Best Motorcycle Rain Gear to Stay Dry on Every Ride

Evan Rally
Updated: October 10, 2025
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There’s nothing like sloshing home with cold rain down your sleeves to remind you how important the right gear is. The good news? Rainy season doesn’t have to end your ride days. With the right waterproof shell or full‑blown rain suit you’ll stay dry, warm and visible even when the sky opens up. In this guide I’ll help you find the best rain gear for your riding style.

Group of motorcyclists riding through heavy rain on a bridge, illustrating the importance of waterproof riding gear
Rain can’t stop the ride — with the right gear, you’ll stay dry, warm, and ready for any storm.

Why Rain Gear Is Hard to Get Right

  • Many “waterproof” garments aren’t truly waterproof – they rely on thin liners instead of laminated shells, so water eventually seeps through and makes you wet.
  • Packable rain suits are great until you actually try to ride in them; many flap like a sail at highway speeds or trap sweat because they don’t breathe at all.
  • Cheap PVC suits keep water out but don’t last; they tear easily and often fit like oversized trash bags.
  • Riding in the rain without reflective panels or hi‑viz colors means you’re practically invisible to car drivers. That’s not a risk I’m willing to take.

Sound harsh? You’ll see why soon. Let’s look at the types of rain gear available and who each is best for.

Which Rain Gear Matches Your Riding Style?

Commuters & Day‑Trippers: If your rides rarely last more than an hour you don’t need expedition‑grade Gore‑Tex. What you do need is something lightweight and compact that stays in the tail bag until the skies turn dark. Two‑piece rain suits like the REAX Traveler jacket and pants pack small, pull on quickly over your everyday gear and breathe enough to keep you comfortable when stop‑and‑go traffic has you sweating at lights. They also cost a fraction of premium adventure gear.

Touring Riders & Multi‑Day Adventurers: You face unpredictable weather over longer distances. An integrated solution like the Tourmaster Defender or Nelson‑Rigg Stormrider suits gives you the coverage and durability to stay dry all day while your base gear provides the protection. They come as matched jacket and pants so no gaps appear at the waist, and they have reflective panels for visibility during long hours in wet gloom.

Off‑Road & ADV Riders: Mud, brush and sudden downpours are normal. A one‑piece design keeps mud off your under layers and prevents water from sneaking under your jacket when you’re standing on the pegs. The REV’IT! Pacific 4 H2O rain suit is a great example. A diagonal zipper from knee to neck makes it easy to climb into over bulky boots and body armor, and once you’re riding the stirrups and waist cinches keep it in place.

🧭 Check out our full field-tested Top Adventure Motorcycle Gear 2025 guide for matching boots, gloves, and helmets too.

Now let’s look closely at the best products on the market and why each one might be your ideal choice — starting with our Top 3 rain gear picks that truly stand out in 2025.

Best for Adventure & ADV Riders
Best for Long-Distance Touring
Best for Everyday & Commuter Use

Built tough for all-day downpours, its one-piece waterproof shell and reflective panels keep you dry and visible through the worst weather.

A durable, breathable suit with mesh lining, vents, and full-coverage waterproofing made for riders who log serious miles in the rain.

Lightweight, packable, and easy to throw on, it’s the go-to option for quick protection during unpredictable daily rides.

  • Durable sealed seams prevent leakage
  • Diagonal zip allows fast, full-entry donning
  • Reflective panels enhance visibility in low light
  • Generous cut fits over armored gear easily
  • Mesh-lined interior for better airflow
  • Aqua-Barrier hood prevents collar leaks
  • Reinforced seat and inner-leg overlays
  • Underarm vents shed excess heat
  • Tape-sealed construction keeps water out reliably
  • Rolls into compact pack for easy storage
  • Long leg zips for quick on/off over boots
  • Reflective logos enhance night-time visibility
  • Zipper can snag fabric when dressing
  • Feels warm in tropical or hot-humid conditions
  • Suspenders are not fully removable
  • Heavier than ultra-light packable suits
  • Less heat-venting in hot, humid weather
  • May feel snug over bulky armored layers
Best for Adventure & ADV Riders

Built tough for all-day downpours, its one-piece waterproof shell and reflective panels keep you dry and visible through the worst weather.

