Why staying dry depends on more than a waterproof label?
Rain happens. Strong wind happens. Long rides in mixed weather happen. Your gear should handle all of it without making your ride harder. But here’s the truth - waterproof motorcycle clothing isn’t all built the same. And choosing the right type depends a lot on how you ride.
Most people only look at the "waterproof" tag. But real performance comes from a mix of the membrane, the construction, the fit, your riding position, and the conditions.
Here’s a simple guide to help you pick the gear that fits your needs - including why removable waterproof liners (like the ones you find in Hero 2.0 and Bonnie) can actually be a huge advantage.
1. Membranes and construction – what makes gear waterproof
To stay dry, MC clothing uses a waterproof membrane. The construction around that membrane matters just as much. Here are the main types and how they work:
Drop-liner
Membrane sits behind the outer shell.
Your body stays dry, but the outer shell can get wet and heavy.
Laminated
Membrane is bonded directly to the shell.
Best for all-day rain, dries fast, and usually the most expensive.
Removable waterproof liner
A separate liner you zip inside the jacket.
This is the type used in many Moto Lounge pieces, including Hero 2.0, Rush 2.0 Lady or Bonnie
It offers real flexibility:
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Wear the jacket without the liner on warm days for airflow.
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Enjoy the strong mesh ventilation in summer.
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Add the liner when rain shows up.
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It feels lighter and more versatile across seasons.
For riders who want one jacket that works in changing weather - not just endless rain - this setup is often the most practical.
Water column numbers (like 10.000 mm)
This tells you how much water pressure the membrane can handle before it leaks.
Higher numbers like 20.000 or 30.000 mm are built for long hours in heavy storms, but that doesn’t mean you need them for typical rides. For most riders, 10.000 mm or 12.000 mm keeps you dry, light and comfortable without the stiffness that sometimes comes with very high waterproof ratings. Breathability also plays a big role, since sweat must escape for you to stay comfortable, and extremely high waterproof numbers can reduce how well the fabric breathes. This is why 10.000 mm often gives the best balance: strong rain protection, good comfort and solid performance for real-life riding.
So, answering a common question - does 10.000 mm mean I’ll get wet? Absolutely not. It’s one of the most common standards in motorcycle gear because it handles normal rain, Nordic showers, and everyday riding without trouble. But as with everything, it has limits. Hours of riding in hard rain, high wind pressure, or a wrong fit can push even the best membranes.
2. Waterproof performance depends on more than the membrane
These three factors are just as important:
a) Fit
If a jacket is too loose, rain sneaks in at cuffs and zippers. If it’s too tight, the membrane gets stressed and may leak. A good fit that seals at the right places makes a huge difference.
b) Riding position and weather
Your posture changes how water hits the gear. On a sport bike, your shoulders and chest take the pressure. On a touring bike, you sit more upright, so the water flow changes. Long rides, stormy wind, and heavy downpours expose weak spots. Even premium membranes have limits in extreme situations.
c) Price
A lower price does not mean “bad.” It simply means the gear uses a different construction or membrane level. And if you know when you ride - short trips, commuting, weekend rides - a 10.000 mm membrane with a removable liner may actually be the smarter, more flexible and affordable choice.
3. Why removable liners are a strong option (and not a downgrade)
Here is the honest truth - removable waterproof liners give you freedom across seasons. You’re not stuck in one heavy, stiff jacket all year. Take these for example:
Hero 2.0 Universal Suit
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Mesh airflow for warm days
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Waterproof liner for rain
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Works from spring to late autumn
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Great for riders who want one suit for everything
Bonnie Jacket
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Large mesh ventilation
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Light feeling without the liner
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Solid rain protection with the liner in
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Perfect for mixed Scandinavian weather
With removable liners, you get:
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Flexibility
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Comfort
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Better ventilation
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A jacket that works in more situations
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A lighter feel compared to laminated gear
And when the rain comes? You zip in the liner and get real waterproofness - without losing the breathability you enjoy the rest of the season.
4. What to look for when choosing waterproof MC gear
Here’s your checklist:
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Membrane type (drop-liner, laminated, removable liner)
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Water column (10.000 mm is solid for most riders, but look for more if you need proper adventure gear for long time travel)
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Taped seams
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Storm flaps over zippers
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Fit and adjustability
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Coverage in riding position
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Ventilation for warm days
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CE protection
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Honest reviews from real riders
5. And yes… even the best gear has limits
This is important and keeps expectations real - even with strong waterproof gear - laminated, drop-liner, or removable liner - you can still get wet in extreme cases. Why?
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Wind pressure pushes water into weak spots
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Cuffs may open slightly
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Water runs down from helmet or gloves
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Fabric gets overloaded after many hours
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Wrong fit creates gaps
This is normal and not a sign of “bad gear.” It’s simply how real-life riding works. But for most riders, on most rides, a 10.000 mm membrane with a good liner does the job very well.
6. Final thoughts
Waterproof motorcycle clothing is not one-size-fits-all. You need something that fits your riding style, your weather, and how often you actually ride in rain.
Removable waterproof liners give the best mix of value, flexibility, and comfort for riders who deal with changing seasons - especially here in the Nordics, where one day is cold, one day is warm, and one day is wet.
At Moto Lounge, we help you choose gear that fits your needs, your body, and your weather. Whether you ride daily or only on sunny weekends, you deserve gear that keeps you dry, comfy, and confident.
Ride safe. Stay dry. Enjoy the ride.
