A good quality jacket is a must-have in every biker’s wardrobe. As with other touring gear, the primary function of a jacket is to protect the rider. A great jacket would offer optimum protection against bruises and wounds in the case of an accident while being comfortable and stylish.
The best riding jackets go further by protecting you from wind and water and keeping you warm to enjoy your touring more. Although many apparels in stores go by the name riding jacket, not all fit the bill. This is why we have examined many riding jackets and gathered the cream of the crop here.
1. GP Plus R V3 RideKnit Leather Jacket from Alpinestars
Price: $599.95
This jacket is made from a mixture of materials to simultaneously grant you the utmost comfort and protection. The main chassis is made of 1.3mm cowhide leather, while the inner is made from RideKnit. Rideknit is a mixture made from microfiber, mesh, and thermo-welded microfiber.
This combination makes the jacket highly breathable, extremely tough to abrasions, and perspiration wicking. Because the jacket is compatible with the Alpinestars TechAir 5 airbag vest, which has a CE Level 2 back protector, this jacket does not come with a back protector.
2. Atomic 5.0 Jacket from Joe Rocket.
Price: $149.99
The Atomic 5.0 is an excellent riding jacket considering its price tag. This jacket made by combining Hitena and Rock Tex is suitable for warm and cold climates. The style of the jacket is comfortable yet versatile and secure. The jacket’s exterior is abrasion-resistant and waterproof, while the interior is breathable and comfy. For the interior, there is a removable insulated liner. Also, you can use the opening or closing of the zippers to control airflow, depending on your needs.
As the protective gear it is meant to be, it has CE-approved elbow and shoulder pads and pockets for additional armor. Although it comes with a back protector, replacing it with a more substantial one is best to get optimum protection using this jacket. Additional features include a pant-connection zipper, neoprene cuffs, pockets, etc.
3. ADV Waterproof Jacket from Sedici Garda.
Price: $249.99
This jacket is made to protect you from water, provide good airflow and be easy to move, all in a pocket-friendly package. The jacket is made from 600D laminated textile and has some—1200D reinforced sections for additional protection. The jacket also offers protection with the textured rubber panel in common impact areas. There’s a CE-rated armor at the shoulder and elbow and a pocket to accommodate a back protector as the jacket doesn’t come with one. The jacket has six vents and a full mesh airflow lining for good airflow. For fit and adjustments, the jacket is fitted with adjustable straps. Additionally, the jacket has a pant-connection zipper, neoprene edges, microfiber-lined collar, and carbon reflective trims.
4. Scorpion EXO 1909 Leather Jacket
Price: $499.95
This cool riding jacket is a perfect fit for a café rider. The overall package of the EXO 1909 is toughness, ruggedness, durability, and functionality. The jacket was designed as a tribute to the Indiana Motor Speedway, founded in 1909. The jacket’s material provided protection using Sas-Tec Level 2 armor at the shoulder and elbow. The pocket is made so it can fit in a Sas-Tec back protector. The jacket is very breathable as it offers plenty of ventilation, and it comes with a removable EverHeat liner.
It has pant zippers, zipper closures, and adjustment tabs for the fitting. Other details in this jacket include the antique brass zipper it has throughout, perforated panels and zipper vents.