In the May 2024 issue of Rider, I stated in my First Gear column – “Invest in Yourself” – that, as part of our commitment to safety, our staffers are now required to wear an airbag vest anytime they are on a test bike or at a press launch. Fully autonomous airbag vests are so effective at protecting a rider’s torso and vital organs that we consider them as indispensable as a full-coverage helmet.
Alpinestars provided each member of our editorial team with a Tech-Air 5 vest, which looks like a heavy-duty T-shirt that zips up the front. The vest has a built-in ventilated back protector with a compartment that contains argon gas canisters. Inside the breathable fabric of the vest is an airbag that, upon deployment, protects the back, shoulders, chest, and sides of the torso. The vest should be form-fitting, and it is worn under your riding jacket. There should be at least 1.5 inches of space around the circumference of your torso to allow room for the air‐bag to deploy inside the jacket. You can keep the shoulder and elbow armor in your jacket, but you should remove the jacket’s back protector since the vest has one built into it.
The Alpinestars Tech-Air 5 airbag vest is worn underneath your riding jacket, and there must be enough room inside to allow for deployment. (Photo by Joseph Agustin)
A charging cable is provided, and the battery is good for up to 30 hours of riding time (to be on the safe side, I charge mine after every ride). Pairing the vest with the Tech-Air App allows you to get over‐the‐air firmware updates, change ride modes (Street or Race), and check battery status. Zipping up the vest and securing the Velcro flap at the top turns on the Tech-Air, and a series of red/amber/green LED lights on the front indicate when the vest is activated.
The Tech-Air’s electronic system has six integrated sensors (three gyroscopes and three accelerometers) and an AI-enhanced algorithm that monitors conditions and deploys the airbag in the event of a crash. Alpinestars says the Tech-Air 5 decreases impact force by up to 95% compared to a passive back protector, equivalent to “18 back protectors,” and the system also protects the rider’s shoulders, chest, and ribs.
Once the vest is on and my riding jacket is zipped up, I forget I’m wearing the Tech-Air 5 – so much so that when I took a parking-lot speed tumble and the airbag deployed, it took me by surprise. Deployment takes only 20-40 milliseconds, depending on the vest’s size. Alpinestars’ research found that most crashes last 1.5 seconds, so the airbag deflates after about 5 seconds. On a hot day, the non-breathable airbag impedes airflow, but that’s a small price to pay for such a high level of protection.
If the Tech-Air 5 deploys, it must be returned to Alpinestars to have the airbag inspected and the gas canisters replaced. For the first three deployments, only the gas canisters need to be replaced ($179). After the third deployment, the canisters and the airbag need to be replaced ($299). Service takes about a week.
The Alpinestars Tech-Air 5 retails for $789.95, about the same price as a premium helmet, and it’s available in sizes XS-2XL. At press time, the Tech-Air 5 was discounted on the Alpinestars website and other retail sites because it will soon be replaced by the Tech-Air 5 Plasma, which includes a Nucleon Plasma back protector, the addition of an Off‐Road mode, and gas canisters that can be replaced by the user.
There is a thriving retro/modern trend in motorcycling. Virtually every motorcycle brand now offers models that hearken back to a golden era of the sport but employ modern features and technology. Alpinestars’ Oscar Monty V2 motorcycle boots shoehorn very nicely into this new-meets-old movement.
The newest iteration of the Monty lace-up boots are a celebration of the work boots of the ’60s and ’70s. Many of us of a certain vintage wore this style of boot below rolled-up Levi’s jeans in the time of Creedence Clearwater and 2-strokes. Heck, you can almost smell wafting premix just looking at these things.
I had the chance to put the Alpinestars Oscar Monty V2 motorcycle boots to a full test in a recent ride along the banks of the Colorado River. The three-state tour included street riding, dirt forays, and a bit of hiking. Spoiler alert: The Monty boots are a new personal favorite.
First, let’s get to the design. The boots are constructed of full 1.4-1.6mm bovine leather. They feature a moc-toe that Alpinestars has designed specifically for motorcycling. The seams in the toe area are relegated to the front and outside of the boot so that they don’t interfere with movement above and below the shifter. The off-white, wedge outsole is also designed to be grippy and comfortable but without undue height. The aesthetic of the Monty boots is spot-on in this scribe’s opinion.
Importantly, that aesthetic in no way outshines the Monty’s safety features. The CE-certified boots incorporate dual-density ankle medial and external cup protectors to offer critical protection in the ankle area. There is also engineered reinforcement in the heel counter and toe box. The heavy leather and motorcycle-specific armoring inspire confidence.
As mentioned, the Oscar Monty V2s are a lace-up style, but they also feature a sturdy, hidden zipper on the inboard side of the boot. With the robust leather and full armoring, these boots can still be a bit challenging to get on, especially when new. However, that is a small price to pay for this level of protection and comfort.
So how do these boots perform in the real world? They work exactly like motorcycle boots should on the road. There is no need for the exaggerated movements above and below the shifter that make conventional work boots a pain on a motorcycle. The sole is stiff enough in the arch area that standing on the pegs is comfortable and secure. In the dirt, the boots eclipse road-only boots in stability and surefootedness. Finally, the Monty boots are comfortable when the kickstand goes down, even on longer hikes in the dirt.
The Alpinestars Oscar Monty V2 motorcycle boots will not be collecting dust in my closet. While they will not fully replace my pure dirt boots or my technical, street-specific treads, their usefulness range eclipses either of those other offerings. They are ultra-competent and comfortable boots that also happen to look cool. They’re available for $269.95 in sizes 8-14.
