By some miracle, the UK hasn't really seen all that much rain overall so far this year, but you can bet your life that soon enough there'll be a wintry downpour you've not planned for and you might not have brought waterproof gear with you. Even worse, you might have 'waterproof' gear that you swiftly find out isn't so waterproof anymore!
This post is going to go over the various methods of waterproofing for motorcycle gear, and go over their various pros and cons.
Waterproofing a garment isn't the easiest task in the world; it has to fit you properly so it can't just be a bag, it has to withstand various temperatures and wear, as well as preferably let some water back out so the inside of your gear doesn't become a sweat box. There are various technologies that different brands utilise to try and keep you dry, with various costs and effectiveness, and there are some techniques you can try to optimise your gear.
The most well known, and arguably most effective waterproofing technology is Gore-Tex. It utilises an additional membrane with small holes in it with the basic principle that the holes are smaller than a water droplet but larger than a molecule of water vapour. This allows for complete protection from water entering the garment, but allowing water vapour (ie. sweat) to escape so you keep cool. As a layer itself, it's impermeable to water, but it relies on the manufacturer effectively incorporating it into their piece of gear. The other side effect can be that the outer layers of the gear can be saturated while the inside is dry, which isn't ideal for insulation or breathability. Often you'll find the best design on premium products, with Rukka often offering the ultimate in weather protection, as well as crash protection.
D-Dry is Dainese's waterproofing solution working on a similar principle to Gore-Tex, using micropores to maintain waterproofing and breathability however it works as a laminate rather than a membrane. Dainese also use Gore-Tex on occasion. D-WP is the Dainese solution for waterproofing footwear, giving an outer waterproof layer.
Carrying on with the theme, Spidi utilise H2Out technology which, again uses the same principle after working working with the Japanese company Toray to create their membrane.
You can find all these membranes/laminates within various items of the gear from each of these companies, with the express aim of keeping wind and water out. As mentioned before however, sometimes the design can lead to outer layers becoming saturated so it's important to check rider reviews in magazines and forums. Generally speaking the more premium the brand, the less likely this is to occur however. At Bike Stop we're more than happy to discuss the options for waterproofing to let you make the most informed choice possible. Leather jackets with layers underneath can be particularly prone to saturation, but that is the price you pay for the best impact and abrasion protection currently possible.
It is possible mitigate some of this saturation effect, as well as attempt to restore and enhance waterproofing of existing gear, through the use of Nikwax waterproofing products. They can be used on most items of motorcycle clothing with options including spray-on solutions, as well as wash-in liquids, especially ideal if your gear's a bit whiffy! See our previous blog post covering Nikwax and waterproofing here.
Other less premium brands include unbranded waterproofing, and more often than not it's not quite as advanced as, say, Gore-Tex, although it can cost less. Lack of breathability is often the biggest drawback of less advanced waterproofing, and sometimes the waterproofing can fail altogether! More basic waterproofing can often be found in oversuits, taped seams are an absolute must in these. Often a happy side effect is great windproofing from oversuits which can keep you nice and toasty in a pinch.
The ultimate in weather protection will always be a high-end weather proof textile suit, but it's possible to protect yourself from the elements without breaking the bank completely. Ensuring a good fit and maintaining your gear properly will ensure you get the most protection possible, especially if your gear has limitations. If you're choosing textile gear, be sure to check our textiles buying guide here.
Going to the other end of the spectrum we have the plastic bag and duct tape technique, ideal for sodden boots or leaky gear! Breathability is non-existant but you stand a good chance of keeping dry if your sealing is done correctly. Zero stars out of five for ease of use and longevity however!
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