  • Durable sealed seams prevent leakage
  • Diagonal zip allows fast, full-entry donning
  • Reflective panels enhance visibility in low light
  • Generous cut fits over armored gear easily
  • Zipper can snag fabric when dressing
  • Feels warm in tropical or hot-humid conditions
Best for Long-Distance Touring

A durable, breathable suit with mesh lining, vents, and full-coverage waterproofing made for riders who log serious miles in the rain.

  • Mesh-lined interior for better airflow
  • Aqua-Barrier hood prevents collar leaks
  • Reinforced seat and inner-leg overlays
  • Underarm vents shed excess heat
  • Suspenders are not fully removable
  • Heavier than ultra-light packable suits
Best for Everyday & Commuter Use

Lightweight, packable, and easy to throw on, it’s the go-to option for quick protection during unpredictable daily rides.

  • Tape-sealed construction keeps water out reliably
  • Rolls into compact pack for easy storage
  • Long leg zips for quick on/off over boots
  • Reflective logos enhance night-time visibility
  • Less heat-venting in hot, humid weather
  • May feel snug over bulky armored layers

One‑Piece Suit for Adventure and ADV Riders – REV’IT! Pacific 4 H2O

The Pacific 4 H2O is built for riders who treat rain as an obstacle to overcome rather than a reason to turn around. The suit uses PVC‑free polyester Oxford fabric with a PU coating and carries an EN343 waterproofing certification. Every seam is sealed and the huge diagonal zipper makes it easy to climb into even when you’re wearing bulky adventure boots or body armor. Laminated 3M Scotchlite panels on the shoulders, arms and calves provide conspicuous reflectivity in low‑light conditions.

Motorcyclist wearing REV’IT! Pacific 4 H2O one-piece rain suit riding through wet mountain roads
Taking on downpours in stride — the Pacific 4 H2O keeps adventure riders dry, visible, and unstoppable.

It’s designed to wear over your armored riding gear, so the cut is roomy without being a wind sail. Adjustment tabs at the collar, upper arms, cuffs and ankles plus an adjustable waist cord cinch the suit snugly to reduce flapping. That extra material also has a silver lining – when you ride at highway speed the extra heft adds stability so crosswinds don’t throw you around. If you want something lighter, the Alpinestars Hurricane V2 below gives you similar coverage with less bulk.

Silver lining: some riders complain that the Pacific 4 feels warm in tropical climates, but that waterproof laminate also blocks cold wind. On chilly rides it doubles as a windproof layer, and if you ride mostly in warm climates the Hurricane V2 is a lighter alternative.

And for cooler rides, see our cold-weather motorcycle gear guide to pair your rain shell with insulation.

Rider reports

Riders praise the Pacific 4 for keeping them bone‑dry. One Reddit user wore the suit during a multi‑day tour through Sweden and said it kept them “perfectly dry even after hours through the rain” and that the diagonal front zip made it “easy to get in and out”. Over on RevZilla’s 2025 Best Rain Gear roundup, the Pacific 4 held a 4.8‑star rating from 16 customer reviews, indicating broad satisfaction with its waterproof performance. Some riders advise ordering a size up for layering and note the suit feels warm in tropical climates, but most agree it offers unbeatable protection when the sky really opens.

REV'IT! Pacific 4 H2O Rain Suit

A rugged, full-coverage one-piece rain suit built to slip on quickly and keep you bone-dry—complete with laminated reflectivity to boost your night-time visibility.

Pros:
  • Durable sealed seams prevent leakage
  • Diagonal zip allows fast, full-entry donning
  • Reflective panels enhance visibility in low light
  • Generous cut fits over armored gear easily
Cons:
  • Zipper can snag fabric when dressing
  • Feels warm in tropical or hot-humid conditions
Check Price on Revzilla Check Price on Amazon

Two‑Piece Lightweight Suit – Alpinestars Hurricane V2 Rain Suit

Two‑piece suits are flexible. You can wear just the jacket for a light drizzle or throw on both pieces when the sky opens up. Alpinestars’ Hurricane V2 aims for packability without sacrificing waterproofing. It uses an ultra‑light laminated fabric with tape‑sealed seams to provide complete rain protection. The slim, elasticated collar, cuffs and waist seal out wind and water, while hook‑and‑loop waist adjusters fine‑tune the fit so the suit doesn’t billow at speed.

