Various wearable equipment like boots, helmets, gloves, goggles, and jackets need to be considered while setting up for great adventure riding experiences. However, motorcycle jackets are one of the main highlights of a biker. They enhance the looks of the motorcycle rider significantly. Adventure biker jackets are a type of motorcycle jackets that are are specially made for motorcyclists considering long rides on a regular basis.
Although adventure motorcycle jackets are not cheap, they have benefits that make them worth the investment. Every jacket has its own features but some common benefits that every adventure biker jacket provides are breathability, keeping the weather out, and protection. Let’s discuss these features and many others while considering the best adventure motorcycle jackets.
See Also: Best Textile Motorcycle Jackets 2024
List of the Top 7 Adventure Motorcycle Jackets
Best Adventure Motorcycle Jacket Reviews
Firstgear Kathmandu Adventure Jacket Review
If you are planning to go on your next adventure ride, then you probably ditched your old motorcycle jacket and bought yourself the famously popular Firstgear Kathmandu motorcycle jacket, which is truly one great adventure motorcycle jacket. It is one ADV-touring jacket that has do-it-all features. The Kathmandu adventure motorcycle jacket is equipped with features that would even satisfy the professional riders.
Even while reviewing Kathmandu jacket, I don’t know where should I start?
So, I’ll start with outer protection. Since you will be using it for ADV-touring, the jacket will satisfy any climate or environment you will encounter while riding. The Kathmandu motorcycle jacket has a Hypertex waterproof and breathable outer shell, which is constructed from 420-denier rip-stop nylon and 300-denier high-density nylon.
If you are accidentally caught in heavy rain, then you have nothing to worry about. The under-the-helmet rain hood integrated into the collar will make sure the water won’t go running down your neck. The collar closure that Firstgear utilizes in the Kathmandu adventure jacket is a slider snap that allows a personalized fit of up to 1-1.2-inches. Also, you will enjoy the benefit of extra pockets to keep your stash dry in a wet environment.
The Firstgear Kathmandu adventure motorcycle jacket has
- 4 front pockets with flaps that are protected by YKK #5 rubberized zippers.
- 1 large rear dry pouch with a depth of 14-inches to pack the insulated liner or any other personal property, which is protected by waterproof zipper and a flap with spring snaps and hook/loop closure to keep your belongings intact and safe from all elements.
Another good thing is that the interior pockets in all Firstgear jackets are in the same location – that means the mobile device pocket will be on the left side, chest high, and on the right side is a cargo pocket that is 12-inches wide and 8-inches deep to hold whatever you need for your adventure ahead.
For a more personalized fit to the waist and cuff areas, Firstgear uses a hook and loop closure to adjust the waist belt and cuffs.
If you ever encounter cold weather in your adventure ride, then use the thermal liner, which is completely removable and fully insulated. It features wind-blocking capabilities, is adjustable, has neoprene cuffs to block out the cold wind, and keeps you warm even in cold, freezing weather.
So, what’s left? – Umm, I think summer!!!
Well, you will be glad to learn that Firstgear Kathmandu is known as a 4-season jacket because it is truly a 4-season adventure motorcycle jacket that also ensures you get optimal airflow on the hot, sunny days of summer. In doing so, it offers a two- 8-inches vertical chest intake vents and two 9-inch armpit intake vents to allow cool air to pass inside the jacket to your upper body, and two 9-inch vertical rear exhaust vents to remove the hot air from the jacket.
It is kind of like the ventilation system that is offered in motorcycle helmets. Well, that’s enough about a personalized fit. Let’s see what this jacket has to offer for impact & abrasion protection. Firstgear facilitates a fully adjustable D3O T5 CE Armor in the shoulders and elbows for impact and abrasion protection. The specialty of this D3O T5 CE armor is it offers the same level of protection as any CE foam armor but it is way thinner and more flexible, resulting in a more comfortable fit and flexibility while keeping the armor intact.
Apart from this, the jacket offers an EVA dense foam back pad, reflective material – both in front and back for better visibility during the night and a 1.5-liter hydration bladder in a removable backpack.
Firstgear Kathmandu Jacket
️Pros: Hypertex waterproof and breathable outershell, Under-the-helmet rain hood in collar, 4 front pockets with flaps, Fully adjustable D3O T5 CE Armour
Cons: –
Klim Latitude Adventure Jacket Review
The Klim Latitude is a versatile adventure motorcycle jacket equipped with a Gore-Tex 2-Layer Performance shell, which is quite breathable and waterproof. Klim guaranteed that the Latitude adventure motorcycle jacket will keep you dry.
