When packing a suitcase for any upcoming motorcycle ride, it's important to consider the local weather. Perhaps you've decided to rent a motorcycle in Denver, so you need to dress more warmly. Or you live in Portland or San Francisco, and the weather is starting to turn. Regardless of where you are, it's important to dress for the ride, and to do so, you need to find the best cold-weather motorcycle gear. 

As temps drop, companies start hurling an overhand pitch about their "latest and greatest" winter motorcycle riding gear. Knowing which products live up to the hype depends on our willingness to do our own research and read the reviews.

Outside of dedicated ATGATT, a lot of cold-weather motorcycle riding gear may be hiding in our dresser drawers since many of us face the cold off the bike. Insulating layers, electric and/or chemical-based warming tools, and armored wind blockers fit the bill whether they display motorcycle-specific branding or not.

Motorcycle Base Layer (Under The Hood)

From the ground up, socks are a good start. Grandma's wool from 1970 was pretty itchy, but times have changed. The manufacturing process for Smartwool® keeps things cozy as cotton, and its insulating warmth is noteworthy.

Long underwear is a no brainer, but again, comfort is key. One cozy option is Go Athletic Apparel for their moisture-wicking material and snug fit. Whatever you choose, this first barrier will bring heat to all that surrounds it.

On top of the former, a t-shirt is a wise choice. Sometimes, a 40°F morning will unexpectedly climb to a 65°F afternoon. Over that, another long sleeved shirt collects warmth should you find yourself in a 30° freeze. The key is layers.

So that's warm socks, long underwear, a t-shirt, and a second set of long sleeves on top. This configuration makes it easy to adjust for changing temps mid-ride, and all it takes is a quick break. It also stockpiles body heat, but if that's not enough, well…

Electric/Chemical Layer (Shock and Awww Yeah!)

Again, we're itemizing attire bottom-to-top. Because two heated solutions are available, we'll start with non-electric motorcycle gear and then move on to powered products. Charcoal chain reaction warmers are cheap to buy and easy to stow while electric offers constant heat with greater coverage.

Charcoal insoles are shaped to fit on the exterior of your socks using a simple temporary adhesive. There are also small, square-shaped versions for the back of your hands. If your ride is short, you can even peel them back before stashing them in a well-sealed Ziploc bag.

Charcoal warmers basically "do the job until they don't." When these aren't up to the task, electric insoles are as good as resting your feet in front of a campfire. The right controls allow for moderate temperature adjustment, a luxury among cold-weather motorcycle gear options. Changing temps are no match for electric adaptability! Harsher weather is then easily conquered by electric winter motorcycle gloves and heated grips. Gloves heat the back of your fingers. Grips warm your palms to perfectly baked comfort.

You won't likely find a charcoal warmer that's big enough to do what an electric vest can. Wrapping your entire core in a heated circuit helps pump warm blood to your farthest appendages. This works so well that I've had to dial things down due to sweating (even in 20°F ~ 30°F temps) while combined with other electric add-ons.

The aforementioned electrics can be connected into a single wiring setup with independently adjustable controls. Once installed, heating our core, feet, and fingers means well-circulated blood flow. This serene composure means better perception/reaction time and a generally smoother ride overall.

3-Season Motorcycle Cold Weather Gear

Now it's time for the most important and versatile item in the arsenal, namely jacket + pants (with a twist). The convenience of armored cold weather motorcycle gear includes an insulated liner, wind-blocking water shield and protective exoskeleton. This tri-layer design builds and maintains interior warmth while deflecting exterior cold, and protecting you as any riding attire should.

The first layer insulates whatever you're already wearing. Made from soft, cushioned material, it provides ease of motion so that your actions are relaxed and consistent. It also has pockets to keep on-person valuables warm and dry.

Continuing outward, a wind/rain barrier blocks the outside baddies. This thin, flexible, and water-resistant variable is the closest thing we riders have to a car interior. Everything underneath has done its job to build warm internal temps. It's up to this outlier to keep said warmth from escaping!

Of course, now we need all of the standard-issue armor that well trained, sensible riders depend on. "Dress for the slide, not the ride" has become a popular phrase in moto safety. This last bit should act as an over-shield…and in level-2 fashion at that.

Buying this type of multi-season riding outfit combines three layers into an armored sandwich that's both comfortable and convenient. Staying warm, dry, and protected helps riders make smooth, focused, and fully-conscious decisions without fatigue. We do want to enjoy our ride, right?

Our Take On Motorcycle Cold Weather Gear

In addition to the above, a lengthy menu of equally effective, style-driven prospects can be explored at your local motorcycle gear outlet.

Safety says do it right though, so…

Arrange the gear you'd walk door-to-store in. Now, add to that motorcycle-specific electric warmth gear complete with remote adjustability. Complete the process with winter friendly, tri-layer armor in both jacket and pants for the ultimate stack of cold weather motorcycle gear!

So now, when you decide to travel (or rent a motorcycle near you), you'll quickly find that having layers and versatile gear will help brave the harshest of weather.