Issue:
September/October 2009

Pages:
88 - 92

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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.

Aerostich
Darien

Material: Waterproof 500-denier Cordura® GORE-TEX®
Protection: TF3 foam protectors at shoulders and elbows
Airflow: Zip ventilation under arms
Lining: Fully lined, reversible, TLTec insulating jacket
Visibility: 3M Scotchlite™ at chest, hips, and across back

A popular choice for everyone from 'round-the-world adventurers to serious commuters, the Aerostich Darien is ready for just about anything. Though a little stiff at first, the 100-percent, tough-as-nails outer shell repels rain, dirt, and bugs with equal ease. And with the vents closed, even the coolest winds are almost completely rebuffed before the liner is needed; and with that thick, insulated complement in-stalled, the Darien keeps all but the most frigid temperatures at bay. Though the removable TF3 shoulder and elbow pads are very effective, they can be a bit cumbersome if the fitment of the jacket isn't just right. Storage pockets are ample, nine in the outer shell alone, and Velcro® strips on the left arm are included for the addition of an optional sleeve map window. An adjustable waist belt also helps keep out pesky breezes, and large sections of 3M Scotchlite™ reflective material keep the car guys honest at night. Although the Darien is a little pricey, it is also a no-compromises piece of gear that has become a true world-beater.

www.aerostich.com
$547.00

Alpinestars
Scout Drystar

Material: Nylon fabric outer shell
Protection: CE-approved smart protectors at elbows and shoulders. PE protection at chest and back
Airflow: Zip ventilation at chest
Lining: Waterproof and breathable Drystar internal lining. Removable,full-sleeved thermal liner
Visibility: 3M reflective panels at shoulders

Most companies are promoting jacket systems consisting of three separate layers (outer shell, waterproof, and thermal), but Alpinestars is bucking the trend by offering only two in their Scout Drystar. While an included thermal layer is easily removable and handy for those cooler mornings, the waterproof layer and outer shell that most often come independent of one another are one in this Alpinestars line. In our warmer climate this is both a blessing and a curse. When the sun is out, the rain layer can create some heat problems, especially considering the fact that there are only two small zippered vents in the chest. Sleeve and back vents would be a great addition. But on the other hand, not having to stop for every summer shower to wrestle with a rain liner is praiseworthy. CE-approved shoulder and elbow armor is ample and barely noticeable, and waist and sleeve adjustments allow for a snug or loose fit depending on rider preference. Overall, this attractive jacket has performed well and will see many more miles.

www.alpinestars.com
$399.95

Dainese
D-System D-Dry

Material: Cordura® shell
Protection: Removable CE-approved armor in the shoulders and elbows,optional back protector
Airflow: Breathable mesh insert vents, four front, two sleeve, one large rear
Lining: D-DRY™ Sanityzed®
Visibility: Reflecting inserts on shoulder and back

The D-System jacket uses a 750- denier Cordura® shell with CE-approved inserts for abrasion and impact protection, and a D-DRY™ breathable comfort liner to keep wind and rain out. There's a built-in internal pouch for an optional back protector, and the shell has four large external patch pockets (plus a "fanny-pack" back pocket) and an almost infinite range of venting options, including removing the sleeves to convert the shell into a vest. The jacket has one waterproof outside pocket and a "toll-pass" window pocket, plus two waterproof internal pockets in the liner.

This is an unusually stylish, three-season jacket that one can easily adapt to changing conditions. It's well designed and constructed and offers excellent conspicuity. As for fit, try before you buy: normal sizing seems less than generously cut (high waist and snug in the sleeves). But the D-System's versatility and feature-rich design should make it a popular jacket year round.

www.dainese.com
$499.00

Fieldsheer
Ladies Adventure Touring

Material: Abrasion resistant 1000-denier Teflon®-coated Maxtena®
Protection: Removable CE-approved armor in the shoulders and elbows,SP Memory Foam® in high-impact areas, comfort pad in back
Airflow: Ram Air® direct ventilation system - 4 front vents and 1 large
back vent
Lining: Removable Thermo Pilot Liner
Visibility: Large reflective Phoslite® panels along the front and back

When I first talked to Fieldsheer about trying the Adventure, the woman helping me said it was hands-down her favorite jacket to ride in. And after taking it on tour for a full week in Arizona, I can see why. In the rain, a mid layer of 100-percent waterproof/breathable material between the shell and liner keeps you cool and dry. It also has a Hydro Block® collar extender to deflect the rain between your helmet and jacket. If it's chilly outside, like it was a few mornings in AZ, there's a removable thermal liner that can be worn separately as a jacket when you're walking around. And in warm weather, the Adventure has great airflow with zero membrane ventilation interference. The padding is stiffer than what I'm used to in my other jackets, but all in all, the Adventure meets my needs for functionality, fit and flair.

www.fieldsheer.com
$289.95

Firstgear
Kathmandu

Material: HYPERTEX™ waterproof and breathable outer shell constructed
of 420-denier rip-stop nylon and 300-denier high-density nylon
Protection: CE armor in elbows and shoulders, plus an EVA dense foam
back pad
Airflow: Two to nine-inch chest intake vents, two to seven-inch armpit intake vents and one extra large, 14-inch rear exhaust vent
Lining: Removable, fully insulated, thermal liner with wind blocking
Visibility: Reflective piping on front and rear for improved night time visibility

