Touring Motorcycle Gloves for Long Miles, Rain, and Changing Weather

Hour six of a mountain ride brings a familiar problem: your fingers go numb in the morning chill, then sweat in the afternoon heat, and a sudden shower turns leather into a soggy mess. Touring gloves exist for exactly this, balancing protection, weather resistance, and all-day comfort. The best touring motorcycle gloves keep your hands warm and dry, protect knuckles and palms in a fall, and stay comfortable on the controls for hundreds of miles.

This guide looks at six touring-oriented gloves by name and gives four checkable buying rules: protection features, weather membrane, fit and sizing, and wrist closure. As of 2026, many touring gloves rely on waterproof membranes and touchscreen-friendly fingertips, so those details appear in the rules. The reviews that follow limit themselves to what each product name indicates.

Quick Picks

How to Choose

Look for certified protection

Check for CE certification to EN 13594, which sets tests for abrasion, seam strength, and impact on riding gloves. Level 1 is the standard baseline; Level 2 indicates a higher bar. Features to look for include reinforced palm sliders, knuckle armor, and extra padding on the heel of the hand, because many riders land on their palms first.

Match the weather membrane to your climate

Waterproof gloves use an inner membrane to keep rain out while allowing some breathability. Warm-climate riders may prefer vented gloves, while cold-weather riders should look for insulation. A good approach for variable climates is a waterproof glove with a liner that can be added or removed, or carrying a second lightweight pair. Water-repellent leather alone will soak through in sustained rain.

Get the fit right

Measure the circumference of your palm just below the knuckles and compare it with the manufacturer’s chart. A touring glove should feel snug with no bunching in the palm, and your fingers should reach the end of each finger without being squeezed. Try gripping a handlebar or a ruler: if the material bunches or the seams press into your skin, move up or down a size. Brands run differently, so check size guides.

Choose the right cuff and closure

Gauntlet cuffs extend over jacket sleeves for better rain and wind protection. Short cuffs tuck inside the sleeve and suit warmer rides. Look for an adjustable wrist strap plus a secondary closure for a secure fit that will not blow open at speed. Touchscreen-friendly fingertips and a built-in visor wiper on the thumb are minor but welcome touring extras.

Our Picks Reviewed

Alpinestars Andes v3 Drystar

Alpinestars is a major motorcycle gear brand, and Drystar is its waterproof designation. Pros: the Drystar name signals water protection, which matters for riders who keep going when skies open up, and v3 indicates a third generation, suggesting refinements. Alpinestars offers wide size availability and dealer presence. Con: waterproof membranes can be warmer and less breathable than vented gloves, so hot-weather comfort may suffer. Who should skip it: riders in hot, dry climates who prioritize ventilation, and those who prefer a very slim, minimalist glove. It suits touring riders who face unpredictable weather and want one reliable waterproof option.

Klim Badlands

Klim is a gear specialist known for adventure and touring clothing, and Badlands is a named glove from its range. Pros: gear from a specialist brand is typically designed around long days and demanding use, and the adventure-leaning reputation appeals to riders who cross varied terrain. Con: premium specialist gear can be more expensive than mainstream options, and sizing may need careful checking against brand charts. Who should skip it: riders on a tight gear budget, and those who only ride short distances in mild conditions. It suits dedicated tourers who want a durable, purpose-built glove for multi-day and cross-country trips.

REV’IT! Sand 4 H2O

REV’IT! is a European gear brand, the name Sand 4 points to a model generation, and H2O signals a waterproof construction. Pros: a lighter-weather glove with waterproofing can be a good fit for spring and autumn rides when showers are common but cold is not extreme. REV’IT! has a following among adventure and touring riders. Con: gloves designed for mild weather may not provide enough warmth in cold conditions, and a waterproof liner can reduce breathability on hot days. Who should skip it: winter riders needing heavy insulation, and riders who rarely face rain. It suits riders who want a versatile three-season glove with some protection from the wet.

Joe Rocket Ballistic 7.0

Joe Rocket is a widely distributed motorcycle gear brand, and Ballistic 7.0 refers to a specific model revision. Pros: a general-purpose glove is typically accessible and easy to find, and Joe Rocket’s retail presence means shoppers can often try sizes in person. The 7.0 suffix suggests a mature design that has been updated over time. Con: general-purpose gloves may lack the waterproofing or long-day comfort of dedicated touring models, and the cuff style may not suit rain-heavy rides. Who should skip it: riders who need guaranteed waterproofing, and anyone who rides in cold weather. It suits riders who want a solid everyday glove for commuting and weekend trips.