Alpinestars Hurricane V2 two-piece motorcycle rain suit with reflective logos and packable pouches
Stay ready for sudden storms with the Hurricane V2—light, waterproof, and easy to stash under your seat.

Instead of making you wrestle out of your boots to pull the pants on, long coil zippers on the legs open wide enough for you to step in fully geared. Reflective detailing on the jacket and pants boosts visibility during nighttime storms. When the storm passes, the entire suit rolls into a compact stuff sack that stows easily under most seats.

The Hurricane V2’s laminated fabric doesn’t breathe as well as Gore‑Tex but it’s far lighter than the REV’IT! Pacific. For hot climates or rides that mix sunshine with showers, this trade‑off is worth it. If you’re concerned about durability, the Tourmaster Defender below uses heavier material and mesh lining for long‑term comfort.

Rider reports

On the Adventure Rider forum, a rider reported buying the Alpinestars Hurricane rainsuit and found that the suit’s sizing matched their existing jacket; they didn’t need to size up to fit it over their gear. That same conversation noted that cheap PVC rain suits tend to be sweat boxes and leak quickly, while the Hurricane V2 offers a more breathable alternative at a still‑affordable price. RevZilla’s product grid shows the Hurricane V2 scoring high marks from customers, reinforcing its reputation as a reliable, packable emergency suit.

Alpinestars Hurricane V2 Rain Suit

A lightweight, fully waterproof two-piece suit that packs small and protects from head to boot in sudden downpours — ideal for sudden storms and daily commuters.

Pros:
  • Tape-sealed construction keeps water out reliably
  • Rolls into compact pack for easy storage
  • Long leg zips for quick on/off over boots
  • Reflective logos enhance night-time visibility
Cons:
  • Less heat-venting in hot, humid weather
  • May feel snug over bulky armored layers
Check Price on Revzilla Check Price on Amazon

Compact Over‑Jacket – REAX Traveler Waterproof Shell Jacket

Not every ride needs a full rain suit. Sometimes you just need a quick‑to‑deploy shell to throw over your mesh or leather jacket. The REAX Traveler jacket is made for exactly that. It’s a slim‑cut shell built from waterproof and windproof polyester with taped seams to keep water from sneaking in. Because the cut is slim, it doesn’t flap like a kite when you’re riding, and the microfiber‑lined collar prevents chafing around your neck.

Rider wearing the REAX Traveler waterproof shell jacket designed for compact rain protection
A sleek, packable shell that blocks wind and rain without the bulk — built for riders who travel light.

The jacket packs into its own lower‑back zippered pocket, so you can stash it under your seat or in a tank bag and forget about it until you need it. Reflective logos offer some visibility, though they’re not as bright as the high‑viz colors available on the Nelson‑Rigg and Tourmaster suits. If you prefer a hi‑viz shell, the Alpinestars Hurricane V2 offers neon options.

Two sizes (Small and 2XL) are currently in stock on RevZilla, so make sure you order promptly if your size is available. At around fifty dollars this jacket is a budget‑friendly way to add emergency rain protection to any kit.

Rider reports

Because the Traveler jacket is RevZilla’s own house brand, rider feedback is plentiful. Hiconsumption’s 2024 rain‑gear roundup singled out the REAX Traveler as an effective and packable shell, noting that its waterproof and windproof polyester fabric, taped seams and YKK zippers keep riders dry while the microfiber‑lined collar and slim fit minimize flapping. On RevZilla’s 2025 best‑rain‑gear grid the Traveler jacket carries a near‑perfect rating with more than two dozen reviews, suggesting riders are consistently impressed with its value and performance. The main criticism voiced online is that the jacket’s reflective details are subtle, so commuters who ride at night may want to pair it with a high‑viz vest.

REAX Traveler Rain Jacket

An ultra-packable waterproof shell designed to slip over your riding gear in seconds, keeping you dry and minimizing flapping at speed.

