5 Best Adventure Motorcycle jackets

Adventure motorcycle touring requires your gear to be versatile enough to handle a wide variety of environments. The best adventure motorcycle jackets are designed to handle dry and wet weather riding, hot and cold temperatures, and give you protection from the elements both on and off the road.

They should also be comfortable, armored, have plenty of pocket storage, and should easily transition between the different types of terrain.

Adventure motorcycle jackets typically come in two types: ‘All-in-one’ or ‘Bring-your-own layers’:

The ‘All-in-one’ jacket usually comes with a thermal inner liner that is removable and a waterproof outer shell. They are designed to handle several seasons by modulating the one jacket to handle the varying conditions throughout the year.

The ‘Bring-your-own layers’ option gives you an armored shell with waterproof protection and vents for warm weather, but no additional layers for dealing with the cold. The idea is that you invest in your own base or mid-layers depending on the conditions you are riding in.

The outer shell of both options is highly abrasion-resistant and impact armor is normally included.

Quick Summary

Here’s a quick look at 5 of the best adventure motorcycle jackets reviewed here:

Firstgear Kathmandu Jacket – Top Pick
Klim Dakar Jacket – Best Entry Level
Pilot Trans.Urban Jacket V2 – Best Bang for Buck
Klim Carlsbad Off-Road Motorcycle Jacket
Alpinestars Andes V2 Drystar Jacket

Prices range from $230 up to $580 so I have focused on the lower to mid-range multi-season jackets, all excellent jackets in their own right, depending on what your needs are.

How To Choose An Adventure Motorcycle Jacket

Top 5 Features To Look For :

1. Waterproofing: A waterproof jacket is a must for adventure riding, and street riding for that matter. No matter where you ride, sooner or later you’re going to get wet.

2. Ventilation: Adventure and Dual Sport riders are looking for a jacket outer layer that is both breathable and waterproof. The two are almost a contradiction in terms, but both are required. Waterproof zippered vents to help increase airflow when things heat up is a must. The more the better. A removable inner liner is a bonus, although they tend to restrict the ventilation to some extent.

3. Protection: If you’ve ever come off your bike on the road, you know that impact and abrasion resistance are vital in an adventure riding jacket. Not so critical on the dirt – speeds are slower, and dirt is softer than tarmac but still important. A jacket with CE-certified body armor inside for protection is something to look for.

4. Versatility: An adventure riding jacket must be adjustable and customizable, depending on the environment you are encountering that day. Look for removable liners, adjustable waist, collar, wrist, and compression straps to prevent flapping in high wind.

5. Storage: A good adventure jacket should have plenty of secure pockets to stash your valuables without having to worry about losing them. You may be traveling for a few days or more, so plenty of waterproof pockets is vital. They need to be easy access, waterproof, and extra handwarmer pockets are a bonus when you’re off the bike.

Here are my 5 top choices for the best adventure motorcycle jackets available today, compiled from my 30 plus years experience of Dual Sport, Enduro, and most recently Adventure riding.

1. Firstgear Katmandu Jacket

The Firstgear Kathmandu is a four-season jacket that has everything you could want in an adventure or dual sport jacket while still being at an affordable price. It has an extraordinary array of vents, is fully waterproof and breathable.

The shell is constructed from ‘Hypertex’ waterproof and breathable 420 Denier rip-stop nylon and 300 Denier high-density nylon.

It features a removable insulated liner with controlled venting in the chest, armpit, and back for extra warmth in colder temperatures.

Even with the inner liner removed, the outer shell is going to give you a waterproof jacket due to the ‘Hypertex’ waterproof lining on the inside.

In wet weather, the under-helmet rain hood can be removed from the collar and worn to prevent rain from running down the back of your neck. The double storm flap over the main zipper at the front keeps the driving rain out.

There are plenty of waterproof pockets, four at the front, and a massive 14″ rear dry pouch with a waterproof zipper and flap for storing your inner liner.

D30 armor at the shoulders and elbows is CE-rated and state-of-the-art, and there is an EVA dense foam back pad.

A great feature I especially like is the 1.5-liter hydration bladder with a removable backpack which is included. Saves you from buying one if you don’t already have one.

Ventilation is great on this jacket with two 8″ vertical chest intake vents with waterproof zippers, two 9″ armpit intake vents, and two 9″ vertical rear exhaust vents on the back.

There is plenty of adjustment to allow a customized fit with the bicep and forearm compression straps, stretch panel at the inner elbow, and velcro closure at the wrist so you can cinch it down really well.

The waist also has velcro adjustment, and there’s even a sliding snap closure on the collar to adjust a comfortable fit around your neck.

Plenty of reflective panels make sure you are seen by other vehicles at nighttime.

The Firstgear Kathmandu Jacket has been a very popular choice for a number of years and for very good reason. It has enough features to satisfy even the most serious rider.

Features:

EXTERIOR

‘Hypertex’ waterproof and breathable outer shell constructed of 420 Denier rip-stop nylon and 300 Denier high-density nylon
1.5-liter hydration bladder in a removable backpack with front left and right restraining loops for the bladder tube
Double storm flap front with snap and hook/loop closure that covers a #8 YKK Vislon two-way main zipper to keep the elements out

SAFETY

Fully adjustable D30 T5 CE Armor in the shoulders and elbows which delivers the same protection as standard CE foam armor, but is thinner and more flexible
EVA dense foam back pad included

CARGO

Large rear dry-pocket with 14″ mouth to stow insulated liner or other personal items. It is sealed with a waterproof zipper and flap with spring snaps and hook/loop closure to keep it safe from the elements
Dry pockets to keep your small items dry – four at the front with flaps, protected by #5 YKK rubberized zippers on the chest pockets, and envelope closures on the bottom pockets

VENTILATION

Maximum airflow is achieved with two 8′ vertical chest intake vents and two 9″ armpit intake vents
Two 9″ vertical rear exhaust vents

FIT/COMFORT

Adjustable waist belt with hook and loop closure
Collar closure utilizes a slider snap that allows up to 1-1/2″ adjustment for a personal fit
Integrated into the collar is an under-helmet rain hood which keeps water from running down your neck
Breathable and waterproof stretch material to the elbow and underarm for increased flexibility
Compression straps on the bicep and forearm to adjust to fit your arm
The adjustable cuff uses hook and loop closure for a custom fit

OTHER FEATURES

Removable fully insulated thermal liner with wind blocking adjustable neoprene cuffs to keep out the cold
Interior pocketing in all Firstgear jackets are in the same location, whether the liner is in or out. On the left side chest high is a mobile device pocket with a flap closure using hook and loop to secure. On the right side is a cargo pocket that is 12″ wide and 8″ tall for your larger items
Jacket-to-pant 10″ full zipper which fits easily through liner portal and attaches to overpants
Reflective taping front and back to increase your visibility at night
5-year manufacturers warranty

Pros:

Removable inner thermal liner
CE certified armor
Hydration pack included
Excellent ventilation and adjustability