Isn't fabric breathability important for rain gear???

 

yup..

 

I use 2 piece and all have either reflective piping or hi-viz. But I have learned that even with a FF helmet, using the hood really does help for me. Water seems to find ways down the back of the helmet and under into the collar and down either the arm or back and the hood helps prevent that from happening for me. But a 2 piece is great for those days when you need that extra layer, but they are warm. Also each of my suits have heat resistant panels on the insides of the lower legs. Keeps the melting on the pipes to a minimum!

 

What the other guys are saying. Then after they get jostled around and mushed up in your saddlebags or garage for a while, and get used occasionally, hang them from a coat hanger and blast a half a can of waterproofing spray all over them. Especially the crotch and wherever they do a lot of bending; elbows, knees. Do this at least at the start of every season or before each big trip when it is likely to rain. The stuff wears off.

Nothing worse than hitting a monsoon and finding out that your waterproof gear isn't any more.

Also consider the stirrups that keep them from riding up in the breeze. We hit a 3-hour downpour last year and the only thing that got wet on either of us was our jeans below the knees, so we're getting some.

Make sure you zip up and snap the bottoms closed as tight as you can, otherwise you go down the road with inflated bags around your legs flopping around in the breeze. If they still do that; duct tape.

Oh, and also; if you do get caught and drenched before you can put the suits on, unless it's hot out, stop when you can and put them on over your wet gear anyway. Being wet is one thing, but going 55+mph when wet can be miserable, they'll at least keep the wind from pulling all the heat out of your body.

 

I like Frogg Toggs because they breath. I tried a PVC coated suit on a trip and had to strike camp in a downpour. By the time I was done I might as well of not worn the rain suit as I was soaked in sweat and plenty miserable.

The downside is they do melt if you get it nest to a hot pipe.

I hope this helps.

 

What also helps a lot is a slot in your seat (like the Sundowner doesn't have) to drain water. Got caught in a downpour and my HD rainpants didn't help. Was like sitting in a bucket of water!

 

I've tried other gear, but this is what I run now. As for the hood, it works well to keep water from making it down your back so I tend to use it if I'm expecting heavy rains, along with full face helmet which is a must in the rain.

Wes

 

Like others, I have the two piece suit. mine is the Harley packable suit. it packs nicely in the bags, it is pretty much solid non-breathable, but I guess when it comes to dry or breathable, you need to make a choice.... when it stops raining I remove the suit. I would spend the money on a top of line rain suit, but those take mega room. your call, but the $100 packable HD rain suit is for me.

 

I really like my HD Hi-vis suit. It lives in my saddlebag just in case. The hood may or may not help everyone, but it's a nice option to have. Boot gaiters are a must have IMO. I bought some from Tour Master on eBay for ~$20. Tuck them in under the pants and you're all set. I had a Frog Togg suit a few years back, but it melts very easily if it touches any part of the exhaust.

 

+1 on all of the above

The only thing I would add is a good pair of gaiters - put those on first and then the suit - don't ask me how I know!!