Rain Suit vs Raincoat: Which Should You Choose?

Riding a motorcycle on a rainy day is quite a challenging task. Wet, uneven roads, potholes, and the absence of proper rain gear can make riding in the rain extremely risky. For a safe and comfortable journey, proper rain gear is essential. Two good rain gears are rain suits and raincoats. In today's article, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of rain suits and raincoats, along with other necessary rain gear and precautions for riding a bike in the rain.

Rain Suit vs. Raincoat

Both rain suits and raincoats serve the same purpose – to keep you dry during rain and help you ride your bike safely. However, there are significant differences in their design, coverage, and usage. Therefore, some prefer rain suits, while others prefer raincoats.

Rain Suit

A rain suit refers to a special garment consisting of a jacket and pants that provides complete protection to the rider from rainwater. Rain suits are designed in such a way that water cannot penetrate the body at all. One of the main advantages of a rain suit is its coverage. It protects not only your upper body but also your waist down to your feet from rainwater or mud. In short, a rain suit is an ideal rain gear for bikers in heavy rain.

Additionally, some other features of rain suits include reflective stripes to identify the rider from a distance even in the rain, adjustable cuffs that provide a secure fit to the rider, and the use of heat-resistant material on the inside of both legs, which protects the leg portion of the rain suit from engine heat.

However, rain suits are heavier in weight compared to raincoats. Furthermore, putting them on and taking them off is quite laborious and difficult. Another notable aspect of rain suits is that they require more space for storage, which can be a consideration for long-distance riders.

Raincoat

A raincoat is designed only to cover the upper part of the body. For light rain, a raincoat is a convenient option. Being lightweight and covering only half the body, it is generally easy to put on and take off. Raincoats are more convenient than rain suits and provide a comfortable riding experience to the rider in wet conditions.

However, the protection of a raincoat is limited to the upper body only. Riders who want to keep their legs dry will need additional pants. In such a situation, the best decision is to choose a rain suit.

How to Choose the Right Rain Gear

When choosing between a rain suit and a raincoat, you must consider your personal preference and the intensity of the rain. A raincoat might be sufficient for light to moderate rain. However, for heavy rain and long journeys, a rain suit provides better protection.

Other Essential Rain Gear

In addition to rain suits or raincoats, other essential rain gear for motorcyclists includes waterproof gloves, boots, and helmet visors. Waterproof gloves and boots keep your hands and feet dry, allowing you to maintain a good grip on the handlebars and foot controls. A clear, anti-fog helmet visor is extremely important for maintaining visibility in the rain.

Precautions for Riding a Bike in the Rain

More than proper gear, cautious riding in the rain is essential. The precautions to take when riding a bike in the rain are:

• Slow Down: Wet roads can be slippery, increasing the risk of accidents. Reduce your bike's speed in the rain to maintain control of your motorcycle.
• Braking Distance: Braking distance increases on wet roads. Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you so that if the front vehicle suddenly slips, you can stop your bike.
• Avoid Puddles or Drains: Heavy rain can cause water to accumulate on the roads, creating potholes and other road hazards. Therefore, avoid puddles, drains, etc., as much as possible.
• Use Lights: Keep your headlights on to maintain your visibility to other road users.
• Regular Maintenance: Ensure your bike's tires, brakes, and lights are in good condition. Proper bike maintenance is quite important to ensure safe biking in the rain.

Proper rain gear can make a significant difference in your comfort and safety when riding in the rain. Whether you choose a rain suit or a raincoat, the important thing is to stay dry, remain visible, and ride safely.

For any information related to various bike parts and proper rain gear, keep an eye on Bikes Guide. Additionally, to know about the motorcycle market of 2023, visit the country's best motorcycle marketplace Bikroy.