The Alpinestars Tech-Air 3 Leather Airbag Vest offers a stylish and low-profile way to keep yourself protected while enjoying the ride.
No rider who has crashed on the street ever wished they weren’t wearing protective gear. Beyond an armored riding jacket or suit, a higher level of protection is available from airbags worn over your torso that reduce the force of impacts.
Early airbag technology employed a tether system that required riders to detach or deactivate them when willingly dismounting a motorcycle. The latest systems are autonomous, using gyroscopic sensors that automatically inflate the airbag when a crash is sensed.
Alpinestars Tech-Air 3 Airbag Vest in leather
Alpinestars is the leader in airbag technology, first supplying it to MotoGP racers in 2009. While roadracers have been benefiting from airbag protection, few street riders want to crawl inside a neck-to-ankle leather suit for their trip to Starbucks or work. The Tech-Air 3 vest provides airbag protection for street riders and can be worn over or under a jacket.
The Tech-Air 3 ($599.95) was introduced in 2023. New to the lineup are the Tech-Air 3 Leather ($749.95) tested here and the Tech-Air 3 Canvas ($649.95), which are aimed at V-Twin riders but are suitable for all street riders. The Leather/Canvas vests have different features from the original version, like an internal flap holder to allow the chest airbag to be tucked out of sight when walking around, a hidden LED panel on the chest, dual zippered pockets, and a zippered back slot that enables adding patches.
Once slipped on, the 4-lb vest is barely noticeable, and stretch panels allow for a good range of motion. The inflation canister resides in the lower left corner of the vest and can be felt if riding on a seat with a hump behind it. A perforated back panel and internal air channels promote ventilation.
The Tech-Air 3 boasts a simple and intuitive design. There are no complex installation procedures – simply slip it on, attach the magnetic closure on the chest air bladder to activate, and zip it up. The battery is claimed to provide 40 hours of use.
The vest features Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to pair it with the Alpinestars app on your smartphone. The app provides information on battery level, system status, and service history, and it allows downloading updates to ensure the vest is running the latest software.
A key element of the Tech-Air 3 Leather is that it doesn’t stand out as safety apparel. It’s nicely styled and has a clean appearance, so I prefer to wear it over my riding jackets. Keep in mind that wearing it under a jacket takes up space, so you’ll need a little wiggle room inside your jacket to allow for inflation.
The Alpinestars Tech-Air 3 Airbag Vest also comes in a canvas option.
Luckily, I’ve yet to get into a situation that would warrant an airbag deployment, but with three gyroscopes and three accelerometers keeping tabs, plus Alpinestars’ extensive experience with this technology, I’m confident the bags would inflate when needed – apparently in only 50 milliseconds. If the airbag deploys, you’ll need to send it to Alpinestars to get the air canister replaced for a $100 fee.
Midway into a crash won’t be a good time to wonder if you should be wearing a Tech-Air 3.
I have a few pairs of riding boots that I enjoy for most day-to-day riding, but when I signed up for a class with California Superbike School, I realized none of them were appropriate for a true trackday. I needed something with more protection suited for track-style riding, but I also wanted something comfortable enough to wear on street rides. From the description on the website, it seemed the Alpinestars Stella SMX-6 V2 Motorcycle Boots would fit the ticket.
The Stella SMX-6 V2 motorcycle boots includes many protective features that provide support, utility, and peace of mind. The upper is constructed from advanced microfiber for abrasion resistance. When pulling the boots out of the box, I first noticed their TPU-injected shin guards. Occasionally my foot will slip off one of the pegs and knock my shins into controls, so I was happy to have protection in this key area.
Photo by EtechPhoto.com.
The boots also include shift pads to protect the material from frequent contact with the shifter, and the sliders on the outside toe are replaceable. The toe box provides added protection, as does the hard heel cup. There’s also a TPU lateral ankle brace for structural integrity and to prevent the ankle from moving in ways it’s not supposed to. There’s an additional ankle protector inside as well.
With all these protective pieces, it’s easy to imagine these boots might not provide enough flexibility for comfort. Alpinestars solves that problem with accordion-style flex zones above the heel and across the front. This construction allows the boots to flex enough to offer freedom of movement while the protective parts restrict the rider’s feet and ankles from moving too far or in unnatural directions.
The boots feature a wide and long hook-and-loop fastener with a zipper under the hook-and-loop flap for getting into and out of them. Given how wide the boots open, it’s quick and easy to slide my feet in or out when needed. While wearing them, the hook-and-loop has held up well and never feels as if it’s pulling apart while riding or walking.
Photo by EtechPhoto.com.
The boots also feature a compound rubber sole with an intricate tread pattern that kept my feet from slipping off the pegs while riding and provided enough grip to easily walk around in the paddock.
These Stella SMX-6 V2 boots were a great choice for someone like me who wants top-level protection and capability for occasional trackdays while maintaining comfort and flexibility for street rides. After my day at California Superbike School, I was plenty tired and sore, but my feet and ankles were not. As I’d hoped when ordering them, the boots are comfortable enough to make for good street-riding footwear as well.
The Alpinestars Stella SMX-6 V2 Boots are available in women’s sizes 36-43. Alpinestars also offers a vented version and men’s SMX-6 V2 boots.
