The right motorcycle clothing depends on the weather and the conditions you're riding in. Rain, heat, and long tours place very different demands on your gear.

Motorcycle clothing for rain focuses on waterproofing. Clothing for warm temperatures prioritizes ventilation and breathability. Touring gear must remain comfortable and durable over long distances.

North of Berlin motorcycle clothing is designed for real riding conditions – rain, heat, and long distances.

Use this guide to find the right gear for your ride.

Mission

Motorcycle apparel for touring & adventure

Long-distance rides place different demands on motorcycle apparel than short everyday rides.

On long tours, riders often encounter very different climate conditions. In hot, dry regions, ventilation and lightweight materials become crucial – in cooler or wetter areas, weather protection and durable outer fabrics come to the forefront.

Touring apparel must therefore balance ventilation, protection, and weather resistance depending on the route conditions.

Reliable protection, practical storage options, and durable materials make well-developed touring apparel a dependable companion for long daily stages – and for tours that go further than planned.

View Touring & Adventure models

temperature

Motorcycle Gear for Hot Weather & Summer

Riding in the heat requires the right balance between protection and ventilation.

Lightweight materials and ventilation openings help keep the rider comfortable – without sacrificing abrasion resistance and impact protection.

Motorcycle apparel for warm temperatures should allow for air circulation while providing the durability that real riding conditions demand.

North of Berlin summer apparel focuses on:
• lightweight yet durable materials
• ventilation where it matters most
• comfortable fit for long summer rides

View summer models
SWAMP REGENJACKE - Regenjacke - North of Berlin c/o Riderstyle Trading GmbH

Weather situation

Rain

Riding in the rain requires gear that keeps you dry—even on long rides. Our motorcycle rain gear is designed for wet conditions and extended journeys.

Modern motorcycle apparel uses various waterproof constructions. Some models feature laminated membranes directly bonded to the outer fabric. Others employ a liner construction, where the membrane is situated between the outer fabric and the lining.

Both constructions keep the rider dry, but they behave differently during prolonged rain.

For longer tours, many riders also wear a lightweight rain layer over their motorcycle gear. This creates an additional barrier against water and prevents the outer fabric from becoming saturated during long rides.

Discover rainwear
UTILITY RIDING JACKET - Regenjacke - North of Berlin c/o Riderstyle Trading GmbH

Driving profile

Motorcycle Apparel for Everyday Use & Commuting

Many riders use their motorcycle daily – for commuting, errands, or short trips.

Apparel for daily use must combine protection, comfort, and timeless design – and suit every motorcycle.

North of Berlin everyday wear focuses on:
• timeless design
• reliable protection
• comfort for daily use

View models for everyday use

MOTORCYCLE APPAREL – TECHNOLOGY

Understanding Waterproof Motorcycle Clothing

Motorcycle apparel can be waterproof in different ways. Two common designs are laminated membranes and Z-liner constructions.

Both keep rain out, but behave differently on long rides and in changing conditions.

Knowing this difference helps riders choose the right apparel for their riding style.

  • 3-layer laminate

    In a laminated construction, the waterproof membrane is directly bonded to the outer fabric.

    This prevents the outer material from absorbing water in the rain. The jacket or trousers remain lighter and dry faster – even during long rides in wet conditions.

    For this reason, laminated clothing is often preferred for long-distance touring and adventure riding.

  • Z-Liner

    In a Z-liner construction, the waterproof membrane sits between the outer fabric and the inner lining.

    This allows for a softer outer fabric and often gives the garment a more classic appearance. The outer fabric may absorb some moisture in heavy rain – but the membrane keeps the rider dry.

  • North of Berlin Approach

    North of Berlin uses different constructions depending on the intended area of application.

    Z-liner constructions are used for versatile touring and everyday clothing. Laminated 3-layer constructions are used for clothing developed for demanding tours and unpredictable weather conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions about Motorcycle Clothing and Weather

Can motorcycle gear really be waterproof?

Many modern motorcycle jackets and pants use waterproof membranes that keep rain out while remaining breathable. However, on long rides in heavy rain, the outer fabric can become saturated.

For this reason, many touring riders wear lightweight rain gear over their motorcycle apparel – as an additional barrier of water protection.

Which motorcycle gear is best for rain?

Motorcycle rain gear should combine a waterproof membrane, sealed seams, and durable outer fabrics.

Some models use laminate constructions where the membrane is directly bonded to the outer fabric. This prevents the outer fabric from absorbing water in the rain – especially suitable for long distances.

Other models use Z-liner constructions, where the membrane sits between the outer fabric and the lining. This allows for a softer outer fabric but also keeps you dry.

For long tours or very heavy rain, an additional lightweight rain jacket and trousers worn over your motorcycle gear are recommended.

Do I need rain gear if my jacket is waterproof?

Waterproof motorcycle jackets perform well in moderate rain. However, with long rides or heavy rain, the outer fabric can become saturated.

A separate rain layer over your gear keeps the outer fabric dry and provides an additional barrier against water.

The type of construction – laminated membrane or Z-liner – also affects how well clothing performs in prolonged rain.

Furthermore, an additional outer layer acting as wind and water protection also serves as an extra insulation layer, which can be essential, especially during a rapid temperature drop and long rides in the rain.

What is the difference between laminate and Z-liner?

In laminate constructions, the waterproof membrane is directly bonded to the outer fabric – the outer fabric does not absorb water when it rains.

In Z-liner constructions, the membrane sits between the outer fabric and the lining. This allows for a softer outer fabric, which can absorb some moisture in heavy rain – the rider still stays dry.

Both constructions keep you dry but are suitable for different riding conditions.

What clothing is best for hot weather?

Motorcycle apparel for warm temperatures should utilize lightweight materials and ventilation openings to allow for air circulation – without sacrificing abrasion protection. Good ventilation prevents overheating during long rides.

What is the best clothing for long-distance tours?

Touring apparel should remain comfortable for many hours in the saddle and be adaptable to changing weather conditions.

Durable outer fabrics, ventilation systems, and reliable weather protection are crucial. Many experienced riders also take a lightweight rain jacket and trousers on tour – as an outer protective layer for prolonged rain.

Should everyday clothing be different?

Everyday clothing should combine comfort, protection, and timeless design. Many riders prefer apparel that works both on and off the motorcycle – without appearing overly technical.

Is adventure apparel different?

Adventure clothing often focuses on durability, ventilation, and flexibility for varying terrain, changing weather conditions, and active movement on the motorcycle.
Especially in off-road sections and more difficult terrain, concentration and general well-being go hand in hand. Therefore, we use lighter fabrics and many ventilation options here,

Many riders combine protective adventure clothing with an additional rain layer when conditions change.

ENGINEERED FOR REAL CONDITIONS

Motorcycle apparel from real riding experience

North of Berlin products are designed based on the experience of real tours and 30 years of expertise in motorcycle apparel development. Instead of unnecessary features, we focus on the conditions riders actually encounter: rain, heat, and long-distance touring.

The result is motorcycle apparel that performs in real-world conditions.

Developed in Berlin. Made for real conditions!