Top motorcycle winter clothing

Just like any outdoor activity, successful winter riding is all about layering up. Separate layers will help to trap insulating air between them to keep you warm, while choosing the right material and products will help to wick moisture away from your skin so that if you sweat, you don’t start to feel cold.

A basic system of winter clothing would involve a set of base layers, potentially a mid-layer depending on how cold the conditions are and an outer jacket, involving a thermal liner to further maintain heat. This would help prevent your body losing its own heat but if conditions are particularly cold, then you may want to consider investing in heated clothing.

This might seem extreme but it can have huge benefits, especially if, like me, you suffer from cold fingers or toes. It means you can maintain warmth without the bulking that comes with layering up to maintain the same temperature internally.

Of course, it goes without saying that any winter clothing needs to not only keep you warm but also dry, as wet weather goes hand in hand with the cold. There are various ways to do this, ranging from drop liners that are separate waterproof and windproof layers that zip into a jacket to laminated treatments, such as Gore-Tex or Gore-Tex Pro that stop the water entering the moment it hits the jacket.

Budget also plays a large part in what style, effectiveness and comfort you can expect but there’s no reason that you can expect to stay warm and dry for almost every budget.

Best winter base layers

Nigh-on £130 for a pair of pyjamas may seem excessive but I can personally vouch for this winter base-layer set from Alpinestars. I have used this long-sleeved-top-and-leggings combo for the last two winters and have found that it’s all I need under a decent jacket down to around freezing. They are comfortable, warm, wick sweat away from the body extremely well and the compression fit helps to keep muscles supported and prevent fatigue. It’s a significant investment but one that will pay off if you’re going to ride year round.

Best winter mid-layer

Best winter jackets

Best winter boots

Best winter gloves

Heated kit