Raingear Articles

What's Your Essential Raingear?

Oct 30, 2019 Eagle Leather

Riding in the rain can be a lot less uncomfortable when you wear the right gear. For example the Sierra Rainsuit Jacket is completely waterproof. The seams are taped and it has a snap-front storm flap. The rain hood stuffs into the collar in case you don’t need it. The jacket is in DayGlo color, which gives added visibility when the world is gray. And, the whole jacket can be stored in it’s own pocket, making it easy to take along when the weather is unpredictable—or most days in this season in the Pacific Northwest. ICON is making what it calls “riding gear that doesn’t suck.” The ladies’ PDX2 jacket in black is part of that offering. The shell is cut in relaxed fit, which is looser in the chest, sleeves, and forearms and also longer, to go over your regular riding gear. It has a roll-top hood that seals against your neck while you’re riding and then unrolls to cover up your helmet hair once you arrive. Its made of waterproof, PU coated nylon and has sealed seams and waterproof YKK® zippers. The jacket will protect you from heavy rain, wet snow, and some pressure. Screen-printed graphics lend style and reflective colors give more visibility. Keep the rest of you dry with Sierra Rainsuit Pants. They also fit into their own pocket, making them oh-so-easy to take along. They are 100% waterproof with taped seams. The fabric breathes. Elasiticized waist and cuffs keep water out. If you prefer a one-piece rain suit, consider the Thermo One-Piece Rainsuit, shown here in black. The rainsuit is completely waterproof, made of 210 denier Hypertex™. It has storm-flap closures on the zippers, pockets, and cuffs and elasticized ankle closures. Polyester insulation helps against the chill. The waist is adjustable for better fit. This rainsuit also has cargo storage pockets. Rainsuits also come in two pieces, which can give you flexibility. This RS2 rainsuit comes in several neon colors for better visibility. Consider the jacket first. The PVC-backed polyester shell is fully waterproof, and the inner liner is nylon for comfort. Ventilation at the back keeps you from getting too warm. The jacket also has a Velcro® storm flap and collar; the inner collar is lined with soft corduroy. Two large outer pockets with gusset expanders let you keep lots of stuff dry. The elastic waist and Velcro® adjustable cuffs give you a good fit. Reflective stripes make you more visible on rainy days. Now for the pants: They also are fully waterproof and have a soft, polyester outer shell with PVC backing. The waist, cuffs, and boot stirrup are all elastic. The lower legs have zipper gussets so you can easily get your boots through. The material that covers your lower leg is melt-resistant. Reflective stripes add to your safety. If all these choices have you a bit confused, consult the Eagle Leather experts either in the store or online. You won’t have to stop riding just because of a little water.

Rain Gear

Nov 2, 2017 Eagle Leather

Choosing Rain Gear Staying Safe and Dry Riding a motorcycle in the rain can certainly dampen your spirit. (Forgive me, reader, for I have punned.) Seriously, getting soaked is no laughing matter, whether you’re on your commute or pleasure-riding or just running an errand. The right rain gear can save the day. Of course you’ll look for one hundred percent waterproof fabric. But don’t forget to check on details: Are the wrists sealed so rain can’t get under the sleeves; is the gear easy to get into and out of; are zippers covered so rain can’t seep in? For full coverage, consider a one-piece rainsuit like the one featured here. It’s made of 210-denier Hypertext™ and has polyester insulation. The rainsuit comes in black and has cargo storage pockets and full storm-flap closures on pockets, cuffs, and zippers. A two-piece rainsuit gives you flexibility. You can wear just the jacket, just the overpants, or both. For example, consider the black ladies two-piece rainsuit. It’s made of waterproof soft polyester with PVC backing and a nylon comfort liner. The full length zipper on the jacket makes it easy to put on. It’s got an elastic waist and Velcro® on the cuffs and storm flaps. For added comfort, it has Variable Flow™ ventilation on the back and an inner lining of soft corduroy on the collar. Reflective stripes give you a little more safety on gray days. Take a look at this men’s waterproof jacket. It’s got a tuck-away hood with a zipper closure, snap-shut storm flaps, and wrist bands to keep out rain. It’s one of many Frogg Toggs® jackets we carry at Eagle Leather. You’ll find a tuck-away hood meant to be worn under your helmet on this ladies’ black sweet-t jacket, too. It’s bomber style, made of Frogg Toggs® non-woven polypropylene material that is both waterproof and breathable. The raglan sleeve is easier to put on than other designs, gives more freedom of movement once it’s on, and eliminates seams on the shoulders. It’s also got reflective piping. When it’s rainy, it’s often cold, too. You might consider a heated jacket liner like the one shown here. It has a drop tail for better coverage of your backside. A low profile elastic cuff gives improved fit under your jacket. The liner has seven Microwire™ heating zones: two each in the chest, sleeves, and back and one in the collar. The battery harness and fuse set are included and there are pre-wired glove connections at the ends of the sleeves. Keeping your feet dry is a priority, too. These boot covers make that easy. They are made of waterproof polyester with PVC backing and are made to wear under pants or chaps. In our changeable weather, layers are always a good option, so you can shuck off some of your layers when the sun comes shining through. If you’re commuting, or going somewhere special, it’s always wise to have a change of clothes.

