Gallery: A Current Affair: Our Favorite Motorcycle Gear of the Year
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I'm five months and nearly 5,000 miles into [my all-electric experience of living with the Zero DS](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/autopia/2013/07/zero-ds/). Throughout it all -- [the ups](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/autopia/2013/08/current-affair-2/), [the downs](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/autopia/2013/08/current-affair-4/), and [the compromises](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/autopia/2013/10/a-current-affair-104/) -- I've put a range of gear through the wringer to find the absolute best kit for my daily rides. The [Aerostich Roadcrafter one-piece](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/autopia/2013/09/a-current-affair-5/) has won the suit competition, hands-down. The [Schuberth C3 Pro](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/autopia/2013/08/a-current-affair-3/), with its integrated communications system and superior wind protection, is the helmet to beat. But there's a host of ancillary equipment that's made my life easier and my commute safer. Motorcycle gear is the ultimate combination of function and form, style and safety, comfort and compliance. And these are my top picks for the year -- both for price and practicality -- just in time for the biker on your shopping list. *Photo: Alex Washburn/WIRED*
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[Dainese Manis Back Protector](http://www.dainese.com/us_en/motorbike/manis.html?cat=41) - $209.95 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Aerostich comes with an integrated back protector, but more often than not, I pull it out and strap on the Manis from Dainese. It's comfortable in any riding position, fits snugly against my torso and back, and protects the most important part of my body after the grey matter between my ears. It's an absolute no-brainer for any sport rider and provides piece of mind at an attainable price. *Photo: Alex Washburn/WIRED*
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[Racer Stratos Glove](http://www.racerglovesusa.com/stratos-glove/) - $189.99 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- If there's been a go-to glove in my arsenal, the Stratos is it. It's combination of Goretex, cowhide and goatskin body and soft palm, along with a hard knuckle shell, has everything I want in a waterproof glove. But specs aside, it's the fit and comfort that keeps me coming back. No other glove I tested was anywhere near as comfy as the Stratos. The only downside is its lack of insulation. *Photo: Alex Washburn/WIRED*
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[Dainese Druids S-ST](http://www.dainese.com/us_en/motorbike/gua-druids-s-st.html?cat=5) - $179.95 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If the Stratos has been my go-to, the Druids S-ST is always the backup in my bag. They're lightweight, have great abrasion resistance (don't ask how I know), and between the ballistic plastic inserts in the palm and the carbon fiber inserts for the knuckles, the Druids are what I grab when the temperature drops. *Photo: Alex Washburn/WIRED*
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[Racer Guide Glove](http://www.racerglovesusa.com/guide-glove/) - $109.99 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Running out to a restaurant or just a quick jaunt across town, the Guide has been my first choice. It's a mid-length glove, so it just fits inside my sleeves, but it provides a range of motion that's perfect for inner-city blasts, perforated fingers for great airflow, and TPR protectors on the fingers and knuckles for a little bit of added assurance. *Photo: Alex Washburn/WIRED*
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[Alpinestars S-MX 5 Waterproof Boot](http://www.alpinestars.com/s-mx-5-waterproof-boot#.UqJTAWRDvNA) - $269.95 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Of the 4,000+ miles I've logged, the S-MX 5s have been on my feet at least three-quarters of the time. They're waterproof, supremely comfortable, and the combination of a zipper and velcro strap allow them to expand at the calf to accommodate any pair of pants I'm wearing. They've been used and abused, and still look great every time I slip them on -- scuffs and all. And you can't beat a full-size, race-ready, waterproof boot for the price. *Photo: Alex Washburn/WIRED*
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[Dainese Torque RS Out Air](http://www.dainese.com/us_en/motorbike/st-torque-rs-out-air.html?cat=125) - $389.95 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- They may look like something out of the Stormtrooper wardrobe department, but the Torque RS Out Air proved to be the perfect canyon carving companion. With a wide opening, my leathers slip in with reassuring security. Getting the rear-mounted zipper to play nice with anything but the most tight-fitting pants is a chore, but the payoff is one of the most comfortable, compliant boots I tested. *Photo: Alex Washburn/WIRED*
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[Alpinestars Joey Waterproof Shoe](http://www.alpinestars.com/joey-waterproof-shoe#.UqJVnmRDvNA) - $159.95 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I was slow to come around to the Joeys. The first time I slipped them on, the thick sole and rigid sides made me feel like Frankenstein in high tops. Then they broke in. After the S-MX 5s, I've been wearing these whenever I don't want to bring an extra pair of shoes along for the ride. And that's happening more and more often. The reinforced sides give me piece of mind, the waterproof lining does a surprising job of keeping my feet dry, and I've worn them out and about, even if the bike was parked at home. *Photo: Josh Valcarcel/WIRED*
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[Ogio Mach 5](http://ogio.com/no-drag-mach-5) - $169.99 ------------------------------------------------------- The Ogio Mach 5 is the coolest looking bike-centric backpack around. That carbon fiber-look hardshell ensures your important cargo won't sustain too much damage if the unthinkable happens. Its sleek shape and sculpted back make it ridiculously aerodynamic whether you're hunkered down or dealing with crosswinds. But the price you pay is a limited cargo space. Despite this, it's a favorite because of two brilliant features: elastic straps on either side to stash a pair of shoes and a built-in visor holder if you need to swap from tinted to clear. *Photo: Alex Washburn/WIRED*
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[Kriega R25](http://www.kriega.us/r25-motorcycle-backpack/) - $189.00 --------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ogio may be brimming with thoughtful features, but it pales in comparison to the R25 from Kriega. It starts with the Quadlock harness which distributes the weight perfectly across your chest. Big metal rings make adjustments with gloves easy and intuitive, an optional back protector adds another layer of safety, and the ability to expand the R25's capabilities and capacity with a hydration pack, five or 10-liter add-on packs, and a waterproof exterior make it one of the best bike bags out there. *Photo: Alex Washburn/WIRED*
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[Mission Workshop R6 Arkiv Field Pack](http://missionworkshop.com/products/arkiv-system-bags/field-pack-overview.php) - $209 and up ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I wanted to include something that wasn't explicitly designed for motorcyclists, and adding the Mission Workshop R6 to the test was one of the best decisions I made. Everything on it is military spec -- from the waterproof exterior to the YKK zippers and expansion brackets -- and the attention to detail and overall quality made it the pick of the litter. Not only does it have both roll-top and flap-down modes, it's a modular, with the Arkiv exterior straps allowing you to build the perfect bag with a dozen available accessories. It's pricey, but as far as bags go, it's perfection strapped to your back. And it's made entirely in the USA. *Photo: Josh Valcarcel/WIRED*
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Update: Schuberth C3 Pro ------------------------ The C3 has been phenomenal, particularly with the comms system. But my only complaint -- and it's a small one -- is the microphone. It's pointless. I have no intention of taking phone calls while I'm riding, and because it doesn't fit particularly well in the space between my chin and the front edge of the helmet. it's more annoying than useful. The remedy: Make it removable, or at least optional. *Photo: Josh Valcarcel/WIRED*
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Update: Aerostich Roadcrafter ----------------------------- As my (almost) full-time suit, the Aerostich has handled everything I've thrown at it with aplomb. And the more I wear it, the better it gets, as the materials begin to break in and form around my misshapen body. However, I had a zipper failure in the left leg, with the teeth coming apart and refusing to zip back together. I called Aerostich (posing as a customer, mind), and was told to ship it over. A week later, I had my suit back, with a new zipper installed, all at no charge save shipping. *Photo: Josh Valcarcel/WIRED*