This performance shell mainly covers the outer part of the jacket. It also has a Gore-Tex 2-Layer Next Generation 840D Cordura laminate in the high abrasion areas as well.
The Klim Latitude motorcycle jacket has a goat leather trim in order to provide abrasion resistance. The jacket can provide abrasion resistance for the ADV-touring rider. The jacket is outfitted with the D3O T5 EVO X1 Level 1 CE at the elbow and the shoulder and the D3O Viper Stealth Level 1 CE at the back pad.
The good thing is that all the armor pockets are completely adjustable and you can adjust the pads to where you want them.
The Latitude jacket is ergonomically designed for long-distance ADV-touring riders and Klim inserted 3M Scotchlite reflective material for increased low-light visibility. It is to ensure better visibility for night riding. But what it is widely popular for is – optimal airflow.
The Adventure Latitude is equipped with the Klimatek cooling stretch mesh fabric in the elbow and shoulder pad pockets. The mesh is lightweight, breathable, and provides optimal airflow. This cooling fabric ensures the direct airflow into the pad pockets. The jacket has 6 ports dedicated only to airflow in order to provide maximum air to the rider’s upper body.
The jacket has four intake vents in total – 2 on the chest and 2 on the arms – to allow cool air to pass through the upper part of the rider and 2 back vertical exhausts offset to remove the hot air from the jacket to enhance ventilation.
Apart from this, the jacket offers great adjustability in the collar and waist area. The waist and collar both have adjustable cinches while the wrist has VELCRO brand adjustable closures. If you carry plenty of possessions while going on an adventure ride, then the Klim Latitude is exactly for you.
It offers –
- 5 External Pockets: 2-long chest map pockets, 2-front hand pockets, and 1-sleeve id pocket with a hidden chest pocket.
- 4 Zipper internal pockets and 1 hidden internal pocket to keep your documents or other important supplies behind the back pad.
Klim Latitude Jacket
️Pros: Gore-Tex 2-Layer, 840D Cordura laminate, D3O T5 EVO X1 protectors at elbow and shoulder, D3O Viper Stealth protector at the back, Klimatek cooling stretch mesh
Cons: Sizing Issue
Dainese D-Explorer Gore-Tex Jacket Review
There is no doubt that Dainese’s D-Explorer Gore-Tex adventure motorcycle jacket is one of the best jackets for ADV touring and adventure motorcycle riding. This is the one that is the all-season jacket you can wear whenever you go for a ride.
So, whether it is raining out there or a hot, sunny day, you can really rely on this jacket. So, let’s talk about what we have here.
As its name implies, the Dainese D-Explorer has a Gore-Tex breathable membrane, which is, in fact, an advanced membrane that incorporates breathability and waterproof characteristics. This allows riders to feel comfortable on long rides. It will protect you from rain and allow wind to flow into your body through it so you don’t have to worry about excessive heat. And the additional thermal liners will make sure you won’t feel cold during the snow season.
And if you feel like removing the Gore-Tex and thermal liner, then go right ahead and do it because they are removable. Apart from this, it is equipped with Quickdry, Mugello, D-Stone, Mesh, and Duratex fabric.
OMG! I don’t think there is anything left to use on this ADV touring jacket. And when it comes to protection; don’t worry because that part also is taken care of it.
Its removable composite protectors are certified to EN 162.11 and include G1 and G2 back protectors. To make sure you get the absolute protection for your shoulders, they created the Thermoformed shoulder, which is covered with D-Stone fabric. This fabric is considered as one of the best riding gear fabrics that you will only see in premium gear like the Dainese D-Explorer Gore-Tex Adventure jacket.
Dainese D-Explorer Gore-Tex Jacket
️Pros: En 1621.1 certified removable protectors, Airvent on sleeves, Sanitized liner, Made of Mesh, Quickdry, Duratex and other fabrics
Cons: –
Fox Racing Legion MX Jacket Review
If you are an MX rider or go riding on rough terrain, then you need a riding jacket that can make riding easier for you. Therefore, we are introducing the Fox Racing Legion MX jacket to you. This is a motorcycle jacket that will give you the freedom to ride in both warm and cold weather. This means you won’t have to purchase separate jackets for different seasons. A single jacket will be enough to provide excellent ventilation and heavy-duty protection from the wind in warm and cold weather, respectively. In other words, you can say that this is a very reliable jacket that you can use in any circumstance.
