Adventure & Touring Clothing: Dressed Right for Long Motorcycle Trips
In short: For long motorcycle trips, a waterproof, ventilated suit meeting EN 17092 with protectors at all joints and on the back is ideal. A 3-layer laminate dries the fastest. Combine it with layering, a packable rain suit, and two pairs of gloves.
A long motorcycle trip rarely stays in one climate zone. Cool and foggy in the Black Forest in the morning, hot in Provence at noon, and rainy on an Alpine col in the evening. Adventure and touring gear must withstand all this, day after day. This is how you put together the right motorcycle gear for long trips, and what belongs on your packing list.
What makes good touring gear
- Weather protection that keeps you dry for hours, not just a few minutes
- Ventilation that you can open when temperatures rise
- Comfort on long days: a fit for the riding position, soft collars and cuffs, and waist and hip adjustments
- Durability: abrasion-resistant fabrics, strong seams, and zips that withstand many trips
- Certified protection: EN 17092 for jacket and trousers, protectors at the shoulders, elbows, back, hips, and knees
- Practical pockets: waterproof compartments for documents and your phone
Laminate or liner for the trip?
For long trips in unpredictable weather, a 3-layer laminate has a clear advantage: The outer fabric cannot become fully saturated, so the gear stays lighter and dries overnight. A Z-liner, where the membrane is located between the outer fabric and the lining, has a softer, more classic outer fabric and is a great all-rounder for touring and everyday use. Both keep you dry. Find out more in our Motorcycle Rainwear Guide.
What do the protection classes according to EN 17092 mean?
The EN 17092 standard tests the entire garment, not just individual materials. It distinguishes five classes:
| Class | Meaning |
|---|---|
| AAA | Highest requirements for abrasion, tear, and seam strength, with impact protectors |
| AA | High protection for touring and all-round use, with impact protectors |
| A | Lighter protection, mainly for city traffic, with impact protectors |
| B | Abrasion protection like Class A, but without impact protectors |
| C | Under- or overgarment that holds protectors, without its own abrasion protection |
Our touring models
| Endurance | Moto 65 | Dryzone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction | 3-layer laminate made of Cordura® Ripstop | Waxed Cordura®/cotton blend fabric with Sympatex® Z-liner | Breathable Cordura® Ripstop, ventilated |
| Weather | Waterproof, ventilated | Waterproof, ventilated | Warm and dry |
| Ideal for | Long trips and adventure in all weather | Touring and everyday use with a classic look | Summer trips and hot regions |
The Endurance Jacket and Endurance Trousers are built for long days in unpredictable weather: ventilation under the armpits, at the shoulders and thighs, waterproof pockets, recyclable RE-ZRO® protectors, and removable braces.
Moto 65 Jacket and Moto 65 Pants combine a Sympatex® membrane with an understated, waxed outer fabric that is just as suitable in the city as on a mountain pass. Also available in a women's fit.
For hot trips, the Dryzone suit keeps the air moving. Find out more in our Motorcycle Jacket for Summer Guide.
All North of Berlin jackets and trousers can be combined using a continuous connecting zip, even in different sizes.
Layering for changing weather
- Base layer: functional underwear made of merino or synthetic, not cotton
- Middle layer: a thin fleece jacket or insulated gilet for cold mornings and mountain passes
- Outer layer: your motorcycle jacket and trousers
- Extra layer: a rain suit like the Swamp Rain Jacket and Rain Pants for heavy rain and wind
Clothing packing list for motorcycle trips
- Motorcycle jacket and trousers, plus a back protector if your jacket does not have one
- Two pairs of gloves: a lightweight summer pair and a waterproof pair (more in the Motorcycle Gloves Guide)
- Packable rain suit
- Two to three base layers, one warm middle layer
- Neck gaiter or buff
- Earplugs
- Small tool kit, tyre repair kit, and first aid kit
- Waterproof dry bags or inner pockets for your luggage
Frequently Asked Questions
What motorcycle gear is best for long trips?
A waterproof, ventilated suit meeting EN 17092 with protectors at all important points, plus a rain layer and two pairs of gloves. For very wet trips, laminate dries the fastest.
Is adventure gear different from touring gear?
Adventure gear is usually more focused on off-road riding: more ventilation, room for knee protectors and enduro boots, and more robust fabrics. Many riders use the same suit for both.
How do I dry my gear on the road?
Hang it up overnight at room temperature, open all vents and pockets, and remove the protectors. Laminate dries the fastest.
Conclusion
Good touring gear lets you forget about the weather so you can focus on the road. Choose a suit that suits the climate zones of your route, rely on layering, and pack a rain suit and a second pair of gloves.
Discover our Motorcycle Gear for Touring & Adventure.
