Here’s a selection of the best motorcycle touring jackets on the market today. This packed guide explains what to look out for and details the pros, cons, features and our winners to help you find the perfect jacket.
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Motorcycle Touring Jackets
A touring jacket is more than just a ‘normal’ motorcycle jacket. Not only does it have to keep you safe in the event of a crash, but it also has to keep you comfortable regardless of the weather you’re riding in. In one word? Versatile.
This is by no means an exhaustive list – there are hundreds of motorcycle touring jackets to choose from – but it does detail jackets we believe should be on your list if you want a seriously good quality jacket.
What makes a good motorcycle touring jacket?
You’re going to be covering a lot of miles in this jacket in various conditions. A good motorcycle touring jacket will be able to keep your body at a comfortable temperature no matter the weather, keep you dry in the wet and be comfortable for long days in the saddle. We’re not asking for much, then!
You’re going to be covering a lot of miles in your jacket, and unfortunately not all of those miles will be in perfect conditions. Reliable waterproofing can make a huge difference on a long tour. If your jacket isn’t fully waterproof and lets in a little water in the morning, the rest of the day will be uncomfortable.
Being too cold while riding is horrible, being too hot while riding is uncomfortable. A good touring jacket should be able to keep your body at a comfortable temperature in a wide variety of temperatures. That means a good quality thermal lining (preferably removable), and good ventilation.
The adjustability of a jacket may sound like a trivial matter, but adjusting a jacket can make all the difference to comfort on longer rides.
What’s the difference between a touring and adventure jacket?
Motorcycle touring and adventure jackets share many of the same qualities. They both need to be comfortable, breathable and protective. The difference between them though, is that touring jackets focus more on all-weather riding and are designed to keep riders warm and dry in the worst conditions as well as those touring around the UK and Europe through multiple climates. While adventure styled jackets lean more towards riders who need a blend of touring and off-roading with added ventilation. For more info on adventure jackets and touring, check out these articles below:
READ MORE:
The 10 BEST Motorcycle Touring Jackets
Oxford Mondial
Quick info: from £189.99, removable thermal lining
The Oxford Mondial Advanced jacket may appear cheap, but it has all the features necessary for a reliable motorcycle touring jacket. That means it’s both waterproof and breathable, with a removable thermal lining for colder rides. There’s plenty of ventilation and pockets, as well as adjustability at the waist and arms, ensuring maximum comfort.
The Mondial jacket also features CE protection at the elbows and shoulders, as well as a pocket for a back protector, and connecting zips for use with trousers.
- Removable waterproof liner: No (Dry2Dry laminated waterproof membrane)
- Removable thermal liner: Yes (WarmDry)
- Ventilation: Zip-operated chest panels
- Adjustability: Waist and arms
- Trouser connection: Yes, full length and short connecting zip
- Extra features: Reflective detailing
- Low price
- Large ventilation panels
- Lightweight
- Tough outer shell construction
- Back protector not included
- Minimal pockets
- Tech Green – £189.99
- Tech Grey – £249.99
- Tech Black – £224.99
- Grey/Blue/Red – £249.99
- Ladies Tech Black – £249.99
- Black – £174.99
- Grey/Blue/Red – £199.99
- Ladies Black – £199.99
- Long – Black – £79.98
- Long – Grey – £79.98
- Short – Green – £89.99
- Short – Black – £89.99
Rukka Nivala 2.0
Quick info: from £1,249.98, chest protector included
The Rukka Nivala jacket has been updated to the Nivala 2.0 and it’s a serious heavyweight when it comes to motorcycle touring jackets. The only difference between the 1 and 2 version is the type of stretch material.
And yes, it’s not the cheapest jacket, but it’s packed with plenty of tech that make it one of the best jackets for wearing over long distances, touring and especially cold and wet weather riding. The jacket is made from a mix of high-tech aramid fibres and Cordura, and features a Gore-Tex Pro stretch laminate layer to keep the water out (one of the best on the market) and allow your skin to breathe.
There’s also a removable thermal liner, removable collar, chest protector, D3O armour, waterproof pockets and added ventilation.
- Removable waterproof liner: No (Gore-Tex Pro construction)
- Removable thermal liner: Yes (100g filling)
- Ventilation: Shoulders and sides
- Adjustability: Upper and lower arms, hips
- Trouser connection: Yes
- Extra features: Chest protector included and proper removable thermal jacket that can be worn off the bike
- Chest protector included
- Gore-Tex Pro layer
- Good ventilation
- Versatile
- Excellent removable thermal jacket
- The price
- Jacket, £1,249 – Black / Orange / Fluo
- Trousers, £899 – Black
- Gloves, £195 – Black
Klim Latitude
Quick info: from £699.99, long distance comfort design
Klim are a well-known brand in the adventure bike market, and for good reason. Their equipment is always practical, versatile, and performs exactly as advertised. The Klim Latitude jacket is no different.
It features two layers of Gore-Tex, instead of a removable waterproof liner, adjustable armour pockets for maximum comfort, plenty of vents, and lots of pockets, including two hidden pockets on the chest and back.The Klim Latitude jacket comes complete with top-spec armour from D3O, including a back protector as standard.
