Top 10 Motorcycle Touring Jackets 2023
What does motorcycle touring mean? It means being away from home, on the open road, accompanied by your beloved machine. Whether you’re turning through trees on a canopied twisty, or taking in views from a mountainside switchback, one thing’s for sure, motorcycle touring means freedom and fun! But, why in particular, do we need motorcycle touring jackets?
A good place to start is recognising your prolonged exposure while riding on tour. It’s likely to involve long periods of time with limited luggage, so the jacket you choose will have to be versatile, and suitable for all the conditions you might encounter while taking your ride.
With motorcycle touring jackets being among the most common type, it can be hard to filter through the various options. They are constantly being upgraded with new technology, and more advanced features, so choosing the one can be confusing.
Well, no more head scratching, because here are the Top 10 Motorcycle Touring Jackets available in 2023. They are new to the market, or revamped versions of previous models, all of which possess the desirable attributes in the features section below.
Features Of Motorcycle Touring Jackets
Comfort
Wet weather dampens the mood as much as the road. It’s hard to think of a worse discomfort than wearing a wet jacket, which is why it’s essential to stay as dry as possible. The best motorcycle touring jackets will feature thorough waterproofing or repellency, with either an internal membrane, or branded exterior construct, such as Dry2Dry or Drystar. Many of the motorcycle touring jackets reviewed here include Gore-Tex, the most waterproof material available.
Storm flaps are often found underneath closures to prevent even the sneakiest drops from getting in, and personal items can be protected in waterproof pockets. Along with the rain, wind can be blocked by a high neckline, which can be Velcro fastened or buttoned shut. Soft fabrics, such as neoprene, usually line these areas for added comfort.
You may not expect to feel cold when touring a sunny country, but if you travel to altitudes it can become biting. In this case, a detachable thermal liner can keep you cosy, then be removed again when it isn’t needed. If you’re touring a colder climate, you’re braver than me, and trapping your body heat will be made that much easier with a quilted thermal liner.
If the thought of thermals is making you sweat, imagine the heat as you ride in the sun. Without shade. For hours on end. On these occasions the priority is air – letting it in, and moving it around. Ventilation panels and mesh liners make all this possible. But it’s not quite as simple as that, because oncoming wind can puff up your jacket. Ideally, modern motorcycle touring jackets will host rear exhaust vents, which will encourage air to flow around the body before exiting backwardly. This aerating process will cool you down more efficiently, whilst simultaneously preventing you from acting as a human parachute.
Last but not least, adjustable straps and cuff sizing will enhance your comfort levels tremendously. As well as finding the perfect fit, in terms of tension and tightness, they can stop the jacket from riding up, moving around or feeling baggy. Correctly adjusted cuffs will keep unwanted wind from blowing up your sleeve, and they can be adapted to fit over, or under, your motorcycle riding gloves. Tweaking the waist straps keeps the jacket in place, thus benefiting the rider with agility and a full range of movements.
Safety & Practicality
Riding abroad presents a whole new set of dangers for motorcyclists to be aware of. Unfamiliar signs, laws of the road and local driving habits require due care and attention, and even then, the unexpected can happen. That makes it as important as ever to shield yourself from harm, by kitting yourself out with a protective motorcycle jacket.
Hard armour in vulnerable impact zones, such as the elbows, shoulders, back and chest, will reduce the shock taken in a fall, which in turn, can prevent broken bones. The best motorcycle touring jackets will also be airbag compatible. This feature is a worthy investment, as inflated airbags support your neck and spine, as well as guard your internal organs.
All the motorcycle touring jackets below include at least elbow and shoulder armour, with some housing back and chest armour as standard. One is also airbag ready, while another already includes an integrated airbag system.
Closely woven exterior constructs can save you from serious frictional damage if you come off your bike at high speed. Nylon-based Cordura, and Kevlar aramid fibres, are commonly utilised for their unique abilities to withstand forces that can cause shredding, tearing or slicing. Double stitching, and reinforced fabrics like Armacor, are extra properties that strengthen a jacket’s abrasion resistance, and should be sought out where possible.
