Adventure Motorcycle Jackets Reviewed: Good, Better, Best?

As the temperatures dip and snow falls in many areas of the country, if you are still riding your motorcycle, chances are you have looked at riding jackets. Whether it is your first, or you are looking to upgrade, the fight against nature is real! To win that battle, like any, there is a cost. Luckily you don't have to hunt down a bear for its skin to keep you warm. Jeremiah Johnson we are not.

Yeah. Let's just look at them. From a distance preferably! Nowadays, we just have to exchange some money at our local virtual trading post to get something that will keep us warm and protected from the elements and even potential spills on our motorcycles.

There is no doubt that technology has left the motorcycle apparel market behind. What was unattainable only a few years ago is commonplace now. Features like YKK and SBS zippers; fabrics from Cordura to Leather; Insulation like Polartec and down; Gore-Tex and other waterproof materials like Reissa and Hydratex have really increased the comfort with which we confront the outdoors.  

Now, with all the information in the world at our fingertips, our biggest challenge is to determine what level of refinement we are comfortable with in our purchases that generally have the same basic features. That is where the budget consideration comes in.

This review is not to say that one brand is better than the other though that is very likely true. The goal here is to walk through the features and benefits of these different jackets so you walk away with an understanding of what you do get when you purchase. Let's get started!

Best

Klim Kodiak Jacket

Check it out on Cycle Gear

The Klim Kodiak Jacket is our representation of the "Best" of this list. Crossing the $1000 mark, this jacket rightfully should have an impressive list of features. It does not disappoint. Take a look and we will cover some of the highlights (if you don't get lost...) down below. Notice the feature is the left side of the line with its corresponding benefit to the right.

The name of the game with Klim is premium. From its Gore-Tex liner, YKK zippers, D30 armor to its down thermal liner it seems like no expense was spared. The overall consensus of this jacket reflects the quality of the materials to the person. One would think that everything is great. For grins, let's just go ahead and list out the good stuff and the opportunities.

Opportunities:

• Klim apparel is EU sizing, so you will have to convert if you live in the US or another non-EU country. Though that in itself is not an issue, the fit seems to be either right on or not quite possible with the construction of the jacket. For example, the chest fits but arms are too long, or vice versa.
• The closure on the collar is velcro which, given the quality of the other components, seems to be a weak point.
• Overall venting on the jacket is good; however, there is one less vent port in the underarm that disappeared from the previous generation.
• The down liner jacket seems that it may loose some of its effectiveness due to compression when fully clothed. It is the loft that makes down work after all.
• The weight of the jacket is reduced over the previous iteration but it is not a light jacket by any means.

Good Stuff

• The most pronounced positive feedback is the initial reaction to the quality of the materials and the jacket's construction. Not only are the individual components high quality, but the assembly has obvious tight quality controls.
• As previously mentioned, the fit of the jacket is right on for some. It makes sense that this would be similar for any piece of apparel. Thank the virtual trading post purveyors of apparel for good return policies.
• The integration of the D30 armor into the jacket is well done fitting the vast majority of riders with little to no adjustment. The armor also works well "out of the box" meaning no to little break-in required.
• The waterproof construction of the coat has been proven on rainy rides with no leaks reported.

Better

REV'IT! Sand 4 H2O Jacket

Check it out on Cycle Gear

Our pick for a "Better" adventure touring jacket is the REV'IT! Sand 4 H20 Jacket. Since a huge influence for many people in the adventure touring market is our favorite YouTuber, Itchy Boots, is a brand ambassador for REV'IT!, this jacket deserves to be on this list. REV'IT! makes all of their motorcycling apparel to be stand alone pieces that are fully finished out. So, if you want to wear just the thermal liner or waterproof Hydratex line by itself or in combination, it won't look like a liner. We will list out the features of this jacket as the Klim and recap below.

Moving from the "premium" label with Klim, we go to "quality and utility" with REV'IT!. If that appears to lessen the quality of the REV'IT! apparel, just wait. There is something to be said for expectations as we will see in the "good" Review. The more you pay for something, the more the little things seem to make a big difference and negatively impact the experience.

The Sand 4 jacket is a mid priced jacket and seems to bear a bit more grace with the little issues that some people come across. I am not saying this is bad. The more I pay, the more I expect as well. So, let's get on with the "good stuff" and the "opportunities.'

