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Best Adventure Motorcycle Touring Suits for Braving the Unknown


Peon Maface

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Adventure riders know that choosing a jacket and pant that will offer versatility in a wide variety of scenarios is paramount to enjoying the ride. Fortunately for us, most manufacturers now make matching jacket and pant combos to offer suits that integrate seamlessly from a fit and function standpoint. It’s always a good idea to be realistic of your intentions when considering new gear, but thankfully with adventure gear, like adventure bikes, most are designed to do a little bit of everything. Below is our list of the best adventure suits on the market today.

1. Editor's Pick: REV’IT! Offtrack jacket $439.99 REV’IT! Offtrack pants $329.99

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The REV’IT! Offtrack jacket and pants are designed to be a more off-road focused three season jacket and pant. Although this suit leans toward use in warmer climates, depending on where you plan on riding, you could easily use the Offtrack year round. Both the jacket and pants have separate removable waterproof liners and thermal liners. Should you find yourself in warmer weather with the liners removed you have a large panel of 3D mesh across the shoulder blades that wraps around to the front of the collar bones. This panel coupled with the large adjustable chest vents are going to allow for plenty of airflow through this jacket. The outer shell is comprised of 450D, 3D air mesh, polyester 600D, polyester ripstop, Softshell 3L, and PWR|shell mesh. REV’IT!’s Seeflex CE level 2 protectors are used at the shoulders, elbows, and knees with Seesmart hip protectors. The back protector is not included but the Offtrack jacket is compatible with the Seesoft CE level 2 insert from REV’IT!. The Offtrack jacket is available in four colors: silver/green, silver/blue, silver/red, and sand whereas the pant is available in black or black/silver.

MO Tested: REV’IT! Offtrack Jacket & Pants

2. Aerostich Roadcrafter R-3

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The Aerostich Roadcrafter has been around since the dawn of time. Shortly after the stone wheel was created, Andy Goldfine of Aerostich created the Roadcrafter. Ok, that may not be entirely true, but the Roadcrafter has been around for quite some time and is widely known as one of the most convenient touring suits on the market. Like the modular helmet, it’s easy to call the Roadcrafter nerdy or not stylish enough. But, like the modular helmet, once you use one, it’s hard to go back to whatever you were doing before. The R-3 is the third generation of Roadcrafter and is said to be 100% waterproof and will likely outlast your motorcycling years. Made of 500D Cordura Gore-Tex fabric bolstered by 1000D abrasion-resistant panels in key areas, the R-3 is meant to last through many a slide.

Not only is the R-3 built to last, but it’s built to be convenient. A zipper runs the length of the suit from collar to boot making it easy to jump in or out of. The R-3 features nine pockets for whatever you need to bring with you, vents for warm days, 3M Scotchlite panels for visibility in low light situations, and fit adjustment at the wrists, waist, and ankles. With men’s and women’s offerings in a plethora of sizes including short, regular, and tall versions, it’s easy to find the right size. Of course, if you do find yourself full fraught with questions you can read our review of the Roadcrafter here. If you still have questions, give the folks in Duluth a call and they’ll be happy to get you squared away.

3. Aether Divide Jacket & Aether Divide Pants

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Made using GORE-TEX Pro fabric and fully seam-sealed, the Divide Jacket is abrasion resistant and waterproof. It’s also breathable, thanks to pit zips and zippered back vents that allow air to enter and exit through the jacket, an important feature for rides in which the climate may change a few times. For maximum protection in high-impact areas, the jacket features a double layer of fabric at the shoulders and outer sleeves with D3O providing impact protection and shock absorption. For maximum comfort, the elbow pockets are adjustable.

A two-way front zipper on the Divide Jacket allows the wearer to adjust the bottom hem while seated. In an effort to think of everything, branded snaps with thumb loops on the front placket enable the rider to easily close the jacket with one hand, gloves on or not. In case you encounter a rainstorm, the jacket features an interior gaiter at the neck that can be cinched down to prevent water from getting in. There is also lamb leather detailing at the neck opening for additional comfort.

The Divide Motorcycle Jacket also features plenty of storage options, including chest, hand, and patch pockets with weatherproof zippers, as well as an interior zippered pocket. Adjustable Velcro tabs at the bicep, forearm, and waist allow the jacket to be cinched down for a slim fit or loosened when cold temps call for extra layers. Additionally, Velcro cuffs can be adjusted to accommodate gloves, and a wind-cuff detail at the sleeve opening helps keep the elements out. A cinch at the bottom opening of the jacket allows the rider to customize the fit. Designed in tandem with the Divide Motorcycle Pant, a zipper attachment allows the two pieces to be worn together as a full-body suit.

