Review: Tourmaster Highlander WP Jacket

Affordable Quality

When we started RoadRUNNER 25 years ago, I remember a plethora of big, name-brand manufacturers offering motorcycle jackets and pants. Tourmaster was always a top dog with a huge catalog. Over the years, though, the number of companies has dwindled. Tourmaster never really went away, but with some ownership changes, it took a little bit to reinvigorate the brand.

Back in the day, Tourmaster wasn’t for me. I’m tall and slender, and their gear always seemed oversized. Fabric was always flapping in the wind and I couldn’t get a fitted look. Well, Tourmaster has turned a corner with some new quality gear, at the reasonable price the company has always been known for. It’s a commendable thing, because nothing is cheap these days.

I picked the Highlander WP jacket in the olive color. It’s a look that goes with just about any motorcycle, and I’ve always been a fan of hi-viz accents. While the new Tourmaster products have a modern cut, I still had to size down. Usually, I wear a large, but the medium Highlander WP fits perfectly. You’ll find a fitting size for yourself, too, because the jacket comes in a whopping 11 sizes, regular and tall versions available. I have long arms and the sleeves in the regular-sized medium aren’t too short, something I often run into with gear and clothes. The fit even works with an airbag vest underneath.

This jacket is fully laminated, and the seam-taped shell, along with the water-resistant coating, has kept me dry during a few spring showers. The Highlander also comes with a full-sleeve zip-out thermal liner. That’s something of a rarity these days. On the protection front, 1000D panels cover the shoulders, elbows, and forearms, with additional CE Level 2 armor on the shoulders and elbows. You should invest in a better back protector, though, because the Highlander WP only comes with a foam back protector. It’s the first thing I did when I got the jacket. I can’t remember what jacket I bought years ago that came with a fancy D3O back protector, but I’ve put that in every jacket I’ve worn since. Sometimes you get lucky!

There are plenty of waterproof pockets that are easy to access. The jacket also has a large pocket in the back, which I rarely use. When it gets hot, I can quickly open the air vents, of which there are two on the front and three on the back. I’m a sucker for details, and the first thing I notice on a new jacket is the magnetic holdbacks. The Highlander WP delivers by adding them to the vents and the storm flap.

Matching pants are available for $289.99 to complete the set, but I chose the black Highlander WP pants to go with the olive jacket. I’m not that into matchy-match gear. With so many features, quality construction, and a digestible price, this Tourmaster jacket fulfills the needs of the discerning rider. There’s even a four-year warranty on the garment. From the road to the trails, I’m a big fan of the Highlander WP.

Tourmaster Highlander WP Jacket
$319.99
Sizes: XS-3XL (regular and tall)
Colors: black, gray, olive, black/orange