Riding in winter brings a unique set of challenges, from freezing temperatures to unpredictable weather. You need to have the right motorcycle gear, warm gear, and that means a good winter riding jacket. Choosing the right winter motorcycle jacket is crucial to staying warm, dry, and safe on the road. Here’s a closer look at some of the best.
The Best Winter Motorcycle Jackets
Here are my top picks for the best winter motorcycle jackets.
1. First Manufacturing Vendetta Jacket
First Manufacturing Vendetta Jacket is a top-tier choice for winter riding, offering a blend of style, comfort, and protection. Made from premium cowhide leather, this jacket is designed to withstand the harshest winter conditions while keeping you warm and comfortable.
Features
- Material: The Vendetta Jacket is crafted from 1.2-1.3mm diamond cowhide leather, providing excellent durability and abrasion resistance.
- Thermal Liner: It comes with a full-sleeve zip-out thermal liner, ensuring you stay warm in cold weather. The liner is easily removable for versatility in varying temperatures.
- Ventilation: While designed for winter, the jacket features strategically placed vents, allowing for airflow when needed. This makes it suitable for those rare warmer winter days.
- Armor: The jacket includes CE-rated armor in the shoulders and elbows, with a pocket for an optional back protector, ensuring you’re well-protected on the road.
- Design: The Vendetta Jacket offers a classic biker look with a modern twist, featuring a sleek, minimalist design with quilted shoulders and a stand-up collar.
Why Choose the Vendetta Jacket?
This jacket is ideal for riders who want a combination of classic style and modern functionality. Its high-quality leather construction and thermal liner make it perfect for winter, while its ventilation and removable liner add versatility for changing weather conditions.
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2. Scorpion EXO Yosemite Jacket
The Scorpion EXO Yosemite Jacket is a versatile, multi-season jacket designed to tackle everything from summer heat to winter chills. This jacket is perfect for riders who need a reliable, all-weather solution.
Features
- Material: The Yosemite Jacket is constructed from a durable combination of 500D nylon main body fabric and 1680D nylon abrasion zones, offering excellent protection and longevity.
- Thermal and Waterproof Liners: This jacket includes both a full-sleeve thermal liner and a waterproof liner, making it highly adaptable to different weather conditions. Both liners are removable, allowing you to customize your jacket to the current climate.
- Ventilation: The Yosemite Jacket features large, adjustable vents on the chest, back, and arms, providing ample airflow when the temperature rises.
- Armor: The jacket comes with CE-certified armor in the elbows and shoulders, along with a back protector pocket for added safety.
- Storage: With multiple pockets, including hand warmer pockets and internal storage, this jacket offers plenty of space for your essentials.
Why Choose the Yosemite Jacket?
The Scorpion EXO Yosemite Jacket is an excellent choice for riders seeking a versatile jacket that can handle winter and other seasons. Its combination of thermal and waterproof liners, along with robust ventilation, ensures you’re prepared for any weather condition.
Check it out at Amazon
Check it out at Revzilla
3. Leatt Moto 5.5 Enduro Jacket
The Leatt Moto 5.5 Enduro Jacket is a highly durable and protective option for winter riders, particularly those who enjoy off-road adventures. This jacket is designed to withstand the rigors of enduro riding while keeping you warm and dry.
Features
- Material: The Moto 5.5 Enduro Jacket is made from a lightweight yet robust material that offers excellent abrasion resistance. It also features a dirt- and water-repellent coating to keep you dry in wet conditions.
- Thermal Liner: While not as insulated as some other jackets, the Moto 5.5 can be paired with additional layers for warmth. Its breathable construction helps regulate body temperature during intense rides.
- Ventilation: The jacket features multiple zippered vents, including large vents on the chest and back, which can be opened to increase airflow during strenuous rides.
- Armor Compatibility: While the jacket itself doesn’t come with armor, it is designed to be worn over body armor, making it ideal for riders who prefer a customized protection setup.
- Fit and Mobility: The jacket’s tailored fit and flexible construction offer excellent mobility, crucial for off-road and enduro riding.
Why Choose the Moto 5.5 Enduro Jacket?
The Leatt Moto 5.5 Enduro Jacket is perfect for off-road enthusiasts who need a jacket that can handle the challenges of winter enduro riding. Its rugged design, combined with excellent ventilation and water resistance, makes it a top choice for adventurous riders.
Check it out at Amazon
Check it out at Revzilla
4. Firstgear Kathmandu 2.0 Jacket
The Firstgear Kathmandu 2.0 Jacket is designed for adventure riders who need a jacket that can handle long rides in harsh winter conditions. This jacket is packed with features that make it an outstanding choice for winter motorcycle gear.
Features
- Material: The Kathmandu 2.0 Jacket is made from a combination of 420-denier ripstop nylon and 300-denier high-density nylon, offering excellent abrasion resistance and durability.
- Thermal and Waterproof Liners: The jacket includes a removable, insulated liner for warmth and a waterproof, breathable liner to keep you dry in wet conditions.
- Ventilation: Strategically placed vents on the chest, back, and arms provide excellent airflow when needed, making this jacket suitable for various weather conditions.
- Armor: CE-certified armor in the elbows and shoulders, along with a back protector, ensures you’re well-protected on the road.
- Storage: The Kathmandu 2.0 offers ample storage with multiple pockets, including a large rear storage pocket and a hydration pocket with a tube routing system.
- Fit: The jacket features adjustable straps on the arms, waist, and cuffs, allowing for a customizable fit.
Why Choose the Kathmandu 2.0 Jacket?
The Firstgear Kathmandu 2.0 Jacket is perfect for riders who demand a high level of functionality and protection. Its combination of durable materials, thermal and waterproof liners, and ample storage makes it an excellent choice for long winter rides.
Check it out at Amazon
Check it out at Revzilla
5. First Manufacturing Nemesis Jacket
The First Manufacturing Nemesis Jacket combines rugged style with winter-ready features, making it a top pick for riders who want both form and function.
Features
- Material: The Nemesis Jacket is constructed from 1.1-1.2mm cowhide leather, offering excellent durability and a classic look.
- Thermal Liner: This jacket includes a removable, full-sleeve thermal liner, keeping you warm during cold winter rides.
- Ventilation: While designed for colder weather, the jacket features ventilation zippers that allow for airflow when needed.
- Armor: The Nemesis Jacket comes with CE-rated armor in the shoulders and elbows, with a pocket for an optional back protector.
- Design: The jacket has a stylish, aggressive design with quilted accents on the shoulders and sleeves, providing a bold look.
Why Choose the Nemesis Jacket?
The First Manufacturing Nemesis Jacket is ideal for riders who want a stylish leather jacket that doesn’t compromise on functionality. Its thermal liner and armor make it suitable for winter, while its classic design ensures you look good on and off the bike.
Check it out at Amazon
Check it out at Revzilla
Find the Best Winter Motorcycle Jacket for You
Choosing the right winter motorcycle jacket is essential for staying warm, dry, and protected during the colder months.
Whether you prefer the classic style of leather jackets like the First Manufacturing Vendetta and Nemesis Jackets, or the versatility and visibility of the Scorpion EXO Yosemite and Hi-Viz Jackets, there’s a perfect option for every rider. For those embarking on long winter adventures, the Firstgear Kathmandu 2.0 Jacket offers unparalleled functionality and protection.
Stay safe and warm this winter by selecting a jacket that meets your specific needs and riding style.
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