Gear Up for Your Next Off-Road Ride With These Adventure Motorcycle Jackets

Protect yourself on your next journey with one of these top motorcycle jackets.

Best Overall

Klim Carlsbad Jacket

Best Value

Scorpion XDR Yosemite Motorcycle Adventure Touring Jacket

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If you’re an ADV rider, you enjoy taking the longer, scenic route, which often involves off-road trails and off-the-beaten-path destinations. Adventure riders don’t mind getting a little dirty and have more flexibility with their bikes than the typical commuter. Oftentimes ADV trips involve riding long distances, camping, and dirt bike trails. ADV riders are a bit fearless and thrive on pushing themselves and their bikes in sometimes challenging situations.

You also know the importance of high-quality riding gear. You need the best equipment to safely and comfortably reach your destination. One must-have article of clothing is an adventure motorcycle jacket. While they can be a little on the pricey side, they’re worth the investment because of the features they provide. Check out some of our favorites in the guide below.

Our Methodology

When it came to producing this list of good ADV jackets, we used our years of dirt and trail experience. As well as our experience with ADV jackets ourselves. From there, we chose an array from the top brands we love, as well as price ranges. The list below also reflects jackets for both men and women. 

Best Adventure Motorcycle Jackets Reviews & Recommendations

Best Overall

Dainese D-Explorer 2 Gore-Tex

Best Overall

u0026nbsp;Klim Carlsbad Jacket

Best Value

Scorpion XDR Yosemite Motorcycle Adventure Touring Jacket

Premium Pick

BMW Rallye Jacket

Honorable Mention

REV'IT! Sand 3 Jacket

Honorable Mention

Alpinestars Andes v3 Jacket

Honorable Mention

Klim Artemis Women's Jacket

Honorable Mention

Sedici Avventura Waterproof Jacket

Our Verdict

You can’t go wrong with either the Klim or the Dainese jackets. However, the Dainese just edges out the Klim. That said, any of these jackets are great and you won’t regret buying or using them. 

Types of Adventure Motorcycle Jackets

Thermal-Lined 

The best adventure motorcycle jackets are built to last throughout all four seasons. They are designed to handle different weather conditions and protect riders from wind, rain, snow, and more. Riders who want this kind of protection can find it in thermal-lined adventure motorcycle jackets. 

This type comes with a thermal inner layer and a thick outer shell. Both of these features can be removed for more convenience in different road situations. You can use a thermal inner liner to keep you warm, dry, and comfortable in the winter, and remove it when the temperatures rise. 

Unlined

Although thermal-lined jackets have removable liners, and you can use them during warmer weather, they are not as convenient as unlined jackets in the summer. Unlined adventure motorcycle jackets have vents and zippers to promote airflow and keep drivers cool at all times. 

Unlined jackets also have an armored shell and waterproof protection. However, you will have to buy a separate lining for the winter if you intend on wearing the same clothing item in all seasons. The good thing is that unlined jackets allow riders to select the type and number of layers they need, and add them accordingly. 

Adventure Motorcycle Jackets Pricing

Look, you’re gonna be spending a bunch of money no matter how you look at it. There are bargain options, but we don’t recommend them. After all, these jackets are designed to protect your hide in the event of a crash. Look to spend between $300 and $800 for a good-quality ADV jacket. 

Key Features

Here’s what you should look out for.

Protection

One of the first things to look for in an adventure motorcycle jacket is the protection it provides. There can be quite some hazards both on and off the road, and you want to be ready and safe at all times. Thus, the best clothing item you can get is the one that comes with armor so it can adequately protect you. 

Jackets with CE-certified armor can absorb impacts and keep drivers safe in case of crashes and accidents. Therefore, look for the CE logo on the adventure motorcycle jacket and double-check whether it has shoulder, elbow, and back armor. 

Waterproofing

Wherever you go with your motorcycle, chances are you’re going to get wet. To make your adventures worry-free, ensure you have a waterproof jacket. With it, you can ride in any weather and still stay dry and comfortable. 

It’s important to notice that not all adventure jackets have full protection against water. Some of them feature only a moisture-resistant inner liner, while others provide just an outer water-protective shell. We recommend you look for an adventure motorcycle jacket with both features. Only then you’ll have the protection you need from the weather. 

Ventilation

As an adventure rider, you will want to get a jacket with excellent ventilation. A breathable clothing item makes all the difference in the world in hot weather. It will not only keep you cool, but will also prevent sweating and discomfort, which is crucial for both short- and long-distance rides. 

To make sure your desired jacket has proper ventilation, look for zippered vents you can open and close whenever necessary. It would be best to find a jacket with vents on both the front and the back for superior air circulation. A removable inner liner also helps with ventilation because it allows for simple adjustments in the summer and winter. 

Tips

  • Think about the climate and conditions you plan to ride in. Get a jacket that’ll protect you from both the weather and the vegetation. Look for zipper vents and removable thermal liners. 
  • Look at the versatility of the jacket. You want a jacket that will work in a variety of conditions so that you can limit the number of separate pieces of gear you need to bring. 
  • While it isn’t everyone’s taste, a high-viz jacket will increase your visibility and safety. Bright yellow and reflective yellow will catch the eye and help you be seen.
  • Consider jackets that zip up to compatible pants. This will provide even more protection, which is helpful in inclement weather.

FAQs on Adventure Motorcycle Jackets

You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.

Q. How do I buy the right size motorcycle jacket?

A. First, take your basic measurements around your chest, waist, and the length of your arms. From there, think about what you plan to wear under your jacket. A T-shirt won’t add bulk but multiple layers will, which could increase the size of the jacket you need to buy. 

Q. Does the material in an adventure motorcycle jacket matter?

A. You betcha. You want an ADV jacket that is water-resistant or waterproof, has high abrasion resistance, armor, and will still breath when it’s hot or you’re out in the desert. This isn’t a place for a leather jacket.

Q. Can I use a regular motorcycle jacket for tour riding?

A. Technically, you can wear any jacket you want, but other styles aren’t manufactured with touring in mind. Touring jackets are sewn to fit the riding position and conditions. This creates a more comfortable jacket that can be worn long-term. 

Andra DelMonico has dedicated her writing career to sharing her passion for cars and motorcycles. She has 15 years of experience owning, riding, and working on both sportbikes and cruisers, at one point rebuilding her Kawasaki ZX14. She also has a fully modified Toyota XRunner. As a young girl, she would routinely attend classic and high-end car shows with her father, who she credits with instilling her passion for automobiles. As a writer, Andra has utilized her knowledge and passion to write compelling and detailed content for a wide variety of automotive and motorcycle industry clients.