Zipper vents at the forearms, chest, and back are strategically placed for maximum airflow. You can adjust the zippers for suitable ventilation. On top of that, you will also get zipper pockets at the waist and chest areas to carry your belongings while going for a ride.
It is equipped with the TRUSEAL 10K/5K waterproof/breathable membrane and a DWR coating, which is a Durable Water Repellent finish. The DWR coating is the first line of defense against wet conditions. This treatment protects the primary fabric of the motorcycle jacket from becoming saturated. And when it comes to the protection of the MX racer, it has abrasion-resistant characteristics and a function to facilitate the addition of elbow armor, which, by the way, is sold separately.
Overall, I can say that this is an excellent MX riding jacket for off-road motorcyclists with good protection and plenty of features. Plus, you will get all these features at a cost that is a lot less compared to other MX jackets available on the market in 2024.
Fox Racing Legion MX Jacket
️Pros: TRUSEAL 10K/5K waterproof membrane, Durable 3L TRUMOTION 4-way stretch fabric, Abrasion resistant Cordura® arm patches, Maximum Airflow
Cons: –
Tour Master Transition 5 Touring Jacket Review
Previously, we discussed the Tour Master Transition 4 Touring Jacket for ADV touring riders. But, now Tour Master has replaced it with the latest update in the series of Transition jackets – the Transition 5 Touring Jacket. There is no doubt that the Transition 4 is a remarkable jacket and plenty of motorcyclists used it and found it amazingly good for all-season riding. The Transition 5 of this series is almost the same, except for a few things, which we are going to discuss below.
First, let’s discuss what both models have in common.
The Tour Master Transition 5 is also a top-of-line motorcycle jacket that you can wear in any season. It has a shell constructed with a 600 denier Carbolex polyester fabric and 1680 denier ballistic polyester in the elbows.
“The d600 denier Carbolex polyester fabric is a highly abrasion-resistant fabric used in motorcycle jackets.”
It includes the same Aqua-barrier Under-the-helmet hood to eliminate seepage while riding your motorcycle. For weather protection, this jacket includes the removable thermal liner for the cold, it is waterproof and has a breathable rain guard barrier, as well as Pipeline venting with pinch vents for maximum air circulation on hot, sunny days.
But, the Transition 5 Tour Master touring jacket is also equipped with 11 intake and exhaust vents for more air circulation. So, don’t worry about warm weather and Mother Nature. Its predecessor has an Action back rear panel for extra comfort and fit but the Transition 5 has Accordion-stretch panels in the back and elbows to provide greater comfort and more flexibility.
But, that’s not all. It also upgraded the protection level for motorcyclists in case of a crash. Therefore, they used CE approved Armadillo armor at the elbow and shoulder and included a revised version articulated triple-density back protector.
There are other unique features, which I am sure you will like when you learn about all the details. Overall, I believe the Tour Master Transition 5 touring jacket has more to offer for ADV touring riders.
So, don’t miss it.
Tourmaster Transition 5 Touring Jacket
️Pros: Carbolex 600 Denier Outer Shell Fabric, 1680 denier ballistic polyester in the elbows, 11 intake and exhaust vents, CE-approved shoulder and elbow armour
Cons: –
Xtreemgear Textile Race Adventure Jacket Review
You won’t believe it!
Even I didn’t at first. You must be wondering, “What is this all about?”
Well, let me reveal this to you. It is about the Xtreemgear textile motorcycle riding jacket. This jacket is equipped with some serious technology and features, which is rare to find in motorcycle jackets in this price range.
At least, I didn’t know this at first.
Therefore, I mentioned this motorcycle jacket in the review of Top 7 Best Adventure Motorcycle Riding Jackets for Men. However, there are plenty of premium brands and categories on the market. So, let’s see why this one is so special?
The Xtreemgear racing motorcycle jacket is a textile jacket, which has an outer shell constructed of highly abrasion-resistant 600 Denier Polyester fabric and contains CE approved foam protectors in the elbow, shoulder, and back area. These all are EN 1621-1 compliant. The five pieces of armor are located in pockets of the jacket and can be removed at any time. Moreover, this Xtreemgear textile motorcycle jacket is 100 percent waterproof. It has a fixed waterproof liner that makes sure you don’t get wet riding in the rain.