- Removable waterproof liner: No (Gore-Tex layer)
- Removable thermal liner: No
- Ventilation: Arms and chest
- Adjustability: Arms and waist
- Trouser connection: Yes (full length)
- Extra features: Secret document pocket, adjustable armour pockets
- Good ventilation
- Designed for long-distance comfort
- Plenty of pockets
- Gore-Tex construction
- Back protector as standard
No thermal liner
- Black- £699.99
- Grey/Fluo Yellow – £699.99
- Grey – £699.99
- Red – £699.99
- Hi-vis – £659.99
- Black – £659.99
- Grey – £659.99
- Black – £549.99
- Grey) – £539.99
- Black – £579.99
- Grey – £579.99
Alpinestars Andes V3 Drystar
Quick info: from £197.96, airbag compatible
The Andes V3 Drystar jacket has all the bells and whistles you could want when it comes to a motorcycle touring jacket. The jacket includes Alpinestars’ Drystar waterproof and breathable membrane to offer 100% waterproofing, as well as a removable thermal liner. The Andes V3 also has plenty of storage capacity, with two waterproof pockets on the front of the jacket, a large utility pocket at the back, and an internal waterproof pocket.
As standard the Andes V3 comes with CE protection in the shoulders and elbows, but there are pockets for a back protector and chest protector, and the jacket is even compatible with the Tech-Air 5 airbag system.
- Removable waterproof liner: No (Drystar waterproof and breathable membrane)
- Removable thermal liner: Yes
- Ventilation: Chest and rear exhaust vents
- Adjustability: Waist, arms, internal cord
- Trouser connection: Yes
- Extra features: Compatible with Tech-Air 5 airbag, pocket for optional chest protector
- Airbag compatible
- Pocket for chest protector
- Good ventilation
- Pre-curved arms
Back protector not included
- Dark Blue/Black – £197.96
- Black – £197.98
- Ice Grey/Dark Grey – £199.56
- Dark Khaki Camo – £233.99
- Forest Military Green – £197.98
- Grey/Dark Grey/Coral – £233.99
- Black/Grey – £233.99
- Ice Grey/Dark Grey – £188.99
- Black – £169.98
- Forest Military Green – £188.99 Ice Grey/Dark Grey – £188.99 Black – £188.99
- Black – £76.49
- Black/ Forest Green – £76.49
Richa Atlantic
Quick info: from £759.99, Gore-Tex laminated construction
Richa have over 10 years’ experience creating high quality motorcycle equipment, and the Atlantic jacket continues that trend. The Atlantic jacket features a laminated Gore-Tex construction, so it’s both waterproof and breathable, as well as large waterproof vents and a removable thermal liner.
The Richa Atlantic jacket has 11 pockets, so you’ll never run out of space for your valuables, and comes with D3O armour as standard in the elbows and shoulders, with a pocket for a back protector.
- Removable waterproof liner: No (laminated Gore-Tex liner)
- Removable thermal liner: Yes
- Ventilation: Chest
- Adjustability: Waist and arms
- Trouser connection: Full length zip
- Extra features: Waterproof ventilation, eleven pockets
Gore-Tex construction
Lots of pockets
Waterproof ventilation
Storm flap
Back protector sold separately
- Black – £759.99
- Grey – £759.99
- Black/Fluo – £759.99
- Black – £499.99
- Grey – £499.99
- Black – £129.99
- Grey – £129.99
- Black/Titanium – £129.99
- Grey/Blue – £107.99
- Black – £149.99
- Brown – £134.99
Rukka Rimo-R
Quick info: from £599, six year warranty
The Rukka Rimo-R has taken this spot from the Rukka Flexius, which is now discontinued. It easily takes over because it shares many of the same qualities. As with most higher end jackets, the Rimo-R features a laminated Gore-Tex membrane instead of a removable waterproof liner. This means the jacket is waterproof as well as breathable.
It comes with more pockets than its predecessor, including two large outside pockets with zips, sleeve pocket and a large rear map pocket as well as two waterproof inner pockets.
But, unlike many previous iterations of Rukka jackets, the Rimo-R comes with added zipped ventilation along the sides, chest, back and upper and lower arms to make this more comfortable in warmer weather too.
- Removable waterproof liner: No (Gore-Tex membrane)
- Removable thermal liner: No
- Ventilation: Sides, arms, chest and back
- Adjustability: Upper and lower arm and waist
- Trouser connection: Full length
- Extra features: Added ventilation
- Good price for a premium Rukka jacket
- Gore-Tex pro laminate membrane
- Added ventilation for all weather riding
All armour must be purchased separately
- Jacket, £599 – Grey and Red
- Trousers, £489 – Black
RST GT
Quick info: from £129.99, external impact shoulder armour
The RST GT jacket has a much shorter and sportier cut than most of the jackets featured on this list, but that doesn’t mean it can’t hold its own when it comes to tours and long rides. The GT features a waterproof and breathable SinAqua membrane, as well as a removable thermal liner for colder rides.