Testing the Alpinestars Bogota Pro Drystar motorcycle jacket and pants on the Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition in South Africa. (Action photos by Sebas Romero & Marco Campelli)
After breaking in the Alpinestars Bogota Pro Drystar Jacket and Pants at the Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition press launch in South Africa, I’ve continued wearing it for the past year in Southern California. This two-piece suit is unique in that the rain liner can be worn over the top of the jacket and pants, preventing the need to strip off riding gear to insert inner rain liners whenever I run into a patch of rain, and I no longer have to pack a separate rain suit in my tailbag.
Alpinestars Bogota Pro Drystar Motorcycle Jacket
Alpinestars Bogota Pro Drystar Motorcycle Jacket in Ventiver Military Olive
The Bogota Pro Drystar Motorcycle Jacket has a lightweight 600-denier main shell construction with a reinforced two-layer 450-denier hard outer shell for enhanced durability with 600-denier woven reinforcements in key areas of the jacket, making it flexible in the right areas and strongest where you most need it.
I am 5-foot-11 and 180 lb, and the size large fits me well. The jacket comes with adjustment points to provide the best fit. Arm and waist straps can be tightened or loosened, and the sliding neck clasp is a great new feature for what I’d have to say is one of the nicest fitting collars out there. The collar can instantly adjust depending on your movement or if you’re wearing a neck gaiter or balaclava, preventing any neck chaffing. The jacket also has stretch inserts around the armpits for enhanced fit and better range of movement. Pre-curved sleeves that follow the shape of the arm deliver superior range of movement whilst in the riding position.
The ventilation on the Bogota Pro Drystar jacket is superb with two large panels on the chest chest, two waterproof zips each side of each vent, and Velcro holding the top firmly in place for when you need to keep warm.
Alpinestars Bogota Pro Drystar Jacket in Ice Gray/Dark Gray/Yellow Fluro
The back of the jacket also opens up in the same way and allows the rider to tuck away about 70% of the back of the jacket for maximum air flow. You’ll still get the usual sweaty back as there is a CE Level 2 back protector in there, but air flows through this jacket beautifully. The jacket also comes with Level 2 Nucleon Flex Pro shoulder and elbow armor. There’s also an air vent running from the cuff to above the elbows that can be opened and closed via the waterproof zippers. I’ve ridden across the desert with all vents fully open and there is loads of air flow.
As for storage on the jacket, a large rear pocket will hold the inner liner rolled up and has a Velcro seal. On the front are four accessible pockets. The outer pocket is clasped with press stands, and there are two pockets accessed via zips directly behind them. There are two internal chest pockets, an internal waterproof document pocket, and two more inner pockets on the liner for your most valuable items.
Alpinestars Bogota Pro Drystar Motorcycle Pants
The Bogota Pro Drystar Pant has a ripstop and 450-denier coated hard shell with 600-denier reinforcements for additional durability in key areas. CE Level 2 knee armor and bio flex hip armor are standard.
The internal rain liner again can be worn both in or over the pants themselves. The liner is attached by a simple press stud loop system around the waist and at the ankles. The pants, like the jacket, have been treated with durable water repellent for additional weather protection. They have two hand pockets that zip closed for security and two wide ventilation panels similar to those on the jacket on the thigh area of the pants. Zips on each side and Velcro across the top secure these in place, and when needed, the panels can be rolled down into the pocket to expose most of the thigh. Opening these panels lets in a nice amount of air while standing but weren’t as effective while sitting.
The Bogota Pro Drystar Pants have built in suspenders to help keep them up. However, they are a European fit. I have a 34-inch waist, and I needed an XL adjusted in at the waist since the Large was just too tight. The pants and jacket can be zipped together to ensure you get the best wind and rain protection. There is plenty of space for your boots with some calf adjustment and the zipper gussets, and a Velcro cuff at the base of the leg allow for ADV or MX style boots.
Overall, the Alpinestars Bogota Pro Drystar Motorcycle Jacket and Pants is a comfortable set of three-season gear that’s not at all heavy and offers plenty of movement and protection. You could almost get away with the jacket as a four-season jacket but not the pants. Pricing is $419.95 for the jacket and $299.95 for the pants. The jacket is available in four color options (Ice Gray/Dark Gray/Yellow Fluro, Ventiver Military Olive, Dark Blue/Black/Bright Red, and Black/Black), and the pants are available in two color options (Black/Black and Ice Gray/Dark Gray/Yellow Fluro).
The author wearing the Tech-Air 3 outside his jacket.
The Alpinestars Tech-Air 3 is the newest addition to the Alpinestars lineup of airbag systems. The vest is positioned for use by urban commuters and touring riders.
Unlike the Tech-Air 5, the Tech-Air 3 was designed to be worn either outside or inside a motorcycle jacket. Compared to the Tech-Air 5’s $749.95 price tag, the Tech-Air 3 retails at $599.95, making it the most affordable, self-contained airbag system from Alpinestars to date.
Like its more expensive counterpart, the Tech-Air 3 incorporates three gyroscopes and three accelerometers for detecting a crash. The sensors communicate with the vest’s ECU every millisecond. That’s 1,000 calculations every second and 3.6 million calculations over the course of a one-hour ride. According to Alpinestars, when a crash is detected, the vest inflates in 50 milliseconds, or 1/20th of a second. The street-only algorithm of the Tech-Air 3 was formulated to even detect a crash while stopped, for example, being struck from behind while at a stoplight.
The canister of the Tech-Air 3 needs replacing after each deployment, while the air bladder is capable of being reused up to three times. Replacing a canister is $99 at participating Alpinestars dealers, while both canister and air bladder replacement cost is $199. The same replacement costs on the Tech-Air 5 are $179 and $299, respectively. Some of the extra costs of the 5 can be attributed to its extra amount of protection. Where both the 3 and 5 cover a rider’s back, chest, and collarbones, the 5 also protects a rider’s ribs, shoulders, and upper arms.