It not only has waterproof characteristics but it also very functional for riding in warm weather. Its unique ventilation system of six-vents creates a wind tunnel around your torso to keep you cool on hot, sunny days.
Plus, you will also get reflective piping on the back for safe nighttime visibility.
But, one thing that you won’t get in this jacket is a “thermal liner” for riding in cold weather. That’s unfortunate, but the textile fabric and absence of thermal liner limit its usage to warm and rainy days.
So, if you live in warm weather and ride more often where it’s warm, then the Xtreemgear textile racing motorcycle jacket will save you a lot of money and offer some features that will compete with jackets that are priced 4 or 5 times higher.
Xtreemgear Textile Race Jacket
️Pros: Highly Abrasion Resistant, CE rated elbow, Custom Fit
Cons: Not Suitable For Cold Weather
Pilot Motosport Direct Air Mesh Jacket Review
This air mesh jacket is not just an adventure touring jacket, it is also for all-terrain riders that ride on the street, off-road, and racetracks. The Pilot Motosport Direct air mesh jacket has overlay panels on the elbows and shoulders that provide abrasion resistance. The elbows and shoulders have removable CE approved Polyurethane armor for absorbing heavy impact from crashes and falls.
You can replace the back pad with an upgraded Pilot Core CE Level 2 cellular PU back pad whenever you need it. Well, that’s what you need to know about crash and abrasion protection. But the Pilot Motosport Direct Air mesh jacket is more than that. It has a waterproof/windproof and breathable REISSA membrane, which keeps the moisture at bay.
If you are an adventure and street touring motorcyclist, then you can opt for the Pilot Motosport Direct Air Mesh jacket since it has great features and a protection level that is very rare to see in the other jackets of this price range. But it is not suitable to wear in cold weather.
I guess that’s the only flaw we believe it has.
Pilot Motosport Direct Air Mesh Jacket
️Pros: Waterproof/Windproof, CE approved, Abrasion Resistant
Cons: Not Suitable For Cold Weather
Benefits of Adventure Motorcycle Riding Jackets
Safety & Protection
Bike rides should be safe. ADV jackets keep you protected with the steadfast armor inside them. The armor that is included in them is made of a strong material no matter the cost or brand name of the jacket. This protection helps to prevent any possible serious injuries.
Better Breathability
ADV jackets are breathable. They provide you with a good amount of air for your body and keep you safe from suffocating. They have zippered vents to help increase the breathability when things heat up.
Ventilation & Airflow
It is important to be protected from the outside weather but you don’t want to suffocate while trying to drive safe. That’s why most of the ADV jackets are designed with ventilation at the chest, arms, and back that provides continuous airflow through them.
High Level of Comfort
Long bike rides without comfort can be irritating, as comfort is the first thing one demands on a long bike ride. However, adventure motorcycle jackets have adjustable collars, waist, and removable liners, which can enhance the comfort of the rider immensely.
Reflective Technology
We all know that driving at night is dangerous due to low naked eye visibility. That’s why ADV jackets have reflective detail at the side of arms that will help you to be seen at night.
Keeping the Weather Out
If the ride is long and the area where you are going has different weather, then ADV jackets have you covered; no pun intended! ADV jackets keep you fresh and cool during the hot summer and keep you dry during the rainy season. This is the best benefit of having an ADV jacket on a bike ride. But, if you cannot afford an adventure motorcycle jacket, you should at least buy a cheap rain suit. Most of them don’t breath that well, but you will get a pretty high level of wind resistance and rain protection.
Plenty of Pockets for Storage
Adventure motorcycle jackets contain various dedicated pockets to carry plenty of things while traveling. Although their size and storage capacity completely depends on how the producer has developed the product. The consumer must always look for jackets with good quality pockets. They will allow you to carry all the important items you will need on your journey such as a medical kit, satellite communicator or motorcycle GPS navigator, etc.
Conclusion
Going on a long ride is quite common for today’s motorcycle riders. After taking the above pointers into consideration, adventure motorcycle jackets are the biker’s best bet for these long adventure rides. They provide various features, such as protection, visibility, storage, etc. as discussed above. However, a good quality adventure motorcycle jacket is always recommended by us if the biker chooses to buy one. Choosing a good jacket in 2024 is almost as important as choosing the best adventure helmet. Going cheap on this type of jacket is not a good idea.
Hopefully, what we have discussed above helps you form an image of the type of jacket you will need.
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