Gearing up for a road trip with the right stuff is key to a good or shitty experience. We’ve had some good luck with Alpinestars in the past and wanted to give them a go for some longer distance rides.

Summer doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to be hot as balls. In fact, every summer trip we’ve taken we’ve experienced a torrential downpour. So… you have to be mindful of the heat an the proper vented gear, but also make sure you get some waterproof goods too. Most of the items we selected were perfect, but there were a couple that we wouldn’t recommend.

CHROME DRYSTAR SHOES $259.95

SIZES 6-14

The Chrome Drystars are comfortable and provide a good feeling of protection. You feel like these would do a good job of protecting your ankles or feet should you take a tumble. And they’re not too bulky (a little bulky but nothing too crazy). They feature a waterproof membrane for effective wet weather performance and dual density ankle protectors under the leather on the medial and lateral side for impact protection in a critical area.

BELL HELMETS RACE STAR DLX FLEX (FASTHOUSE COLLAB) $819.95-$919.95

SIZES XS-2XL

We’ve been wearing the Race Star DLX Flex since it launched. We love this lid. It’s quiet, it’s light and it’s comfortable. The recent Fasthouse collab looks pretty dope on the Race Star too. The Race Star’s interior also breaks in nicely after logging a lot of miles and doesn’t compromise that original fit and feel. We hit the road on Harley-Davidson’s new Fast Johnnie Street Glide we’ve been testing and grabbed the Race Star DLX Flex Fasthouse for the photoshoot.

MORPH STREET GLOVES $109

SIZES S-3XL

Do yourself a favor and take the Morph Street Gloves out of your shopping cart. You’ll thank us for it. The MorphTech Weave technology is uncomfortable and pretty annoying after a few miles on the road. Reminiscent of the little T-tags on your new T-shirt, the Morph glove feels like a dozen or so T-tags poking the backs of your hands while riding. It’s very annoying and distracting. Alpinestars claims the glove features a single layer MorphTech Weave backhand for enhanced mechanical safety performance while also providing flexibility and dexterity, but I think the MorphTech could use a little bit more R&D before going to market. Maybe the Morph V2 (not currently a thing) with a less rigid and more pliable material that didn’t poke your skin could solve the issue?

NEO WATERPROOF JACKET $309.95

S-4XL

While the Neo Waterproof jacket might not be made for “the one,” it definitely was made just for me. I love everything about this jacket. It’s comfortable, it has plenty of pockets, it’s not too cumbersome (I can move around easily) and it features a lightweight construction for optimized rider comfort, and its stretch softshell construction is waterproof and windproof for all-weather performance. The Neo is a great all-arounder for the Summer trek.

COPPER V2 PLUS JEANS-REGULAR FIT $259.95

SIZES 28-40

I’ve never been big on motorcycle riding jeans. I know they serve a purpose, but I’ve just never jumped on the train. I wondered if the Copper V2 Plus Denim Pant might change my mind, but no such luck. The material is comfortable, but the Regular fit is pretty baggy, even in my waist size. Also, the inner armor smells like barf. Yes, barf, puke, vomit, throw-up, whatever you wanna call it. As soon as I slid the Coppers on, I kept smelling barf, which in turn, made me want to barf. I couldn’t figure out where it was coming from until I pulled the barf pants off my body at the end of the day. Once the smell wafted up to my nostrils and I pulled a knee protector out and smelled it I puked all over the place! (Not really, but I wish I did for dramatic effect).

Alpinestars.com