Adventure Motorcycle Gear Guide: Save Money and Layer!
Robert Baldinger
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Today, I wanted to dive into a crucial for adventure riders of all stripes: what to wear. Especially when the weather is a bit… challenging, I tend to stick to mostly the same gear year around, just with a few tweaks. My approach is all about being smart and, let’s be honest, keeping things affordable.
When you’re starting out riding, there’s so much gear you think you need, and cost is always a factor. I’ve trimmed down what I need drastically, and plan to share that with you today.
There are basically two main things to consider when gearing up, no matter what: protection. First, protection from impacts and accidents, obviously. Second, protection from the elements – weather, cold, heat, everything in between. And as adventure riders, we’re also trying to pack light. So, if your riding gear can also work when you’re off the bike, that’s a huge bonus.
Before we get into specific items, let’s talk about protection in general, because it’s the most important thing. I was looking at some accident statistics recently, and there’s a difference between road riding and off-road riding injuries. As adventure riders, we’re kind of in the middle of those two worlds.
If you’d rather watch this guide, here’s my original video on the topic:
Road vs. Off-Road Injuries: What to Consider
Looking at road riding statistics, the most common injury is road rash. That’s from falling off and sliding on the asphalt, basically skin abrasions. Number two is…
Number two is broken bones and dislocations. Number three was injuries to legs and feet. And then, head and neck injuries were also significant. So, road rash is the primary concern for road riders.
Now, when you look at off-road riders, especially enduro riders, the most frequent injury is fractures and displacements. These are mainly in the upper body, just over 50%, and slightly under 50% for lower body fractures and displacements. Head injuries, mostly concussions, were lower down, around 9% I think.
So, how do we protect ourselves in both of these scenarios? For road rash, the number one road injury, we need gear that’s abrasion-resistant. That’s the first thing I look for. Then, for fractures, displacements, and impact injuries – broken ribs, internal organ damage, and things like that – these are much harder to guard against. If you crash hard, hitting a tree or something similar, gear can only do so much.
It goes without saying that the best protection is using your common sense and not riding beyond your abilities. I’ve been pretty lucky to avoid serious injuries. I had one incident where I got hurt, and that was riding too early in the season on icy ruts. I slipped and dislocated my shoulder when I landed on my armpit. There isn’t really any armor that can protect you from that kind of impact.
For me, the key areas to protect are my head and my feet. A helmet is essential for any head impact, it’s the most vulnerable part. And I like to have really solid foot protection, which we’ll get into when we talk about boots. Then, there’s the standard armor for elbows, shoulders, back, and so on, to protect from impacts.
You can get the absolute most protective gear out there, but I prefer to balance protection with comfort and rely on smart riding to minimize risks. There’s also the growing popularity of air vests, which have a good track record for reducing injuries, especially those high-speed impact injuries affecting internal organs and ribs. Air vests are definitely a good option for that kind of protection. I haven’t tried one myself yet, so I can’t speak from personal experience.
Two Gear Philosophies: Suits vs. Layering System
There are generally two approaches to motorcycle gear. One is the classic motorcycle suit – jacket and pants all in one, with the outer layer and all the armor integrated. Everything is in one complete suit. But I find suits quite limiting. You’re stuck wearing that big jacket all the time, regardless of the weather – sun, rain, cold, hot, you name it. I find that restrictive, and they can also be quite expensive. Plus, you’re kind of locked into that suit for a few years.
The approach I started with and have been using ever since is based on an armor jacket as the core protection.
Armor Jacket: The Foundation of My Gear System
I use the Knox Urban Pro jacket. It has a double-A abrasion resistance rating, which is excellent protection against road rash. It’s also mesh, which is great for breathability.
Because it’s just mesh and armor, I can wear any normal top over it. If it’s really hot, I’ll often just wear this with a t-shirt underneath (unless you want to show off a bit too much!). In hot weather, this is my go-to setup.
- CE Level 2 armor (shoulders, elbows, back)
- AA-rated abrasion protection
- Lightweight & breathable for hot weather
- Not waterproof
For a little wind protection, I might throw on an MX jersey over the armor jacket.
This is perfect for a slightly cooler summer day. And for rain protection, I just use a basic rain jacket from a sporting goods store. I think I paid around 40 euros for it.
My philosophy is to invest in the protection closest to your body. There are also armored pants available, which I don’t currently use, that offer abrasion resistance for your legs. We’ll talk more about pants later. But with the armor jacket, I can layer pretty much anything over it. Oh, Niklas, you left this wind jacket in my garage last time – perfect! I can just throw this on top. Anything works really.
One thing my armor jacket setup lacks is chest protection. If you hit something hard, you could get a chest impact. Knox does offer a chest protector that can be added to this jacket. This particular armor jacket is getting a bit worn now, so I’m planning to get a new one soon. I’m thinking of trying the Adventure Spec Super Shirt. My friend Mattias uses one and likes it. I want to try some different things.
Let’s move on to lower body protection now.
Knee Protection: Two Options for Different Rides
Let’s look at knee protection. I use two different types, depending on the kind of riding I’m doing. For more serious off-road riding, I use braces like the Leatt Knee & Shin Guard Z-Frame.
High-performance knee braces with reinforced protection and a comfortable, adjustable fit.
- Strong aluminum & fiberglass protection
- Adjustable, comfortable fit
- CE-certified impact protection
- Slightly stiff, less flexible than soft knee guards
These are larger, more robust knee protectors with a lot of armor. They give really comprehensive protection all the way down the shin. They are designed to go inside your boots for a secure fit and to protect your lower legs. Really, really good protection for tough off-road conditions.
