Adventure Touring Unpacked ‑ Emily’s Riding Gear
Motorcycle Clothing Review - BMW Riding Gear
When it comes to things we buy I’m particular to say the least. I don’t buy patters or bright colors. I don’t purchase anything I don’t think would last a lifetime. I try to be a conscious consumer in all aspects of our life. Especially with what I choose to wear as it’s not only a self‑expression of my personality but a choice to stop endless over consumption. This is even more apparent for when I travel. The photos we create will last a lifetime and it’s important to feel the best version of yourself. Buying clothing in general for me was always a nightmare ... too big ... too loose ... unethical and at times extremely unflattering especially when it came to touring suits. Gloves didn’t fit my hands and motorbike boots weren’t in my size. This made me lose confidence at a time when I needed to be at my best. Whenever I did find something that fitted the quality was poor or the protection insufficient. There wasn’t a suit that I wanted to wear around the world in 100s of photos. I wanted to share this guide with all my followers who are in the same situation as me. I think I’ve finally found the perfect suit and accessories for all travel occasions.
I’m putting together this guide to help you curate your travel pieces a little easier than I did. After nearly 50 countries travelled we have become experts in the field of touring.
Pacedry Tour Jacket
My touring suit had to be a lot things, in fact I even had a check list ‑ comfortable, fitted, waterproof, vented, durable, fashionable and of course with great protection. (Pockets too! If I’m not asking too much!) The moment I tried on the Pacedry Tour I knew it was the suit for me. Firstly it fit like a glove! Arms weren’t too long, the pant legs didn’t touch the floor and it had an adjustable waist. I came out of the changing room with that beam of happiness you get when you put on something that makes you feel special. I knew from that moment I would be happy in it as we traveled around Europe. And guess what it even had pockets!! The jacket is lightweight and very breathable but also when all vents are closed a relatively warm jacket too.
Size ‑ EU34 UK2
Pacedry Tour Trousers
With long distance touring you travel through multiple climates; I try to keep my suit and equipment as light and comfortable as possible. This is one of the main reasons I love the PaceDry Tour Suit by layering over the top or underneath I create an all‑season suit that I just adore wearing. The trousers are fitted but have enough room for you to be able to move freely around the motorbike giving you a tailored fit yet still an adventure touring look.
Size ‑ EU34 UK2
Cruisecomfort GTX Plus Boots
Wearing the right motorcycle boots is crucial for safety. I needed a boot that could keep up with the ever‑changing weather we encounter on these tours. CruiseComfort motorcycle boots are GORE‑TEX lined and therefore very breathable for hotter days. The attention to detail on these boots is really what makes them special, with ample adjustments, shin guards and reflective heels. They are so lightweight considering the high‑quality materials and protection they offer. I wore these boots for eight hours a day for three weeks, not one blister or compliant. Even after I walked around many cities in them.
Heat Up Vest
I can not express in words how much I loved this piece of kit! Honestly its worth every penny! If you’re like me and tend to get cold when riding at dusk or you’re heading to colder climates this is the perfect addition to your touring equipment. Every time the temperature dropped below 10degrees and the wind picked up we would pull over and I would slip this jacked on. A few seconds later my whole upper body would be warm and we could continue on to ride into the night. Safe to say I will not be leaving on another tour without one of these in the top box!
To all the guys reading this considering whether to buy this for your Mrs ‑ just do it! You’ll be riding into the sunset with a very happy (and warm) pillion in no time.
Size ‑ S
System 7 Carbon Helmet
Your helmet is the most important piece of equipment you will buy and nobody (not even me!) can you tell what helmet is best for you. It’s such a personal choice however I will tell you what was important to me. Firstly the weight of the helmet was a defining factor. Also I needed a flip up helmet, as taking my helmet off to take photographs at each scenic road and pass wasn’t an option. The system 7 helmet fit all of these needs as well as my head.
Colour ‑ Matt Graphite
Size ‑ M
Touratech Waterproof Bag - PD620 Rack‑Pack, Size S, 24 Liter
Safe to say I am a minimalist at heart but even I struggle when it comes to packing up our BMW R1250 GSA With clothes, equipment, tools, cameras and a drone, packing everything for two people for long term travel into 3 small boxes isn’t an easy task. We have 112 liters of space divided between two panniers and a top box. However this time we strapped two extra waterproof bags on the top of the panniers, these are prefect for food, camping equipment and shoes. They also doubled up as great arm rests! We had some really bad rain, also lots of mud and these bags kept everything safe and dry. Would highly recommend!
So what would I change? Well nothing! Other than wanting a few more pockets the suit and gear preformed well in every situation I put them in and after wearing the suit for 10+ hours a days for over 3 weeks the suit still looked like new upon returning home. I’m looking forward to many more adventures in my pacedry tour suit!
