Adventure & Touring Motorcycle Gear: How to Dress for Long Rides
In short: For long motorcycle trips, choose a waterproof, ventilated suit certified to EN 17092 with armour at all joints and the back. A 3-layer laminate dries fastest. Combine it with layering, a packable rain suit and two pairs of gloves.
A long motorcycle trip rarely stays in one climate. You might start on a cool, foggy morning on the coast, cross a hot interior valley at noon and ride into rain on a mountain pass by evening. Adventure and touring gear has to handle all of it, day after day. Here is how to put together gear for long rides, and what to pack.
What makes good touring gear
- Weather protection that keeps you dry for hours, not minutes
- Ventilation you can open when the temperature climbs
- Comfort over long days: a riding fit, soft collars and cuffs, adjustable waist and hips
- Durability: abrasion-resistant fabrics, strong seams and zips that survive years of travel
- Certified protection: EN 17092 for the jacket and pants, armour at shoulders, elbows, back, hips and knees
- Practical storage: waterproof pockets for documents and phone
Laminate or liner for touring?
For long trips in unpredictable weather, a 3-layer laminated suit has a clear advantage: the outer fabric can't soak up water, so the gear stays lighter and dries quickly overnight. A Z-Liner suit, with the membrane between outer fabric and lining, has a softer, more classic outer and is a great all-rounder for touring and everyday riding. Both keep you dry. Read more in our guide to motorcycle rain gear.
What do the EN 17092 protection classes mean?
EN 17092 tests the complete garment, not just individual materials. It has five classes:
| Class | What it means |
|---|---|
| AAA | Highest requirements for abrasion, tear and seam strength, with impact protectors |
| AA | High protection for touring and all-round riding, with impact protectors |
| A | Lighter protection, mainly for urban riding, with impact protectors |
| B | Abrasion protection like class A, but without impact protectors |
| C | Under- or over-garments that hold protectors, without abrasion protection of their own |
Our touring options
| Endurance | Moto 65 | Dryzone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction | 3-layer Cordura® ripstop laminate | Waxed Cordura®/cotton with Sympatex® Z-Liner | Breathable Cordura® ripstop, vented |
| Weather | Waterproof, vented | Waterproof, vented | Warm and dry |
| Best for | Long-distance and adventure travel in any weather | Touring and everyday riding with a classic look | Summer trips and hot climates |
The Endurance Jacket and Endurance Pants are built for long days in unpredictable weather, with armpit, shoulder and thigh vents, 3M Scotchlite reflective details on the jacket and removable suspenders on the pants.
The Moto 65 Riding Jacket and Pants combine a Sympatex® membrane with an understated waxed outer that looks right in town and on the road.
For hot trips, the Dryzone suit keeps the air moving. See our guide to summer motorcycle jackets.
All North of Berlin jackets and pants connect with a full-length zip, even in different sizes.
Layering for changing weather
- Base layer: moisture-wicking, merino or synthetic, never cotton
- Mid layer: a thin fleece or insulated vest for cold mornings and passes
- Outer layer: your riding jacket and pants
- Extra layer: a packable rain suit like the Swamp Rain Jacket and Pants for heavy rain and wind
Gear packing list for a motorcycle trip
- Riding jacket and pants, plus a back protector if your jacket doesn't include one
- Two pairs of gloves: a light summer pair and a waterproof pair
- Packable rain suit
- Two or three base layers, one warm mid layer
- Neck tube or buff
- Earplugs
- Small repair kit, tire repair kit and a basic first-aid kit
- Waterproof bags or liners for the luggage
Frequently asked questions
What is the best motorcycle gear for long-distance touring?
A waterproof, ventilated suit certified to EN 17092 with armour at all key points, plus a rain layer and two pairs of gloves. For very wet trips, laminated gear dries fastest.
Is adventure gear different from touring gear?
Adventure gear is usually built for more off-road use: more ventilation, room for knee protectors and enduro boots, and tougher fabrics. Many riders use the same suit for both.
How do I dry my gear on a trip?
Hang it up at room temperature overnight, open all vents and pockets and take out the armour. Laminated gear dries fastest.
The bottom line
Good touring gear lets you forget about the weather and focus on the road. Choose a suit that suits the climates you ride through, layer underneath and pack a rain suit and a second pair of gloves.
Explore all touring and adventure gear.
