New ADV Jacket Suggestions? | GTAMotorcycle.com

New ADV Jacket Suggestions?

Hardwrkr13

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I’d like to pick up a new jacket that is waterproof so that I can avoid carrying rain gear and has a removable liner and good venting for hot summer days. Anyone have one they like and/or suggestions?
 
If I were to buy a new jacket with the same requirements as you, I would also add that I want the outer shell to be as waterproof as possible.
Many jackets do not have an outer shell that is waterproof, since they come with an inner inner that is. That means the outer shell gets drenched and takes a while to dry and is also heavy, which makes a difference on a multi-day trip.

Without knowing your budget - this is something reasonable:
Firstgear Kilimanjaro Jacket - Cycle Gear

Olympia makes some decent gear like the Dakar and X-Moto stuff. I find their zippers and velcro fasteners to be a little low quality, but they are still good jackets overall.

If you went in the KLIM or Rukka gear type offerings then you are increasing the price point substantially.
 
I had an Olympia jacket and while it was really good for the price the zippers leaked. I have a 5 year old Klim Badlands jacket and the thing takes a beating and has never let me down. If I needed to ever replace it I’d buy the same thing again.
 
I have a Klim Latitude that I am very happy with. Lightweight, D30 armour, decent venting, and gore-tex.

I've used Klim warranty on a pair of their gloves and it was flawless. Very easy company to deal with.
 
If I were to buy a new jacket with the same requirements as you, I would also add that I want the outer shell to be as waterproof as possible.
Many jackets do not have an outer shell that is waterproof, since they come with an inner inner that is. That means the outer shell gets drenched and takes a while to dry and is also heavy, which makes a difference on a multi-day trip.

Without knowing your budget - this is something reasonable:
Firstgear Kilimanjaro Jacket - Cycle Gear

Olympia makes some decent gear like the Dakar and X-Moto stuff. I find their zippers and velcro fasteners to be a little low quality, but they are still good jackets overall.

If you went in the KLIM or Rukka gear type offerings then you are increasing the price point substantially.
I have a Klim Dakar, love it, not terribly expensive. Great ventilation, light colour stays cool under blistering sun, no liner but roomy enough to wear a fleece layer underneath if it gets cold.
 
Personally, I like layers and always carry around a lightweight waterproof shell because I tend to overheat when I'm wearing All-In-One jackets.

That said, my buddy wears a Klim Badlands jacket and he seems to do fine in it. Waterproof shell and has vents for warmer weather. Also, good protection, armor and abrasion. No liner though, but the thinking is that if you have a zip-in liner, it can only be used with that specific jacket. Most people want the versatility of having an extra layer that they can re-use with other jackets or to wear stand-alone as a lounger.

But there's no way I could wear anything as heavy as the Badlands in 25C+ weather. My go-to is always mesh and then add base layers + waterproof shell. My shell packs up in a sack roughly the size of a three smartphones stacked up. Stashes anywhere and not a burden to take with me.

IMO, All-In-One Jackets are like All Season Tires. Just adequate for all seasons, but excels in none.
 
My FXR adv jacket is great in cold, good in rain, ok in the warm.
I switch to my Alpinestar mesh jacket once it’s over 20c.I rode heavy rain for an hour before it started to leak a bit right at my belly area
 
I have an Olympia AG5 that I've worn regularly (95%) for 3 or 4 years now.
The rain liner goes on the outside, which is better. It's very good for a liner and has kept me dry.
Cons are the neck velcro which might be a little tight and loosens itself, and it's bright yellow & black, which is good for visibility, but it picks up dirt quickly. I've also been told that machine washing it can cause the glow in the dark stripe to dull over time.
 
Here's a few I've found that seem to fit my needs. Feel free to poo-poo them.






 
Here's a few I've found that seem to fit my needs. Feel free to poo-poo them.







They all look good for early/late season riding weather, but nothing I'd want to take out in the summer heat.

Description for the Dainese jacket explicitly states:

jacket may be a bit stifling in the warmer months.
 
Andes drystar is the one I own, quite happy with it
Does it have any zippered pockets either internal or external? I don’t see any external ones and I want something zippered for key-fob and phone.
 
mine has 2 zip chest pockets that also work as vents, I know odd, and an internal zip chest pocket. The two big flap pockets are velcro closure and are pretty dry and secure
 
I've been happy with my Scorpion XDR Commander jacket going on almost 10 years now. It's pretty bulletproof, but heavy and a little stiff. It has a removable waterproof liner, as well as a removable thermal liner which zips into the waterproof liner - which means for cold weather you end up having to wear everything. The best part about it is the storm collar, which keeps the cold air from getting down your neck front or back. I have a full mesh jacket for the hot weather, because this thing would be too warm on the really muggy days, even though there are lots of vents, and being black doesn't help. I've been passively shopping around for a replacement, and on the cheap end, would go with the Oxford Continental for something similar in terms of removable layers:


There's a model one up that moves the waterproofing to the shell, but can't remember what it's called - should be in that review video.

If you wanted something with more breathability for the summer while still being warm in the winter, the Scorpion Yosemite looks good for its waterproof shell removable liner along with the ability to expose large mesh panels on the chest and back:

 
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If you do get a jacket where the waterproofing is in the shell, and you plan on wearing it in warm weather, make sure it has direct venting, meaning the air will hit your skin. Indirect venting means the air vents open into the waterproof liner, which is a lot less effective. I found Revzilla's jacket reviews are mostly good at pointing out which type each one has.
 
This is mine. Usually on sale at Royal
Looked at that one and looks like it checks all the boxes at a cheap enough price that I could grab a second lighter coat for hot days but there’s no Large in stock. Coat isn’t on the FXR website so I’m guessing their street coats aren’t being made anymore.
 
Here's a few I've found that seem to fit my needs. Feel free to poo-poo them.






poo-poo. Buy what you think will work for your situation. You'll most likely end up with more than you need like me, but you'll learn something in the process.
 
Looked at that one and looks like it checks all the boxes at a cheap enough price that I could grab a second lighter coat for hot days
Those jackets are going to be fine for spring and fall, and early summer when it's 20 or below. But you will definitely need to get a summer jacket with the kinds of summers we are having, +30. This is my favorite summer jacket, it's full mesh, and there were still days when it was above 30 and I was still too hot.

 

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