Pros:
  • Packs into its own lower-back pocket for easy storage
  • Taped seams and waterproof polyester seal out rain
  • Slim fit reduces wind flutter when riding
  • Microfiber-lined collar improves comfort at the neck
Cons:
  • No full-zip side vents for hot conditions
  • Limited reflective coverage for night visibility
Check Price on Revzilla

Compact Over‑Pants – REAX Traveler Waterproof Pants

Pair the Traveler jacket with matching waterproof over‑pants and you have a full two‑piece rain suit that packs smaller than most single jackets. The Traveler over‑pants are built from windproof, waterproof nylon with taped seams. A high‑waist design overlaps with the matching jacket so water can’t run down your back, and reflective material on the outer thighs, calves and rear increases visibility.

REAX Traveler waterproof motorcycle over-pants with reflective detailing on thighs and calves
Slip-on waterproof over-pants that keep you dry and visible, designed to pair perfectly with the Traveler jacket.

Long YKK zippers run the full length of the legs, protected by storm flaps, so you can slip the pants on without removing your boots. Pre‑curved knees keep the fabric from pulling when you sit on the bike. Like the jacket, the pants pack into a built‑in stuff sack and fit under most seats.

If you need a more substantial pant for extended rain, the Tourmaster Defender includes mesh lining for comfort during all‑day rides, but for short trips the Traveler pants strike a perfect balance between packability and protection.

Rider reports

WebBikeWorld’s long‑term test of the REAX Traveler Waterproof Overpants praised them for being “absolutely dry” even in cold, wet weather and for providing a great wind layer. The reviewer liked the high‑waist design and full‑length zippers, calling the pants lightweight, comfortable and easy to put on. They rated the pants “Excellent” and highlighted their outstanding value around US$39, though they noted the lack of internal pockets and minimal reflective material.

REAX Traveler Waterproof Pants

Lightweight over-pants you can slip on in seconds over your regular gear, built to seal out wind and rain without bulk.

Pros:
  • Full-length YKK side zippers for quick on/off over boots
  • Pre-curved fit resists pulling while riding
  • Packs small into built-in storage pouch
  • Windproof and waterproof polyester keeps you dry
Cons:
  • Limited ventilation in hot, humid weather
  • Reflective elements are minimal for night visibility
Check Price on Revzilla

Budget Two‑Piece Suit – Nelson‑Rigg Stormrider Rain Suit

Need to stay dry on a shoestring budget? The Nelson‑Rigg Stormrider two‑piece suit delivers full coverage at a price that leaves room in your wallet for gas. Despite its low cost, the Stormrider uses a soft polyester outer shell with PVC backing and fully tape‑sealed seams. The jacket has a full‑length zipper with a self‑fastening storm flap to keep water out and two large outer pockets for stashing gloves or snacks.

Comfort hasn’t been forgotten: the inner collar is lined with soft corduroy and hides a hood that fits under your helmet. The elasticized waist and cuffs adjust with hook‑and‑loop tabs to seal out drafts, and reflective striping on both the jacket and pants helps drivers see you in low light. Elasticated waistband and cuffs on the pants make them easy to pull on, while oversize gussets and boot stirrups ensure they don’t ride up. Nelson‑Rigg even backs the suit with a two‑year warranty.

Rider wearing Nelson-Rigg Stormrider two-piece motorcycle rain suit standing beside a touring bike
Proof you don’t need to spend big to stay dry — the Stormrider delivers dependable rain protection for everyday riders.

The downside is bulk. PVC‑backed fabric doesn’t breathe like laminated suits, so you may get clammy on warm rides. The suit also takes up more space in your panniers than the REAX Traveler gear. However, if you’re on a budget or only ride in the rain occasionally, the Stormrider offers unbeatable value.

Rider reports

Riders have put the Stormrider through storms. On a Venturerider forum thread, one rider wore the Stormrider pants for the last 250 km of a trip in heavy rain and reported that his jeans stayed completely dry; he appreciated the long leg zippers, boot straps, elastic waist and reflective stripes. Another participant said they’ve used the suit for five years and still consider it the best because it keeps them dry and comfortable on multi‑day trips. Conversely, a user on R3owners.net found that the suit started leaking after a few rides and that pockets and seams failed prematurely. RevZilla customers give the Stormrider an average rating of 4.7 stars from hundreds of reviews, suggesting most users experience reliable waterproofing despite its budget price.