Matching pairs of motorcycle touring trousers, that connect to the motorcycle touring jackets selected via a zip attachment, have been linked, as they improve the jackets’ abrasion resistant qualities. Attachment zips stop jackets from riding up and exposing the skin if the rider is sliding on their back.
Final traits to consider when deciding on your jacket should be in regards to its practicality. Easy to operate, hard-wearing zips, buttons or Velcro straps should be present throughout. Weatherproof, secure pockets, large enough to store your personal items safely are also a must. Inside and out.
It should really go without saying, but the sizing of your jacket should be precise. It needs to be fitted to the body, with enough room to manoeuvre around in, without feeling too spacious inside. Ladies versions of these motorcycle touring jackets have also been linked where available.
Top 10 Motorcycle Touring Jackets 2023
Klim Badlands Pro A3 Gore-Tex Jacket
Raising the bar yet again, Klim have been the stand-alone trailblazers when it comes to motorcycle touring jackets since 2021. Levelling up their Pro model to its new A3 status for 2023, it now dons a CE AAA rating – the highest safety rating achievable.
• 3 layer waterproof Gore-Tex Pro shell, with a moisture wicking internal mesh liner.
• Vectran fabric reinforcements, Superfabric zones, and D3O shoulder, elbow and back armour included.
• 12 ventilation zips, 14 pockets, plus multiple adjustable straps for a perfectly tailored fit.
Complete the set with the Klim Badlands Pro A3 Gore-Tex Trousers.
Rev'it Offtrack 2 H2O Textile Jacket
Recently upgraded from the original Offtrack, these Rev’it motorcycle touring jackets (yes, plural!) can be worn separately, for different purposes. The outer jacket can be worn for better waterproofing and added warmth, or simply stored in the inner jacket’s rear pocket when unneeded.
• 600D high density polyester exterior, with PWR| shell ripstop, and Softshell 3L.
• 3L hydratex over jacket, plus removable hydratex|3L liner and thermal liner included.
• Aerating chest panels, air outlets on the back, and more pockets than you can shake a spanner at.
Full zip attachment for Rev’it Offtrack 2 H2O Textile Trousers.
Rukka Explore-R Textile Jacket
Refining premium quality with no corners cut, this AA rated motorcycle touring jacket ticks all the boxes, and then some. Chock-a-block with impact absorbing armour, including a D3O CP1 CE Level 1 chest protector, and D3O Air XTR Level 2 All Back protector.
• Gore-Tex Pro 3-layer construct, plus Gore-Tex lined collar and cuffs.
• Cordura 1500D reinforcements, for added abrasion resistance.
• Ventilation panels across the chest, back, sleeves, sides and shoulders, provide optimal airflow.
Full zip attachment for Rukka Explore-R Textile Trousers.
Oxford Mondial 2.0 Textile Jacket
The much anticipated successor of the ultra popular Mondial Advanced! Newly designed to be more breathable and roomy, giving the rider greater flexibility as they move around the bike.
• Constructed of Dry2Dry Trilaminate, with a removable WarmDry thermal liner.
• Handy chest vents, conveniently opened using water-resistant zips.
• CE A rated, with CE Level 2 shoulder and elbow armour as standard.
Full zip attachment for Oxford Mondial 2.0 Textile Trousers.
Also available in a ladies version.
Dainese Ladakh 3L D-Dry Textile Jacket
Created with off-road adventures in mind, the Dainese Ladakh offers attention to detail like no other. Ever seen the magic magnetic system you can connect your gloves to?
• Detachable D-Dry waterproof membrane, underneath a 600D Polyester Oxford exterior.
• Pro-Armour protectors located on the elbows and shoulders.
• 5 pockets, one of which is waterproof, and 6 direct-to-body vents, with one on the rear neck.