The jacket doesn’t feature any ventilation, but it is reinforced with Maxtex for added durability. The shorter cut of the RST GT jacket means it will be the most comfortable for touring on sportier motorcycles.
- Removable waterproof liner: No (SinAqua membrane)
- Removable thermal liner: Yes
- Ventilation: No
- Adjustability: Hips, arms
- Trouser connection: Full length
- Extra features: external shoulder armour, reinforced with Maxtex
- SinAqua waterproof membrane
- Additional external shoulder armour
- Reinforced construction
Short cut – not ideal for cold weather touring
- Black/White – £129.99
- Black – £129.99
- Black/Blue – £129.99
- Black/Red – £129.99
- Black – £199.99
- Black/White – £199.99
- Black – £239.98
- Black – £149.99
- Black/White – £149.99
- Black/Blue – £149.99
Richa Cyclone
Quick info: from £499.99, 3L Gore-Tex lining
The Richa Cyclone has been developed to keep the wearer comfortable no matter the conditions. The Cyclone features a 3L Gore-Tex lining – the only system currently on the market that is guaranteed to be 100% waterproof and breathable. There’s a removable thermal lining and vents on the front to keep the temperature comfortable while riding. CE Level 1 armour from D3O is featured at the elbows, shoulders and back as standard.
- Removable waterproof liner: No (Gore-Tex lining)
- Removable thermal liner: Yes
- Ventilation: Chest and back
- Adjustability: Waist and arms
- Trouser connection: Full length
- Extra features: Gore-Tex stretch panels, D3O back protector included
- Gore-Tex liner
- Back protector included
- Good adjustability
- Adjustable lower hem
Not much ventilation
- Black- £499.99
- Titanium – £499.99
- Black/Fluo yellow – £429.98
- Black – £389.99
- Black – £389.99
Dainese Stelvio D-Air D-Dry
Quick info: from £989, built in airbag
The Dainese Stelvio D-Air is a new jacket from Dainese and takes over from the Carve Master 2 that was previously on this list.
It’s a pricey jacket, but comes with D-Air technology, meaning it has a built in airbag system covering your chest and back. So, as far as safety goes, this is right at the top of the list. This type of airbag differs from the original systems because it works using sensors in your jacket instead of you having to tether the jacket to your bike or adding external sensors to your bike.
Impressive airbag aside, it comes with a Dainese waterproof outer membrane, air vents up front and back, two external pockets up front, a rear map pocket and an internal pocket and hip, waist, arm and wrist adjustments.
- Removable waterproof liner: No (D-Dry XT membrane)
- Removable thermal liner: No
- Ventilation: Chest and back
- Adjustability: Waist, wrists, arms
- Trouser connection: NA
- Extra features: D-Air Airbag System
- Integrated airbag system that works on sensors inside the jacket
- Waterproof and windproof outer membrane
- Good adjustability
Hefty price tag, but comes with airbag system technology
- Jacket, £989 – Black and Red / Black
The Best Motorcycle Touring Jacket Winners
The Best Budget Motorcycle Touring Jacket: Oxford Mondial
Oxford have a great reputation for producing good quality products at affordable prices, and the Mondial jacket is no different. Despite the price tag, the Mondial features a Dry2Dry laminated waterproof membrane, ventilation, and plenty of adjustability. Unfortunately there’s no back protector included, but that can be forgiven at this price.
The Best Features Motorcycle Touring Jacket: Rukka Nivala 2
It’s no surprise to see the Rukka Nivala here, especially with the four figure price tag, which is the only really negative about this jacket. The jacket features plenty of ventilation, a Gore-Tex Pro stretch laminate layer, removable collar and D3O armour – which includes a chest protector as standard.
The Best All-Round Motorcycle Touring Jacket: Klim Latitude
The Klim comes out on top thanks to its vast amount of features and the practicality of the jacket. The Latitude isn’t a cheap jacket, but it’s also far from the most expensive jacket here, which we think makes it great value if you’re going to be covering huge miles. There are plenty of vents, secret pockets and adjustable armour for ultimate comfort. The only downside? There’s no thermal lining.
Read more on motorcycle clothing, gear and touring
Thanks for checking out our Best Motorcycle Touring Jackets Guide. We hope you enjoyed it! Here are a few more articles on motorcycle clothing, gear and touring that we recommend you read next.
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Looking for a new motorcycle touring jacket or have any questions on bike gear? Ask away in the comments below!
I hadn’t ever thought of a touring jacket being different from an adventure jacket before. I always just assumed they were the same thing, just styling. What would you recommend for a mix of touring and off roading? thanks
Hi,
Good question, for a mix of touring and off-roading I’d opt for an adventure style jacket. If you’re only trail riding in the UK and in the colder months, then it’s not as important, but if heading to hotter climates and riding off-road you’ll quickly work up a sweat and so ventilation is very important. And so is having a jacket with removable liners and that’s also breathable. I’d go for an adventure jacket with plenty of vents and decent protection and one without any liners. Then buy a compressible down jacket to wear underneath when touring in colder temps and keep a cheap waterproof throwover on the bike in case it rains. You’ve then got the best of both worlds.
Hope this helps,
Cheers.