The topic of rain gear came up in another thread. I've been looking for a quality, but inexpensive, rain suit. Machog uses a Red Ledge suit ($38) and I found a nice Frogg Togg suit (normally $159 on sale for $109). Can FT be worth the $70 difference?

Any other suggestions for, or experience with, good rain suits and the vendors who sell them? Thanks.

Gatorman, I'm biased but the RL stuff lasts very well, had mine over a year and its been well used with no issues.

My understanding of the Frog Toggs stuff, its a type of breathable cloth that can rip. Never owned any so probably speaking out of turn.

Machog

I use some plastic sweats from walmart. Elastic cuffs and waistband. Packs down very small and is real cheap. The are offered in 2 different thicknesses.

I have an inexpensive set of Frog Tog rainwear. I think that I gave about $45 for it. I don't worry too much about breathability on the bike - if it's raining, I'll probably not be sweating, so all I need is to shed the water. The Togs have worked out pretty good so far, but for long days in the rain, I'd go with something more substantial. They shed water just fine, but as mentioned earlier, they aren't very heavy and 'hole' easily. Mine have a small hole in each lower cuff near the ankle where they're rubbed the engine casing. No problem, but it does indicate the thinness of the design. Something else I've learned is that just zipping isn't enough - you need to also fasten all of the snaps, or the wind will pop the zipper open. The zipper just isn't that strong. The suit makes a killer lighweight windbreaker though - that may be its best point. For long distance touring, I'd definitely find something a bit heavier, preferably a one-piece suit that would avoid the leaks down the backside.
My other gripe, and it's a big one - WTF is up with the colors of most rainwear? If it's raining, I want to be seen, and I want to be reflective. Most of the gear that I've seen, especially the FTs, are dark blue or some other hard to see color. They put the little reflective piping on it - that just doesn't hack it for me. I'm not trying to sneak up on somebody - I just want to stay alive.

On a frog-strangler weekend a couple years ago, my co-riders stopped at a sporting goods store and bought two set of Frog Togs. He was on an ST1300, she on a 250 Ninja. Both sets of Frog Togs were useless before the day was out. They leaked in the arms and the crotch and suffered holes in a few places. I think they'd be fine for walking in the rain, but for riding they come up short.

I'm still using the same no-name ("Pro Sport") rain jacket I bought 15 years ago at my now-defunct local accessories store. Lightweight rubberized cloth, elastic in the back to keep the front smooth to the wind, velcro to snug up the sleeve openings, nuclear blue with reflective arm bands. I wear TourMaster overpants that I treat a couple times a year with CampDry and those never get wet underneath. Those $3 blue or green rubber overgloves that Aerostich sells are still the best at keeping your hands dry when riding in the rain.

I've got the FT, go some deal on Sierra Trading Post. I like em'. No rips and they breath pretty well, can add a layer of warmth if it get bad. I would say that one of those one-piece jobs tempt me in the catalogs. Just no seams and a single zipper. Don't know what I'll do when one FT's starts leaking.

I have a set of Frogg Toggs that are 3 years old and have seen a ton of use,they work,I will tell you if you pay over 60 bucks you might as well just buy a tourmaster or Nelson Riggs suit,they are more durable in the long run.

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My other gripe, and it's a big one - WTF is up with the colors of most rainwear? If it's raining, I want to be seen, and I want to be reflective.


Yeah, this is something that I've wondered about too. Glad you brought it up. Normally I don't care much for the flashy stuff but when it's dark and rainy I think being seen is a very high priority!

Yeah, this is something that I've wondered about too. Glad you brought it up. Normally I don't care much for the flashy stuff but when it's dark and rainy I think being seen is a very high priority!


I had the same issue, so I got some workwear rain gear (the same you see for the road working crews or cops) in fluorescent orange. These are available in work clothing stores and are fairly cheap. I think I paid about $100 for the pants and jacket.

Very visible and water proof. Actually have a lining for cold weather in the jacket.

I bought a "Moto Boss" 2 piece suit (3/4 jacket, yellow, silver, black, reflective; pants black, reflective), at "Cycle Gear" for $39.95 a few years ago. On my '07 Alaska trip I wore them for the FIRST time on day 2 which was the heaviest rain I've EVER been in and lasted 8 to 9 hours. Stopped for gas, and as I tried to do up the zipper after putting my wallet away the zipper 'pulled apart' - TOTALLY RUINED! :censored: :thumbdown: :badidea: I was shattered! Then I noticed that the coat 'overlapped' over the zipper, with LOTS of velcro to hold it closed, :thumb: :thanx: :goodidea: , so I velcroed it and rode back into the gullywasher.
When we stopped to set camp about 8 hours later (7 1/2 of R++!), and I removed the Moto Boss suit - my leathers underneath were dry except for a bit at the ankles and at the cuffs. :clap:
End result? I'm doing another Alaska in June, and I bought a NEW Moto Boss suit at Cycle Gear for the trip. Hope the zipper DOESN'T break :exactly: , but know what? I DON'T CARE if it DOES! ;) :grinangel:
Recommend this suit! :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: (In fact, if I remember properly - Cycle Gear had them on sale for $19.95 when I got #2...!)
Ed :cheers:

I had the same issue, so I got some workwear rain gear (the same you see for the road working crews or cops) in fluorescent orange. These are available in work clothing stores and are fairly cheap. I think I paid about $100 for the pants and jacket.

Very visible and water proof. Actually have a lining for cold weather in the jacket.

You talked me into it. I bought some bright yellow stuff this morning with bands of reflective stuff. It has the Federal ANSI endorsement for road use. Only problem I saw was the crotch opening didn't look water tight for cycle use. I put heavy quality duck tape across the inside and plan to keep it there permanently. The gear is a little heavy duty to carry around in my luggage full time. It will take up some valuable space. But if I know I'll be riding in rain I will certainly plan to use it.

I think i probably have the set of ft you're speaking of...and yes, they are fantastic. Actually i have a set on the bike and a set at work. only thing i don't like is the short crop of the jacket...that or they need to come out with a set of bibs.