The Best Waterproof Motorcycle Jackets

As with any item of motorcycle clothing, suitability is very important. It’s no use buying the most expensive and adventure-focused waterproof jacket if you only ride a sportsbike during summer.

Only you know how you plan to use the jacket, so only you can decide which jacket would be best. If you plan on using the jacket all year round, or in different climates, you’ll need something that has the ability to keep you comfortable in the different temperatures you’re riding through.

There are some basic garment considerations to take in first. Pay special attention to areas where it’s easier for water to get in. Cuffs, collars, zips and pockets are all potential weak spots where water can creep in. Look out for waterproof pockets, storm cuffs and zips that will help keep the water out.

Jacket cuffs also want to be large, preferably with a zip opening so you can easily get the sleeve over your glove and tighten it up for a secure fit. It’s infuriating having a cold weather or waterproof jacket with a tight sleeve as you won’t be bothered to force the sleeve over a large glove and then your arm and gloves will get soaked.

The technology used and the way your jacket is waterproofed (type of liner used) is perhaps the most important aspect when looking for a waterproof motorcycle jacket. So we’ve given them their own sections below. 

The waterproof membrane of your jacket can be installed in one of two ways. It can be bonded and laminated to your jacket. This means it can’t be removed and is a part of your gear. Or, it can be installed using loops and buttons as a removable layer so you can take the waterproof liner out.

Removable layer

Having a removable liner means these jackets can be used in a variety of conditions and climates. If rain is unlikely and the temperature is high, the waterproof layer can be removed to keep the rider cool.

The downside to a waterproof layer is that the outer jacket will eventually soak up rainwater and become heavy and sodden. You’ll be left with a very wet and heavy jacket that will eventually cause wind chill and the entire jacket will need drying before your next ride. However, it does take some time for this to happen so you do have a good few hours of rain riding time.

Laminated

As the laminated jackets have the waterproof membrane fixed into the material of the jacket, it stops the water from entering your jacket and will last longer and keep you drier in serious rain. The downside to this type of jacket is that they’re more expensive and run hotter. You don’t have the versatility you do with a removable liner. However, if the bulk of your riding is in cold or wet conditions, then this may be for you.  

Choosing the right one for you

Picking the right type of liner is a huge factor when choosing a waterproof motorcycle jacket and completely depends on the type of riding you’ll be doing. Laminated are more expensive, thicker, heavier, warmer but not as versatile. Go for one if you’re riding is predominately rain based or if it has a large number of vents. Removable liners are better suited for travellers or those who ride more in the summer but need the added waterproof protection.

The obvious and simple answer is that a good waterproof jacket keeps the water out and you dry. However, it runs a little deeper than that. You could wear 10 bin bags and that’d keep the rain out (probably) but you’d still be a soggy mess underneath because there’d be no breathability. So, it’s not just about waterproofing, it’s also about breathability and comfort. That means the type of waterproofing is just as important.

The word ‘breathability’ is thrown around a lot when it comes to motorcycle gear – especially waterproof kit. But just how breathable a fabric is, is debatable. Breathability is affected by your gear’s armour, the garments you’re wearing underneath and the riding conditions you’re in. So, while it is an important factor, try not to put too much emphasis on it. For example, a pro laminate waterproof jacket will be hot, but the manufacturer may state that it’s very breathable. Take this with a  pinch of salt, because it will be thick and heavy and most likely unsuited to warmer conditions.

What you will want to pay attention to instead, is the ventilation. You’re guaranteed breathability with decent sized ventilations as air can flow into your suit.

The final thing to consider when looking at waterproof jackets is weight. Advances in material technology mean many modern-day motorcycle jackets can be quite lightweight, but once you start adding removable layers or waterproofing, the weight can quickly increase. If you’re spending long hours in the saddle, a heavy jacket will increase fatigue, but it will also be more durable and potentially higher quality.

It’s all a balance that only you can make dependent on your personal circumstances and needs.

There are several different technologies manufacturers utilise to make their clothing waterproof. Some manufacturers have developed their own waterproof technologies too, like Alpinestars with their Drystar material. Other manufacturers use technologies developed by other companies, such as the most famous waterproof material – Gore-Tex.

If you’ve spent any time researching waterproof riding gear, you’ll no doubt have come across the name Gore-Tex. Gore-Tex is a company that manufacture and produce waterproof materials made from Teflon. The technology prevents water (rain) from penetrating and getting in, while simultaneously also allowing water vapour (your sweat) to get out. This makes it both waterproof and breathable.

It’s been around since 1969 and has been touted by many as the pinnacle of waterproofing. Of course, Gore-Tex isn’t the be-all and end-all when it comes to waterproofing. The Alpinestars Drystar waterproof technology is also waterproof and breathable, as is Oxford’s Dry2Dry.

Motorcycle jackets with Gore-Tex liners certainly demand a higher price tag and it offers a premium touch to a product. That’s because a manufacturer can’t just chuck some Gore-Tex into their product, instead it has to be built and designed to Gore-Tex’s specifications for maximum waterproofing and then the company tests the final product as their name is on it too. But, there are other companies and waterproof technologies out there, so don’t think it has to be Gore-Tex.

Besides standard Gore-Tex, there is also Gore-Tex laminate and Gore-Tex Pro.

Gore-Tex laminate is a thin membrane of Gore-Tex material laminated between an inner and outer layer. The types of layers on either side of the laminate membrane determine the versatility of the garment. A jacket with a two-layer laminate construction will be durable and warm if it also includes a lining. Those with a three-layer construction offer low bulk and high durability. Gore-Tex Pro is designed for use in the most serious and extreme conditions, and uses a three-layer construction that includes a robust Gore Micro Grid Backer inner lining. It’s the serious waterproof option and demands a much higher price tag.