Motorcycle rain pants to keep you dry

Looking for motorcycle rain pants? The plethora of products on offer from equipment manufacturers can be hard to navigate. Prices can sometimes triple for a product that at first glance seems fairly basic. What are the differences between these products?

1) Quality

When choosing a pair of motorcycle rain pants, pay close attention to the quality of the heat-sealed seams. If they're rough and incomplete, you'll have a product with reduced longevity, or even waterproofing problems. Rain pants costing around €15 often have this problem. The quality of the nylon used is also important, as some pants tear quite quickly.

2) Putting on

This is often one of the first features you look for, and it drives up the price. These range from zippered leg bottoms to wide side openings (zip and/or Velcro). There are also pants with fine satin linings that slide more easily over your city pants. At Bagster or Tucano Urbano, you'll find "Cow Boy" rain pants that cover the front of your pants like an apron. Bagster calls them Pantablier and Tucano Urbano Takeaway.

3) Practical aspects

Some rain pants have pockets. However, I wouldn't recommend slipping your cell phone into them, as they're rarely waterproof for long :) Others have elastics on the lower legs or Velcro fastenings to prevent the pants from riding up when you're on the bike. The storage aspect also comes into play: some are easy to fold or come with a handy little carrying pouch. Avoid "sailor" rain pants with their thick fabric.

4) Safety

For me, the first essential safety feature in rain pants is reflective inserts. When you're riding in the rain, you're less visible, given that basic motorcycle rain pants are usually black. You can also opt for models with fluorescent zones, which greatly increase your visibility, especially at night in winter. Don't overlook this point!

Some manufacturers include CE-approved knee protectors in their top-of-the-range models. I think we're talking more about overtrousers than simple rain pants, given the prices.

5) Warmth

You ride in the rain, and what's more in winter, and you're one of our brave customers who rides every day. Manufacturers have thought of you with models that offer this dual functionality with a removable thermal lining to keep you warm.

All these elements explain the price variations you may encounter. Read the product descriptions carefully, and don't hesitate to compare them to find the model that suits your needs.

To help you, here's a video presentation of 5 models we've tried and compared:

• Ixon FOG rain pants
• Held AQUA rain pants
• Rev'it ACID rain pants
• Tucano Urbano TAKEAWAY rain pants
• Bering TACOMA 2 rain pants