To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable ride, it's essential to pack appropriately, taking into consideration the weather and location of your adventure. Before setting off, ask yourself key questions such as where you plan to ride and whether you may encounter extreme temperatures. With unpredictable weather conditions, it's not uncommon to experience a mix of hot sun, pouring rain, sleet, and even snow - all in one day!

By being prepared with the right gear, you can turn those challenging days into fantastic stories. Instead of freezing and struggling through the ride, you can comfortably embrace the journey, enjoying every moment with the help of well-chosen layers. Some gear will differ if you're riding on the streets or off-road, either way it's best to include some element of protection, especially, gloves, jackets, and most importantly a helmet. 

Best Tips For Packing Motorcycle Gear 

Lightweight Gloves vs. Winter Gloves

I am a big fan of my lightweight gloves, in cold, in wet…it does not matter, they are my favorites. That being said, there are days that are just too cold and too wet to even think about not having some thicker winter gloves on.

Rain Suit Selection

I also like to have a rain suit in reserve, I have both a one-piece and two-piece, it depends on where I am riding and how long the adventure is that I will undertake. Rain suits whether a one or two-piece is a personal preference and the stories of what is best will vary about as much as the weather itself.

Find what fits and keeps you dry and that will be the perfect suit. There is nothing like hours of riding in rain without the protection, only to find yourself still freezing hours after getting off the bike.

Lessons from Early Riding Days

In my early days of riding, I did not have the proper gear and a rain suit, well I wore my REI hiking waterproof suit (which is a great suit, but not made for the downpours of Costa Rica) in a half a day of riding in a waterfall from the sky.

I learned on that trip, well many things as it was my first solo moto rental journey abroad, but I for sure learned that a good rain suit can be key. I sat at my hotel in the drizzle of hot water that I could get to come out and prayed to just shake the chill. I don’t think I fully warmed up until the next morning.

Embracing the Unexpected

There will always be unexpected occurrences and things that just don’t go perfectly, but that is all part of living an adventurous life…it could even be said that it is part of LIVING.

Preparation for Changing Weather

Although having the right gear can be the difference between a miserable ride day and a joyous adventure story (those can sometimes be one and the same, I think you get my point). Ride with the purpose of your journey in mind and be open to the possibilities of the road without constantly having to worry if the weather will change. If it does, and you are prepared, just throw your layers on, slap on that rain suit, and continue down the open road.