Winter Riding Gear Explained: These Will Keep You Nice & Warm

If you live in places where it can get really cold in winters, riding a two-wheeler can become quite discomforting. Here are 7 things that will go a long way in keeping you warm and safe out on our unpredictable roads in cold and foggy winters: 

Full Length Gloves

Now usually short cuff riding gloves work just fine for our everyday commutes in summer. They have more ventilation to ensure comfort when temperatures are high, and provide just enough protection. But during the winters, these can prove to be inadequate and you might end up with numb fingers at the end of your ride. Full length gauntlet riding gloves are the solution. They cover your hands till above the wrists, and keep them warm and safe. 

Winter-specific gloves have a thermal liner inside them to keep your hands warm. Some winter gloves can be waterproof as well, making them suitable for regions where it snows.

Neck Buff

Keeping your neck warm during cold rides can make you feel quite comfortable during cold rides. A long neck buff folded a few times around the neck can act as a thermal insulator. 

Fun fact: You can use the same buff in summers by dipping it in water and wearing the damp buff the same way. While it may not remain damp for a long time, it can keep you cold at least till you get into a rhythm.  

Full Face Helmet

A full face helmet is a must. It’s definitely the first thing you should get the moment you start riding a bike or scooter, no matter when and where you ride. In the cold, full face helmets act like a brilliant cocoon around your head, shielding your head from the cold winds, apart from its obvious safety function. The thick inner liners provide a lovely layer of insulation and there’s nothing that can do the job as well as a proper full face helmet. If you ride for long distances every day, the helmet also protects your face from the constant buffeting, reducing facial fatigue and ensuring your long rides don’t get unpleasant and uncomfortable. 

Anti-fog Inserts For Helmet Visors

An anti-fog insert is often one of the things people get in the very last but it does go a long way in ensuring your rides are safer. They do as the name suggests. You can’t ride in the cold without lowering the helmet visor because it can get super cold, and if you keep it closed, the visor will fog up and reduce visibility. An anti-fog insert is then a safety measure more than anything else. 

Winter Riding Jackets

Most leather or textile jackets can be used in winters. Depending on how cold it gets, you can add a thermal liner to these jackets for extra insulation. A mesh jacket is only good for summers; while you can use one with a thermal liner, it won’t be as warm as the other two. If you live in areas or ride where you would need basic cold protection, a mesh jacket plus a thermal liner can work. 

Winter Riding Pants

Same logic as jacket for riding pants. You can add layers of thermal insulation and base layers to increase the warmth. Base layers essentially keep you nice and dry. These manage moisture by absorbing sweat off your body and help regulate body temperature by providing insulation in the cold weather. The base layers also trap warm air and provide a nice blanket of insulation. 

Waterproof Boots Or Winter Socks

You can use either or both depending on how cold you expect your rides to be. Though, do note that waterproof boots that work well can get really expensive. So thick, waterproof or winter socks can be a cost-effective solution. Such socks also provide a fair bit more protection to the cold weather than your normal socks. The idea is to prevent cold air from reaching your feet and legs.