Regular motorcycle riders know that a motorcycle jacket isn’t just a part of a complete look, but it’s a major safety component as well. On one hand, it helps protect against the elements such as rain, snow, wind, and sun. On the other, it offers protection in the event of a crash, especially in areas most likely to be impacted. You’ll find padding in the shoulder and elbow regions that can help reduce abrasions and burning. These important pieces of gear also come with reflective panels that make it safer to ride at night.
Contents
- 1 Best Enduro, Dual-Sport Motorcycle Jackets List March 2021
- 2 Top 5 Adventure Motorcycle Jackets
- 3 Scorpion Yosemite Hi-Viz Jacket Review
- 4 REV’IT! Sand 3 Jacket Review
- 5 Firstgear Kathmandu Jacket Review
- 6 Firstgear Jaunt T2 Jacket Review
- 7 Alpinestars Andes v2 Drystar Jacket Review
- 8 My Pick for Best Adventure Motorcycle Jacket
Best Enduro, Dual-Sport Motorcycle Jackets List March 2021
If you’re in the market for a new adventure jacket, be sure to look for all of these key component, plus whatever type of fashion you’re in the market for. Only you know what your specific needs are, so if you’re more of a casual rider, this page, which deals with more adventure touring, enduro, and dual sport jackets, might not be for you.
If, however, you’re looking for the best adventure motorcycle clothing on the market today, you’re on the right page.
Top 5 Adventure Motorcycle Jackets
Here is the list of the best adventure motorcycle jackets to add to your gear collection.
- Scorpion Yosemite Hi-Viz Jacket – Best Adventure Bike Jacket
- REV’IT! Sand 3 Jacket – Best Summer Adventure Motorcycle Jacket
- Firstgear Kathmandu Jacket – Best Cold Weather Adv Jacket
- Alpinestars Andes v2 Drystar Jacket
- Firstgear Jaunt T2 Jacket
Scorpion Yosemite Hi-Viz Jacket Review
As part of the new Technical Collection, the Scorpion Yosemite Hi-Viz jacket, the big brother of the Yuma, but just shy of the Yukon. The Yosemite is a touring jacket that gives you everything you need in one piece, including a thermal, base layer, mid layer, and waterproof protection.
Armored shoulders and elbows offer excellent protection. The liner, which is a full sleeve liner, and incorporates monkey paws that are removable. A high neoprene collar promises to never chafe while always connecting.
Pockets are plentiful, with two cargo pockets in the lower front, two chest pockets, an additional large cargo in the rear and one inner pocket that is both lined and waterproof.
Pros Include:
- Zip down panels that block wind
- Plenty of external pockets
- NightViz reflection for easy visibility at night
Cons Include:
- No stretch panel on the shoulder
- Bulky and cumbersome
- Zippers are light
REV’IT! Sand 3 Jacket Review
The REV’IT Sand 3 Jacket is a high-end, mid-range, three to four season adventure jacket. Available in a few different colors, you’ll see a lot of changes as well. It has a fully removable waterproof liner, a fully removable thermal liner, and a shell that offers technicality, breathability, and functionality.
Limb armor is available in this standard as well, which is flexible and breathable enough to comfortable wear. Front venting is 10% longer than the previous model and zippers are easier to manipulate with gloved hands. Without gloves, you have access to fleece lined pockets to add warmth.
Pros Include:
- Lightweight polyester and Lorica
- Chest and back reflection that is laminated
- Waterproof and thermal liners, both removable
Cons Include:
- Not a good overall fit for larger people
- Water gets in at the zippers
- Sleeves are long while the rest of the jacket is a snug fit
Firstgear Kathmandu Jacket Review
The Firstgear Kathmandu jacket is an adv jacket offering you four-season, waterproof functionality. Beefy and rugged, it comes with a water bladder attached and offers a ripstop nylon shell.
With forearm, wrist, bicep, and waistline adjustability, you’ll find this jacket is easy to tailor to your own specific fit. You can wear it shell only, which features a waterproof breathable liner that’s built in, or you can add in the removable thermal liner for warmer wear in cold weather.
D30 T5 CE armor in the shoulder and elbow areas creates a comfortable protection that becomes rigid upon impact at the molecular level.
Pros Include:
- Under the helmet rain hood integrated into the collar
- Double flap front covers a #8 YKK zipper
- Front and back reflective tape
- Warm, excellent for colder weather
Cons Include:
- Water bladder functionality chokes you
- Thermal liner leaves a gap around front zipper
- Velcro fails with rigorous use
Firstgear Jaunt T2 Jacket Review
Another cold weather Firstgear Jaunt T2 Jacket offers plenty of rooms for adjustments, with a removable fleece liner. This is a full liner instead of a simple vest liner. Sizing runs big, which can be a pro or a con, depending on what you need.
It’s waterproof with lots of different options including sizing for big and tall. An expanded back pad and be upgraded and the vents vent to the liner and not directly to the body. Front pockets are seam sealed and waterproof with neoprene lining. All snaps are spring loaded for extra durability. Plenty of internal pockets and zippers give you plenty of room for carry on documents.
Pros Include:
- A generous fit
- Reinforced shoulders and elbows
- Reflective panels all around
Cons Include:
- Snaps are hard to maneuver with gloves on
- Style is traded for protection and functionality
- Hard rain causes leaks at shoulder, chest, and arms
Alpinestars Andes v2 Drystar Jacket Review
Back with a brand new style, the Alpinestars Andes v2 Drystar Jacket has overhauled the overall look. However, it still offers excellent features giving you a three seasons jacket that can be used for a variety of riding purposes.
With a nonremovable wet weather liner, the thermal liner is removable. Even without the liner, you’ll quickly realize you have a real wind-stopper. The chest offers direct venting, bicep snaps, waist adjustability, and a boxy style that adds to the fitment. The sleeves of this jacket feature sleeves that are contoured with stretch panels for each elbow. With a fitment that measure regular size or a bit large, you’ll get a comfortable fit for the money.
Pros Include:
- Very comfortable
- Front wallet cargo pocket
- Soft edge collar
Cons Include:
- Not for summer wear
- No hand pockets
- Not waterproof after long rides in the driving rain
My Pick for Best Adventure Motorcycle Jacket
What is the best adventure jacket? Even at the higher price point, the Scorpion Yosemite Hi-Viz jacket is a winner today. Thanks to its extreme versatility, you get all the functionality and protection you need, even if its not the most stylish jacket on the market. Windproof panels are placed front and back as well as vents available full length in the arms and torso. The waterproof liner makes it perfect for wet weather travel, while the removable thermal liner adds in much-needed warmth for those long winter trips.
For protection, the shoulder and elbow armor mean you’re less likely to walk away from a minor crash with injuries in those areas. You’ll also get a CE certified back protector for that extra “just in case” protection. The Scorpion Yosemite does run a size small, but knowing that up front gives you the opportunity to get the perfect fitment the first time.