Specialised motorcycle clothing is your best bet but it is hard and virtually impossible to come by in India. Good equipment will leave you free to concentrate on your riding and help you seek maximum enjoyment from the trip. However fancy riding gear is not the be all and end all for the Himalayan Odyssey. Follow the guidelines below to equip yourself for an enjoyable ride. We recommend using the layers principle.

Abrasion protection

This has to be built in the outer layer of the garment both in terms of the material and the stitching. Currently leather is the best bet and many of the top brands feature good stitching. Go in for at least double or triple stitched garments. The fit of the garment is very important as well.

Impact protection

Many a times this is a function of the protectors used and fit of the garment is important as well because it helps keep the protector where it is supposed to be. Go in for CE approved Armour. Most jackets will not have CE approved Armour for the back and many a times this has to be purchased separately.

Weather protection

Cold impairs body functions and it is as good or bad as being drunk or sleepy on the bike. However, cold is easily overcome by wearing additional layers of clothing but you have to be careful to see that it does not bind or inhibit the movements. Another problem for a motorcyclist is getting wet - once wet the cold is bound to follow. Waterproofing can be integrated into the garment - like a waterproof riding jacket or waterproof riding pant or can be fulfilled by a dedicated garment over the standard riding kit. For example a leather riding jacket and pants and a one or two piece raincoat that you wear only if it starts to rain.

Comfort

A rider's safety is compromised if a rider is uncomfortable. While being hot might not impair you physically it can cause your patience and energy to drain at a much faster rate. Most of Indian riding conditions are very hot and even in Ladakh a jacket with a lining could become uncomfortably hot. While choosing a garment, ensure that you do not have to sacrifice too much protection for comfort. A mesh or perforated leather jacket can be used in combination with thermal and waterproof layers to give more flexibility to your riding gear.

Quality riding gear is hard to find in India and the best option is to order from international outlets. You can ask a friend to carry it for you or some outlets also ship to India. www.newenough.com is one such outlet but you could find many more.

In case this is not possible please follow the guidelines below to equip yourself locally:

The trip is expected to start in the sweltering heat of Delhi and Chandigarh then gradually become pleasant in Manali to turn freezing cold as you cross the mountain passes and again for a pleasant stay in Leh. Given the season, terrain and nature of the trip rain will be a factor to prepare for as well. The riding gear has to serve the following functions:

- Comfort - in fir and function
- Protection - from a fall (abrasion and impact) and from weather
- Style - sn entirely personal subject

Feet

In the absence of proper motorcycling boots, look out for a pair of strong anklets preferably leather (canvas jungle boots - army are a big no no) work boots or hiking shoes with a flat sole or a gentle heel can be adapted. Attention to the fit is important as you might be spending your entire day in them. We suggest you choose a slightly loose fit that can accommodate your feet comfortably even with heavy woollen socks. In case you are not wearing heavy socks, an insole can be used to make the fit snug. Choose designs that are likely to dry quickly and carry a spare pair of socks in case the ones you are wearing get wet. If the shoe is not so comfortable when off the bike carry a spare pair of sneakers or floaters for walking. Doing the ride in a pair of sneakers or basketball shoes is not really recommended. Again feel is important.

Legs

For protection you could wear knee and ankle protectors either over or under your pants. For protection from weather you could wear two pants or thermals under your pant. For rain you should be prepared with a pair of waterproof outers. Pay attention to adequate length/fit so that your pants do not ride up your leg when you sit on the bike. Some fastening system at the bottom could also be beneficial. You could also wear a belt or riding belt to comfort your back from the shocks and the cold.

Torso

It’s best to start with a sweat absorbing/wicking material next to your skin. This could be a simple cotton full/half sleeves banyan or some of the more modern materials which allow your skin to breathe. The fit should be body hugging yet not constricting or uncomfortable. Then comes a layer of insulating material to keep you warm, this could be cotton, wool, fleece, nylon, or polyester or a mix. Then is a leather jacket or an extremely strong fabric jacket. Your torso plays an important part in heat loss so you could look at additional insulation here. You would finally require to cay up your torso with a waterproof jacket in case of rain. Try to ensure that your clothing catches as little air as possible when riding (should not flap or bloat up) this would involve proper fitting at the torso, sealing at the cuffs and the other jacket openings.

You could wear elbow, shoulder, back, rib cage protectors either between your layers or over your clothing. Between the layers you could also slip in a shirt or T shirt to make yourself more presentable.

Neck

In extreme cold riding conditions it is important to keep your neck and chest warm and protected. This could be served with various types of scarves and neck warmers.

Head and eyes

A good quality helmet full face fibreglass helmet with the right fit serves not only to protect you from the impact but also the elements. In the Himalayan Odyssey you might encounter extreme cold and dust, a scarf or a balaclava could serve to protect you from these and also provide a snugger fit for your helmet. It also keeps you looking good with your skin fresh and protected and this in turn reduces your fatigue. Yes, on a long cross country trip like this it makes a lot of difference.

Although the ride plan does not include any night riding, you might encounter night riding or riding in poor visibility. For such conditions it is best to be prepared with a clear visor. You can even carry a spare visor if needed. Also in Ladakh the sun can be very bright hence goggles with good UV protection can offer a lot of comfort to your eyes and reduce fatigue. The goggles can be worn inside your helmet and visor and removed whenever needed. With the above arrangements however you could encounter the problem of fogging on both your goggles/glasses and the helmet visor unless your helmet is fitted with a really good breath deflector. Many of the antifog claims do not hold true. As another option to avoid fogging you could try motocross helmet and goggles but this will compromise weather protection, and could be unsuitable at high speeds.

Hands

If purpose-built motorcycle gloves are not available then do a mix and match. You could wear cotton or woollen gloves under your leather gloves, to protect you from the cold and impact. Choose a pair that has a long cuff so it allows for good sealing between your gloves and jacket sleeves. Some people use surgical gloves or other latex, rubber based work gloves in addition to the above mentioned, to tackle the waterproofing aspect, some use wax to seal the seams.