Winter Gear | What I Wear for Cold Weather Riding | No Heated Gear | Ol' Man Ronin (S2,E8) 

I live in northern Alaska, and ride year round. I use hot hands form Wal-Mart. Full face helmet, jeans, and boots. The engine keeps you warm from the waist down. Leather jacket keeps the body warm. Only your hands get cold. No need for all this junk.

Good video. I'm in Atlanta, where it gets cold but not Ohio-cold. I use nitrile food service gloves as liners under either my summer or winter gloves, depending on the temperature. They buy me an extra half-hour of warmth before my hands start to sweat and the sweat starts to freeze in the wind; but this is enough for commuting. If it's a long ride, I take the sweaty food services gloves off and put them in my back pocket and tough it out for 15-20 minutes; the butt-heat usually dries them out and warms them up in 15-20 minutes; then I put them back on and start the process over.

Thank you for another helpful video :-) Having ridden motorcycles every winter for the last 40 years I am really impressed with the way riding gear has improved over the years. Some things don't change though - several thin layers beneath the riding gear is better than one thick layer. Also, where it is possible to do so, the layer of fabric that is in contact with your skin should be a natural material e.g. silk, cotton, or wool. Always buy the best gear you can afford and wherever possible try it on before you buy it. If you buy your riding gear from a motorcycle shop go sit on one of their bikes to see how suitable the garments will be for you. I have never used heated grips or electrically heated clothing though I have used disposable heater pads in the past - they are sold in camping shops and last for about eight hours. My Himalayan has a tall screen and Barkbusters hand guards. These combined with modern ADV riding gear keep me warm and comfortable when riding in winter. Don't overlook the effects of wind chill. The faster you go the colder you will get. It is better to take your time and enjoy the ride while staying warm.

Been riding since 1972. First, in MN, then just about everywhere during my 20 years in the Army. I am sold on heated gear because: less layers to climb in and out of (important when riding to work or bathroom breaks); fewer layers to pack on long trips; and definitely warmer. Since one is just sitting on the bike and not generating body heat (vs. hunting or hiking in cold weather), one’s body temperature will drop over time. Good heated clothing will keep you snug as the proverbial bug in the rug. I have Gerbing heavy duty pants with liner, a separate lighter pants liner, jacket liner, gloves, and socks (don’t normally need the socks though). With a balaclava, I am set for whatever temperatures might arise. On a New Year’s Day ride in 30 degree temperatures with a group of Harley riders (I had my Honda Valkyrie); when we stopped for lunch, they spent ten minutes climbing out of their layers while complaining about the cold.

I'm in ohio too mate. Thanks for sharing the links to the products definitely cost effective. I just got my 1st bike and I want to ride in the cold and I looked up the fancy heated stuff that runs off the battery of the bike chaching that stuff goes for big money.

Where did you get your boots from? They look amazing. Great vid!

Commuting to work on the KLR this week. It's all about the layers and I'll be using the HWK pants and jacket. I was worried about the HWK stuff compared to the high-end gear. It's held up for over a year now I've been in sub 20° weather a few times now and it's done just fine

Hi OMR . I keep warm by not riding in the cold. Perhaps its because I had to 365 when I worked . Now im retired I wimp out.. Great advice though I know zip about modern gear so this is great. I used to wear all ex forces gear the wifes tights and long johns. I bought a huge second hand Canadian Airforce artic anorak . Fell off the bike once mid winter it was like landing on a feather bed. Some of the Norwegian artic kit is brilliant

Really solid tips. One additional tip I would add = don’t ride in the middle of the lane, where most of the fluids drop from cars.

Thanks man I was looking for good value overpants! I do have a Milwaukee leather jacket with inner liner that is bullet proof no wind passes through. The other game changer for me was the merino wool first layer, it sucks the moisture, doesn't get stinky, and keeps you warm with a thin layer. The only thing I lack beside overpants is the pinlock, man they charge a lot for a piece of plastic....