Image shows bladder of Tech-Air 3.
Both the 3 and 5 are compatible with the Alpinestars Tech-Air app, which allows you to quickly check battery life, among other functions. Along these lines, the 3 boasts 40 hours of battery life compared to the 5’s 30 hours. Charging the 3 is a simple matter of connecting a USB-C cable to an easily accessible port inside the vest’s left breast. In terms of additional safety, the 5 comes with an included CE level 1 back protector whereas the 3 provides only a pocket for one.
Alpinestars Tech-Air 3: Outside vs. Inside
A key feature of the Tech-Air 3 is the versatility of wearing the vest outside a riding jacket as well as inside. The vest’s exterior shell is water resistant, and the ECU and electronics are housed within a waterproof pocket. All functional elements of the vest are removable so the vest can be washed. If worn on the inside of a riding jacket, Alpinestars recommends 1.6 inches of space around the rider’s torso so the air bladders can properly inflate.
The author wearing the Tech-Air 3 under his jacket.
For the guys, the Tech-Air 3 comes in black and yellow color schemes, whereas the Stella model for the ladies is currently only available in black. All the vests feature a reflective stripe above the shoulder, but the high-vis yellow is the obvious choice for conspicuity. The vest does not provide any inner pockets, but there is an exterior zippered pocket on the lower right side.
The Tech-Air 3 provides a rider with the benefits of airbag protection without the additional cost of replacing a tight-fitting jacket that doesn’t provide the requisite amount of inner space. However, there are some drawbacks to exterior use. For one, it’s an aesthetic eyesore. Additionally, the vest covers all those nifty pockets your riding jacket provides. More importantly, if a crash were to occur, your riding jacket would most likely protect the vest from road rash damage if worn underneath, whereas if worn outside, both the riding jacket and vest would incur damage.
Alpinestars Tech-Air 3 in Black
Alpinestars Tech-Air 3 in Black (back view)
Also, you should expect to get warm wearing the Tech-Air 3. Even with the vest worn underneath a full-mesh jacket on a mid-70s day, there was a noticeable increase in heat. In the realm of safety vs comfort, there’s always a tradeoff, and the water-resistant construction of the Tech-Air 3 equates to less airflow.
Besides its insulating drawbacks, the Tech-Air 3 vest is comfortable to wear outside or inside a riding jacket. The canister is ergonomically designed to follow the contour of a rider’s body, but because it’s the heaviest element of the vest, it won’t go unnoticed residing on the backside of a rider’s left rear hip.
The very user-friendly vest automatically activates via magnetic zip closures, then haptically notifies the wearer of the system’s readiness. Disengaging the system is almost as important as engaging it because the wrong series of motions or even a friendly slap on the back while off a motorcycle can trick the ECU into deciphering the event as a crash and engaging the system. So it is highly recommended to unzip the vest whenever you’re not riding to forgo any false deployments and save yourself from a $99 mishap.
Alpinestars Tech-Air 3 in Black/Yellow Fluo
Alpinestars Tech-Air 3 in Black/Yellow Fluo (back view)
Is the Tech-Air 3 worth the price? According to Alpinestars, the system reduces impact force on a rider’s body by up to 95%. If wearing the vest outside your everyday riding jacket is important, it’s the only game in town from Alpinestars. If the external option is unnecessary, for only $150 more the Tech-Air 5 provides additional airbag protection for a rider’s ribs, shoulders, and upper arms, and comes with an included traditional back protector. The 5’s algorithm is also switchable between street and racetrack. As mentioned, though, it’s twice as expensive to service the Tech-Air 5, which makes the Tech-Air 3 a much more affordable alternative.
Alpinestars Faster 3 motorcycle shoes (photo by the author)
They are called shoes in the Alpinestars sales and marketing literature, but the Faster 3 shoes are truly a hybrid crossover between shoes and boots. The Faster series of footwear has been in the Alpinestars line for some time, and this third iteration is a substantial upgrade from earlier offerings.
Gear selection is an exercise in personal preference and compromise. The Faster 3 shoes are an object lesson in this concept. I have both high-top and fully armored riding sneakers and several types of high-rise boots in my gear closet. The sneakers are extremely comfortable both on and off the bike but are very light on protection. The boots are supremely protective, but are rigid, awkward, and semi-uncomfortable for extended walking. The Alpinestars Faster 3 shoes can be boot-horned directly between these two extremes.
The Faster 3 shoes are an armored, over the ankle, lace-up model with a substantial cutout in the Achilles area for enhanced mobility. I am sure you can already see the advantages.
Let’s start with the safety features. The Faster 3 shoes now carry the important CE certification in each of their variations: the Rideknit, Drystar, and the standard version (as tested). There is a subtle, low-profile TPR toe slider and an extremely protective and supportive TPR heel cup out back. Dual density ankle protectors are inserted between the microfiber upper and padded lining on both sides of the shoe.
On the comfort end of the spectrum, the aforementioned cutout in the rear of the boot gives a level of front to back mobility that full-rise boots can’t match. The sole is semi-rigid with an integrated support shank, providing a solid riding platform while also affording comfortable walk-ability. The boots feel supportive and comfortable both on and off the bike. I identified no pressure points or comfort quibbles on day-long rides. Ventilation is more than adequate.
