Review: Nelson-Rigg SSP Solo Storm Rain Pants
Nelson-Rigg knows what time it is when it comes to protecting you and your machine from the elements. I’ve heard the name for years, but only recently have their products become a part of my daily life as a motorcyclist.
That leads me to ask myself: why did it take this long?
I have more than one bike in the garage for different riding styles, but the song remains the same no matter which I venture out on—dress for the elements. Form and function are stable mates with quick access, and addressing this major component of the motorcycle lifestyle is what Nelson-Rigg does so well.
I had an old pair of rain pants years ago, but I don’t know what happened to them. I was preparing for a multi-day trip through questionable weather on a Honda Trail 125, so I figured I’d pull the trigger on a pair of Nelson-Rigg SSP Solo Storm pants.
To accompany the Storm pants, I donned the old, cheapo, bright yellow rain jacket I’d picked up somewhere along the way years ago that was slowly falling apart. It was fun to experience the contrast between a pair of rain pants and a falling-apart rain jacket, but I wouldn’t want to do it again.
The Storm pants performed flawlessly compared to the rain jacket, which has had a nasty habit of flaking bright yellow paint all over everything inside whatever bag I stow it in. When duty called, the Storm pants unpacked effortlessly, shed the rain jacket flakes with a shake, and slipped over my standard riding pants with ease before a few simple adjustments.
The soft material hits the bullseye of strength and comfort. The pants are as impressive as a windbreaker on cold morning commutes or when clocking miles between mountain ranges where elevations and temperatures fluctuate.
In other features, you have heat-resistant material protecting the legs from hot parts and reinforced seat panels to minimize saddle slippage, keeping you connected to your machine.
The waist buckles are in the right places and the built-in belt holds confidently when drawn to your preferred tautness. Waist loops make it possible to attach the Solo Storm suspenders.
The oversized zipper-free self-fastening leg gussets allow for easy boot entry and, when secured, are 100% effective, giving water thrown upward from puddles and front tires no place to go. The reflective accent material does a great job of keeping you visible in the dark. All of this can be snugged to perfection, so you can focus on what’s most important as you navigate your adventure.
Although the SSP Solo Storm pants are only available in black, they pair seamlessly (pun intended) with Nelson-Rigg’s Solo Storm jacket, which is available in black, Hi-Viz Yellow/Black, and Hi-Viz Orange/Black.
Nelson-Rigg SSP Solo Storm Rain Pants
$49.95
Sizes: S-4XL
Color: Black