormrider is the one. Ask riders who actually ride in the rain what they wear and half of them say Nelson-Rigg, and this is the suit they mean. It's the flagship two-piece from a brand that's been making motorcycle rain gear for decades.

The Trimax polyester shell with PVC backing is actually waterproof, not "kinda water-resistant." The sealed seams fix the stitch-hole problem that kills cheaper suits. And the reflective striping across the chest, arms and legs means you're not invisible in the spray. The link above goes to the hi-viz yellow and black version and honestly that's the one I'd cop, because when it's pouring you want every driver to see you from a kilometre away.

The jacket is cut longer in the back so it doesn't ride up when you lean forward, there are vents under each arm, and the pants have boot stirrups and oversized zipper gussets so they go on without taking your boots off. Suspenders aren't included, so that's extra if you want them.

At around $70 it's the sweet spot, and most riders buy one Stormrider and don't think about rain gear again for years. Let's go.

2. Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite2 — Best Budget Rain Suit

Price: ~$20-30 | Type: 2-piece jacket + pants | Material: Non-woven polypropylene | Best for: Emergency suit that lives in your bag

Bro, 25 bucks for a fully waterproof suit. That's like two Timmy's runs for the whole family.

The trick is the non-woven polypropylene fabric. It's waterproof on its own instead of relying on a coating that wears off, and it compresses to almost nothing, so it's the perfect "just in case" suit that never leaves your tail bag. Keepa shows around 200 sold a month on Amazon even at the end of the season.

Real talk on the trade-offs. The material is way less durable than nylon or polyester, it can tear on sharp edges, and at highway speed it flaps like crazy. It doesn't breathe like a premium suit, so warm rainy days get clammy. And it's an outdoor rain suit that happens to work on a bike, so no stirrups, no heat panels.

But at this price, who cares. Replace it every season and you still spend less than one premium suit. Rain a few times a year? This is the smart move.

3. Joe Rocket RS-2 — Runner-Up Motorcycle-Specific Suit

Price: ~$70 | Type: 2-piece jacket + pants | Key features: Melt-resistant leg panels, boot stirrups | Availability: Third-party sellers, sizes hit or miss

The RS-2 is built for riders. The melt-resistant lower leg panels protect the suit when your calf touches the exhaust, where a cheap suit can literally melt on day one, and the boot stirrups keep the pant legs down over your boots.

You also get a polyester shell with PVC backing, sealed seams, a storm flap, a corduroy-lined collar and reflective piping. Solid package.

Honest warning though, guys. The RS-2 is mostly sold by third-party sellers now and sizes come and go. If yours is there at a fair price, cop it. If not, don't refresh the page for six years, just grab the Stormrider. At around $70 it's the same money, and if you ride a cruiser with pipes by your legs those melt panels are a legit reason to pick it. (Only store sales pitches on YouTube for this one, so no video.)

What Are the Best Separate Rain Jackets and Pants?

Already have waterproof pants, or want to build it up one piece at a time? These are for you.

4. Nelson-Rigg Solo Storm Jacket — Best Rain Jacket Only

Price: ~$65-80 | Type: Jacket only | Colours: Black (linked), hi-viz yellow, orange | Warranty: 2 years

The Solo Storm is for riders who already have waterproof pants and just need a shell to throw over their regular motorcycle jacket. Same quality construction as Nelson-Rigg's full suits, polyester oxford with PU backing and electronically taped seams, just as a standalone piece.

The coolest part is the integrated rain hood in the collar. Not for under your helmet, bro, but walking from the parking lot into the restaurant? Clutch. You also get adjustable ventilation, reflective accents and two big waterproof pockets.

It packs into its own pocket. Heads up, the link goes to the black one; I'd go hi-viz yellow or orange for visibility. That video covers the pants too, so it does double duty.

5. Nelson-Rigg Solo Storm Pants — Best Rain Pants Only

Price: ~$50 | Type: Pants only | Key features: Heat-resistant lower legs, taped seams | Warranty: 2 years

The Solo Storm Pants just do the job, no drama. A waterproof layer over your riding pants. That's the whole thing.