The lace-up design is another advantage of this shoe. I really like the ability to fine-tune the fit with laces; however, loose laces on a motorcycle boot can cause problems if the laces are allowed to whip around. Alpinestars has provided a solution by including an easy-to-actuate Velcro strap to secure the boot laces for riding. The design works well and is easily adjusted with gloved hands.
The Faster 3 shoes really shine on the bike. That semi-rigid sole gives good riding feedback while spreading the pressure from the foot pegs over the full arch. The ankle mobility makes shifting and braking seamless and nimble. The low-profile toe box facilitates movement between upshifting and downshifting.
I am calling the Alpinestars Faster 3 shoes a winner for urban riding and light touring. While not as protective as full boots, the compromises are well-balanced and carefully engineered. The $169.95 retail price point places Faster 3s in the ballpark with other premium riding shoes.
The Alpinestars Faster 3 shoe is available for $169.95 in six color options and sizes 6-14.
Often overlooked when considering protective gear, your legs are actually quite vitally important in terms of controlling the average motorcycle. Stop and think for a moment about just how many things about a bike need your legs: balance during cornering, providing enough stability to press on levers operated by your feet, and a whole slew of other things that happen naturally as part of riding.
It is amazing, then, that many riders don’t protect their legs. We’ve all heard the excuses of “it’s too hot where I live,” “I don’t plan on crashing,” and “I can’t find anything that’s comfortable.” For those in hot regions, mesh pants. For those that can’t find anything comfortable, there are ranges of overpants and/or custom fit motorcycle gear that can be ordered. For those that don’t plan on crashing, well, no one plans on crashing, but it still happens!
To keep your legs safe, as well as keep you looking your best on the bike, here are the top ten motorcycle pants currently on the market. These are all either highly rated and reviewed, have special features about them, or are just damned good deals when it comes to the value-to-protection ratio. If you’re looking for more size options, check out our guides on Plus Size Jackets and Plus Size Pants for female riders.
Rokker is one of the more premium motorcycle clothing brands out there, with a history of moderately-expensive-but-worth-it protective gear. This holds true with the Rokkertech High Waist Slim jeans, a new introduction to their motorcycle pants lineup.
The Tech part of RokkerTech comes from the usage of in-house developed Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene, or UHMWPE, which has a pure fiber tensile strength twice that of steel. Around those fibers, Rokker weaves in cotton so as to form a denim feel and look, but which is, when finally sewn into a full garment, 15 times as strong as steel in abrasion resistance.
This is backed up by full D3O knee and hip armor, both of which are included. As well, the use of UHMWPE allows for the jeans to be sewn and bonded, instead of riveted, meaning there is no metal on the outside of the jearns to scratch and ding your bike’s paint job. Definitely designed for warmer weather, these riding jeans are one of the few that are single layer, so apart from the slight bumps where the armor is, they could pass for everyday fashion jeans without worry.
Spidi is often considered as a bargain brand, which is not saying anything bad about them. They are simply like Scorpion, making good gear available at lower-than-average retail prices. A perfect example of this are the Moto Pro leggings, a mix of high tech textiles and a low price.
The leggings are designed, as the name suggests, to fit tightly to the leg, much tighter than many riding jeans would. This is made possible through Spidi’s TEXTECH fiber, a blend of cotton and elastane. This blend means the leggings will stretch with you, while the cotton is of a high enough grade that it replicates Cordura levels of protection, without needing to license the name. That is, quite possibly, where most of the savings are on these riding pants.
Protective armor comes in the form of knee armor at CE level 1, and pockets inside the hip for optional hip armor. The leggings are single layer, and are highly abrasion resistant, so they can be worn either on their own, or if you wanted extra protection, could be worn under a pair of regular jeans, riding overpants, or with aramid/kevlar undergarments.
The Scorpion EXO Maia pants are a bit of an oddity, in a good way. To explain what is meant by that, we first need to look at what type of riding these pants are designed for. That style can simply be described as “touring.” It could be sport touring, cruiser touring, continental touring, it’s built for them all.
This is demonstrated by the way the pants are designed to protect the rider. Most of the protective polyfabric, which is rated at 600D, is in the seat, knees, and lower legs, all common sliding and impact areas. The other areas of the pants are then fitted with poly-mesh panels, which while not major impact areas, are still rated at about 300D. This is backed up by Sas-Tec CE level 1 knee armor, and pockets for Sas-Tec hip armor.
The pants are odd in that instead of focusing on making the whole thing out of full 600D, Scorpion put the heavy duty protection on slide and impact areas, and used the other areas to benefit ventilation and comfort. That is the odd bit about these pants. They’re heavy duty, but lightweight, meant to keep the rider comfortable for long or short rides, and above all, protected.
Dainese is one of the two major suppliers of racing gear for the MotoGP grid, and it shows with trickle-down tech that makes it into the latest and greatest of their consumer track and riding gear. The Delta 3 Perforated leather pants are just one more example of the top class of motorcycle racing impacting every day riding comfort and protection.
Using full tutu cowhide leather at 1.2mm or greater, the pants are heavily perforated on the thighs to allow for the most airflow to the hottest part of the legs. S1 bieleastic polyamide stretch fabric allows for comfort and protection in high movement areas such as the groin and knees. There are no adjustable vents on these pants, however, as they are considered race-grade.
In line with that powersports grade ideal, the pants come with full composite armor on the knees and hips that both meet and exceed CE level 2 requirements. The knee pucks are fully replaceable and are highly durable. The pants as a whole meet and exceed CE – Cat. II – 89/686/EEC Directive ratings, which translates to full track and race certification, although most race series will make you have a full one piece suit. It just shows the level of technology and detail Dainese is bringing down to the everyday sport rider.
