Rain runs down your neck when water flows off the back of the helmet and gets into the gap between the helmet and your collar, or when it's pushed in at the neck roll and chin. The fix is usually your collar and layers, not the helmet: close the gap at your neck so water runs over your jacket instead of into it.
Where the water comes from
Off the back of the shell
Rain hits the helmet and runs to the lowest point, which is the back edge. If your collar is open or sits away from your neck, it drips straight in.
Through the neck roll
Wind pushes water up and under the bottom of the helmet. A gap between the neck roll and your neck lets it in. See how the neck roll affects wind; the same gap lets rain in.
Through the vents
Open top vents can let water into the liner, and it runs down from there. See whether vents should stay open in rain.
Wicking through fabric
A cotton hoodie or T-shirt collar under your jacket soaks up water and pulls it down your back.
How to stop it
- Close your collar fully. Zip the jacket all the way and fasten the collar tab.
- Wear a neck tube or buff. It fills the gap and stops drips.
- Put the rain jacket collar over, not under. Water should run from helmet onto the outside of your jacket.
- Fit the chin curtain if your helmet has one.
- Close the top vents in heavy rain.
- Skip cotton layers at your neck. Use synthetic or wool.
Check the helmet fit
A helmet that's slightly loose sits away from your neck at the back and lets more water in. If it moves when you shake your head, read why a helmet feels loose on the sides.
Open-face helmets
With no chin bar, rain hits your face and neck directly. A neck tube and a jacket with a high, soft collar make the biggest difference. For eyes, see riding in the rain.
After the ride
Take the liner out if it's wet and let it dry fully at room temperature. Damp padding smells and changes the fit. See how to dry a helmet without damaging it.
FAQ
Is the helmet leaking?
Rarely. Most water gets in at the neck, not through the shell.
Does a modular helmet let in more rain?
It can at the chin bar hinge if the seals are worn. Check that the chin bar closes and locks firmly.
Do I need a special rain collar?
A neck tube under a properly closed collar works for most riders.
Why is only the back of my neck wet?
Water is running off the back edge of the shell into an open collar.
Should I ride with the visor cracked in rain?
Only at low speed to clear fog. At speed, it lets rain hit your face.
