Gear Recommendations for the North East BDR
Shells
The North East Backcountry Discovery Route will challenge your skills and endurance. Be prepared for the terrain and the weather with these gear recommendations from our Vermont-based tour guides.
A favorite of MotoVermont's guides, the Traverse Jacket offers lightweight protection against the elements and abrasion. Ideal for dual sport riding, this jacket fits perfectly over body armor (see "Armor" section below) and packs away easily when you are working up a sweat on gnarly terrain. When the storm clouds roll in, the GORE-TEX® waterproof material will keep you dry and comfortable.
For adventure riders who want armor and weather protection in one package, the Carlsbad Jacket is a great choice. This jacket includes CE-rated D30 (Level 2) padding in the elbows, shoulders and back. It offers tons of utility with 8 external pockets and 6 internal pockets for tools, documents and snacks. Adjustable collar, forearms, cuffs and bottom hem allow you to dial in the fit for optimum comfort. The GORE-TEX® waterproof material has you covered during rainy rides, and the 6 vents in the forearms, chest and back will keep you cool when the hot sun is beating down on you.
The Forecast Jacket uses GORE-TEX® Paclite technology to offer dependable waterproofing in an ultralight package. This jacket stuffs into its own zippered pocket so it's easy to pack, whether you are on a fully-loaded adventure motorcycle or a minimalist enduro bike. The Forecast is convenient and comfortable on the trail and at basecamp.
Armor
The Krios Helmet has been developed to provide great protection, high visibility, low noise and plentiful ventilation. The aspect of this helmet that our tour guides appreciate the most, however, is the weight: at less than 1500 grams, KLIM claims this is the lightest adventure helmet on the market. After many long, arduous days in this helmet, we can attest that a lightweight lid causes less fatigue.
The Bionic Tech V2 provides all-in-one upper body protection. This slim fit jacket holds each piece of armor in exactly the right place, even when shifting in and out of the saddle. This translates to great comfort while on the bike and excellent protection should you fall off of it.
The SX-1 Knee Guard fills the gap between a basic knee guard and a full knee brace. Constructed of three individual guards to continuously protect the lower thigh, patella, and upper shin, regardless of leg position. Lightweight, well-padded and easy to wear, this knee guard will quietly serve its purpose while you focus on the obstacles ahead.
Designed to be worn under your riding pants, the Sequence Pro Shorts keep you comfortable during long days in the saddle and protected in areas that body armor and riding jackets tend to miss. Thighs, hips, pelvis and tailbone are all covered with protective padding for safety. A new chamois pad cushions your sit bones and the highly breathable material with Lycra maintains a dry, comfortable feel.
Pants
The Dakar over-the-boot pants are rugged, versatile and comfortable. Integration of leather and 840D Cordura® make these pants protective and durable. These fit great over knee guards and hip protection, and the huge zippered thigh vents allow plenty of airflow when you need it.
The Traverse Pant is designed to withstand the vigors of dual-sport riding while keeping the elements at bay. The GORE-TEX® 3-layer shell has been tested to remain waterproof even at highway speeds. Front and rear vents allow airflow and D30 CE Level I knee and hip armor add protection.
Much like the Forecast Jacket, KLIM's Forecast Pants are designed to be waterproof, lightweight and super packable. These pants zip into their own pocket, so they can be stowed in an easy-to-reach location.
Footwear
Whether you are enduring thunderstorms, splashing through mud, fording rivers or all of the above, the Covert GORE-TEX® Socks will keep your feet dry and comfortable. Because the spandex top cuff seals against your leg, your feet will remain dry even when the water level is above your boots. At the end of the day, you'll be kicking back while your buddies are hopelessly wringing out their socks!
The Toucan Gore-Tex Boot is the perfect all-around adventure boot. They are stiff enough to defend against roots and rocks, but flexible enough to be comfortable hiking around. If you do find yourself hoofing out of the woods, the rubber tread offers plenty of traction. Mud puddles and rain storms are no match for the built-in Gore-Tex waterproof liner.
The Tech 3 Enduro boot protective and comfortable. They offer good support throughout the foot and ankle, but are pliable enough to walk in. When paired with the Covert Gore-Tex Socks, these boots are perfect for dual sport and adventure riding.
Gloves
The Dakar is a simple, durable dual-sport riding glove. Lightweight and breathable, with knuckle protection and strategically placed silicone on the palm and fingers for grip. This glove is perfect suited for dirt-leaning dual-sport riders.
The Dakar Pro is a rugged dual-sport glove with plenty of leather and padding to save your hands in a slide. This is a solid all-around riding glove that will withstand many miles on the road or trail.
The Adventure GTX Short Glove is fully waterproof, extremely durable and ready to handle any type of weather. GORE-TEX® keeps water out while the moisture-wicking liner keeps your hands comfortable from within. A full leather glove with carbon fiber knuckle protector and specially designed finger articulation, the Adventure GTX will keep you protected and focused on the ride, no matter how far you plan to travel.