Rain Gear Essentials

Mar 8, 2017 Eagle Leather

Rain Gear Ideas Ride in Comfort and Style Let’s be real. The Pacific Northwest has a rainy climate, and if you ride much at all, a fair amount of that riding is apt to be done in the rain. So, let’s not consider “water-resistant” gear today, because it does soak through over time and you’ll be wet, cold, and miserable on a long ride. Waterproof gear, on the other hand, shouldn’t let through any water even if you ride in the rain for a long time. When you’re buying rain gear, remember than quality counts. Sure, you can find inexpensive, lightweight gear—you could cut a hole in a plastic trash bag and pretend it’s a poncho, too. But if you actually want to wear it and have it last, then look for quality. Look for quality features like legs that you can put on over boots (you’ll really appreciate this feature the first time you’re stopped along the road trying to get into your rain gear); ventilation that allows for air-flow but keeps rain out; lined collars to avoid the drop that will find its way down your back, hoods that go right up under your helmet, pockets that are waterproof, bright colors and reflective stripes, and so on. At Eagle Leather, we divide rain gear into these categories: one-piece rain suits, two-piece rain suits, rain jackets, rain pants, and boot covers. The Thermo One-Piece Rain Suit is made of lightweight Hypertex™ but it’s 210 denier to decrease chances of tearing. It has some insulation and features full storm-flap closures on its zippers, pockets, and cuffs as well as elasticized ankle closures. If you prefer a two-piece rain suit, be sure the top is long enough and the bottom rides high enough to keep your backside protected with you bend forward. A two-piece suit gives you more flexibility and can be easier to wear on long rides. One-piece rain suits are unisex, but two-piece rain suits come in men’s and women’s sizes for better fit. On a rainy day, suits like the Ladies’ RS2 Neon Rain Suit give you added flexibility. This rain suit also comes with purple or hot pink reflective stripes as well as neon green. The soft polyester outer shell is completely waterproof. The zipper has a Velcro® storm flap and a collar to keep out the rain. The inner collar is lined with corduroy and the jacket has a nylon liner for added comfort. The waist is elastic and the cuffs are adjustable. Two large outer pockets have gusset expanders to hold all your stuff. For many people, just a jacket is all the rain gear they need. You’ll want to consider whether you want a jacket that is worn by itself and has linings for comfort and added warmth, or whether you just want to cover your leather jacket. Maybe you already have a waterproof jacket and want to add leggings. Consider whether you want to include some armor protection if you’ll wear them over jeans. Waterproof boot covers are also available. You’ll want to be sure they have a waterproof closure if you wear them over pants. These Frogg Toggs overpant leggings rise seventeen inches over shoes or boots. They have adjustable straps at the calf and the ankle for good fit. And the soles are made of slip-free ripple rubber so you can walk safely on wet pavement. Remember, if you need help selecting the right raingear for you, the staff at Eagle Leather is ready to help.

