Best Motorcycle Gloves for Pacific Northwest Riders (Wet Weather)
- jamesjordan
- Jun 28
- 4 min read
If you ride in the Pacific Northwest, you've already made peace with the rain. Oregon and Washington are home to some of the most spectacular motorcycle roads in North America — Highway 101 along the Olympic Peninsula, the Columbia River Gorge, the Cascades, Highway 20 across the North Cascades — but most of the riding season is cool, and a large portion of it is wet. Gloves here need to do things that Texas or Florida gloves never have to.
What Pacific Northwest Riding Actually Looks Like
Seattle's average annual rainfall is over 37 inches. Portland gets about 36 inches. That rain doesn't fall in torrential downpours the way it does in Florida — it falls in persistent drizzle that lasts for days. Commuting riders in Seattle know the experience of riding in light rain for weeks without a truly dry day. The gloves that work here need to handle sustained damp, not just the occasional shower.
Temperature is the other variable. Western Washington and Oregon rarely see extreme cold — it's more often in the 40–55°F range during fall and winter, with summer temperatures that feel warm but not hot. The Cascades and Olympics add elevation, which drops temperatures further. A glove that's right for a summer day in Bend, Oregon might leave your hands cold on a September morning in the Methow Valley.
The Case for Gauntlets in the Pacific Northwest
The Legendary USA Classic American Whitetail Deerskin Gauntlets are the Pacific Northwest rider's primary tool. The extended gauntlet cuff provides forearm coverage that keeps rain and cold from sneaking up your jacket sleeve — a problem every PNW rider knows. When you're riding in 50°F drizzle for two hours, that wrist and forearm protection makes a genuine difference in how your hands feel at the end of the ride.
American whitetail deerskin is naturally supple even when damp — it doesn't stiffen up the way some leathers do when they take on moisture. If you properly condition deerskin gauntlets, they'll handle light to moderate rain without soaking through immediately. For extended wet riding, a waterproof overmitt is still the best solution, but for most Pacific Northwest conditions, quality gauntlets handle the job.
Summer Riding in the Pacific Northwest
July and August in the Pacific Northwest can be genuinely warm — sometimes hot inland. Bend, Oregon and the Yakima Valley in Washington see summer temperatures in the 85–100°F range. For those months, PNW riders can switch to the Short Wrist Ventilated Touchscreen Gloves. But be prepared — afternoon thunderstorms pop up in the Cascades quickly, and what starts as a warm sunny ride can turn cold at elevation.
Cold Season and Winter Riding
Winter riding in the Pacific Northwest means cold fingers. The Legendary USA Fleece Lined Deerskin Gloves are a solid option for the 35–50°F range that defines western PNW winters. For extreme cold — eastern Washington and Oregon winters can be brutal — the Insulated Deerskin Mittens provide maximum warmth, though at the cost of individual finger control.
Routes Worth Getting Wet For
The Columbia River Gorge Highway, the Olympic Peninsula Loop, and Highway 20 through the North Cascades are three of the most breathtaking motorcycle roads in the country. The Gorge route has its own unique wind pattern — the funnel effect between the mountains creates consistent headwinds and conditions notably cooler than the surrounding area. Gauntlets are not optional on this ride; they're the practical choice.
FAQ: Motorcycle Gloves for Pacific Northwest Riders
Q: Are leather gloves waterproof enough for Pacific Northwest riding? A: Properly conditioned deerskin handles light to moderate rain reasonably well. For sustained heavy rain, a waterproof overmitt over leather gloves is the best combination.
Q: Why are gauntlets better than short wrist gloves for PNW weather? A: Gauntlets seal the gap between your jacket sleeve and glove cuff. In rain and cold, this gap is where wind and water get in and quickly chill your wrists and forearms.
Q: Can I ride year-round in the Pacific Northwest? A: Many riders do. Winter riding in western Washington and Oregon is cold and wet but manageable with the right gear. Eastern PNW riders deal with snow and ice, which is a different challenge.
Q: What gloves are best for the Columbia River Gorge ride? A: Gauntlets or a lined short wrist glove. The Gorge has its own wind pattern that creates consistent headwinds and cooler conditions than the surrounding area.
Q: How do I care for deerskin gloves that get wet? A: Let them dry naturally away from heat sources. Don't put them near a heater or in direct sun — this can dry out the leather too quickly. Once dry, apply a leather conditioner to maintain softness.