Whereas the other racing fit pants on this list are pretty much a women’s version of a men’s set of pants, the Alpinestars Stella Missile pants are a completely different beast than the men’s Missile V2 leather pants. This is through both research and development with women that partake in racing championships, and feedback from everyday riders.
The same 1.3mm full cowhide leather is used, however the legs are tailored for smaller diameters, and the hips section has been widened, with adjustable straps for a perfect fit. The Stella Missile’s also feature the same GP-R knee slider pucks as the men’s pants for lap after lap on a track day without worry.
Armor comes in the form of Alpinestars Bio knee protectors, and there are pockets for hip armor as well. If you have a Stella Missile Women’s racing jacket, there is a full surround zip at the waist to connect the pants to the jacket to form a full suit.
Rev’It has been working day in and day out since their inception to include women into their gear lineups. This is because the Netherlands has a large cycling population, which has led to a higher number of female riders in the European country. And as all women are not built the same, Rev’It also has many styles of riding pants.
The Maple jeans are for those women that do not want a regular or relaxed fit, but also don’t want the jeans to be totally tight on their legs. Using a skinny fit, these jeans are made of 13oz Cordura denim, which has a minimum abrasion protection rating of 500D. Rev’It also includes their CoolMax lining, allowing sweat and heat to be wicked away and carried off by the air passing through and over the jeans.
For protection, there is a double layer of PWR polyester fabric in the seat and at the knees, to keep the Seesmart CE level 1 knee armor in place even during a slide. There are pockets for hip armor, and the jeans are certified CE 17092-4:2020 Class A, meaning street and regular commuting protection.
As we just mentioned in the Rev’It Maple overview above, not all women are built the same. The Rev’It Moto Jeans are, much like their men’s counterpart, designed to replicate the look and feel of a leather-based pant, but made using fabrics.
As with the men’s version, Rev’It used heavyweight 12.5oz Cordura denim for the exterior, which gives an approximate 600D abrasion resistance rating. Underneath that, Seesmart CE level 1 knee pads are included with the jeans. The inner lining is made of Rev’It’s own PWR Shield polyamide mesh, which adds another 600D of abrasion resistance.
Combined, the outer and inner layers provide 1200D of total abrasion resistance, or about 10 seconds of resistance at 50 MPH. Of course, the faster you start the slide, the less time it will take to wear through, although these jeans are meant to give enough resistance that you will either start to tumble, or have enough time to slow down through friction to prevent the worst of road rash.
The masters of off-road ADV and exploring gear, Klim shifted their focus when it came to the Artemis gear. Using their expertise, they made the Artemis line of protective gear for women, without a men’s gear equivalent. This makes it, in the space of motorcycle PPE, one of the very few model lines that is specifically and only for the ladies of two wheels.
The Artemis are named appropriately, as these pants are designed to protect against almost any situation you could find yourself in while travelling off-road. Made of Klim’s exclusive Karbonite textile, the pants have a slide and ripstop rating ranging from 600D to 750D, depending on which part of the pants you are looking at. This is backed by full GoreTex, allowing the pants to be 100% waterproof while also breathable.
In making the Artemis line only for women, the ventilation mapping of the pants is oriented towards keeping the air flowing through and around the warmest bits. Two angled thigh vents, and two lower thigh exhausts, allow for cooling air to flow around the legs and wick away moisture and heat in equal measure. The inner mesh is also Klimatek, a specific mesh that helps carry that heat and moisture to the vents.
D3O CE level 1 armor protects both the knees and the hips, and can be replaced if needed with other CE level 1 armor, or optional CE level 2 versions. All in all, by keeping their focus on the woman rider, Klim has made a stellar product that is highly recommended and reviewed.
Rev’It themselves have the best statement about what makes the Ignition 3 pants so special: “Leather and mesh go together like salt and caramel.” Designed for the rider in hotter climates, the Ignition 3 pants are some of the best pants, of any type, you can buy for riding.
The outer shell is a combination of Monaco performance cowhide leather with a minimum thickness of 1mm, combined with high-strength Dynax mesh, 500D polyamide stretch zones, and Lorica fabric with waxed polyester for airflow. The leather is, of course, on all the high-abrasion zones should a slide occur, with the 500D polyamide allowing for both protection and stretch on secondary slide zones.
In adapting the Ignition 3 pants for women, the fit was made tighter in the legs and expanded a bit in the hips. As well, the knee protectors are still CE level 2 Seeflex, while the larger CE Level 1 Type B hip armor is provided. Apart from those changes, the pants are almost identical to the mens version, and the Hydratex fully removable waterproof liner is also included.
If you want to talk about over-engineering a set of pants, then you need to talk about the Rev’It Sand 4 H2O ADV and off-road pants. As the name suggests, this is the fourth iteration and evolution of the pants, and they came out just before the calendar flipped over to 2021. When it comes to four season riding capability, Rev’It’s Sand line-up is well worth looking at.
So what makes them over-engineered? Firstly, the outer layer is made of full 1000D polyester ripstop, which is enough protection for most other pants to get by with. But Rev’It wasn’t satisfied, and then put a Hydratex liner behind that, for waterproofing and breathability. Then, still not satisfied, they put a combination polyester and polyamide internal mesh liner, with a removable extra thermal liner, inside that is puncture and abrasion resistant.
