Laminated membrane

There are three principal methods used in the construction of waterproof motorcycle trousers: drop-liner, laminated, and removable liner.

In laminated motorcycle trousers, the waterproof membrane is bonded directly to the inside of the outer protective fabric. Because of this, rain cannot pass through the outer material and sit within the garment; instead, it is prevented from entering the structure of the trousers at all.

This is often described as rain “beading” on the surface and running off. Strictly speaking, that is not quite accurate. What is true is that the outer fabric does not absorb water, meaning the trousers do not become saturated in wet conditions.

This does not necessarily mean that laminated trousers will keep you drier than other constructions. However, because the outer material remains relatively dry, the trousers themselves do not become heavy with water, and in certain circumstances the rider may feel more comfortable as a result.

The disadvantages of laminated trousers are similar to those found in laminated jackets. Bonding the membrane to the outer fabric can make the garment stiffer and, for some riders, less comfortable. Laminated trousers can also feel colder in cooler conditions and potentially warmer in hot weather, despite claims surrounding so-called “direct-to-body” venting.

The more significant concern with laminated garments is reliability. Producing a fully waterproof laminated trouser requires every panel joint to be carefully sealed using high-quality tape, applied generously and with great precision. In practice, many manufacturers reduce costs during this process, which can lead to leakage over time, usually once the garment is outside its warranty period!

For this reason, riders should be cautious when choosing laminated motorcycle trousers. The clear exception is laminated trousers that use Gore-Tex membranes. To protect its reputation, Gore imposes strict manufacturing standards and, crucially, offers a lifetime waterproof guarantee. If a Gore-Tex laminated garment ever leaks, Gore will replace it.

In summary, if you ride only occasionally in the rain, laminated motorcycle trousers may suit your needs perfectly well. But for riders who cover high mileages in all weathers, a Gore-Tex laminated trouser, such as a Rukka trouser, is the only laminated option we would confidently recommend.