How to Choose Rain Gear

Oct 8, 2016 Eagle Leather

Rain Gear Is a Riding Essential The right gear can extend your motorcycling year by weeks, even months. In our part of the world, protection from rain can be the most important factor. In fact, many motorcycle enthusiasts don’t leave home without slip-on rain gear. These are some of the features you’ll want to look for when you choose rain gear: Is it really waterproof or just water resistant? Look for a fabric such as Hypertex™, DriPore™, and the like to be sure you’ll stay dry. And be sure the pockets and the vents are waterproof, too. Rain gear should fit loosely over your regular gear (unless you’re racing). The sleeves should cover your wrists (and gauntlet gloves should fit over them) and the legs should cover your ankles (you can also select boot covers to fit over them) when you are in riding position—try them on and check. Your rain gear should fit in such a way that it doesn’t hinder you when you’re riding. Can you get it on quickly? Unless it’s raining when you start out, you’ll have to stop and put on your rain gear. Look for zippers that let you pull it on quickly—even over your boots. Hopping around on a wet verge, in the rain, in your socks—not a pretty picture! Does the neckline end below your helmet, or does the garment have a hood that goes under your helmet to prevent rivulets from running down your neck and back. Even the thought makes a person shiver, doesn’t it. Similarly, is the jacket long enough to prevent water from leaking in at your waist? Do the pants have a fabric panel or a coating where the pants meet the seat? Rain gear is slippery (so the rain runs off without soaking in). A wet motorcycle seat is also slippery. The fabric panel or coating can help prevent you from sliding off your bike. Do the boots have non-skid soles for safer walking on wet streets? Rain boots are designed to be pulled on right over your regular boots. Some can be worn under chaps; others fit over whatever pants you’re wearing. You can get rain boots to cover Western-style pointed toes at Eagle Leather, too. Click here to check them out. Rainy days are darker than most, so reflective fabric, or reflective piping, on your rain gear is a real plus. Remember, the expert sales staff at Eagle Leather can help you decide which rain gear is best for you. You can buy one- or two-piece rain suits, separate rain jackets and rain pants, and rain boots at Eagle Leather. We also carry waterproof gloves in gauntlet and short glove styles. We carry rain gear in a wide range of prices and styles. Click here to see our rain gear collection.

Rain Gear 101 and 18 Years of Helmet Laws

Feb 6, 2014 Eagle Leather

Rain Gear 101 and 18 Years of Helmet Laws October 24, 2013 Rain Gear Tips for a Smart Purchase!Rain Gear 101 Here in the Pacific Northwest, where it rains nearly every day, we depend on our rain gear. Riders who shop at Eagle Leather don’t think twice about a little rain, and that’s what makes us your rain gear experts. We’ve compiled this introduction to rain gear for riders who have never purchased it before. We call it Rain Gear 101. Obviously riding in the rain means you’re going to get wet, if not soaked. It’s like running through the sprinklers in your backyard at 40+ mph. So if you’re planning on riding for years to come, you’ll want to invest in rain gear. Some top brands include: First Gear, Frogg Toggs, and Nelson-Rigg. To cover yourself from head to toe, you would be looking to spend between $100 and $300.When selecting your body covering, you will want to determine whether you want a one piece rain suit or two pieces (a jacket and pants). One piece rain suits are often insulated and may even come with built-in armor. Because it’s one covering, the likelihood of water seeping through any openings is minimal. A two piece suit is easier to put on and can be more convenient for many riders, but there is the risk that the pants could ride down or the jacket ride up if the fit isn’t right. You can usually purchase the two pieces as one suit or each as separates. Jackets come in an assortment of colors with reflective material to improve visibility, and they are most commonly made of nylon or PVC. Like any good jacket, they are usually made with venting or some kind of breathable material to help keep the rider from sweating. You’ll want to make sure you find a jacket with an adjustable waist that will keep it from ballooning up while you ride. Rain pants are usually nylon or PVC. Many come with boot straps or suspenders, and because the material is so heat-sensitive, you will want to look for rain pants that have a heat-resistant shield built on to the lower leg. Don’t forget your hands and feet! Waterproof gloves are a must for riding in wet weather. Both men’s and women’s gloves are usually insulated and constructed with three layers—the middle layer being the waterproof one. Some gloves even come with a squeegee! When it comes to your feet, over-boots are essential to keeping your feet dry in the rain. They are actually intended to cover your existing riding boots and are made of rubber or nylon with a slip-resistant sole. Rain Gear Tips:- Make sure the protective qualities of your rain suit are good. The material of the suit should be waterproof and keep you dry.- The suit should have high visibility, with either bright colors or reflective tape that will help you stand out on a dark, hazy day.- The entire suit does not need to be heat resistant, but the legs should be. Any rider who has had to get melted plastic off his or her motorcycle exhaust pipes knows that.- Good quality rain gear will be breathable—meaning the suit lets moisture out without letting moisture in.- A good suit should pack in to a small storage space, such as a pouch or saddle bag.- Two words: butt grippers. When it’s raining and you have to stop quickly, you don’t want to be sliding around on your seat. A gripping material on the butt portion of the pants is essential to keeping you in one place when it’s raining. 18 Years of Helmet LawsIn honor of Eagle Leather's 18th anniversary, we're taking a look back. 18 years ago, Congress repealed ISTEA--a major transportation bill that affected everything from highways to helmets. It gave states financial incentives for writing and enforcing laws requiring the use of helmets while riding. By repealing ISTEA, Congress put helmet laws back into each state's hands, which subsequently resulted in many states doing away with the controversial laws. However, research has proven time and time again that helmet wear significantly reduces brain injuries and fatalities in motorcycle crashes, which is why many states maintained their helmet laws and still do to this day. Have something to sat about helmet laws? Sound off on the Eagle Leather Facebook Page! Anniversary Event - Sneak PeekWe're excited to announce our anniversary events next week. Check your email and the Eagle Leather Facebook Page for updates. But we're giving you--our most loyal subscribers--a sneak peek at what we have planned. - Guest speakers- Pet day!- In-store fashion show- A custom cake- ... and much more! Stay tuned!