Full zip attachment for Dainese Ladakh 3L D-Dry Textile Trousers.
Also available in a ladies version.
RST Axiom Plus Airbag CE Textile Jacket
Here it is, the motorcycle touring jacket featuring an inbuilt In&Motion airbag protector! Lightweight and dependable, covering you for up to 30 hours on the road (click for subscription details).
• Abrasion resistant MaxTex exterior, further strengthened by core spun polyester thread.
• SinAqua waterproof lining, plus a 100g removable thermal for lower temperatures.
• Comforting soft-touch neoprene collar, with adjustable tabs on the forearms, biceps, waist and gusset.
Alpinestars Monteira Drystar XF Jacket
Designed to withstand all weather conditions, the fast drying Monteira brings convenience and ease to the table. One hand operational pockets and vents make it easy for adventure riders to do what they have to, without any fiddling about.
• 600D Dobby woven reinforcements compliment a laminated 2L 450D hard shell.
• 80g full sleeve thermal liner, and ventilation panels for temperature regulation.
• Airbag ready, compatible with the Alpinestars Tech-Air 5 Airbag.
Complete the set with the Alpinestars Monteira Drystar XF Textile Trousers.
Alpinestars Monteira Drystar XF Jacket
Held Omberg Gore-Tex Textile Jacket
Fresh for 2023, and able to keep you refreshed! This unique jacket is ideal for those longer touring stints, as its compatibility with the Held drink bag enables you stay hydrated whilst you ride.
• Water coming in isn’t always wanted, and this jacket’s Gore-Tex 3L laminate construct does a great job of keeping it out!
• Armacor reinforced, for added abrasion resistance.
• CE Level 2 D3O T5 EvoProXadaptive shoulder and elbow armour included, with integrated pockets for optional back, rib and hip armour.
Full zip attachment for Held Omberg Touring Gore-Tex Textile Trousers.
Richa Cyclone 2 Gore-Tex Jacket
Built for unrivalled comfort in the category, featuring neoprene finishing, accordion stretch panels and a soft mesh lining. Everything about this motorcycle jacket fills you with confidence, from its cosiness to its safety attributes.
• D3O shoulder, elbow, and back shields included, with internal segment for optional chest protection.
• Airtech Control System for free-flowing aeration, and a removable liner for colder conditions.
• Gore-Tex Z-liner, and a frontal storm flap, make it highly water resistant.
Full zip attachment for Richa Cyclone 2 Gore-Tex Textile Trousers.
Also available in a ladies version.
Merlin Mahala Pro 3-in-1 Explorer Jacket
Fully equipped with D3O impact absorbing armour on the chest, back, elbows and shoulders, the Merlin Mahala Pro will have you guarded securely on any adventure. If going off the beaten track is your cup of tea, the exploratory style will be right up your street.
• Weatherproofed by a 12oz Cordura cotton exterior, and a 3-in-1 interchangeable waterproof liner.
• Large ventilation panels allow air to circulate effectively.
• External Merlin branded stud closure pockets, plus internal pockets for safer keeping.
Complete the set with the Merlin Mahala Pro 3-in-1 Explorer Trousers and Merlin Mahala D3O WP Explorer Gloves.
Also available in a ladies version.
Merlin Mahala Pro 3-in-1 Explorer Jacket
All the excitement of a motorcycle tour warrants the necessary preparation to ensure that the experience is as enjoyable as possible. Much of that will come down to your mind state, and there’s nothing quite like feeling at ease while your riding. The best motorcycle touring jackets will help you achieve this, by keeping you protected and comfortable, whilst being practical and versatile.
New iterations are refined, then brought to a market so saturated with other motorcycle touring jackets, that they go almost unnoticed. For the motorbike jackets mentioned here, it was impossible to let that happen, so their supremacy has been highlighted as the best motorcycle touring jackets available in 2023.
If you have any further queries about these products or How To Choose Your Riding Gear, please don’t hesitate to Contact Rider UK.