Motocamping isn’t just about the time spent at camp, it’s also about getting there. Riding in cold and wet weather can be challenging, but with the right gear and preparation, you can stay comfortable and safe. Whether you’re heading out on a shoulder-season trip or braving winter rides, these essential tips will help you stay warm and dry while riding your motorcycle.
1. Layer Up with Base Layers
Wearing proper base layers is one of the easiest ways to stay warm on cold rides. Here at Moto Camp Nerd, we sell Minus 33 merino wool base layers and Klim synthetic base layers, but there are also plenty of option on the marker
Why Base Layers Matter:
They provide insulation while wicking moisture away from your body.
They can be worn under riding pants and jackets without adding bulk.
They keep you warm at camp, making them a dual-purpose essential.
Pro Tip: Have a set for riding and sleeping in so you go to bed in dry layers.
2. Waterproof Your Outer Layers
If you’re caught in a rainstorm, a waterproof outer layer is a must. There are multiple ways to ensure your riding gear keeps you dry:
Waterproof gear - Klim, Mosko Moto, or Tourmaster gear use a laminated outer fabric with materials like Gore-Tex or eVent built into the jacket and pants outer shell to keep you dry. Other styles of jackets have a textile outer shell that's not waterproof but use an inner waterproof liner.
Separate waterproof rain layers - Rain suits from various brands that are made to slip over your riding gear when the rain rolls in.
DIY emergency poncho: In a pinch, cut holes in a trash bag for an instant rain layer.
Pro Tip:
Waterproof outer layers aren’t just for riding—they also keep you dry around camp once you’ve taken off your riding gear.
3. Keep Your Hands Warm and Dry
Cold, wet hands make for miserable riding. Heated grips are great, but adding wind protection to your hands will make a big difference.
Ways to Protect Your Hands:
Handguards: Standard adventure and dual-sport handguards help block wind.
Giant Loop Bushwackers: These oversized wind deflectors add even more protection.
Hippo Hands: These insulated handlebar mitts create a warm cocoon for your hands, allowing you to wear lighter gloves for better control.
Latex or nitrile gloves: Worn under your motorcycle gloves in sudden rain, these keep your hands dry temporarily (but beware—they don’t breathe, so they can get sweaty).
Pro Tip:
Keeping your hands dry will keep them warmer and if your hands start to sweat, that too can cause them to get cold in lower temps.
4. Use Heated Gear
If you want the ultimate comfort, heated gear is a game-changer for cold-weather motorcycle riding. At a certain point, even the best winter gloves have a limit and will start to lose heat. I've found that riding below 45F at 55MPH+ over an hour is when I really feel the cold creeping in with a good outer shell, mid layer, and base. I do much better with heated gear for the longer rides at higher speeds. Once I get off the road and into more technical riding I start to warm up.
Heated gloves, grips, jackets, and pants can be powered by your motorcycle or a rechargeable battery pack.
Battery-powered heated gear is versatile—you can wear it at camp to stay warm. Keep in mind that's another item to keep charged and battery performance can vary in cold temps.
5. Prevent Your Visor from Fogging
Riding in cold, wet weather means your visor will likely fog up. Limited visibility can be dangerous, so keeping your visor clear is crucial.
Solutions for Fogging:
Pinlock Visors: These inserts create a thermal barrier inside your helmet, preventing fog buildup.
Breath Box: Some helmets have a breath box accessory that fits around your nose and mouth when you put your helmet on to guide your breath away from the visor. If you wear glasses, these do tend to push the hot air around your eyes and will result in your glasses fogging instead of your visor.
Crack Your Visor Open: Most helmets have a small opening setting that allows airflow while keeping rain out. This is just enough to bring some cool air into the helmet and clear up the lens.
Neck Gaiters: Wearing one over your mouth reduces breath fogging.
Anti-Fog Sprays: Products to help keep moisture build up off the visor. Make sure these are visor safe.
DIY Solutions: Spit, dish soap, shaving cream, or even rubbing a potato on your visor can help in an emergency.
Final Thoughts
Riding in cold and wet weather doesn’t have to be miserable. With base layers, waterproof gear, hand protection, heated gear, and visor fog prevention, you can stay warm, dry, and comfortable on your motorcycle camping trips.
If you’re looking for high-quality cold-weather riding gear, check out Moto Camp Nerd. We stock carefully curated motorcycle camping gear, including base layers, mid layers, Hippo Hands, waterproof riding gear, and accessories to keep you riding comfortably all year long.