How long does riding gear last
Helmets, jackets, boots and luggage: rough lifespans, and the signs that it is time to replace them.
The monsoon and your gear
Riding through July and August in Himachal: how to stay dry, see clearly and keep gear from rotting.
The monsoon is the hardest season on gear and on riders. From July to early September, Himachal roads bring landslides, fog and rain that does not stop for days. If you have to ride, gear helps you stay dry, visible and warm.
Start with visibility. A pinlock insert on your visor stops it fogging, which matters more than anything else in heavy rain. Wear a rain shell with bright panels over your jacket so trucks see you on the Kiratpur to Manali road. Clean your visor at every stop.
Keep water out at the joins. Most riders get wet where gloves meet sleeves and where trousers meet boots. Wear gloves under the sleeve in rain, and trousers over the boots, so water runs off rather than in.
Pack everything inside dry bags, even inside waterproof luggage. Roll-top bags are reliable, but zips on cheaper bags let water through in a long downpour.
At the end of the day, dry your gear properly. Hang the jacket open, stuff boots with newspaper and wipe the helmet lining with a dry cloth. Remove liners and let them dry separately. Damp gear left in a bag for two days starts to smell and grow mould.
If a landslide closes the road, wait. No ride is worth crossing a moving slope.
