Based on 65 years and over 1.5 million 2 wheels miles, like to pass some info along--some learned the hard way---and I realize even in the best of times, few here really do some serious long distance riding.
Boots: I am old, putting on rubber boots along the roadside can be quite a dance when it starts to rain. My solution for serious trips=Wolverine Waterproof Wellingtons. They work, kept feet warm and dry on all day rides. I am on second pair. For one day trips where I will be coming home at nite---my Aerostich Kombat Lite work for one long day in rain---but multiday trip in the wet, they stay wet!! 50 years ago I used Lacrosse zipper overshoes=worked well but as they aged they would leak around the bottom of the zipper area. Easy to put on. Wonder if they still make them?
Rain Pants----always carry my 15 year old Joe Rocket Rain Pant----when new they worked well, aged can leak in crouch area after all day ride. Solution: throw them away and start over. Aerostich has lightweight
long zipper down the leg sides for about $100---with these you can easily put them on without taking boots off. Need to get a pr this year
Jacket: Aerostich Darien Jacket works for me, pads taken out, feather jacket as cold day liner. On my second yellow Darien---they last at least 100,000 miles. Note: Joe Rocket size XL best quality rain jacket over featherjacket and feather vest can keep you warm and dry for much less money. Hi Vis in any riding riding gear is nice!
Pants: for days starting out in bad weather, I have Darien Pants--on second pr---never really loved them, as they seem to lack something in all day comfort for me......but they can be warm/keep you dry---a little hard to pack along....and what else is there that really works?
Gloves/mitts: I have never had heated grips/gloves----had heated liner fail in Mexico, almost froze to death. My present solution to cold/wet weather touring is cheap pair of WalMart Ski Gloves covered by Aerostich over mitts---not cheap but work and designed for riding.
Another thing: I have learned over the years----real motorcycle gear does not flap/blow up in the breeze, cheap junk seems to.
Leather stuff can be nice, but not fun in cold or wet. Had 2 Langlitz leather jackets, not cheap but you get your money back on eBay when some idiot who wants to look like he rides a lot!! buys them used. Had a pair of Japanese leather pants for over 30 years---traded them for artic suit in Germany. Artic suit very warm.
High quality/perfect fitting 3/4 or better helmet works for me on bike with windshield. Think half helmet not the way to go in cold/wet.