The Royal Enfield is as cool as the winter gear. lol

I'm 68 yrs old yooper and I'm from the U.P. Michigan. Been in construction (haul welding) in ship yards. Hanging out side in the wind. Always wore carhard. Army National, Guard. And a survivalist. But what I've found was gortex first layer then wool socks over them. Doesn't matter what boots! Then polyurethane long johns and wool long johns over them pants and hi-viz bibs. I found you can take a hi-viz jacket turn it inside out and zip them into another hi-viz jacket. If you get to warm you just take one jacket off and you still have a warm jacket on. As far as gloves go a good Army wool liner and snow mobile gloves. Every winter i go outside and sleep in the snow to test winter clothes from other countries. Can't wait till it's 30°below or better!

Great cold weather system. Thanks for sharing!

Ronin -- another brilliant video! You won't win anything in the fashion stakes, but the clothes are practical, warm and weather defying -- and economical -- and that's all you want. What about Kevlar inserts -- any recommendations there?

thanks for share, I have the same ADV pants, however , I live close to Puerto Vallarta in Mexico, warm whether ...I like HWK pants , I will buy the ADV jacket soon,

Hi there from Kent in the south of England, supposed to be working but hey time to take a break

Slippy nylon top that’s a no no for me , I use Marino wool , down body warmer and heated gortex jacket and the same for bottoms , I can’t stress enough how all my gear is breathable , the Marino wool wicks damp away but is highly breathable and very warm -in winter I where a higher number Marino . Your boots and gloves do not give you enough protection in an accident and I know I had a head on crash with a car. I only where Shoei Helmet with new 206 safety rating. I know it’s your choice but please look at protection aswell , my boots are sidi high protection and sidi gortex for winter , my gloves are armed gloves the British police motorcycle riders where and same gloves but with gortex and out last layer for winter , can I say that all my gloves have Knox armer sliders on the parhm as this help to privet broken wrists , remember when you fall off your bike you automatically put your hands down without sliders your gloves can grip and break your wrists . All my gear is laminated gortex the best , I also use Marino under helmet aswell as heated grips on my bike and lastly on top my air vest , of corse all my gear has D30 armer including chest as one of my friends was killed because of chest injury and I use Knox armer aswell pluse kiddy belt. All the above gives you a fighting chance in an accident .

It was really interesting to find the kit you use for riding in cold weather. Quite surprised about the cowboy boots, but hell, it works, so happy days. I don’t differ much from what you wear. As you say, layers are the key. My hands are a whole different ballgame for me. I have several winter gloves and like you I use liners. And, in cold weather, no where near the cold you ride in; even with heated grips my fingers get cold. Now I do take Statins than thin the blood and that does have an impact. But hell, disregarding that, the weather you ride in is just too cold for my lil old pinkies, what a wuss I am. Loved the vid Ronin; good decision to stay home outa that ice. Ride safe fella.

I'd take advice from someone who bought a Royal Enfield with a grain of salt hahaha

$59 jacket, why the heck? I'm paying the upper of $500 for my ski jacket.

Was looking for a good cold weather riding video and just happen to find someone else from Ohio. Makes it easy because I’m from the Massillon/Canton area and i can buy this stuff from the same store if i want to.

Well I am in Florida now so don't have to worry about the cold too much lol. I did live in the Northeast for many year and rode year round. Like you I relied on the hunting clothing to keep me warm. In fact I still have a set of fleece thinsulate/goretex camo coveralls hanging in the closet that I used in the winter for my commute to work back then. For staying warm I looked to stuff from Cabela's more than actual MC clothing. The price was good and the main design intent is to keep you warm.

Great video, and excelente advice, recently I bought my HWK jacket because of you and is really great, thanks!!

Another question -- with all those additional under-layers, I presume that the jacket needs to be a size bigger than usual?

As always Ronin, I enjoyed the straightforward, honest and useful information in this video. You should have been a salesman.

i know this is really late but im cureous, if as to what shape the helmet works for best usually buy hjc because it fits a round oval head the best, , also yes i live northeast ohio, and growing up here and several years in the military, ive learned how to stay warm, great vids keep it going

Kemimoto for 30 degrees plus no liner. I do have handguards.

