Touring on a motorcycle and going on road trips means covering long distances, often through unpredictable weather and varying road conditions. This means you need good gear, and a quality touring motorcycle jacket offers both protection and comfort, making your journey safer and more enjoyable.
When selecting the best touring motorcycle jackets, features like durability, waterproofing, ventilation, armor, and storage capacity are critical. Here’s a breakdown of the top five touring motorcycle jackets that provide the perfect balance of protection, comfort, and practicality.
1. REV’IT! Sand 4 H2O Jacket: Versatile All-Weather Comfort
The REV’IT! Sand 4 H2O Jacket is a prime example of adaptability. Built for all-weather performance, this jacket is designed to excel in different riding conditions, making it ideal for long-distance touring.
Key Features:
- Weatherproofing: This jacket is equipped with a removable waterproof Hydratex® liner, ensuring that you stay dry in even the harshest rainstorms. The liner can be easily removed when not needed, making the jacket suitable for hot, dry weather.
- Ventilation: With extensive ventilation panels on the chest, back, and arms, the Sand 4 H2O offers excellent airflow, keeping you cool during warm rides.
- Protection: SEEFLEX™ CE-level 2 armor at the shoulders and elbows, with the option to add a SEESOFT™ back protector, gives you robust protection. The durable outer shell is abrasion-resistant, adding an extra layer of safety.
- Storage: Touring demands pockets, and the Sand 4 H2O jacket delivers, featuring multiple cargo pockets that are waterproof, ensuring your essentials stay dry and secure.
- Fit and Comfort: Adjustable straps on the arms and waist allow for a customizable fit, ensuring comfort during long rides. The jacket also has a long connection zipper for pairing with compatible pants.
The REV’IT! Sand 4 H2O Jacket is designed for serious tourers who need a jacket that performs in diverse climates and keeps the rider protected while remaining comfortable and adaptable.
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2. Klim Carlsbad Jacket: Built for Adventure and Longevity
The Klim Carlsbad Jacket is known for its rugged design and performance in extreme touring conditions. Whether you’re on a cross-country adventure or a weekend getaway, the Carlsbad offers exceptional durability and protection.
Key Features:
- Weatherproofing: The jacket features a GORE-TEX® Performance Shell, which is guaranteed to keep you dry in any weather. This technology ensures breathable, waterproof protection, perfect for long-haul touring in wet conditions.
- Ventilation: The Carlsbad jacket includes adjustable venting on the chest, forearms, and back, making it easy to regulate body temperature during hot rides. These vents are strategically placed to optimize airflow.
- Protection: CE Level 1 D3O® armor on the shoulders, elbows, and back provides impact protection, while the jacket’s abrasion-resistant Cordura® shell offers excellent defense against road rash.
- Storage: With multiple waterproof pockets, including chest and back storage, the Carlsbad jacket offers ample space for essentials, such as your phone, wallet, and maps.
- Fit and Durability: This jacket is designed for long-term durability with a lightweight yet strong construction. Adjustable straps on the cuffs, waist, and forearms ensure a perfect fit, while reflective accents improve visibility during night rides.
Touring riders who prioritize durability, protection, and versatility will find the Klim Carlsbad Jacket to be a reliable choice for every journey.
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3. Street & Steel Independence Jacket: Classic Style Meets Modern Protection
For riders who appreciate a blend of vintage style and modern functionality, the Street & Steel Independence Jacket is an excellent choice. This jacket combines the look of classic leather with the protection and comfort of modern touring gear.
Key Features:
- Construction: The jacket is made from premium cowhide leather, which not only looks great but also provides excellent abrasion resistance. Leather has long been favored for its durability, especially on long rides.
- Ventilation: Despite its heavy-duty appearance, the Independence jacket includes discreet venting along the chest and back to keep the rider cool during warmer weather.
- Protection: CE-approved armor in the shoulders, elbows, and back offer protection against impacts. The thick leather construction further enhances the jacket’s protective qualities, making it ideal for touring.
- Storage: The jacket features both exterior and interior pockets, including zippered handwarmer pockets and an interior stash pocket for smaller valuables.
- Comfort: Adjustable waist straps ensure a snug fit, while a removable thermal liner makes the jacket versatile enough for both warm and cooler rides.
The Street & Steel Independence Jacket is perfect for riders who love the timeless appeal of leather but also require the protective features necessary for touring.
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4. Klim Badlands Pro Jacket: Top-Tier Protection and Performance
When it comes to high-end touring jackets, the Klim Badlands Pro Jacket is in a league of its own. Built for the most demanding riders, this jacket excels in both protection and comfort.
Key Features:
- Weatherproofing: The Badlands Pro features a GORE-TEX® Pro shell, making it waterproof, windproof, and highly breathable. This jacket is designed to keep you comfortable no matter how extreme the weather conditions become.
- Ventilation: Extensive venting options are built into the chest, arms, and back, ensuring that even on the hottest days, you’ll stay cool. The adjustable ventilation system works effectively to maintain airflow.
- Protection: The Badlands Pro is equipped with D3O® CE Level 2 armor at the elbows, shoulders, and back, along with additional chest protection. Its durable outer shell is made from Kevlar® and Cordura® fabrics for abrasion resistance, providing unparalleled protection in any riding situation.
- Storage: With a multitude of storage pockets, including waterproof compartments, the jacket provides ample space for all your touring essentials. The innovative storage design ensures easy access to your items while on the road.
- Durability: This jacket is built to last. Reinforced in critical impact areas, the Badlands Pro is designed for the long haul, making it a trusted choice for adventure riders.
Riders looking for the ultimate touring jacket, with no compromises on safety and comfort, will appreciate the Klim Badlands Pro Jacket.
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5. First Manufacturing Vendetta Jacket: Cruiser-Ready Touring
The First Manufacturing Vendetta Jacket is a stylish option that combines classic design with modern features. Though it leans towards cruiser riders, it offers functionality that fits well with the needs of touring motorcyclists.
Key Features:
- Construction: Made from high-grade leather, the Vendetta jacket has a durable construction built for long rides. The leather’s natural abrasion resistance provides a strong layer of protection, while its sleek design appeals to style-conscious riders.
- Ventilation: The jacket includes perforated panels for ventilation, helping to keep the rider cool on warmer days, making it a versatile option for various climates.
- Protection: CE-rated armor is included in the shoulders and elbows, with an optional back protector. The leather exterior adds a robust layer of protection against abrasions.
- Storage: Multiple pockets, both inside and out, give riders plenty of space for storage. The jacket also features concealed carry pockets, providing additional functionality for riders.
- Comfort: A removable thermal liner makes the jacket suitable for both cold and warm weather. Adjustable straps at the waist allow for a custom fit, ensuring comfort on long journeys.
The First Manufacturing Vendetta Jacket is ideal for touring riders who prefer a cruiser style without sacrificing protection and performance.
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If you’re not seeing the jacket you want here in my list of best touring motorcycle jackets, consider reading my other motorcycle jacket articles.
