Budget Dual Sport/Adventure Rain Suit

For dual-sport and adventure riders, getting caught in a storm is part of the experience. But while your primary riding gear offers abrasion protection, it’s often only water-resistant. That’s where a dedicated rain suit comes in, and the HWK Two-Piece Motorcycle Rain Suit has become a popular, budget-friendly option.

HWK gear consistently aims to provide maximum quality at a minimum price. Here’s an article outlining the key features, performance, and where this rain suit stands for the US Dual Sports community.

Key Features:

The HWK rain suit is designed as a simple, effective shell to go over your armored riding gear. It typically comes as a two-piece set (jacket and pants) and includes features that punch above its price class:

• 100% Waterproof Fabric: The suit is constructed from polyester 190T Taffeta fabric with a Ceiled or Reissa waterproof membrane. HWK markets it as “100% Waterproof,” making it a shell intended to keep the rain off.

• Hi-Visibility & Reflectivity: A safety feature for riding in bad weather. The suit includes highly reflective patches and HWK logos on the front, back, arms, and legs to maximize visibility in low-light and heavy rain conditions.

• Two-Piece Design: This is the preferred design for dual-sport and adventure riding, allowing riders to quickly don the jacket, the pants, or both, depending on the severity of the weather.

• Adjustability: Elastic cuffs, an adjustable jacket collar, and hook-and-loop straps over the main zipper help cinch down the fit to prevent water entry and minimize fabric flapping at speed.

• Concealable Hood: A hood is built into the jacket collar—a simple, useful feature for walking around or standing outside the bike when the helmet is off.

Dual-Sport Performance:

The real test for any rain gear is how it performs on the trail and the highway.

Pros:

1. Stops the Soak: For the price, riders report the HWK suit does an excellent job of keeping the core dry during light to moderate rain showers and wind. This is its primary function, and it delivers. My real job is running a power washing company and I use this same rain suit when power washing on cool days.

2. Great Over-Layer Fit: The suit is cut to fit over motorcycle jackets and pants, accommodating armor and bulk without restricting movement—essential for standing on the pegs off-road.

3. Wind Blocking: Dual-sport riding often involves crossing high-wind areas. The material and cinching ability help block wind chill, adding warmth in colder, damp conditions.

4. Exceptional Value: Competing rain suits from premium brands can cost significantly more than the entire HWK set. For riders on a tight budget or those who don’t face constant heavy rain, the value is unbeatable.

Cons:

1. Breathability (The Condensation Factor): Like most budget waterproof gear, the HWK suit is a solid plastic shell, which means it doesn’t breathe well. In warmer temperatures or during strenuous off-road work, riders frequently report internal condensation—you might stay dry from the outside rain, but you can get wet from your own sweat.

2. Heavy Rain/Seam Integrity: While great in light rain, some long-term reviews suggest that in prolonged, torrential downpours, some water may eventually find its way through zipper areas or seams, especially after months of use and folding.

3. Bulk/Packing: While it packs down reasonably well, it won’t be as compact as higher-end, thinner nylon or GORE-TEX alternatives, which is a consideration for packing light on multi-day adventure trips.

Final Verdict for the Dual-Sport Rider

The HWK Motorcycle Rain Suit is one of the best choices in the sub-$100 category.

• It is ideal for: The casual dual-sport rider, commuters, or anyone who primarily rides in a dry climate but needs an emergency rain solution for occasional bad weather.

• It is not ideal for: Riders embarking on multi-week expeditions through areas known for continuous, heavy tropical downpours (like the Pacific Northwest or Southeast Asia), where investing in a higher-breathability suit is worth the cost.

The takeaway: If your budget is tight and your primary goal is to keep the water off during a sudden storm without spending hundreds of dollars, the HWK rain suit is a highly recommended and proven piece of kit in the dual-sport community. (View Suit)