All good, except for the boot and glove choices that seems lacking in accident protection.

Great description of various layers and garments. Is your outer suit gortex? Which of course is breathable and totally waterproof. Also have you considered heated grips? Cheers and good work

As a Michigan rider, I'm finding that my hunting gear is great for staying warm while riding

I’m wondering how well the HKW will hold up when sliding on concret

Thanks for the info. I:ve been looking for just this type of info for the upcoming winter here in NC, which is much milder than where you are from.

what was your opinion of the Kemimoto gloves...I remember in one of your videos, you said you would mention it later....not sure if I missed it...or you just never came back to it.....LOL....I just wanted to compare my experience to yours....

My feet tend to get cold while riding. Are your socks windproof? Would you recommend thick warm socks or a pair of windproof socks? Or both? Thanks

Got the same jacket, and yes, it is a SWEET jacket in the winter. After your recommendation, I gotta check out the pants.

Heated gloves and vest is the way in 23....

There are so many better, proven options than these

I LOVE the HWK brand. I also have the adv jacket but in grey. The lighter color helps with the summer heat. I have the HWK pants but mine are the riding pants without the liner. I will wear a pair of lined jeans with rain pants over them to block the wind. My boots are a hiking style boot and are time consuming to take on and off so my rain pants are 1 size bigger than I wear so I can get my boots through them without taking them off. What brand are the boots? I’m also in east central Ohio and frequently visit my nearest Rural King!!

Really interesting to see what options you get over in the USA & your descriptions of kit used is really informative 👍 Looking forward to seeing more of preparation for the expedition As always wishing you & yours good health

Nice video. Looks like good gear. If it’s really cold I wear either my ski bibs and a heavy motorcycle jacket or my snowmobile suit. Both are water proof and quite warm.

What do you waterproof your boots with?

Any suggestions for fog on visors plz

I'm really glad to have come across your video. I am one of those guys who doesn't like to put my Harley up just because it gets cold, either. I'm definitely going to be getting an HWK suit for my winter riding. I'm now a subscriber also. Great content, by the way!

Thanks for the video and info 👍

I know you’re move on, watching your old videos still a pleasure…. godspeed Ronin.

Nighttime cold riding on my 30mph electric diy bike just hits different. Of course I take a lot of trails lol

Thanks for this one, I've been looking at the HWK gear and think it's time to get some

Year round Ontario cat here. The sledding gear is the winter riding gear. Plus a hi-vis pullover top. Folks can rag on the old leather chaps all they want, I can feel my legs after a ride

It's 3°C here and i want to go for a ride.

Thank you! I ride at whinter only on bicycle.

Hola hola 🍻

Great video. Very helpful. Thank you.

Thank you for the tips! Need to get my winter gear for riding in Colorado!

Thank you Ol' Man Ronin for this informative video. I too like to ride in the cold weather of winter and any other time I can. I have the HWK suit as well and I definitely agree with you on its ability to block the wind and rain and keep out the cold as well. (check my channel for some of videos on my review of it) I have ridden in cold temps with it like you and am always warm during my rides. I just got a pair of the cold weather kemimoto gloves and am trying them out as well and so far they are holding up very nicely. Again, thank you for the great content. Keep the dirty side down and keep on riding!

Nice winter set up , looks warm💯 thanks for the video

Just got the sticker! Thanks man, your a gent

Been meaning to ask when is the Trans America trip going to take place?

Great review. Thanks.

I always use snowboarding socks 😂

Great advice for a rider in Maine, thanks brother!

What about knee and elbow protection?

Thanks for the help.

Excellent vedio man

Wool sock tip worked,WHK pants work extremely good,HWK isn't that good wind blows through the air vent zippers on the arms and you can feel the wind going through the middle zipper even tho it has flaps to block wind and only at 50° with thermal long sleeve and a t shirt uper body was getting cold from bad product also those ski gloves are bad as well wind blows right through them at low speeds too .