Nelson-Rigg Stormrider Rain Suit

A full-coverage two-piece rain suit that delivers solid waterproofing with practical features like elastic stirrups and easy-access pockets—great for riders who need reliable protection without premium cost.

Pros:
  • Oversized zipper gussets allow easy entry over boots
  • Cooling vents under arms help reduce heat buildup
  • Elastic boot stirrups keep pants from riding up
  • Large outer pockets give accessible storage in rain
Cons:
  • Minimal ventilation leads to warmth in humid weather
  • Rain hood design offers limited comfort under helmet
Check Price on Revzilla Check Price on Amazon

Heavy‑Duty Two‑Piece Suit – Tourmaster Defender Two‑Piece Rainsuit

If you’re racking up miles in nasty weather, you need a rain suit that can withstand constant wear. Tourmaster’s Defender uses a polyurethane‑backed nylon shell with sealed seams for durable waterproofing. A breathable polyester mesh lines both the jacket and pants, preventing that sticky plastic‑bag feeling even after hours in the saddle.

The Defender’s jacket features an Aqua‑Barrier hood that fits under your helmet so water can’t funnel down your neck. A microfiber‑lined collar and adjustable hook‑and‑loop closure increase comfort. Reflective printing on the chest and back plus reflective piping on the pants keep you conspicuous. Underarm exhaust vents release heat, and waterproof pockets on the jacket and pants give you dry storage for wallets or phones.

Rider wearing the Tourmaster Defender two-piece rainsuit adjusting gloves beside a motorcycle on a foggy road
Built for long, wet rides — the Defender keeps rain out, breathes well, and stands up to miles of rough weather.

The pants have durable polyester overlays on the seat and inner legs for abrasion resistance. Removable suspenders and leg stirrups keep them in place, and an elastic waistband adjusts for comfort. Unlike some suits, every size and color except yellow is currently in stock for U.S. shoppers, from Small through 4XL. The Defender is heavier than the Hurricane V2 but trades packability for long‑haul durability.

Rider reports

Feedback on the Defender is mixed. A Yamaha FJR forum member bought the suit in size Large and found the neck opening so big that rain ran down his neck and soaked his chest, prompting him to sell it and look for a smaller size. In follow‑up posts he noted the suit felt bulky and that cinching the neck invited leaks. Over on the Tracer 900 forum, another rider praised the Defender’s reliability and said it withstood spectacular storms but lamented that the zipper eventually failed after years of use. Balancing these criticisms, a Harley‑Davidson forum member reported owning the Defender for seven years and being happy with its waterproofing, though they admitted it gets clammy on warm days and doesn’t breathe as well as newer options. These reports suggest the Defender is durable but benefits from careful sizing and periodic maintenance of zippers and closures.

Tourmaster Defender Two Piece Rainsuit

A rugged two-piece rainsuit engineered for heavy use — this breathable, polyurethane-backed set keeps you dry while delivering ventilation and durability on long wet rides.

Pros:
  • Mesh-lined interior for better airflow
  • Aqua-Barrier hood prevents collar leaks
  • Reinforced seat and inner-leg overlays
  • Underarm vents shed excess heat
Cons:
  • Suspenders are not fully removable
  • Heavier than ultra-light packable suits
Check Price on Revzilla Check Price on Amazon