The design is simple on purpose. Adjustable waist so they're quick on and off, ankle closures to seal around your boots, and reflective striping on the legs. The sneaky good feature is the heat-resistant material on the lower legs, so if your calf brushes a hot pipe at a stoplight you're not melting a hole in brand new rain pants. Fire.

At around $50 these are the move if you already have a waterproof jacket and just need your legs covered. They fold flat and disappear in a bag.

How Do You Keep Your Hands and Feet Dry?

A rain suit covers your body and legs, but water finds every single gap, bro. Every one. Your hands and feet are the weak points, and cold wet hands and feet will end your ride way faster than a wet jacket ever will.

Oh, side note guys: same exact problem in winter, hands and feet go first. My winter riding gear guide gets into heated gloves, whole different rabbit hole. But anyways, back to rain.

6. Seibertron Rain Cover Gloves — Best Waterproof Over-Gloves

Price: ~$25 | Fits: Over most short and mid-length riding gloves | Sizing: L fits adult L-XL gloves, XL fits XXL-XXXL

Over-gloves fix the problem nobody thinks about until they're 30 minutes into a downpour and can't feel their fingers. Instead of separate waterproof motorcycle gloves that feel like oven mitts, keep your favourite gloves on and throw a shell over top.

The Seibertron covers use a three-finger "lobster" shape, so there's extra room for armored gloves underneath. Grippy palm panels keep your feel on the bars and the cinch cord at the cuff pulls tight so water can't run in at the wrist. Pro tip from 6 Foot: Seibertron sizes these by the length of the cover, not your hand, so match it to the gloves you're wearing them over. If you run big winter gauntlet gloves, size up.

At around $25 it's cheap insurance, and they fold flat in a jacket pocket. Only Seibertron's own 23-second ad exists on YouTube, so no video here.

7. Nelson-Rigg WPRB-100 Boot Covers — Best Waterproof Boot Covers

Price: ~$36 | Sizing: M men's 6-8, L men's 9-11, XL men's 12-14 | Sole: Rubberized half sole

Wet feet are the worst, guys. The WORST. And they stay wet for the rest of the ride because your boots hold all that water inside like a little swimming pool. The WPRB-100 are waterproof boot covers made for riders that go over your motorcycle boots and seal up around your calf.

The rubberized half sole gives you grip on wet pavement when you put your foot down at gas stations and stoplights, and the reflective bindings help you get seen in road spray. They go on in about a minute and pack small enough for a jacket pocket or tank bag. Nice bonus for my Canadian people: that review video is from a Canadian channel, Cruisn Canada, so you know they've seen some rain.

At around $36, there's just no reason not to have a pair. A two-hour ride home with cold wet feet will make you question why you ride at all. Dry feet? Everything is Gucci.

How Do the Rain Gear Picks Compare?

Here's everything side by side so you can see what you're actually getting for your money:

Which Rain Gear Is Right for You?

Okay so you've seen all seven. Now which one do YOU actually need? Match it to how you ride:

Here's the full head-to-toe wet weather setup if you want to be fully covered:

Total: roughly $175 to be waterproof from your helmet to your toes. Bro, that's less than one premium waterproof jacket, and it goes over any riding gear you already own. That's a W.

Budget tighter than that? Start with just the Frogg Toggs for $25. It covers the most skin and makes the biggest difference right away. Add the boot covers and over-gloves later when you can.

How Do You Put Rain Gear On the Right Way?

Sounds obvious, but most riders mess it up the first time and water gets in anyway. Here's the order:

Step 1: Pull over early. The second you see dark clouds coming or feel the first drops, find a safe spot. Gas station, covered parking, a highway overpass. Don't try to ride through "just a little rain," because by the time you decide it's serious you're already soaked.

Step 2: Rain pants first. Pull them on over your riding pants and boots. Make sure the pant leg covers the top of the boot with zero gap, then tighten the ankles.

Step 3: Rain jacket next. Over your riding jacket. The jacket has to hang over the outside of the pants at the waist, so water runs down and off instead of funnelling straight into your waistband.

Step 4: Boot covers. Slip them over your boots. The top of the boot cover tucks up inside the rain pant leg.

Step 5: Over-gloves last. The cuff of the over-glove goes inside your rain jacket sleeve, so water runs down the jacket and over the glove, not into it.