For longer adventure rides, especially those with less intense off-road sections, I use something a bit less bulky. These are softer and more comfortable for longer days in the saddle. They don’t protect quite as far down the shin, just a few centimeters less.
Normally, I would wear a base layer underneath these knee protectors, for comfort and hygiene. Unless it’s incredibly hot, I always wear a base layer. The knee protection goes on top of the base layer.
Pants: Balancing Comfort, Protection, and Weather
When it comes to pants, my approach is a bit different than with jackets. It’s easier to layer and change things on your upper body. With pants, especially with boots on, changing layers is more of a hassle.
For summertime riding, I typically use outdoor-style pants, like these Mosko Woodsmen pants. They don’t have built-in armor, but they are abrasion-resistant.
These are what I usually wear in the summer. I don’t mind getting a little wet because they dry quickly when the sun comes out and the wind is blowing. Non-waterproof pants are comfortable on and off the bike. If I know it’s going to rain for days, I’ll pack rain pants. But I only put rain pants on if it’s going to be consistently rainy all day. Stopping to put on rain pants, especially with motorcycle boots, is a bit of a chore. So, normally, I just stick with these lighter pants.
However, if you’re only going to buy one pair of really good adventure pants to start with, I’d recommend fully waterproof pants. Then you don’t need to worry about separate rain pants. The downside is that waterproof pants, regardless of brand or model, don’t ventilate well in really hot weather. Waterproof, all-weather pants will not keep you cool in extreme heat.
There’s also the style of pant leg to consider: in-the-boot versus over-the-boot. These Mosko Moto Woodsmen pants are an in-the-boot style.
In-The-Boot vs. Over-The-Boot Pants
In-the-boot pants, like these, are designed to go inside your motorcycle boots. This is really convenient off the bike. When you take your boots off and put on regular shoes, you don’t have wide, flapping pant legs. They look and feel more like normal pants when you’re not wearing boots.
The downside of in-the-boot pants is riding in the rain. Even with waterproof boots, rain can run down your legs and into your boots. Even splashing through puddles can get water inside. So, in-the-boot pants are great for comfort off the bike, but they can be less ideal for staying dry and keeping your feet dry in wet conditions.
Over-the-boot pants, on the other hand, naturally cover the top part of your boots. This provides better rain protection because water is less likely to run directly into your boots.
Boots: MX vs. Adventure and Waterproof Considerations
Let’s talk about boots. There are MX-style boots and adventure-style boots. MX boots are made for serious off-road riding, like enduro, and they provide the most foot protection. Your feet are very vulnerable to injury when riding off-road. You might be paddling with your feet, get them caught on a root, hit a rock, or if you fall, the bike could land on your feet. Feet are very prone to injuries.
MX boots offer maximum protection, but adventure boots are generally more comfortable to walk around in. Adventure boots are softer, and the soles are more flexible. MX boots are more like walking in ski boots – stiff and less comfortable for walking.
Personally, I really prioritize foot and lower leg protection. Should you choose waterproof or non-waterproof boots? Waterproof boots will keep you dry in light rain and when walking through shallow puddles. But on a longer adventure, you’re likely to get wet inside waterproof boots anyway. Water can get in from the top, especially if you’re riding in heavy rain or crossing deeper water. It’s not always avoidable. I’ve always managed to get my waterproof boots wet somehow!
With non-waterproof boots, you might feel a little dampness if you ride through a puddle. Waterproof boots are nice in theory, right? But if waterproof boots get wet inside, they take a very long time to dry. You might not get rid of the moisture for your entire trip. Non-waterproof boots, on the other hand, will dry out much quicker.
So, my solution is to use waterproof socks. Or, if you’re really on a budget, you can even use plastic kitchen bags over your socks inside your boots. But waterproof socks like Sealskinz or similar brands are a good option.
Waterproof, windproof, and breathable gloves for all-weather protection.
- 100% waterproof and windproof design
- Breathable for comfort during long wear
- Thermal insulation for warmth in cold conditions
- Slightly bulky, reducing dexterity for fine tasks
Gloves and Helmet: Finishing Touches
For gloves, I usually have a pair of basic enduro gloves for more technical riding. These are quite inexpensive, around 20 to 30 euros.
For general riding, I use more traditional motorcycle gloves. These are Knox Handroid Pod MK4 gloves. I’ve really enjoyed them. They’re cool in the summer and work very well.
For helmets, honestly, just get a good helmet that you like and that fits well. There’s not too much to overthink. The helmet I’m currently using is the Klim Krios Pro.
It’s been great, but after four years of a lot of travel, it’s getting worn out. I’ll be getting a new helmet soon. I’m not sure if I can afford another Krios Pro, they’re quite expensive now. But yeah, just prioritize a good helmet that fits your head properly.
Lightweight adventure helmet with versatility for street, light adventure, and hard enduro riding.
- Carbon fiber shell for ultra-lightweight durability
- Quick release (no tools) shield and visor. Supports goggles.
- Big forehead vent
- Transitions photochromic face shield included
- DOT and ECE 22.06 certified
Smart and Economical Gearing Up: My Summary
To sum things up, when you’re starting adventure riding, focus on the core protection first: helmet, gloves, and a good armor jacket and knee protection. By using a layering system, your protective base layer can last for years. Then, you can update the outer layers, which are generally less expensive. This is a more economical approach than buying one super expensive, all-in-one suit that you’re stuck with for years.
Remember, these videos are not about telling you to buy exactly what I have. I’m just showing you my gear and my approach, so you can pick and choose what works for you and maybe decide what not to do based on my experiences.
Next time, we’ll take a look at luggage and camping equipment.