Mother Nature can really do a number on your motorcycle trip if you’re not prepared. Don’t let her win. Fight the good fight by having the right gear on hand to protect you from the elements.

Many factors are involved when exploring the overabundance of riding apparel options: comfort, style, protection, and fit. For long trips, you want something that’s interchangeable so when trekking through the desert you’re not drenched in sweat because your heavy pants and jacket won’t breathe. You also don’t want a setup that mimics a windbreaker when heading up the mountain. You need something versatile for whatever conditions you face.

We searched high and low for a stylish, inexpensive, all-weather riding setup and found what we needed in Joe Rocket and Victory Motorcycles.

Neither of these companies produces your run-of-the-mill biker apparel. Joe Rocket has a large sportbike influence, but also carries items that your jeans-and-black-leather-jacket biker wouldn’t think twice about. At the end of the day, being comfortable is what’s important. The Joe Rocket Ballistic 7.0 pant ($149.99–$169.99) is a great touring pant that features a rugged design made from 100 percent waterproof Hitena twill nylon with melt-resistant material on the lower legs. Many apparel manufacturers claim “100 percent waterproof” but never really stand up to the challenge. That’s not the case with Joe Rocket’s Ballistic 7.0. One could take a stroll through a car wash and not worry about his precious iPhone being damaged. The Ballistic is available in black and features height-adjustable CE-rated kneepads for both shorter and taller inseams, a removable high-density hip padding, and a removable waterproof liner. The two-way leg zippers make it easy for pulling over large boots, too. I’m thinking of using the Ballistic out on my next snowboarding trip. The Joe Rocket Ballistic 7.0 definitely exceeded my expectations. When ordering, maybe try the next size up (available in sizes S-5XL) since mine fit a little snug in the groin area, but then again, it is the holidays.

The Victory Cross Country Tour jacket ($199.99) is meant for just that: cross-country touring. Available in M–XXXL, the textile-style jacket is made from durable Cordura construction, manufactured to resist wear (usually found on luggage, backpacks, and military apparel). The Tour can really take a beating without showing it. As for weather protection, the outer shell is double-coated in polyurethane to repel water. Again, many companies claim their products are “waterproof” but Victory’s jacket really holds up. Being that the outer material is a tad rough, the inner liner is very comfortable—tough on the outside, soft on the inside. The liner is also removable when temps soar. To aid in keeping you cool, multiple vents let the air flow freely. The cuffs can also be zippered up and really allow airflow to circulate. For a custom fit, an adjustable waist strap allows you to cinch up the jacket for, or loosen it up after that big lunch. There are also adjustable hook-and-loop straps at the cuffs, which tighten over gloves easily. Finding enough storage in this jacket isn’t an issue. It features plenty of pockets, and may be overengineered just a tad; you might get lost trying to find your bike key. Overall, the jacket is lightweight, comfortable, and the storage capacity is immense, which makes it a must-have for the long haul. HB

Victory Jacket

Pros

• Affordable, good value
• Extremely comfortable and versatile
• Waterproof

Cons

• Not the coolest design

Joe Rocket Pant

Pros

• Heavy-duty construction, durable
• Waterproof
• Comfortable and highly protective

Cons

• Pants a tad snug in crotch region

Joe Rocket
(208) 932-0303 | joerocket.com

Victory Motorcycles
Contact your local dealer | purepolaris.com