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Aerostich Ultralight Rain Pants
and Boot Raincovers Big protection in small packages By Jerry Riederer #135671
I’VE NEVER REALLY GIVEN MUCH thought to rain gear for riding. Like any properly prepared biker, I do always have rain gear on board, but it typically just occupies valuable space in my side case. I have always been more inclined to avoid riding in the rain whenever possible. When a mid- ride shower does pop up, I’d head for the nearest shelter until it passed. Well, that changed when I was asked to test the Ultralight Rain Pants and Boot Raincovers from Aerostich. I won’t write a review on a product that I haven’t thoroughly tested, so I knew I would have to give serious thought to rain gear design and function and seek out opportunities to ride in the rain. To be completely honest, I was less than enthusiastic about the assign- ment, but I have such respect for the Aerostich brand and their reputation for quality that I agreed to put the pants and boot covers to the test. Based in Duluth, Minn., Aerostich
has been setting the standard for seri- ous motorcycle clothing since 1983. Aerostich Roadcrafter and Darien
Big performance can come in a small package.
Aerostich Ultralight Rain Pants and Boot Raincovers keep the rain and road grit out.
riding suits have protected adventure riders around the world, and their jackets, heated liners, boots and gloves are second to none. Admittedly, rain pants and waterproof boot covers may not be the most exciting pieces of apparel, but given the company’s focus on quality and thoughtful design, I was excited to see how the Aeros- tich products would perform. On first inspection, the rain pants were obvi- ously a cut above the rest.
The fabric is a 3-layer water- proof nylon, and every seam is sealed with a waterproof tape. The zippers, at the ankles and fly, are water-
proof and rubberized. An elastic drawstring cinches the waist. When not in use,
the Ultralight Rain Pants compactly self- store in a 4”x5”x1.5” integral zippered pocket. The Boot Raincovers are similarly constructed of waterproof 3-layer ripstop nylon with waterproof taped seams. Elastic drawstrings secure the covers just below the knee, and a waterproof reverse zipper closes over the calf from the knee to heal where a hook & loop tab completes the closure. Each cover is equipped with large reflective patches for conspicuity in inclement weather. When not in use, they fold into a clever built-in hook and loop closed pouch that is only 3”x4”x1.3”. So they look good at the kitchen table, but how do they really perform? Time to ride in the rain. On the morning of Memorial Day, the
weather radar showed a mass of rain head- ing right over one of my favorite local rides. So while the rain intensified outside, I suited up. I always wear impact
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