Step 6: Seal your neck. The collar is the number one leak spot. Neck gaiter or balaclava, or at least zip all the way up and tighten the collar.

And then once you're geared up, ride like it's wet, because it is. Brake earlier, stay off the painted lines and metal covers, give way more following distance. I broke down all the technique stuff in my guide on how to ride a motorcycle in the rain, so read that one too.

How Do You Take Care of Rain Gear?

Rain gear is pretty low maintenance, but a little love makes it last way longer.

Dry it after every ride. Hang the suit, boot covers and over-gloves somewhere with airflow. Do NOT stuff wet rain gear back in its bag. Trapped moisture grows mildew and eats the waterproof coating. Picture the inside of a forgotten stuff sack after a week in a hot garage. Actually, don't. It's a crime scene, bro.

Rinse it once in a while. Fresh water every few uses gets off the grime, salt and oil that break down coatings. No harsh detergents.

Re-treat the DWR coating. Most rain gear has a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating on the outside that makes water bead up and roll off. It wears down. Stuff like Nikwax TX.Direct or Gear Aid ReviveX brings it back.

Check the seams every spring. Before the season starts, hit your rain suit with the garden hose and look for leaks, especially at the seams. Seam tape can peel over time, mostly where the suit gets folded in storage. A few bucks of seam sealer from an outdoor store fixes it. Add it to your pre-ride inspection list for the first ride of the year, right next to checking tire pressure and the battery. My spring prep checklist has the rest.

Should You Buy a Rain Suit or Waterproof Riding Gear?

Some riders skip rain gear and buy waterproof riding gear instead. That works, but I'm not gonna lie, the trade-offs are big.

Waterproof riding gear is expensive. A laminated waterproof motorcycle jacket runs $400-800. Waterproof boots run $200-400. A full waterproof setup head to toe can easily blow past $1,000. A thousand bucks bro. That's criminal for something you only need a few days a month.

Waterproof riding gear breathes less. The jacket that keeps rain out also keeps sweat in, so on a warm humid day you end up wet anyway.

Rain gear is modular. On when it rains, off when it stops. Your base riding gear stays set up for comfort and airflow, and the rain layer only shows up when you need it. On a 30-degree July day in the GTA, you're not cooking inside a waterproof membrane you don't even need.

So for most riders, especially if you're building your first gear collection, a good rain suit over good riding gear is the smarter play than buying waterproof everything from day one. Put the money you save into better armor, a better helmet, or better gloves. My full gear buying guide walks through where to spend first.

Final Thoughts

One thing from this page? The Nelson-Rigg Stormrider. Money tight? The Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite2 for 25 bucks is the best deal in motorcycle gear, no joke. Add boot covers and over-gloves when you can.

Here in Canada we get like six months of riding if we're lucky, and a bunch of those days it's going to rain on you. You can sit inside and stare at the bike, or you can pack a rain suit and ride anyway. I know which one I'm picking. Don't be the guy squidding it home in wet jeans. All right guys, that's it for this one. Stay dry, ride safe, and I'll see your beautiful eyes in the next one. Let's go.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best motorcycle rain suit for the money?

The Nelson-Rigg Stormrider is the best motorcycle rain suit for most riders at around $70. It is a two-piece suit made from waterproof Trimax polyester with PVC backing, sealed seams, and reflective striping on both the jacket and pants. It is designed specifically for motorcycle use, with a longer back on the jacket so it does not ride up, vents under the arms, a hood stored in the collar, and boot stirrups with oversized zipper gussets on the pants so they pull on over riding boots. For riders on a tight budget, the Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite2 costs around $25 and is fully waterproof, though its polypropylene fabric is less durable and the fit is not motorcycle-specific. Size any rain suit up one size from your normal clothing so it fits over your riding jacket and pants without restricting movement.

Can you ride a motorcycle in heavy rain with just a rain suit?

A rain suit keeps you dry, but riding safely in heavy rain also takes technique changes. Slow down significantly, brake earlier and more smoothly, avoid painted road lines, metal plates and manhole covers, and increase your following distance, because stopping distances get much longer on wet pavement. Stay out of standing water where possible, since it can hide potholes and cause hydroplaning. Your visibility matters too: a hi-viz or reflective rain suit helps drivers see you through spray and wipers, and a Pinlock anti-fog insert keeps your visor clear. If the rain is so heavy that you cannot see the road well or drivers are pulling over, the safest move is to stop somewhere covered and wait it out. A rain suit also helps with safety indirectly, since staying dry keeps you warmer, and a warm rider reacts faster and holds the bars more confidently than a cold, soaked one.