For riding at night, a JRC Reflex reflective strip and piping have been incorporated into the sleeves and back. This material reflects bright white when lit by a pair of headlights.

The Divide pant features similar construction and features to the jacket.

4. Alpinestars Revenant Jacket Tech Air Compatible & Alpinestars Revenant Pant

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The Alpinestars Revenant jacket and pants are juggernauts of the Alpinestars Tech Touring line. Four season capability, Gore-Tex Pro, Tech Air compatible, this touring suit is loaded with features and technology. Gore-Tex Pro uses a three-layer system which is bonded to ensure waterproofing without adding bulk while Armacor is used as reinforcement in the elbows, shoulders, knees, and lower legs. The jacket can be adjusted in numerous areas to ensure a great fit though if you plan not to use the Tech Air system, sizing down may be an option to consider. Large intake and exhaust vents can be found on the jacket and pants to allow air to flow in and out of the garments.

The Revenant uses CE-certified Alpinestars Bio-Air protectors at the shoulders and elbows and VE-certified protectors are also included at the knees. Both the jacket and pant offer plenty of large storage pockets including some of which are waterproof. The jacket also includes routing and a pocket for a hydration bladder. Reflective accents can be found throughout both the black and black/grey/red colorways. Keep in mind, the Revenant is designed as a technical shell. BYOBL: bring your own base (and/or mid) layers.

5. Firstgear Kathmandu Jacket & Firstgear Kathmandu Pants

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“A favorite of ’round-the-worlders and those who ride beyond the horizon, the Kathmandu jacket and pants are a great combination for taking the road less traveled,” says Firstgear. The Kathmandu jacket and pant represent the more reasonable budget-conscious end of the adventure gear spectrum. Made from 420-denier ripstop nylon and 300-denier high-density nylon with Hypertex treatment for waterproofing the Kathmandu is built to withstand whatever your adventure calls for. D3O protectors are included in the shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees while the included back protector is made from a EVA foam. For warmer temperatures, the thermal insulating liner can be removed on both the jacket and pants while vents on the chest, back, armpits, and thighs can be opened for airflow. The collar features an adjustable closing mechanism as well as a rain hood to wear inside of the helmet to prevent rain from dripping down your neck.

Also included is a removable 1.5 L hydration pack with routing for the tube to the right or left side of the jacket. Storage is plentiful with waterproof pockets to keep your stuff and things dry. The jacket and pant can zip together, have multiple points of adjustment throughout, and the pants come with suspenders. The jacket is available in either black and grey or high-viz yellow, black, and grey. The pants are available in any color you would like, as long as it’s grey. Also something to keep in mind, the pants are designed to be overpants rather than tighter fitting dedicated pants.

6. Icon Raiden jacket & Icon Raiden pants

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Icon’s Raiden line of gear was the company’s first expansion into the growing adventure category of gear. The Raiden jacket and overpant are comprised of a DuPont Teflon three-layer nylon shell with 10k/10k waterproofing. Impact areas are strengthened by 500D Cordura panels. D3O armor is included in the shoulder, elbows (three-position adjustable), back, hips, and knees (also three-position adjustable) for impact protection. The Raiden jacket features a full-length removable liner for warmth. Once things warm up, the jacket has two vents on the chest, two vents on the back, and armpit vents. Other niceties include routing for a hydration pack, reflective accents throughout, removable suspenders and stirrups, and subtle styling that Icon hasn’t always been known for. Both the jacket and pant are available in blue or grey/hi-viz yellow.

7. Klim Badlands Pro Jacket $999.99 Klim Badlands Pro Pants $699.99

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When most of us think of hardcore adventure gear, one brand comes to mind ahead of the others. Klim. Klim has been making bombproof gear for motorcycle and snowmobile riders since 1999. The first Badlands jacket and pants were released five years ago and is now in its third iteration. The Badlands Pro is the flagship model for the company. The amount of tech, features, and thought that went into the Badlands Pro can make your head spin. This is just a brief overview. The Badlands Pro is constructed of FPL 400, 500D Karbonite ripstop, and Superfabric all backed with Gore-Tex Pro top-of-the-line waterproofing throughout. Aero Pro D3O armor is used in the shoulders, elbows, knees, and hips while traditional D3O is used in the back (CE level 2) and coccyx.

