Do You Still Need Rain Gear if Your Motorcycle Gear is Waterproof?
This is a question we get often: “If my jacket and pants are waterproof, do I still need separate rain gear?” The short answer is yes. Most riders still benefit from carrying dedicated rain gear, even when using high-quality waterproof motorcycle apparel.
Modern waterproof riding gear does an excellent job of keeping moisture out. Whether it uses a laminated membrane, like NovaShield, or a removable waterproof liner, the goal is the same: keep you dry from the outside in. In steady or light rain, this system performs well and will typically keep the rider comfortable throughout the ride.
However, there’s an important distinction that often gets overlooked. While waterproof gear keeps water from reaching your body, the outer shell of the garment still gets wet. On short rides or quick trips, this usually isn’t an issue. But on longer days in the saddle, or multi-day trips, it becomes much more noticeable.
When your outer layer becomes saturated, the gear stays wet for extended periods. If you’re stopping overnight or trying to gear up again the next morning, you’re often putting on damp or cold equipment. Without time or space to properly dry everything out, this can impact comfort and overall riding experience over the course of a trip.
This is where dedicated rain gear, like the Gryphon Coastal set, really proves its value. A lightweight over-layer can be thrown on quickly when conditions change, and just as easily removed when the rain passes. It keeps your primary riding gear cleaner, drier, and far more comfortable over multiple days of riding.
There’s also the question of weather severity. A light, unexpected shower is one thing, most waterproof gear handles that without issue. But heavy downpours, especially prolonged ones, are a different challenge entirely. Rain gear adds an extra barrier that helps reduce saturation of the outer shell and improves overall comfort in sustained wet conditions.
Visibility is another major benefit that shouldn’t be ignored. The Gryphon Coastal rain suits are designed with high-visibility yellow or orange colours with 3M reflective materials. In poor weather, where road spray, low light, and reduced contrast are all factors, this added visibility can make a meaningful difference in how clearly other road users can see you.
At the end of the day, waterproof riding gear and rain gear are not competing solutions, they’re complementary ones. Waterproof gear is your foundation for everyday riding in unpredictable conditions. Rain gear is your insurance policy when the weather turns and stays that way.
For riders covering long distances, touring, or simply wanting to stay more comfortable and visible when conditions deteriorate, carrying both is the most practical approach.
