Top 5 Adventure Jackets In 2021

Adventure jackets share a lot in common with touring jackets but are designed specifically to withstand off-road activities. Because of this, abrasion resistance is less of a concern. You rarely, if ever, see leather used in adventure jackets. This is because mud and moisture are inescapable, and leather isn’t known as being a very breathable fabric. Since you tend to move around more during off-road riding, comfortability and flexibility are of utmost importance. Whether you’re just starting your adventure riding journey, or if you’re a seasoned rider, it’s always difficult choosing the best jacket to suit your needs. Here at MotoReview, we’ve put together a list of all the Top 5 Adventure Jackets of 2021 so you can get out there and enjoy your ride.

Top 5 Adventure Jackets In 2021

• RST Pro Series Adventure-X
• REV’IT! Sand 3
• Dainese D-Explorer Gore-tex Jacket
• Alpinestars Andes V2 Drystar Jacket
• REV’IT! Neptune 2 GTX Gore-tex Jacket

RST Pro Series Adventure-X

Packing a waterproof SinAqua membrane and reinforced with a MaxTex outer shell, the Adventure-X is a popular choice amongst serious riders. Ventilation is thoughtfully placed along the chest and arms with air channelling out of the rear exhausts. Thanks to the mesh behind these vents, air flows through easily, cooling the upper body. This jacket also comes with a CE level 2 back protector, shoulder armour, elbow armour, and Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) external shoulder cups.

The Pro-Series Adventure-X also comes with a removable inner X-Liner. This thermal, waterproof liner is perfect for cold, rainy days. It can also be easily removed and stored in the rear map pocket of the jacket when the weather starts to warm up, making this the perfect four-season jacket.

The stretch motion panels and adjustment points on the arms and waist of the jacket ensure a comfortable and snug fit. With ballistic textile overlaid on all critical areas and triple bonding using a coated nylon thread, this jacket isn’t only incredibly comfortable, but it is also incredibly safe.

The RST Pro Series Adventure-X jacket is top-of-the-line and one of the best adventure jackets on the market. Endorsed by adventure riding specialist Mick Extance, not many jackets can offer the same level of protection and comfort that this one can.

To read our full review of the RST Pro-Series Adventure-X click here.

REV’IT! Sand 3

The REV’IT! Sand 3 Adventure Jacket is super lightweight and durable. The outer shell is comprised of a three-layer Polyester and PWR Fleece Ripstop ensuring comfortability and safety. This jacket comes with both external and internal pockets which allow you to store smaller valuables such as wallets and phones. It also has mounts to attach neck braces and high-vis vests, further increasing the safety of the jacket. There are also dual zips on the chest that allows you to fine-tune the ventilation in the jacket.

Versatility is key to this jacket’s design. The Sand 3 Jacket has excellent all-season functionality due to the included removable waterproof and thermal liner. It has also been designed for use with the Leatt and Moveo neck brace, greatly increasing the jacket’s utility and safety. The only downside of this jacket is that it doesn’t come with a back protector, which is seen in other models at this price point. You can, however, purchase one separately.

Dainese D-Explorer 2 Gore-tex Jacket

With a waterproof rating of 45,000 mm and an incredibly versatile and effective ventilation system, Dainese D-Explorer 2 Gore-Tex Jacket is truly made for all climates and conditions. Gore-tex is a material that is simultaneously waterproof and breathable. It means any water vapour from your sweat will be able to pass through, but beads of water will roll-off.

Zone 1 and 2 critical areas are reinforced with Trixior D-TEC fabric inserts. These are abrasion-resistant, tear-resistant, high strength and flexible inserts. The D-Explorer 2 also includes a CE level 2 back protector and level 2 shoulder and elbow protection.

This jacket also features a pair of waterproof front pockets, two cargo pockets, an inner pocket and a document holder pocket on the sleeve. This ensures convenience and practicality in all situations.

Alpinestars Andes V2 Drystar Jacket

The Andes v2 may have a low price point, but the features it manages to pack into the design are astounding. Although this is a breathable jacket, the waterproof outer shell limits this to some degree. If you are riding at temperatures below 30°C, this jacket is remarkably comfortable. However, when exceeding these temperatures, this jacket tends to warm up quickly. When riding in temperatures between 24°C-30°C, the Direct Ventilation System (DVS) blows air directly on to the body and leaves through rear exhausts. This, in conjunction with the 3d mesh, makes a big difference in cooling efficiency.

Complimenting these features, this jacket incorporates a hidden shock cord that can fix the intake vents in your chosen direction. This helps allows as much air in the jacket as possible and minimises distractions while riding. You can also remove the long-sleeve thermal liner inside the jacket on warm days.

REV’IT! Neptune 2 GTX Gore-tex Jacket

With a Teflon-coated outer shell, the REV’IT! Neptune 2 GTX Gore-tex Jacket is abrasion-resistant to a high degree whilst also being both breathable and waterproof. Plus, the removable Gore-tex liner makes this jacket comfortable regardless of the weather. Also included is a removable thermal liner, greatly adding to this jacket’s versatility and allowing it to be used all year round. There are clips and straps located at the hem, cuffs, waist, and lower arms. These are all adjustable and allow you to customise the fit to your body with ease.

The Neptune 2 Jacket offers more connection zippers than most other jackets, which means not only can you connect it to the matching Neptune 2 Pants, but you can also connect it to a Challenger cooling vest insert and a neon hi-vis vest. Elbow and shoulder protectors are included and rated at CE level 2, paired with laminated reflective accents for increased visibility. There is room for both a back and chest protector. However, they are not included. The only downside to this jacket is that the cotton cuff on the sleeves of the liner can wick up the arm after prolonged exposure to rain.

Final Thoughts

The RST Pro Series Adventure-X takes the top spot for being the most feature-packed and durable jacket with four-season functionality at a modest price. The REV’IT! Sand 3 takes second place as it is reliable with a great deal of functionality over four seasons. Dainese takes third place with the D-Explorer 2 Gore-tex jacket. This entry is made from premium materials, is very durable and exceptionally comfortable. The Alpinestars Andes V2 Drystar jacket is the best option for cold climates due to the effectiveness of the insulation. The REV’IT! Neptune 2 GTX Gore-tex Jacket comes with a removable Gore-tex liner and features an additional connection zipper for both a cooling vest and a high visibility vest. However, the price is higher than average, and it is not as feature-packed as the D-Explorer 2.

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