Add in that the pants come with Seeflex CE level 2 knee and upper shin guards, and SeeSmart CE level 1 type B hip guards as standard, and you have a set of pants that is waterproof, can slide down the side of a mountain and not tear, is comfortable, can be worn in four seasons, and also can be adjusted via several straps and snap-tabs to fit perfectly.
It may be surprising to some, but legs are often one of the most overlooked parts of protection for many riders. They may have the best helmet, an awesome jacket, great gloves, and boots that will protect their feet for years but will ride in normal jeans. It’s a lab-proven fact that regular, off-the-shelf denim will stand up to a slide for less than a second, and after that, it’s your skin that’s touching the pavement.
This is why proper riding pants are important. All of our legs come in different shapes and sizes, from wide and short to thin and long, and every variation in between. It is for that reason that manufacturers often size their riding pants in different ranges.
As well, with developments over the past decade, riding jeans, with strong hybrid denim mixes backed by aramid or Kevlar, have become a vital market for manufacturers. It keeps the style of regular jeans but provides knee armor and the abrasion resistance of aramid/Kevlar. These, then, are the 10 best riding pants you can currently find on the market.
Rev’It themselves have the best statement about what makes the Ignition 3 pants so special: “Leather and mesh go together like salt and caramel.” Designed for the rider in hotter climates, the Ignition 3 pants are some of the best pants, of any type, you can buy for riding.
The outer shell is a combination of Monaco performance cowhide leather with a minimum thickness of 1mm, combined with high-strength Dynax mesh, 500D polyamide stretch zones, and Lorica fabric with waxed polyester for airflow. The leather is, of course, on all the high-abrasion zones should a slide occur, with the 500D polyamide allowing for both protection and stretch on secondary slide zones.
The airflow through these pants is unbelievably high, allowing for maximum cooling while riding. However, should it start to look rainy or wet, the pants do have a fully removable Hydratex lining that is rated 3L and will get your home with your legs dry. The armor is in the form of Seeflex CE level 2 knee armor, and Seesmart CE level 1 armor at the hips.
Dainese is one of the two major suppliers of racing gear for the MotoGP grid, and it shows with trickle-down tech that makes it into the latest and greatest of their consumer track and riding gear. The Delta 3 Perforated leather pants are just one more example of the top class of motorcycle racing impacting everyday riding comfort and protection.
Using full tutu cowhide leather at 1.2mm or greater, the pants are heavily perforated on the thighs to allow for the most airflow to the hottest part of the legs. S1 bi-elastic polyamide stretch fabric allows for comfort and protection in high movement areas such as the groin and knees. There are no adjustable vents on these pants, however, as they are considered race-grade.
In line with that powersports-grade ideal, the pants come with full-composite armor on the knees and hips that both meet and exceed CE level 2 requirements. The knee pucks are fully replaceable and are highly durable. The pants as a whole meet and exceed CE – Cat. II – 89/686/EEC Directive ratings, which translates to full track and race certification, although most race series will make you have a full one-piece suit. It just shows the level of technology and detail Dainese is bringing down to the everyday sport rider.
Alpinestars are famous for their waterproof yet breathable riding gear, and the Yaguara pants are just another example of what they like to term as “tech-touring” gear. As the name suggests, there are a lot of high-tech, advanced materials at work in these pants, both to keep you protected and keep you dry.
The outer shell is not made of any one material, but instead a blend of various polyamide and polyester textiles. This is then backed by a Drystar waterproof membrane, and the two layers are laminated together. This provides both excellent waterproofing and breathability, with the external layers combining to form an extremely durable fabric.
To further protection, there are ballistic nylon protection panels added to the heavy-duty wear and tear sections of the pants, including slide areas. Alpinestars’ Bio-Air knee protectors are standard and are rated at CE level 2. Hip pockets for armor are sewn in. And in case the already breathable material isn’t cool enough, there are four zippered vents for customizable cooling.
If you like the sound of the Yaguara pants, but want something with braces, then consider looking at the Alpinestars Andes V2 pants instead.
Klim prides itself on being a premium adventure and off-road touring company, and it shows since they’ve continually developed and produced some of the best gear in the sector. This shows with gear such as the Dakar pants, a premium off-road pant with protection and durability to last for weeks, or even months, on and off the road.
Starting off with the outer layer, there is 840D Cordura textile woven material with a highly water-resistant coating on the threads. This is joined by thick, abrasion, and melting-resistant leather on the lower legs for protection from both shrubbery and engine heat. Stretch fabric allows for optimal comfort around common pressure areas such as the groin, back of knees, back of the waist, and others.
There are multiple ventilation ports with full YKK zippers for durability and adjustability. Armor protection comes from both external TPU reinforcement on the knees, as well as internal knee and hip armor pockets for your personal choice of the armor type you’d like.
For the rider that wants to hit the track but doesn’t like the full perforated leather feel of other pants, the Alpinestars Missile v2 leather pants are the most viable alternative. While the majority of the pants are made from leather, there are some materials used that allow for high airflow while also keeping up with the expected level of protection from track-viable pants.
This starts with full 1.3mm premium bovine leather, with a lot of perforation on the thighs. Leather accordion panels over the knees allow for comfort, and an extended rear waist construction makes sure that the tailbone and spine are covered in the case of a slide. Where the airflow comes in is through the stretch panels at the groin and inner thigh, as well as on parts of the calf. These stretch zones, made of polyamides, are rated 600D on their own.
Kneel pucks allow for some full-lean apexes to be clipped without damage to your pants, and are of Alpinestars’ high durability GP-R construction. Nucleon CE level 1 knee armor is included, with pockets for optional hip armor. If you have a Missile Air jacket, of any version, the pants will also zip together with that to form a race suit.