Alpinestars Corozal Adventure Drystar

This name combines Alpinestars, the Corozal model, an adventure orientation, and Drystar waterproofing. Pros: adventure-style gloves are often built to handle mixed terrain and weather, so they appeal to riders who combine paved touring with gravel detours, and the Drystar label signals water protection. Con: an adventure fit can be bulkier than a road-sport glove, which may reduce feel on the controls. Who should skip it: riders who prefer a slim sport fit, and anyone who wants a short cuff for hot weather. It suits riders who want waterproof protection with a rugged look and plan trips that include variable surfaces.

Dainese Carbon 4 Long

Dainese is an Italian protective gear brand; Carbon 4 identifies a model, and Long refers to a longer cuff. Pros: a longer cuff extends coverage over the wrist and helps block wind and rain, which is helpful on highways, and the carbon name suggests a protection-focused design. Dainese is well known for sport-oriented safety gear. Con: sport-oriented gloves can be stiffer or less insulated than dedicated touring gloves, and a performance fit may feel snug on long rides. Who should skip it: riders who want plush warmth or full waterproof protection, and those with wide hands. It suits sport-touring riders who value protection and a secure fit.

Caring for Your Gloves

Dry gloves slowly at room temperature; heaters and direct sun can stiffen leather and shrink membranes. Stuff them with paper if they are soaked, then replace the paper once. Clean leather with a damp cloth and a small amount of leather conditioner, and follow the label for textile or membrane gloves. Never machine wash unless the tag allows it.

Inspect seams and stitching before each season, and replace gloves after any crash, since impact can damage armor and stitching invisibly. Keep a spare lightweight pair in your tank bag, which is useful if the main pair gets wet. Rotate between two pairs on multi-day trips so each one has time to dry, and wash your hands before putting gloves on to reduce odor.

Building a Two-Pair Glove System

Many long-distance riders stop looking for a single perfect glove and build a small system instead. One pair is waterproof and warmer, kept for cold mornings, mountain passes, and rain. A second pair is vented and lighter, reserved for hot afternoons and city stops. A thin glove liner can bridge the gap between them, adding warmth under the lighter pair without the bulk of a winter glove.

Store both pairs where you can reach them. A tank bag, a top case pocket, or a jacket pocket all work. Swapping at a gas stop takes less than a minute and can keep your hands comfortable for the whole day. Check that each pair uses a similar cuff style, so your jacket sleeves and gloves always overlap neatly, and try them with your actual jacket before the trip.

Finally, keep your controls in mind. Gloves that are too thick can make it hard to feel the clutch lever or brake, and gloves that are too thin may fatigue your hands from wind and vibration. Try a few options on the bike itself if the dealer allows, and ride a short loop before committing. The right choice should disappear on your hands after the first twenty minutes.

One more habit pays off: break in new leather gloves on a short local ride before a long trip. Stiff palms and seams can rub in unexpected places, and it is far better to discover that near home. Flex the fingers, close and open the hand repeatedly, and wear them around the house for an evening. Most good gloves soften quickly and then mold to your grip.

Which One Fits

• Rain-heavy touring: Alpinestars Andes v3 Drystar.
• Dedicated long-distance riders: Klim Badlands.
• Three-season versatility: REV’IT! Sand 4 H2O.
• Everyday road riding: Joe Rocket Ballistic 7.0.
• Gravel detours: Alpinestars Corozal Adventure Drystar.
• Sport-touring on a bike like a thousand-class tourer: Dainese Carbon 4 Long.

Common Mistakes

1. Buying a size without measuring the palm.
2. Assuming water-resistant leather is waterproof.
3. Skipping a long cuff and getting rain up the sleeve.
4. Reusing gloves after a crash.
5. Drying gloves on a heater.

FAQ

Are waterproof gloves too hot for summer?

They can be. Many riders keep a vented pair for hot days and a waterproof pair for the rest.

How should touring gloves fit?

Snug without pinching, with fingers reaching the ends and no bunching in the palm.

Do I need heated grips too?

For cold rides, they can complement gloves. They are common on bikes covered in our guide to the best touring motorcycle.

Can gloves replace proper tires and gear?

No. Tires matter equally; see sportbike tires for street.

How often should I replace gloves?

Replace after a crash, or when the palm wears thin, seams open, or the membrane leaks.