These days, “back to school” doesn’t quite mean the same thing as it used to. For many, thanks to COVID-19, this year kicks off with more Zoom classes and online discussion forums. Others will get the chance to attend in person, but even that arrangement is tenuous since a positive case or two has the chance to shut things down entirely.

In both circumstances, riding remains a massively important part of life. Whether it’s a way to blow off steam after being holedup in your house staring at a screen for hours or as a way to get to class and back, motorcycle riding remains essential. So why not take the opportunity to refresh your kit? To that end, we’ve got 10 parts and accessories that will elevate your style and help you be better equipped on the road below.

This little pack contains all sorts of emergency goodies that you’ll be happy to have in the event of an emergency. (My Medic/)

My Medic Solo First-Aid Kit: $49.95

Getting an education is an investment in yourself, so it makes sense to protect that investment in the event of a not-so-awesome circumstance. The Solo First-Aid Kit has some fantastic components that will come in real handy if you ever find yourself battered or bruised. Things like liquid bandage, ibuprofen, sanitizer, cut wash, disposable gloves, burn gel, sting relief are just the tip of the iceberg in this compact, easy-to-carry kit. All the components are packaged in a waterproof package that can fit underseat, in luggage, or in your riding pack.

You’ll look classy and stay comfortable with the Rev’It Alpha RF Pants. (Rev’It/)

Rev’It Alpha RF Pants: $199.99

If you’re bound for in-person classes this fall, riding gear that looks like standard clothing can make life a whole lot easier. The Rev’It Alpha RF pants are a great option in this respect. Designed to look like a pair of chinos, the Alpha RF pants are made from a combination of Cordura denim and Rev’It’s in-house PWR shield. There are Coolmax elements built in to keep you cool when temperatures are high, and SeeSmart CE Level 1 protection in the knees. Stretch material makes the pants fit more comfortably, giving you an all-day wardrobe option that looks as sharp off the bike as it does on the bike.

A new backpack is standard-issue back-to-school kit, and the Chrome Industries Tensile Ruckpack will meet all the needs of any busy student. (Chrome Industries/)

Chrome Industries Tensile Ruckpack: $175

What says “back to school” more than a new backpack? Now that Trapper Keepers are out of style, not much. The Chrome Industries Tensile Ruckpack is a versatile, durable, and feature-rich option that will make your life a whole lot easier. It’s the most durable backpack from Chrome Industries to date, made with recycled, laminated ripstop nylon and featuring Chrome’s trademarked Truss 5 Bar Construction for reinforcement. Inside you get 25 liters of carrying capacity and a padded laptop compartment. Outside there are features like a sternum strap, aluminum buckle, a hooded closure, exterior pockets, and expandable water bottle pockets. Chrome also guarantees the Tensile Ruckpack for life.

Keep hunger at bay with some steak strips from Old Trapper. (Old Trapper/)

Old Trapper Jumbo Kippered Beef Steak: $24

Having a snack can be a big help when you’re trying to keep your eyes open through yet another lecture on the intricacies of international supply chains. And what better snack is there than a delicious piece of smoked meat? Old Trapper’s Jumbo Kippered Beef Steak strips are individually wrapped, easy to transport, and can sit in your bag for weeks, if not months, without spoiling. They’ll be a godsend on those days you skip breakfast and face a full day on campus, or if you’re at home, they’ll be a nice reward for your diligence and commitment.

Look stylish and stay protected with a pair of Carvenal Leather Gloves. (Carvenal/)

Carvenal Premium Performance Leather Gloves: $70.95

Gloves are a really important element of a well-apportioned riding ensemble, and the Carvenal Premium Performance Leather Gloves will have you looking pretty damn classy. They’ll also provide great protection thanks to the combination of bonded nylon, leather, and knuckle protection. They’re made to be breathable, so perfect for fall, spring, and summer riding seasons. They’re also smartphone compatible, CE approved, and available with free shipping worldwide.

Transition off the bike with ease and look sharp in class with the Alpinestars Newman Overshirt. (Alpinestars/)

Alpinestars Newman Overshirt: $299.95

The Alpinestars Newman Overshirt is another piece of riding gear that transitions seamlessly off the bike. It’s made from a premium performance twill material and features 600-denier elbow patches and interior reinforcement on the shoulders and elbows. Alpinestars Nucleon Flex Plus armor comes in the shoulders and elbows as well. It combines a YKK zipper and snap button closures and has two waterproof buttoned chest pockets. It meets CE Level 2 protection standards. Options like the Newman are great for warmer days, or days when you don’t want to fuss with a full-size jacket as you run across campus to make class in time.

Designed with style and protection in mind, the TCX Dartwood Waterproof boots are a great addition to your back-to-school riding kit. (TCX/)

TCX Dartwood Waterproof Boots: $179.99

Keep your feet dry, protected, and looking stylish with the TCX Dartwood Waterproof Boots. The upper is constructed of grain leather and it features a T-Dry waterproof membrane. The malleolus area features D3O inserts along with toe and heel reinforcements for added protection. The Ortholite footbed makes these boots nice and cozy while the Zplate shank provides lateral stability without sacrificing flexibility needed to walk comfortably. The Groundtrax outsole has deep lugs and a water-resistant rubber compound for optimal grip on and off the bike. Plus they look pretty damn refined.

Get the Tracker Monimoto 7 and never wonder where your bike is at again. (Monimoto/)

Tracker Monimoto 7: $199.00

The last thing you need to worry about while discussing the influence of Marxist ideology on modern-day politics is whether your bike is where you left it. The Tracker Monimoto 7 system ensures you’ll never have to worry about such a thing again. It’s a smart GPS tracker system that is small, easy to install, and easy to hide. Batteries inside can last up to 12 months, and the system integrates with both iOS and Android apps. It has backup systems to continue tracking in the event that GPS isn’t available, battery status updates, and SIM card subscriptions only cost $49 a year.

Prevent helmet hair with a skull cap from Firstgear. (Firstgear/)

Firstgear Skull Cap: $19.99

Helmet hair can get pretty out of control, so if you’re looking to keep your locks in check, consider adding a skull cap to your kit. The Firstgear Skull Cap is an affordable, breathable option that will help keep things in place when you pull that helmet off. If it’s really a problem, then consider adding a portable comb or brush to your bag too.

These days, a student’s laptop is hugely important. Keep it protected with a hard case from Pelican. (Pelican/)

Pelican 1085 HardBack Laptop Case: $79.50

If you’re taking your laptop with you back and forth on the bike, it may be worth investing in some impact protection for your computer. Backpacks offer a good first line of defence, but the Pelican 1085 HardBack Laptop Case will ensure that your computer remains in working order even in the worst case scenario. It’s watertight, crushproof, has automatic pressure equalization for easy opening at any altitude, comes with a removable shoulder strap, and features a lifetime guarantee.

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com