More important than ever with the weather turning from autumnal to wintry, layers are the best way to keep warm on a motorbike. Keeping yourself warm head to toe is not only the most comfortable way to be, but it’ll also keep you safer as your fingers will work properly, and it’ll reduce the distraction of being cold. Base layers are key to this, however they are part of a system of layers that’ll keep you warm and dry, no matter the weather.
Starting from inside, base layers form the foundation of insulation from the elements. There are a range of simple, to hi-tech materials they can be made from, but the overall aim of these layers is the same, to keep you warm and dry!
The three major materials that are commonly used in conventional base layers are the synthetic fabric polyester, or natural wool or silk. Each make excellent choices for use as a thin material for maintaining a small air gap, while wicking sweat away from your skin. By having this thin air layer acting as insulation, you’re able to wear less bulky insulation on top of it, with the same level of effect. Not only that, but using air as an insulator makes it more flexible for a range of temperatures, which reduces the impact of any warmth turning your gear into a sweatbox! Your body naturally sweats however, especially when warm, and base layers work to get moisture off your skin and able to evaporate through your gear, providing it’s permeable; Goretex for wet and cold weather outer layers are ideal for this, as well as summer vented layers.
You’ll find base layers geared for different climates, as even though they’re adaptable to different temperatures, the level of insulation required for winter and summer does need to be different, and wearing winter thermals at the height of summer would make you sweat more than they could cope with. Summer versions are geared more towards sweat wicking and venting than keeping you warm.
There is another type of base layer however, and one that uses technology developed for NASA’s astronauts to keep you warm or cool; Outlast. You may have seen it in other outdoor gear, and there’s a reason for that, it works! Unlike normal base layers, which maintain your temperature by keeping an air layer, and wicking moisture away, Outlast is able to store and release heat as required in order to maintain a constant temperature. When you get warm, Outlast will store the heat to pull it from your skin, or from the external environment, but as you cool it will release the heat again to prevent you from getting cold, reducing the need for wicking as your sweating will have been brought down to a minimum.
Bikestop offers a wide range of Dainese base layers, for both men and women. These come as either full top to bottom suits, or as top and bottoms individually. Dainese’s range is split into D-Core Aero and Thermo, depending on what temperature range you’re planning on riding in. D-Core refers to the portion of the Earth that’s central, while their midlayers are referred to as D-Mantle. The Aero is not too ideal for the rest of this year now that the temperature has dropped, but if you’re planning on heading south for some winter sunshine it’ll be very handy if the other gear you have isn’t as flexible as it needs to be. It allows air through to your skin, as well as wicking away sweat – this will make you as cool as you can be in motorcycle gear on a hot day.
The Thermo versions are going to be much more relevant to UK riders at this time of year, with their temperature range meant to be for use when it’s 10 degrees or lower outside. If you’re using thinner gear however, they could be useful for a good portion of the year. Despite this insulation they’re still able to wick moisture away, ensuring that you keep dry under your gear, while your gear keeps water out.
For the in between, there is the Dry range which sit in between the Thermo and Aero ranges, and will keep you warm down to around 0 degrees. There are also NoWind versions of Dainese base layers, allowing you to have slightly draughty gear (ideal for when riding into the evening, and not quite having the right outer layers) and keeping the cold air off your body.
Dainese have also gone as far as incorporating armour into a base layer, in the form of their Hard Shorts which can complement any motorcycle jean that doesn't include hip armour. Good ventilation means that they shouldn't become bothersome when you get warm, so you'll keep on wearing them in all weathers, and convenience is key if you want to continue using something!
You’ll also need to take care of your feet, as boots are quite often not the most insulated of things, even if they’re waterproof models. Dainese also offer socks which have reinforcement in key areas, as well as compression to support your muscles, and a bit of ventilation to keep your feet cooler when needed. If going for motorcycle specific socks doesn’t appeal, or your budget doesn’t quite stretch that far, then two thin pairs of socks, or one thin and one thicker, will keep your feet that bit toastier. Similarly, silk undergloves can enhance how warm your hands are significantly, but you’ll need to make sure your gloves are still comfortable and you still have full range of movement when they’re on. You can even get Dainese silk balaclavas and neck gaiters for the ultimate in keeping warm, and for when a traditional cotton or polyester neck buff just won’t cut it.
Outlast has obviously found its way into motorcycle base layers, with both of the premium brands of Rukka and Halvarssons incorporating it to provide warmth in the worst of conditions. They offer both long-sleeve tops and long johns for the technological solution to keeping yourself warm and dry.
Another solution to keeping warm is to use heated gear, and there are options available allowing you to be electrically heated from your neck, all the way down to your feet! Sometimes you just aren't going to be warm, especially if you're already cold getting into your gear, and heated gear makes all the difference. See our recent blog for a guide to what's available.
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