Gear Review: BMW Motorrad Unisex Pro Rain suit

When I was preparing my gear for a recent excursion to Portugal, I knew that I needed wet weather gear that worked. The obvious choice, given my experience, was one of the suits from BMW. Never the cheapest, they have always been the best I have used…

Stopping off for some Gaviscon after a big bowl of caldo verde, the Bear is snug and dry in his BMW ProRaid suit. Unfortunately his gloves and boots did not live up the the Beemer suit (Photo Mikel Mitxelena).

I only disposed of my previous one because I had carelessly torn it. Well, most rain suits will tear when you skid along the road in them. It was a good thing I opted for the new BMW suit. Portuguese rainstorms roll in with the full power of the Atlantic Ocean behind them, and rain seems to come from above, all sides and below – an excellent test of a rain suit.

All right, I bet you don’t look too good when you’re putting on your wetties. Gave the ladies in the retirement village a bit of a thrill anyway, and a few of the old gents. (Photo Janet Philips)

BMW Motorrad claims that the $285 Unisex ProRain overalls provide protection against wind and weather with a waterproof polyurethane coating. They are also thoroughly taped on the inside of the seams. “Elastic arm and leg cuffs and the integrated balaclava reliably prevent water ingress. Reflective prints significantly increase visibility even in adverse weather conditions.” Just what I wanted.

The ProRain overalls came through for me. I was dry after every stop. All I have to do now is get my hands on some truly waterproof gloves and my feet into some equally effective boots. While on the subject of boots: the BMW suit is quite long in the leg, and the combination of the protected leg zip and hook-and-loop fastening tab kept it secure around my boots. What water got into them came through the seams of the boots themselves.

Nice and dry in some pretty awful weather on the Portuguese coast (Photo Roger Falgas).

The length of the leg zip meant that the suit is easy to get on without taking off my boots, and a clever little clip on the interior bib meant that I didn’t have to stretch that to get into the body of the suit. There is a single chest pocket accessible from the outside at the left shoulder which is useful for things like keys, but it also creates one of the small complaints I have. When you’re slipping your arm into the left sleeve, it is easy to get your hand on the wrong side of the pocket. You then have to pull out your arm and repeat, which is not a big deal. The other complaint is that the material is not breathable, but you can’t expect that with this kind suit.

BMW ProRain wet weather suit.

Packs away neatly.

In summary, the BMW Unisex ProRain suit, part number 76817921671 (BMW owners do love part numbers), is a one-piece wind- and waterproof rain suit made of nylon with waterproof polyurethane coating. It has heat-resistant material at the inside-leg area and non-slip material at the seat. The high collar with its integrated storm hood prevents rain leaking between suit and helmet.

There is a long, easy-access front zip with labyrinth closure and hook-and-loop fasteners on the side for optimal wind protection, long leg zips on the outer sides and reflective print on sleeves, back and chest. Velcro straps on the upper arms and an elastic waistband at the back with one Velcro fastener each at the front on the right and left allow width adjustment, while elastic arm and leg cuffs with elastic band and fastener keep things rain tight. The suit packs into its own little bag with a carry strap.

Portugal – a great slice of the Iberian Peninsula, it’s a bit of a rare destination, but it shouldn’t be.

It might seem expensive when compared with other suits, but it feels worth every cent when you’re out on the Portuguese coast roads, or anywhere else. Check out the ProRain on the BMW website here.