Comparison Table

ProductTypeKey materials & waterproofingUnique benefitsDownsidesBest for
REV’IT! Pacific 4 H2OOne‑piece suitPVC‑free polyester Oxford with PU coating; EN343 certifiedDiagonal knee‑to‑neck zipper and stirrups make it easy to put on; reflective panels; adjustable cuffs and waistBulky; can be warm in tropical climatesADV and adventure riders facing extended rain or mud
Alpinestars Hurricane V2Two‑piece suitUltra‑light laminated fabric with tape‑sealed seamsRolls into a small stuff sack; long leg zippers for easy on/off; reflective detailingLaminate isn’t as breathable; durability less than heavier suitsCommuters and riders who need emergency rain gear
REAX Traveler JacketPackable shellWaterproof/windproof polyester with taped seamsSlim fit reduces flapping; packs into its own pocket; microfiber‑lined collar for comfortLimited reflective panels; only certain sizes are in stockLight packers and riders who need a quick top layer
REAX Traveler PantsPackable over‑pantsWaterproof/windproof nylon; taped seamsHigh waist overlaps jacket to prevent gap; full‑length YKK zippers for easy on/off; reflective accentsLess durable than heavy-duty suits; minimal abrasion protectionRiders seeking compact rain pants for occasional use
Nelson‑Rigg StormriderBudget two‑piece suitSoft polyester shell with PVC backingFull‑length storm flap and hooded collar; elastic waist and cuffs adjust easily reflective striping; inexpensiveBulkier and less breathable; PVC can stick on bare skinRiders on a budget or occasional downpour
Tourmaster DefenderHeavy‑duty two‑piece suitPolyurethane‑backed nylon shell with sealed seams; mesh liningAqua‑Barrier hood and microfiber‑lined collar; underarm vents; pockets and reflective printing; durable overlaysHeavier and bulkier; closeout colors have limited availabilityLong‑distance touring riders and those who ride frequently in heavy rain

Buying Guide: How to Choose Motorcycle Rain Gear

One‑Piece vs. Two‑Piece

One‑piece suits seal completely around the waist, so there’s no chance of water pooling or dripping through. They’re great for adventure riders who spend hours in mud or rain. However, they can be hot and more awkward to put on if you’re not wearing boots yet. Two‑piece suits let you wear just the jacket or the pants and are faster to put on for commuters. For long, sustained rain choose a suit with a high overlap between jacket and pants so water can’t sneak in.

Materials and Waterproofing

PVC‑backed fabrics (like the Nelson‑Rigg Stormrider) are inexpensive and completely waterproof but don’t breathe. Laminated fabrics like those in the REV’IT! Pacific 4 or Alpinestars Hurricane V2 fuse a waterproof membrane to the outer shell, stopping water before it can soak in. They’re lighter and more comfortable but usually cost more. Nylon and polyester shells with polyurethane coatings (as used on the Tourmaster Defender) balance cost and durability.

Rider wearing a laminated REV’IT! Pacific 4 H2O rain suit on a Yamaha Tenere, showcasing high-viz waterproof materials
Laminated shells like the Pacific 4 keep rain out from the start — lighter, tougher, and built for serious riders.

Look for taped or welded seams – water will pour through needle holes if seams aren’t sealed. Reflective panels, as seen on the Pacific 4 H2O and Defender, are crucial for visibility in low‑light rain.

Fit and Adjustability

Rain gear fits over your normal riding gear, so size up if you’re between sizes. Adjustable cuffs, collars and waists keep water and wind from sneaking in. Leg zippers make pants easier to don over boots. Pre‑curved knees and elbows reduce bunching when you sit. Check each product’s sizing chart and consider the layers you’ll wear underneath.

Packability

If you live somewhere with unpredictable showers, your rain gear will live in a pannier most of the time. Products like the REAX Traveler jacket and pants pack into their own pockets. One‑piece suits and heavier two‑piece suits take more room; make sure you have space to carry them.

Visibility and Safety

Rain reduces visibility for everyone on the road. Choose gear with reflective strips or hi‑viz colors. The Pacific 4 H2O includes laminated reflectivity on the shoulders and calves, while the Nelson‑Rigg and Tourmaster suits offer bright color options. Reflective piping on the Tourmaster pants ensures you’re seen from the rear. For night riding, more reflectivity is always better.

Budget Considerations

Budget gear keeps you dry, but you may sacrifice breathability and longevity.

🏍️ We’ve ranked which gear brands are trusted across price tiers in our High-End to Budget: Gear Brands Riders Trust Most article.

If you ride rarely in the rain, a budget suit like the Nelson‑Rigg Stormrider is fine. Frequent riders should invest in a durable suit like the Tourmaster Defender or a laminated option like the REV’IT! Pacific 4 for long‑term comfort and reliability.

Final Thoughts

There’s no single rain suit that fits every rider. Your local climate, ride length, and need for portability will determine what works best.

Remember to choose gear that fits over your normal riding equipment, packs into the space you have, and makes you visible to others on the road. When the next storm rolls in, you’ll be glad you took the time to get it right.

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