Tips on Buying Rain Gear - 5 Things to Consider

Feb 6, 2014 Eagle Leather

Tips on Buying Rain Gear - 5 Things to Consider February 12, 2014 5 Things to Consider When Buying Rain Gear Enjoy the Ride While Staying Dry! As February and winter come to an end, so does the snow, but that means rain, rain, and more rain is just around the corner here in the Pacific Northwest. But don’t let that stop you from riding your bike! When riding in the rain, it is essential to have the proper rain gear so you can enjoy your ride and be safe while doing so. Here are the five things to consider when buying rain gear: 1. Fabric: There are three types of waterproof fabric: PVC, coated, and laminated. PVC is typically the least expensive of the three, but its lack of breathing ability is why. The PVC fabric is waterproof, but because it cannot breathe, it has to contain vents. Without vents, the rider would become very hot and sweaty. Coated and laminated fabrics have a micro-porous structure, keeping rain out but allowing sweat to escape. These fabrics are generally more expensive and more durable. 2. Coverage: Waterproof gear is useless if it has openings or shortcomings that allow water to get through to your body. One problem area is wrist openings – make sure any rain suits you are considering can be tightly closed in that area. One of the essentials for rain jackets is having a tail long enough to cover past the top of your rain pants while in the riding position. Additionally, many rain jackets have a fleece-lined collar which protects your neck from chapping and keeping moisture out at the same time. This black rain suit from Eagle Leather has a removable collar/hood, which makes it a flexible option for changing temperatures. 3. Pockets: Not only does your body need to stay dry during a rainy ride, but so do your valuables! Make sure your rain suit has plenty of closable, waterproof pockets. This jacket features dual storm closure pockets, and an integrated stuff sack. 4. Reflection: Typically rain suits will have reflective piping and tape. Rain affects the visibility of many drivers, so reflection and bright coloring is key to staying seen on the road. This two-piece rain suit is a great example of bright coloring on your rain gear. 5. Ease of Putting On: Many rain suits are one-piece, which provides the ultimate rain protection, however they can be very difficult to get on and off – especially with a motorcycle helmet on and in the rain. Other ease-of-entry necessities are the leg openings. Make sure they are wide enough to fit over your boots in a hurry. A rain suit won’t do you much good if you get soaked while trying to put it on! Have a cool story about riding in the rain? Let us know on the Eagle Leather Facebook Page!

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