What’s the Right Protection & Helmet for Riding in Laos?

The road conditions in Laos make it easy to understand why good protection is important when on a motorbike trip. Potholes, mud and rough terrain make it easy to drop a bike or fall off. Even at slow speeds it is much better to be wearing proper protection. 

Along with this the remote nature of some of the roads and routes combined with the basic medical care available in Laos means that not getting hurt is much more important that here compared to the neighbouring countries as well as trying to not explore too much of these roads on your own. 

Helmet

The most obvious and important item is the right helmet. We have imported European helmets available for customers in a large range of sizes and types. 

This includes open face, full face, and modular helmets. There is something suitable for everyone and also suitable for every time of year. 

All of our rentals come with basic Laos helmets but renting the European helmets for a small fee or even better, bringing your own from home are highly recommended. 

Gloves

Everyone should be riding in gloves, they are the easiest additional piece of protection you can wear. In the summer a half finger glove should still be comfortable while in the winter gloves offer warmth as well as protection. 

Even falling at slow speeds can be painful if you try to use your hand to break your fall without gloves on. With protection on the knuckles and palm you can easily protect the most important part of your hands. With the poor roads and mud even the most experienced riders can not be surprised if they come off in Laos.  

Jackets

Wearing a jacket is a no brainer when riding in most people’s home country so when riding in Laos this should be no different. For most of the year the temperature in Laos means that a summer jacket is the most suitable, even in winter the temperature is not unbearable. 

We have 2 styles of jackets, a mesh jacket with hardened plastic protectors built in, and the more typical motorbike jacket with visco-elastic foam inserts. Both of these are designed for air flow and to minimise how hot you will get in them. 

That being said in the summer you will feel hot wearing these but that is the price for riding safely. 

The jackets have shoulder, elbow and back protection inserts, while some even have additional chest protection. While the typical jackets also have more protection from the tougher material itself .

Trousers

While trousers are a good protection they can be hard to wear due to the heat if you are going in the summer. Breathable trousers that are not too thick will knee and hip protection would be ideal. 

If this is too hot then thin trousers with knee protectors are a good alternative. 

Protectors

Knee protectors can still offer great protection to a rider but without getting too hot which is a common issue in the summer in Laos. But due to the road conditions at least having protectors is highly recommended for all riders. 

If the jacket option is also too hot or comfortable then having arm protectors is a good option although not as protective as a jacket it is better than no protection. While this will protect your forearms and elbows this means no back protection. 

Shoes / Boots

The right shoes are important. Never ride in flipflops. They are an acceptable option when it is a short ride in the city. However, when going faster or on a long trip it goes without saying that this is a bad idea. 

The most ideal footwear would be a motorbike boot. These are expensive to buy for just the trip, and often too bulky to bring with you. 

Having a selection of boots for rent is hard due to the large range in sizes that would be needed. While helmet sizes don’t change that much and jackets can be a little bit too big, footwear needs to be the right size. 

Hiking boots, work boots, or at least closed shoes are the best alternative that are easy to bring with you on your trip. 

Rental Combos

We offer a full combo of protective gear for rent including a European helmet, jacket, protectors and gloves or with just the arm protectors instead of the jacket.

We also just rent helmets, as well as selling gloves, jackets and protectors if you want to take these home with you after your trip. 

Summary

The road conditions and lack of good medical care mean that it is very important to be wearing proper protection when riding a motorbike in Laos. A good helmet, gloves and knee and arm protectors would be a minimum. All of this is available for rent from Style Motorbikes in Laos.