Best Motorcycle Jackets For Adventure Touring

Touring on a motorcycle is an amazing experience. Adventure rides provide opportunities to test your skills while exploring new terrain. This type of riding requires serious versatility from your equipment. That is why many riders opt for adventure jackets. They provide impressive protection and can handle a variety of environments.

While on adventure touring rides, you may face pavement, dirt and debris. Your motorcycle jacket needs to be ready to handle all the hazards and weather that may come along with such a trip. That is why we have created this guide to the best jackets for adventure touring ride experiences.

Selecting the Right Motorcycle Jacket

The most important consideration with adventure riding is the variety of possible terrains and environments. Riders need to be ready to take on dry and wet riding, hot and cold temperatures and a multitude of road and trail surfaces. This not only requires skill but also equipment that is versatile enough to stand up to all possible conditions.

Adventure jackets are designed with this in mind. They can remain comfortable in different temperatures, can stand up to all types of weather, provide ample storage and offer significant safety protection to the rider. Heading out for an adventure ride with the wrong equipment is taking on unnecessary risk.

However, everyone has a different budget and set of needs. Below are our top choices for jackets that are ready for adventure riding but have varied features and price points.Top Value Choice - Firstgear Adventure Mesh

This excellent motorcycle jacket is available for less than $300. It offers all the essentials of an adventure jacket without the high price point of many other competitors.

The outer shell of the jacket is made from a durable poly mesh. This can be augmented with a windproof and water-resistant liner. The liner is removable and can be easily stored in the rear pouch for convenient access.

For storage, there are six front pockets that are easily accessible. The jacket also features adjustable straps on the cuffs, waist, biceps and forearms for a custom fit. This helps ensure that the fit is always right, even when the inner liner isn't needed. For safety features, the Firstgear Adventure Mesh features the following:

• CE-approved armor on the shoulder and elbow sections
• Reflective material for high-visibility
• Optional neon-yellow color for even greater visibility at night and in weather

If you are looking for a fantastic, feature-packed adventure jacket, you can't go wrong with the Klim Adventure Rally. This jacket is truly top-of-the-line and its price point represents that. It is a serious investment, but serious adventure riders won't regret opting for this impressive motorcycle jacket.

This jacket's outer shell is made of Gore-Tex 3-layer Pro Shell Armor. So, you can be certain the Klim Adventure Rally will not only stand up to a lot of tear and abrasion abuse, and it is also waterproof. In fact, it is guaranteed to keep you dry.

Storage is supplied by 10 external and three internal pockets. Stretch panels offer added range of motion on the shoulders. Additionally, the jacket features a back vent and four arm intake vents to help keep you cool when needed. The moisture-wicking lining and microfleece-lined collar also add extra comfort. It even features an onboard hydration pack.

Of course, features aren't everything. After all, the primary purpose of motorcycle jackets is safety. Here are a few of the Klim Adventure Rally's protective measures:

• Gore-Tex 3 layer Pro Talisman Superfabric to reinforce the slide zone areas
• D30 Xergo shoulder and elbow pads that exceed CE Level 2 standards
• D30 Viper Pro back pad made to CE Level 2 standards
• Integrated, ventilated silicone Dow Corning Deflexion chest armor
• Compatibility for a neck brace for added protection

In other words, this jacket offers a lot for serious riders. However, at about $1,700, it is a significant purchase.Top All-Around Choice - Firstgear Kathmandu

The Kathmandu from Firstgear is an excellent choice for almost any rider. It offers plentiful features while still being available at an affordable price.

The Hypertex outer shell is waterproof but breathable. It also offers rip-resistant capabilities without being overly heavy or uncomfortable. A removable insulated liner provides extra warmth and comfort in cold temperatures. Like the Adventure Mesh, the Kathmandu is adjustable using custom fit straps.

During wet weather, riders can protect themselves with a helmet rain hood and the double storm-flap front. The four front pockets offer plentiful storage alongside a massive 14-inch dry pouch in the back. Two additional interior pockets ensure you will always have space for your belongings. This jacket's safety features are also excellent.

• D30 T5 CE armor on the shoulders and elbows
• EVA dense foam back pad
• Strategically placed reflective panels for high visibility

Six air vents and a hydration bladder round out the Kathmandu's impressive feature list. It is a top choice for both price and features.

All three of these jackets are excellent choices. However, every rider has his or her own needs. Find the right jacket for you by exploring the full Chaparral Motorsports' adventure jacket lineup here.