Rain & Wet Weather
A ROAD buying guide · ~9 min read · Updated August 2026
Anyone who's copped a Sydney southerly on the M1, or watched the sky turn black over the Hume with two hours still to ride, knows the truth about rain gear: staying dry isn't about comfort, it's about staying safe. Cold, wet hands stop working the levers properly. A soaked base layer will have you shivering, and shivering riders make slow, sloppy decisions. Good rain gear keeps you warm, dry and switched on until you're home.
The problem is there's no single "best" rain setup, because a commuter dodging showers, a tourer crossing three weather systems in a day, and an adventure rider in the wet all need different things. This guide breaks down the three real approaches, our tested picks in each, and what actually matters when you're buying for Australian conditions.
01 The three ways to stay dry
Nearly every rain solution falls into one of three buckets. Get this decision right first, and the rest is just picking a size.
- A packable rainsuit over your gear. A lightweight waterproof jacket and pants you pull on over your normal riding kit when it starts spitting. Cheapest, most flexible, and stashes under the seat. Ideal for commuters and anyone whose main gear isn't waterproof.
- Dedicated waterproof jacket and pants. Purpose-built rain gear worn as your outer layer. Roomier, tougher, and better-ventilated than a throw-over suit, but more to carry.
- Laminated gear (Gore-Tex or Drystar). Touring and adventure gear with the waterproof membrane built into the jacket and pants, so they're waterproof on their own with nothing to pull over the top. The most convenient, and the most expensive.
Not sure where to start? Browse the full rain suits range, or read on for our picks in each category.
02 Best packable rain suits (throw over your gear)
If your jacket isn't already waterproof, a packable suit is the single best-value bit of wet-weather kit you can own. It lives under the seat and comes out the moment the road turns shiny.
The Nelson-Rigg storm rider rain jacket and matching rain pants are the commuter's benchmark — fully waterproof, genuinely packable, and the hi-viz option is a real plus on grey, low-light days. For a step up in fit and finish, the Alpinestars Hurricane V2 rainsuit pulls on quickly and stays put at highway speed. Tight on space? The Ixon Compact rain jacket folds down to almost nothing.
03 Choice waterproof motorcycle jackets
If you'd rather one jacket did the job without a suit over the top, a dedicated waterproof jacket is the answer. The Alpinestars Hurricane V2 rain jacket is a proven, no-fuss shell that layers over a summer or mesh jacket. For everyday riding jackets with waterproof membranes built in, Dririder is the go-to for Australian conditions and value, while Ixon covers the sportier end. See the full jackets range.
04 Top waterproof & wet-weather over-pants
Pants are the bit riders forget, right up until the first downpour soaks through to the seat. Waterproof over-pants pull on over jeans or riding pants and are the quickest fix; the Nelson-Rigg Solo Storm pants are the easy pick to pair with the jacket above. If you'd rather one pair did it all, laminated touring pants (below) are waterproof on their own. Browse all motorcycle pants.
05 Best laminated touring & ADV gear (Gore-Tex & Drystar)
For tourers and adventure riders who'd rather not carry a rainsuit at all, laminated gear is the premium answer. The waterproof membrane is bonded into the jacket and pants, so you're protected the moment the weather turns with nothing to pull over the top. The Alpinestars Halo Drystar jacket and matching pants are a superb all-rounder, and the Bogota Pro Drystar is built for genuine three-season adventure duty.
06 Don't forget your hands and feet
Hands and feet leak first, and they ruin an otherwise dry ride the fastest. Waterproof gloves like the RST Axiom or the adventure-focused Alpinestars Hyde XT Drystar XF keep your fingers working the controls. For feet, a Gore-Tex boot such as the Alpinestars Web Gore-Tex or the waterproof J-6 ride shoes beats a wet sock every time. Full ranges: gloves and boots & shoes.
07 What to look for in Australian conditions
- Waterproof vs breathable. In humid conditions, a cheap plastic suit will leave you as wet from sweat as from rain. A breathable membrane matters more here than almost anywhere.
- Taped seams. The fabric can be waterproof and the jacket still leak through unsealed stitching. Fully taped seams are non-negotiable.
- Hi-viz for grey days. Rain kills visibility. A bright or reflective option genuinely helps drivers see you.
- Packability. For commuters, if it doesn't fit under the seat it stays home — and that's the day it rains.
- Sizing over armour. A throw-over suit has to fit over your jacket and its protectors. Size up, and check the sleeve and leg length.
08 How to layer and care for rain gear so it keeps working
Waterproof gear only works if you look after it. Wear a wicking base layer under it, not cotton, which holds water. When the outer fabric stops beading and starts "wetting out", it's not broken; the durable water-repellent (DWR) coating just needs refreshing with a wash-in or spray-on re-proofer. Always dry gear fully before you pack it away, store it loosely rather than balled up, and re-proof once or twice a season. Done right, a good set of rain gear lasts years.
Frequently asked questions
Is Gore-Tex or Drystar better for motorcycle riding?
Both are fully waterproof and breathable. Gore-Tex is a licensed membrane with a "guaranteed to keep you dry" promise; Drystar is Alpinestars' in-house equivalent and usually comes in a bit cheaper. Choose based on the jacket you actually want and your budget — waterproofing alone won't separate them.
Do you need a rain suit if your jacket is already waterproof?
If your gear is laminated (Gore-Tex or Drystar), no — it's waterproof on its own. If you ride a summer, mesh or drop-liner jacket, a packable rainsuit is the cheapest and fastest way to stay dry when you get caught out.
How do you keep your hands and feet dry on a motorbike?
Waterproof gloves with a membrane, plus over-gloves for heavy downpours, and Gore-Tex boots or waterproof overboots. Hands and feet are the first things to soak through and the most miserable to ride with, so don't leave them till last.