Riding Gear

Craig's favorite riding gear to stay safe and comfortable while traveling.

Riding Jackets and Pants

Your need to product yourself from the road and the elements when traveling by motorcycle. This starts with a quality jackets and pants.
Aerostich Darrien Jacket

Aerostich Darrien Jacket

Last year (2024) I switched to Aerostich because I had some leaking issues with the newer Klim products. I took my Aerostich Darrien Jacket to Alaska and it worked like a champ.

Klim Latitude Jacket

Klim Latitude Jacket

I have tried a lot of riding jackets and pants over the years. I have ridden in branded leather jackets and Kevlar lined riding jeans, but one of the best choices I have made was to purchase a set of Klim riding apparel. Specifically, the Latitude Jacket and Pants.

Yes, they are expensive, but for me they have been well worth the price in that they have kept me dry, comfortable and safe while traveling. I only wish that I had pulled the trigger sooner and I could have saved myself a lot of headache and waisted expense.
Klim Latitude Pants

Klim Latitude Pants

The perfect combination with the Latitude Jacket is of course the Latitude pants. 100% with all day comfort.

Its Getting to Be Winter!

Heated Gear

It is getting to be that time when we look to heated gear in an effort to extend our riding.

Here are a few videos I did on heated gear:

Savior Heat Motorcycle Gloves

Savior Heat Motorcycle Gloves

These heated gloves are true motorcycle gloves and provide CE Level 1 protection. They also happen to be heated and do an excellent job of keeping your hands warm on cold days.

These gloves ARE NOT waterproof.

Batteries last about 3 -4 hours, so getting an extra set of two for those long cold days is suggested.

ORORO Wear Heated Gloves

ORORO Wear Calgary Heated Glove

The Ororo Wear Calgary heated gloves are not motorcycle specific gloves, but can be warn while riding and provide excellent warming properties.

These gloves ARE NOT waterproof.

Batteries last about 3 to 4 hours, so getting and extra set or two for those long cold days is suggested.

iHood Heated Gloves

iHood Duluth Heated Gloves

Save 20% with Code IH20

The iHood heated gloves are the most comfortable of the gloves I have tested. They do a great job of keeping your hands warm, but are a little big for working you GPS or phone screen.

They are also listed as "waterproof" but after a couple of hours do soak through. So, just beware that rain use is limited.

Batteries last about 3 -4 hours, so getting an extra set of two for those long cold days is suggested.

ORORO Wear Heated Jacket

Ororo Heat Dual Control Heated Jacket

If you are looking to stay tether free or want to be able to use your jacket off the bike, this is a great choice. I have been using mine for over a year now and it does a great job.

As with all battery powered gear, I suggest you get an extra set or two of batteries for those long cold days.

Baselayers

I think a quality base-layer is essential for traveling comfort.
LDComfort Baselayers

LDComfort Baselayers

As far as I am concerned, having a quality base-layer is essential for motorcycle travel. 

My favorite base-layers are the ones produced by a small company called LDComfort. 

Mid-Layers

For a mid-layer I have two that I will take along with me, depending on the expected temps.

Aerostich Light Weight Windproof Waterproof Innershell

Keep the wind where it belongs. This inner shell is a highly breathable mid-layer that adds significant warmth and comfort in a tiny package.

This was a lifesaver during my 2024 Alaska trip!

Klim Inferno Jacket

Klim Inferno Jacket

This jackets help to keep me warm when needed and serves as off the bike apparel.

Helmets

The helmet you wear is a very personal thing. The shape of your head makes a big difference in determining helmet comfort. Does the shape of the helmet match the shape of your head? For me Shoei helmets use that "intermediate oval" that fits my head perfectly.
ILM L13 Carbon Fiber Snell Approved Adventure Helmet

ILM L13 Carbon Fiber Snell Approved Adventure Helmet

This helmet is 1 pound lighter than the Shoei Hornet X2 Adventure helmet, has better ventilation and is quieter on the highway. To top it off, it is $200 less expensive at $399.

Use the Coupon Code "LOTS" to save 20%

Watch my review (live 9/17/23): https://youtu.be/S2QNP9XYd-w
Shoei RF-1400 Helmet

Shoei RF-1400 Helmet

I have used a Shoei RF1200 for many years, but now they have discontinued that model for the RF1400. When it is time for a new helmet, I will be moving to the RF1400.
Shoei Neotec II Helmet

Shoei Neotec II Helmet

If you are looking for a modular helmet, I suggest the Shoei Neotect 2. This helmet is a little noisier than the RF1200, but still provides great ventilation and comfort.
Shoei Hornet X2 Helmet

Shoei Hornet X2 Helmet

On my dual sport bike, I use the Shoei Hornet X2. Again, this helmet is comfortable an provides good ventilation. It is a little tighter getting it on and off, but once on it is very comfortable.

Riding Boots

Like helmets, the kind of riding boots you like are based on your individual preferences, including style and fit. After breaking my foot in an off-road fall, I now place a greater amount of importance on protection.
Alpinestars Tech-7 Enduro Boots Drystar

Alpinestars Tech-7 Enduro Boots Drystar

For my adventure riding I now use Alpine Stars Tech 7 Enduro boots with Drystar. While these boots are very protective, they are very stiff and do require some, relearning when it comes to shifting your motorcycle. 

Read my Tech-7 review.

Forma Terra EVO Low Boots

Forma Terra EVO Low Boots

When I am not riding off road, I still want as much protection as I can get while still being able to walk comfortably. The Forma Terra EVO Low Boots provide that support and comfort.

Riding Gloves

I always carry two to three pairs of gloves on a long tour. A light set for warm weather, a warmer set for cold weather and pair of waterproof gloves, because, well…it always rains at some point. Of course, this varies depending on the expected weather, but as a rule of thumb I never want to be without a good set of gloves.
Aerostich Deerskin Gloves

Regular and Insulated Deerskin Gloves

Very comfortable and easy to wear—just like Elkskin, but made of slightly thinner medium weight deerskin so they’re ideal for casual, everyday rides, especially commuting and touring. No break-in needed; they will be as comfortable as prewashed denim the moment you put them on.

Klim Vanguard GTX Gloves - Short

Klim Vanguard GTX Gloves - Short

My waterproof gloves are the Klim Vanguard GoreTex Short. These glove have served me very well over the years.
Klim Dakar Pro Gloves

Klim Dakar Pro Gloves

I have used a variety of fair weather gloves, but one of my favorite has always been the Klim Dakar Pro Gloves.