Multi-climate Jackets

There was a time not long ago when leather was the only choice for a proper riding jacket. And unless you were willing to spring for an expensive, custom made racing-type garment, color and styling cues were basic black and biker flick. Fortunately, times and attitudes change and so have our gear options. Advances in textile technology have spawned a new generation of viable alternatives to good old cowhide; and in today’s fabric gear one can find an appealing mix of abrasion resistance, strategically placed body armor, remarkable venting, and lighter weight. On top of that, the myriad color choices, styles, and attractive price points make shopping for modern motorcycle threads a much more satisfying yet challenging task. Before taking a number of these jacket sets on tour to evaluate, the RoadRUNNER team requested samples advertised to have “all-weather” characteristics from a wide cross-section of manufacturers. Touring can certainly expose riders to nearly every extreme of weather imaginable, and we wanted jacket systems most capable of taking these meteorological anomalies in stride. And though the examples included in the following guide are far from the only selections available, we believe they serve as a good assortment for riders to consider when looking for the latest in riding attire.