Firstgear's new-for-2009 Kathmandu Jacket is a well-made, versatile piece of touring gear that maintains rider comfort in most riding conditions. While the airflow of this jacket is good when temperatures soar, it is not as breezy as some other textile jackets we've tested. Integrated into the back is a 1.5-liter removable hydration bladder, which I appreciated during long days of touring, and a large, rear dry pouch can be used to store the jacket's insulated liner. Front dry pockets, with waterproof zippers, ensure that items stowed there are protected from the weather. One of this jacket's most innovative features is an under-helmet rain hood concealed beneath the collar. Although the Kathmandu is comfortable to wear and attractively styled, the cut is rather full in the mid-section; so use the one-time adjustable waist belt and arm straps to assure a snug fit.

www.firstgear-usa.com
$319.95

Joe Rocket
Airborne

Material: Rock TexTM outer shell
Protection: CE-rated armor in shoulders and elbows, removable spine padwith pocket for optional CE spine protector
Airflow: Big Air TM ventilation system in front, two rear zippered exhaustvents, Ram Air® direct ventilation system: 4 front vents and 1large back vent
Lining: Mesh, optional Dry Tech® liner
Visibility: Meets U.S. Military Personal Reflective Device standards

The Airborne Jacket, one of Joe Rocket's newest models, can be zipped two ways – with the standard outer zipper, or with a secondary zipper connected to large mesh panels sewn into the front of the jacket. This unique Big AirTM ventilation system creates a long vertical strip of ventilation, effectively turning it into a semi-mesh jacket. With the optional Dry TechTM liner for use, the jacket becomes a three-season, all-weather piece. In an all-day summer downpour, the liner kept me dry but not clammy. Other features include forearm cinch straps and enough stylishly situated reflective strips to meet U.S. Military Personal Reflective Device standards. On the downside, the zipper, Velcro®, and button wrist system is difficult to maneuver, at times, and a small part of the zipper rubbed against my skin.

www.joerocket.com
$179.99 - $194.99

Olympia Motosports
GT Air All Seasons Transition

Material: 500- and 2000-denier DuPont Cordura®
Protection: CE-approved Motion Flex armor at elbows, shoulders and back
Airflow: MVS Mega Vent Panel System front and back, 12-inch zippered
arm vents
Lining: Two-stage wind and waterproof liner jacket with removable Dupont Thermolite® insulation
Visibility: 3M Scotchlite® reflective piping at front, sides and back

Style and function go hand in hand with the GT Air Transitions Jacket from Olympia Motosports. Two large vent panels at the chest and back, along with 12-inch vents on the sleeves, allow exceptional airflow in warm conditions. When temperatures drop, the panels can be closed off quickly with attached zippered flaps that remain hidden away when not in use. A removable wind and waterproof liner is included to keep the weather outside where it belongs. It also doubles nicely as a lightweight jacket. A second removable layer consisting of Dupont's Thermolite® insulation is a good thing to have on hand for those chilly mornings too. The designers at Olympia have effectively integrated hi-vis orange into the outer shell in an eye-catching manner. The removable Motion Flex armor is lightweight and also offers quality yet discreet protection. All of these desirable features highlight an attractive jacket that is exceptionally comfortable and surprisingly affordable.

www.olympiamotosports.com
$279.99

REV'IT!
Siren Ladies

Material: PWR shell 750D, Cordura®1000D, high-density polyester 600D, Lorica®
Protection: ProLife® ladies CE shoulder and elbow protection, EVA foam back protection
Airflow: Zippers in back, chest and forearms
Lining: Detachable Hydratex® waterproof G-liner and thermal liner.
Visibility: Reflective panels at back and upper arms

Though touted as an all-season jacket, the women's Siren didn't hold up well to testing in warmer weather. As for cooler and rainy situations, our assessment is completely different. With vents closed and liners in, chilly morning air hasn't a chance and spells of rain are dispatched with ease. In the overall comfort department, the Siren also ranks highly. The soft outer shell feels like it has already been broken in, and the feminine cut looks and feels great. The convenient pouch sewn into the lower back portion of the jacket is a nice touch and perfect for stashing the liners when not in use. This jacket would be at the top of the heap if it weren't for hot days. Zippered vents at the chest and back provide some airflow, but even when fully open, they offer precious little space for the wind to blow through.

www.revitusa.nrt
$299.99

Tour Master
Epic

Material: 600-denier Carbolex® and 600-denier ballistic polyester
Protection: Removable CE-approved armor at elbow and shoulder with
triple density back protector
Airflow: Pipeline Ventilation System with shoulder, chest, sleeve and
rear exit vents
Lining: Waterproof/breathable Rainguard® lining
Visibility: Phoslite® reflective piping, back strips and panels, also available in hi-vis yellow

If you could only have one motorcycle jacket, this might be it. Providing impact, abrasion and weather protection, the Tour Master Epic boasts other unique features too: an integral kidney belt stowed in the liner, an Aqua-Barrier integral hood stored in the collar, and a commendable total of 11 pockets, including waterproof external patch and hand-warmer pockets, two chest map pockets, internal media pockets, zipped and Velcro® liner pockets, and a dual-entry fanny pack. And the toasty zip-in 80g 3M™ Thinsulate™ liner adds even more storage.
I also appreciate what this jacket doesn't do: the generous Velcro® neck tab doesn't snag in my helmet D-ring; the waist doesn't ride up; the fleece cuffs and neck liner don't irritate my skin; and on a two-week tour, nothing broke, tore off or fell apart. Durable, well designed and constructed with excellent visibility, this jacket handles three-season duties most capably – and at a very competitive price.

www.tourmaster.com
$279.99