Top motorcycle touring gear…..So the other day I’m halfway through Nevada (in July, which was… a choice), riding with a helmet that smelled like expired cheese, a jacket that was “ventilated” only in theory, and a saddlebag zipper that had officially given up on life.
That’s when I realized—comfort matters. Like, a lot.
Because when your back hurts, your gloves itch, and your seat feels like it was designed by medieval torture engineers, the adventure vibe starts to die. Quickly.
So here we go—my unofficial, unsponsored, slightly-too-personal guide to the top motorcycle touring gear for 2025. Tested by one overly ambitious road trip and several really dumb decisions.
🪖 Helmets That Don’t Make You Regret Being Alive
Pick: Shoei Neotec 3 or AGV Tourmodular
Look, I love the open wind as much as the next biker poet, but bugs-in-teeth is fun for, like, 10 minutes max.
Both these helmets are modular (flip-up front), which is perfect for long rides when you want a breather or to scare a gas station cashier by suddenly transforming into a human.
Why it rules:
- Built-in Bluetooth capability
- Flip-up design (so your head doesn’t feel like it’s in a rice cooker)
- Quiet AF—like riding in a library
Me trying to eat a burrito with a full-face helmet in Arizona? Not my best moment. I had hot sauce in my ear. You need a helmet you can live in.
🧥 Jackets That Are Basically Sci-Fi Armor
Pick: Klim Latitude or Rev’It! Sand 4 H2O
Touring gear isn’t just about protection—it’s about comfort over hours of butt-on-seat time.
These jackets? Waterproof, breathable, and not made from the same material as your grandpa’s recliner.
Bonus: Vent zippers that actually do something.
True story: I once wore a cheap waterproof jacket in the rain, and guess what? It kept the water out—and trapped my sweat in. I was basically steaming myself like a sad dumpling.
🧤 Gloves You Won’t Immediately Hate
Pick: Held Air N Dry Gloves
These are two gloves in one. Literally. One side for dry riding. Flip the liner? Waterproof mode. Magic.
Why I love ’em:
- No need to carry two pairs
- Actually comfy for long rides
- Your fingers don’t feel like raisins after 6 hours
Side note: I once lost a glove mid-ride. It flew off and hit my friend’s windshield. He kept it. Claimed it was “souvenir karma.” Rude.
👖 Pants That Don’t Feel Like Denim Armor
Pick: Dainese D-Explorer 2 or Alpinestars Andes V3
Regular jeans are great—for watching Netflix. Not so much for flying gravel or surprise rainclouds.
These pants are armored, ventilated, waterproof (when needed), and surprisingly flexible. I did yoga in mine once to prove a point. Regret that, but still.
🥾 Boots That You Can Walk In Without Limping for top motorcycle touring gear
Pick: TCX Infinity 3 GTX
Long-distance riding means you’ll be off the bike at diners, campgrounds, maybe even hiking a little to get that perfect overlook selfie.
You need boots that:
- Don’t squeak
- Don’t blister
- Don’t smell like sadness after Day 2
These are waterproof, armored, and actually… stylish? (Okay, that’s subjective. But they don’t look like moon boots.)
🪑 Touring Seats That Don’t Destroy Your Soul
Pick: AirHawk Seat Pad or Sargent World Sport Seat
The first time I toured 500 miles on a stock seat, I understood why pirates walked funny.
A good touring seat or pad will change. Your. Life.
It’s like riding with a mini cloud under your butt. A firm, motorcycle-shaped cloud that doesn’t give you swamp butt by hour four.
🧳 Luggage That Doesn’t Spontaneously Explode
Pick: Mosko Moto Reckless 80L or SW-Motech Trax ADV Panniers
You want waterproof, bombproof, idiot-proof luggage. Because at some point, you will forget to close a zipper. Or strap something wrong.
These bags are:
- Rugged
- Expandable
- Tested by people who look like they eat gravel for breakfast
🔌 Gadgets and Accessories You’ll Swear By Later
Quad Lock Phone Mount
Rock-solid. You can attach it in 5 seconds and your phone won’t yeet itself off a bumpy road.
USB Charger or Power Bank
I ride with a giant brick of a power bank that could probably jump-start a boat. Because nothing ruins a scenic view like 2% battery and a GPS reroute.
Cardo Packtalk Edge or Sena 50S
If you’re riding with friends, being able to yell “Where the hell are you going?!” without hand signals = priceless.
🛌 Optional But Awesome Touring Add-Ons
- Cruise Control (Throttle Lock): For those long highway hauls when your wrist just gives up.
- Hydration Pack (CamelBak style): Stay hydrated without pulling over every 30 miles to drink warm Gatorade.
- Mini Tool Kit: One with Allen keys, tire plugs, zip ties, and emotional support duct tape.
🎒 The One Bag You Always Forget: The “Everything Else” Bag
I have a small tank bag with:
- Chapstick
- Sunscreen
- Tissues (yes, grown-ups get sniffly too)
- Sunglasses
- Earplugs
- Energy bars that taste like old cardboard but work like jet fuel
And a Sharpie. Don’t ask why. It’s just tradition at this point.
🏁 Final Thoughts from the Road about top motorcycle touring gear
Riding long-distance isn’t about being the most hardcore biker or having the flashiest gear. It’s about surviving the ride with your dignity, your ass, and your sense of humor intact.
I’ve learned the hard way what not to bring (looking at you, wool socks in August), and what always comes in clutch.
So if you’re planning your next big adventure, load up smart. Comfort isn’t boring—it’s what lets you actually enjoy the ride.
Now get out there and make some bad decisions with good gear.