Opportunities

• This jacket seems run a bit smaller than its previous iteration causing some frustration with riders familiar with the brand. The mid section of the jacket is either bigger in general, or the lack of the second strap on this model prevents adequate cinching. Keep that in mind.
• During wet and cold rides, the multiple vent ports allow a bit more "outside" air into the jacket than preferred. The port openings are not conducive to leaving opened during such trips either.
• The DWR coading seems non-existent on this. That is the outer waterproof coating applied to the outside of the jacket. The challenge is the weight with the water and dry time after.
• There are challenges with the outer zipper collecting fabric on the way to closing causing a jam. Extra care is required to make sure to prevent this.
• The liners snap into place rather than zip. Depending on the size of your hands, the snaps can come unsnapped while putting on the jacket.

Good Stuff

• The jacket is well designed and flexible enough to be used in almost any circumstance. The rip-stop outer shell is a unique feature among this group of jackets. Basically, if a tear starts, the rip-stop material stops it where it is.
• Depending on your geographic location, there is 4 season usability for this jacket as the liner system is well designed to handle many different configurations.
• Chest vents on this jacket are very effective at keeping the rider cool on warmer/hotter days.
• The armor fit with the jacket construction is comfortable with little to no adjustment needed.
• Cannot leave the mid-range pricing out of the equation when considering good points either.

Good

Tourmaster Trek Jacket

Check it out on Amazon

We now are rounding out the list with our "Good" representative with the Tourmaster Trek Jacket. Keep in mind my first explanation of where we are in the technology department of motorcycle touring apparel. We have come a long way. This jacket gets its classification based on the features offer while considering the budget. I personally reviewed this jacket on my YouTube channel if you want a more in depth review than what you are getting here. The goal is always to encourage as many people to get outside and ride as possible. If budget is a constraint to that, then I want to help solve it. Though this jacket is the end of the listing today, the feature list is not a short one. See you on the other side of it.

Reading down the list of features you will notice that many of the features are exactly the same as the higher priced jackets. CE Armor, Waterproof membrane, loads of pockets, etc...The brand names associated with these features may not be as well-known, however. Like the Reissa membrane, or SBS zippers, this list does not draw the attention of the name brands like Gore-Tex or YKK. So, let's assume Reissa is waterproof and SBS zippers function like the other brands. Does it matter what the name is? That's rhetorical. And, that is not the only difference between this jacket and the others. Let's break it down.

Opportunities

• The Safe-Tech Armor, while CE rated, will likely need a break in. From the factory, the armor is folded somewhat closed. Since it is protective, it is not easily moldable. It may take a ride or two for it to conform to you elbows.
• The fit is a bit on the small side. If you are between sizes, then definitely order up a size. If you arms or chest are bigger than a male model (I shouldn't say that...), then you may need to consider sizing up as well.
• The zippers on the cuff seem to be sturdy; however, they are difficult to close with one hand and even more so when gloved.
• The collar is a bit bulky since it houses the patented Aqua-Barrier Under-the-Helmet hidden hood. Its an interesting feature, but it does come with the cost of a bulkier collar.
• The stretch panels on the shoulders are sturdy and will require a few rides to fully break-in.
• Overall construction is not on par with the other entrants. It is a sturdy jacket, but the refinement is not there.

Good Stuff

• The most obvious positive point for this jacket is its price. Coming in a exactly half the price of the REV'IT! Sand 4 H20, the barrier to getting the features listed above is relatively low.
• The vents on the chest along with the exhaust vents on the rear of this jacket are BIG. With all the other requisite venting in place, this jacket has serious warm weather potential with the liners removed.
• The collar is very adjustable with a snap and adjustable snap closure that is impressive.
• The inner pocket is duplicated on each layer. When any configuration of liners are installed, there is always an inner pocket available for use without digging.
• You will never be in need of a pocket. From the hand-warmer non-zipped side pocket to the rear compartment for storing liners, cargo capacity is available at your discretion.
• The outer shell comes with DWR coating to repel water which is a feature missing from the REV'IT!

Summary

Regardless of which of these jackets fits you best, the choice is never about just one variable. We all have a budget to work within and still take care of things like bills and family. When you are on a trail in the mountains or zipping past someone on the road, it is unlikely the name on your apparel will matter.

If you enjoyed this article, there are more listed below along with many I have listed on my YouTube Channel of the same name. You are welcome to view in any format preferred. If you become an Adventurer, you will be the first to receive this illustrious commentary along with member perks in the future.

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Thanks for stopping by!

With dreams of the new adventures,

Ron