Motorcycle Rain Gear Guide: Rain Suit, Boot Covers and Glove Covers
Good motorcycle rain gear is three pieces: a two-piece rain suit worn over your riding jacket and pants, waterproof boot covers over your boots, and waterproof glove covers over your gloves. Pick the suit from its size chart, go up a size in boot covers over riding boots, keep all three packed on the bike, and put them on before you are soaked, not after. Here is how to choose and size each piece.
What to wear riding a motorcycle in the rain
| Rain suit | Boot covers | Glove covers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it covers | Jacket and pants over your riding gear | Boots or shoes, sole to above the ankle | Your own gloves or mitts |
| Keeps out | Rain and wind | Rain, slush and mud | Rain and wind |
| How to size | Use the size chart on the product page | Running shoe size, one size up over motorcycle boots | Size chart with cover height and width |
| Visibility | Reflective bands on the arms and back | Reflective strip on the heel | None listed |
| On the bike | Packs into a saddlebag | Stow with the suit | Come with their own storage bag |
The motorcycle rain suit: one layer over everything
A rain suit goes on top of the riding jacket and pants you already wear, so your protective gear stays on underneath and the suit's job is keeping water and wind out. Our Dri-Tek 2-Piece Rain Suit is a jacket and pants made from waterproof, breathable polyester with heat-sealed seams. A mesh lining stops it sticking to you when you sweat, and elastic at the ankles, cuffs and waist keeps the rain from running in.
The details are the ones a rider notices on the road:
- Front closure: a large zipper you can pull with gloves on, under a Velcro storm flap that blocks wind and water at highway speed.
- Back vents: they let air through so the jacket does not catch air and balloon out.
- Hood: slim enough to wear under a helmet to keep the back of your neck dry, or rolled away into a pocket at the back of the collar.
- Pants: a knee-length zipper means you pull them on over your boots, and footwear loops pass under your boots to keep the legs in place.
- Heat-resistant leg panels: protection if your shin brushes a hot exhaust pipe.
- Pockets: cargo pockets on the left arm and right leg, and an inside chest pocket for a wallet or keys.
How to size a rain suit over riding gear
The suit comes in eight unisex sizes, XS to 4XL. Follow the Dri-Tek size chart: the product page asks you to pick your size from the chart (the second product image) based on your measurements, so start there and check the chart's lengths as well as the widths. The suit goes over a riding jacket and pants, so if you are unsure which size will fit over your gear, ask us in the chat before you order.
These are owner experiences, separate from the chart. Several reviewers recommend allowing extra room over riding gear, and some who chose a size up say the suit goes over their riding jacket and pants and doubles as an extra layer on cold rides. One reviewer who did not size for riding pants found the pants too short to move freely. One reviewer found the sleeves and legs long.
Waterproof boot covers (and shoe covers) for riding
Boot covers let you keep the boots you like and still arrive dry. Our Dri-Tek Reusable Waterproof Boot Covers are 100% waterproof polyester with a PVC backing and a ripple rubber sole for grip on wet ground. A long zipper runs up the side from the sole to the top, so you step in from the side, then close a Velcro storm flap over the zipper. An underfoot strap holds the cover snug so loose material does not flap around your ankle, and a reflective strip on the heel helps drivers see you in low light.
They work as waterproof shoe covers too, over running shoes or hiking boots.
Before you ride in them, sit on the bike and check that you can get your toe under the shift lever, work the rear brake and feel the pegs. One owner told us they shift smoothly with the covers on, but every boot and bike is different.
How to size boot covers
The chart on the product page goes by your running shoe size, in six sizes from S to 3XL. The page says to go up a size to wear them over work boots or motorcycle boots, and owners agree that they run small. Very bulky boots, like construction boots, may need more room again, so ask us before you order.
Glove covers: keep your favourite gloves dry
Our Dri-Tek Reusable Waterproof Glove Covers go over your existing gloves or mitts. They have waterproof seams, a windproof shell that cuts wind chill, and Sure-Grip material on the palm and fingertips for a better grip on the bars. They come in three sizes:
| Size | Cover height | Cover width |
|---|---|---|
| S/M | 33.5 cm | 16 cm |
| L/XL | 35 cm | 17 cm |
| 2XL/3XL | 37 cm | 19 cm |
Use those numbers with the size chart on the product page, and if your gloves are bulky, ask us which size to pick. The material is thin, which is why they pack so small, and owners carry them for the day the forecast turns. With a cover over a thick glove, check that you can still work the clutch, front brake and switches before you head out.
Staying visible in the rain
Rain, spray and grey light make you harder to see. The rain suit has reflective bands on the arms and back, and the boot covers have a reflective strip on each heel, which helps at night and at dusk. Beyond the gear, ride with your lights on, keep your visor clean and clear of fog, leave more room to brake, and stay out of drivers' blind spots. Our six tips for riding in the rain cover how to handle the road itself, and motorcycle safety 101 covers the basics.
Packing rain gear on the bike
Rain gear only works if it is with you. Owners tell us the suit stores easily in a saddlebag, and the glove covers come in their own small bag. A few habits help:
- Pack the suit near the top of a saddlebag or tail bag, not under the camping gear, so you can reach it in a minute.
- Keep the boot covers and glove covers with the suit, so the set always travels together.
- When the sky turns, pull over somewhere safe and suit up before the rain starts. It is easier to stay dry than to get dry once you are soaked.
- When you can, let everything dry at the end of the day before you pack it away.
Short on space? Our guide to tail bags, tank bags and saddlebags and how much you can carry on a motorcycle help you plan the load.
ATV rain gear
The same set works off-road. The rain suit is made for motorcycle and ATV riders, the glove covers list ATVing among their uses, and the boot covers keep mud and slush off your boots. The heat-resistant leg panels and the elastic at the ankles are useful on an ATV too. Wear the suit over your usual protective gear, not instead of it. Our ATV protective gear checklist lists what goes underneath.
- Dri-Tek 2-Piece Rain SuitWaterproof jacket and pants over your riding gear
- Dri-Tek Reusable Waterproof Boot CoversDry feet over boots or shoes
- Dri-Tek Reusable Waterproof Glove CoversWaterproof, windproof shell over your own gloves
Building your rain kit
- Commuting or day rides: the rain suit and boot covers, sized to go over your gear.
- Touring or long days: all three pieces, packed together where you can reach them.
- Cold, wet shoulder-season rides: the full set, with the glove covers over thicker gloves to cut the wind.
You can see all three together in our rain gear collection.
Questions riders ask us
Will the rain suit fit over my riding jacket and pants?
Follow the size chart on the product page to pick your size. Separately, several owners told us they chose a size up to wear it over their riding jacket and pants, some with the jacket liner in.
Do I have to take my boots off to put on the rain pants?
No. The pants have a knee-length zipper, so they go on over your boots, and the footwear loops go under your boots.
Will the hood fit under my helmet?
It is made slim enough to wear under a helmet. If you do not need it, roll it into the pocket at the back of the collar.
What size boot covers should I order?
Start from your running shoe size on the chart. Go up one size for motorcycle boots or work boots. For very bulky boots, send us your boot size and type and we will help you choose.
Do the boot covers work in snow and slush?
Yes. They are made for rain, slush, mud and wet conditions in all seasons, and the rubber sole is there for grip on wet and icy ground.
Can I still shift gears with boot covers on?
Owners say yes, but check it on your own bike before you ride: toe under the shift lever, rear brake and pegs.
Tell us what you ride and what gear you already have, through the chat on any page or at (647) 400-3081, and we will help you pick the right fit.
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