Should I buy waterproof motorcycle gear or a separate rain suit?

For most riders, a separate rain suit worn over regular riding gear is the better value. A quality motorcycle rain suit costs about $25 to $80 and fits over whatever jacket and pants you already own, while waterproof riding gear usually costs $400 to $800 per jacket and $200 to $400 for waterproof boots. Waterproof membranes also reduce airflow, so laminated gear can feel hot and sweaty on warm days even when it is not raining. A separate rain suit is modular: you wear it only when it rains and keep your normal gear optimized for ventilation the rest of the time. The exception is riders who commute daily in very rainy climates, like the Pacific Northwest or the UK, where putting on and taking off a rain suit twice a day becomes a hassle. For them, waterproof riding gear makes more sense. Everyone else should spend the savings on better armor or a better helmet.

How do I keep my motorcycle boots dry in the rain?

The easiest way to keep motorcycle boots dry in the rain is waterproof boot covers that slip over your existing boots. The Nelson-Rigg WPRB-100 boot covers cost about $36, are made from waterproof polyester with PVC backing, and have a rubberized half sole for grip when you put your feet down at stops. They go on in about a minute and pack small enough for a tank bag or jacket pocket. Pick the size based on your boot size: Large fits men's 9 to 11 and XL fits men's 12 to 14. Whatever covers you use, make sure your rain pant leg overlaps the top of the boot cover so water runs down the outside instead of into the boot. If you ride in the rain constantly, waterproof riding boots are another option, but they cost much more. Always dry wet boots slowly at room temperature, since direct heat can crack leather.

Do I need waterproof over-gloves for motorcycle rain riding?

You need waterproof over-gloves if your regular motorcycle gloves are not waterproof, which most summer and mesh gloves are not. Wet hands get cold quickly, and cold fingers lose feeling on the clutch and brake levers, which slows your reactions and makes smooth control harder. Over-gloves like the Seibertron Rain Cover Gloves cost about $25, slip over the gloves you already wear, and use cinch cords at the cuff to keep water out. Their three-finger shape leaves room for armored gloves underneath, and grippy palm panels help you keep feel on the bars. Buying separate waterproof riding gloves is the other option, but they are often bulkier and less comfortable in dry weather. Over-gloves fold flat in a jacket pocket, so you can carry them on every ride. Tuck the over-glove cuff inside your rain jacket sleeve so water runs over the glove instead of into it.

How do I stop my motorcycle helmet visor from fogging in the rain?

The best way to stop a motorcycle helmet visor from fogging in the rain is a Pinlock anti-fog insert. A Pinlock is a thin second lens that mounts inside your visor and creates a double-pane effect, which stops warm breath from condensing on the cold visor in almost all conditions. Most modern helmets are Pinlock-ready, and inserts cost around $30. If your helmet is not Pinlock-compatible, apply an anti-fog spray or coating to the inside of the visor before wet rides, and reapply it regularly because it wears off. Cracking the visor open slightly or opening the chin vent helps move air across the inside of the visor. A breath guard or a neck gaiter pulled up over your nose can also direct your breath away from the visor. Keep the outside of the visor clean, since a dirty visor scatters headlight glare and makes rain visibility even worse at night.

How should motorcycle rain gear fit?

Motorcycle rain gear should fit over all of your riding gear without being tight, which usually means buying one size larger than your normal clothing size. If you wear a medium motorcycle jacket, a large or extra-large rain suit is often the right choice, but always check the brand's sizing chart because some suits are already cut generously for over-gear use. Try the suit on over your full gear and sit on the bike in your riding position. You should be able to reach the bars and controls without the jacket pulling across your shoulders or riding up at the wrists. The pants should cover the tops of your boots when your knees are bent, without gaps at the ankles. A rain suit that is too tight restricts movement and creates gaps where water gets in, while one that is far too big flaps loudly at highway speed and can wear through over time.