To be a true four season suit, you need to able to hunker down in it during the bitter cold and open it up when riding through sweltering heat. The Badlands Pro jacket has a staggering 12 vents throughout while pants have four. Intake vents allow air in to circulate as the exhaust vents on the back allow warm air to escape. Storage is also plentiful with a total of 16 pockets on the jacket and two cargo pockets on the pants. There is a pocket and internal routing for a hydration system and an internal kidney belt to help stabilize the load should you fill even half of those 16 pockets. Reflectivity has been placed strategically throughout the garments for low light visibility. The jacket is available in black, grey, light grey, and tan. The pants are available in black, grey, and tan. For more information on the laundry list of features that make the Badlands Pro so badass, hit up www.klim.com.

8. Rukka Realer jacket $1,299.00 Rukka Realer pants $899.00

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Just when you thought it couldn’t get more expensive, the Rukka gets Realer. At a combined $2,200, the Rukka Realer jacket and pants top this list for the most expensive adventure suit. The Rukka Realer is designed to be an all-season touring suit leaning toward cooler temps. The outer shell is made up of Gore Stretch and Armacor with Gore-Tex Pro three-layer waterproofing. D3O Air protectors are found in the shoulders, elbows, chest, hips, and knees while the Rukka All Back protector meets CE level 2 for back protection. The Gore Stretch material allows for a svelte fit without encumbering movement. Full length thermal liners are included in both the jacket and pants and can be worn on as a standalone jacket and pants if you wish. Four waterproof pockets are found on the jacket with two on the pants. From a ventilation standpoint, the jacket has four chest vents and two vents on either side of the torso while the pants have vents across the thighs.

The Realer pant uses Rukka’s Antiglide material on the seat to help from sliding and Aircushion to provide a climate buffer between the rider and the seat which helps to regulate temperature and condensation during long days in the saddle. The pants come with detachable suspenders and can be zipped to the jacket. For a suit of this price point, we strongly urge you to do more research to learn the details and nuances of this garment more thoroughly than we could delve into here. We hope you dig black, because there are no other color options. Thankfully there is plentiful reflective material throughout that is incorporated tastefully to help you be seen.

9. Spidi 4Season jacket $549.90 Spidi 4Season pants $399.90

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The Spidi 4Season H2Out jacket and pants are made for just that, touring year-round. The 4Season H2Out accomplishes this by using multiple technical layers for those riding in a variety of conditions. The polyamide outer shell is equipped with dynamic vents that flow air directly through the shell. If you find yourself caught in a downpour, the H2Out waterproof liner should keep you dry. To keep you warm through the coldest of temps, the 4season comes with a 100g thermal liner which can be worn with the waterproof liner for ultimate in weatherproofing against the harshest of climates.

Spidi’s Force-Tech armor and compatibility with the Spidi Warrior chest, back and thorax protectors give the 4Season jacket and pants a substantial amount of impact protection. Our man, Evans Brasfield has spent many miles through adverse conditions in the Spidi 4Season H2Out jacket and pants and wrote a thorough review of the garments which can be read here.

What is the best motorcycle touring jacket?

Whether standard touring or adventure touring, your gear’s versatility is what can make or break a trip. Touring jackets are designed to keep you comfortable in a range of weather and situations. Adventure touring gear puts an emphasis on the mobility needed to ensure the rider has the flexibility to move around on the machine when riding off-road. As with motorcycles, the best touring jacket is the one you will use and are comfortable in. That said, our list above is a great place to start. Choosing which features are most important to you and which types of gear apply to the area where you typically ride will help narrow down which gear is best for you.

What is the best adventure touring motorcycle?

That’s a loaded question. But, as we saw in our last middleweight adventure motorcycle shootout, there seems to be a machine for every type of rider these days in the ADV segment these days. Whether your focus is getting dirty or sticking to the tarmac, there is an adventure motorcycle well-suited for your needs. For 2020, Motorcycle.com chose the 2020 Triumph Tiger 900 as our Best Adventure Motorcycle of the Year for its versatility and performance both on-road and off. Runner-up was the off-road-focused KTM 790 Adventure R which was lauded for its superior off-road performance.

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The post Best Adventure Motorcycle Touring Suits for Braving the Unknown appeared first on Motorcycle.com.

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I like the look of having a lighter colours but in the field they're going to look like crap after a few long distance wet rides.
I'm still longing for some "pants" that really are water proof and long enough for my legs.

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Black gear in the sunshine isn’t my favourite. Got a grey jacket which is just right for hiding the dirt and not absorbing the heat but ended up with black trousers because one pair was hands down the best on comfort and fit. When the sunshines beating down on them the temp difference between the black trousers and the grey jacket is surprising.
Really want a good quality touring jacket but went to helmet city and the best fitting jacket was a cheap LS2 so far nothing I’ve tried comes close to it, reckon fit is far more important to good functioning than any of the other bells n whistles. Still want the really badly fitting Klim one though 🤪😂

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