The downside to a lot of motorcycle protective gear is that while it does protect the rider, it also heats up the rider. For this reason, mesh gear was developed, and REAX has one of the most affordable sets of mesh pants with the best protection with the Alta Mesh pants.
To provide the ventilation needed to keep a rider cool in hot weather, a lot of the inner leg, thigh, groin, and some of the ankle areas of the pants are made of polyamide mesh. On areas that may suffer the impact or be slid upon, there is a combination of polyester 600D check pattern fabric, with polyamide 980D ballistic penetration resistant fabric at the knees and across the buttocks.
This is lined on the inside with a moisture-wicking mesh liner that is shaped to pull the most moisture and heat to the mesh portions inside the leg so that the cool air can wick it away from the rider. With Sas-Tec CE level 2 knee armor included, and pockets for Sas-Tec CE level 1 or 2 armor at the hips, for $199, you are getting the best of the best in mesh gear.
If you’re looking for something with real waterproof capabilities, the REAX Traveler Waterproof pants are also worth a look.
If you want to talk about over-engineering a set of pants, then you need to talk about the Rev’It Sand 4 H2O ADV and off-road pants. As the name suggests, this is the fourth iteration and evolution of the pants, and they came out just before the calendar flipped over to 2021.
So what makes them over-engineered? Firstly, the outer layer is made of full 1000D polyester ripstop, which is enough protection for most other pants to get by with. But Rev’It wasn’t satisfied, and then put a Hydratex liner behind that, for waterproofing and breathability. Then, still not satisfied, they put a combination polyester and polyamide internal mesh liner, with a removable extra thermal liner, inside that is puncture and abrasion-resistant.
Add in that the pants come with Seeflex CE level 2 knee and upper shin guards, and SeeSmart CE level 1 type B hip guards as standard, and you have a set of pants that is waterproof, can slide down the side of a mountain, and not tear, is comfortable, can be worn in four seasons, and also can be adjusted via several straps and snap-tabs to fit perfectly.
Knox is a company that only recently started to make waves in the North American market, as well as many international markets. They used to be almost exclusively European, being based out of the UK. Where most have heard of them before is with their excellent micro-lock armor that is often seen in motocross protection.
In terms of street gear, Knox took the road less traveled, and instead of riding “jeans,” they made riding “khakis.” Lighter weight, these pants are nonetheless extremely durable, made of high-strength stretch nylon infused with spandex to allow them to move and shape to the rider. They also included micro-lock armor for the knees and hips as standard, something you often have to pay extra for with other brands.
As these pants are lighter weight than the Cordura denim of most riding jeans, there may be thoughts that it won’t protect as well. Those worries are squashed when you see that these pants are EN17092-3:2020 Class AA certified, meaning that, if they had knee sliders, these pants would qualify for use on a track, and out-class most riding pants that only come with a single A rating. For reference, AAA certification is for full racing gear and is often only given to full riding suits.
Rev’It strikes again on this list with a super pair of motorcycle riding jeans named, oddly enough, Moto Jeans. While the title may be a bit self-apparent, the quality and protection offered through these jeans are nothing to joke about.
Starting with a leather-style pants base, Rev’It instead used heavyweight 12.5oz Cordura denim for the exterior, which gives an approximate 600D abrasion resistance rating. Underneath that, Seesmart CE level 1 knee pads are included with the jean. The inner lining is made of Rev’It’s own PWR Shield polyamide mesh, which adds another 600D of abrasion resistance.
Combined, the outer and inner layers provide 1200D of total abrasion resistance or about 10 seconds of resistance at 50 MPH. Of course, the faster you start the slide, the less time it will take to wear through, although these jeans are meant to give enough resistance that you will either start to tumble, or have enough time to slow down through friction to prevent the worst of road rash.
Scorpion is well known for making superb gear like helmets at affordable prices. The EXO Covert Pro jeans are just another example of this steadfast determination to make riding less expensive while keeping the rider safe. As well, because of using a specific cut, the exterior of the jeans are large panels which increases the total stability of the material, instead of multi-seam smaller panels.
That material is Cordura 373 GSM denim, which is highly abrasion-resistant on its own, made up of 85% cotton and 15% high-strength nylon. This is backed by 250 GSM DuPont Kevlar from the base of the knees all the way to the waist, as this is the most common sliding area. From the base of the knee to the ankle cuff, a mesh lining helps keep the jeans open for airflow and allows for heat and moisture to be wicked away.
The only downside to the EXO Covert Pro is that while there are pockets at the knees and hips for armor, the jeans don’t come with any pre-installed. The pockets are fairly universal, although Scorpion recommends Sas-Tec Level 2 knee armor and Sas-Tec level 1 or 2 hip armor.
Let’s face reality here: it’s only really been in the past two decades that women’s jackets have been coming out in force. Before then, in what was historically a “male-dominated hobby,” women had to make do with either custom gear or modifying men’s gear to fit. We put the quotations there because ever since the 1970s, we know that women made up a good portion of riders, usually hovering in the 5 to 10% ridership range.
Flash forward to 2021, and now women account for about 22% of riders, worldwide. That is refreshing to see and has forced even a lot of the “old school” to recognize that there are badass ladies all over the globe that will swing a leg over and crank the right wrist. It’s also refreshing to see that in what was once traditionally a male-dominated sport, road racing and even MotoGP are seeing more and more women rising in their ranks.
What this means is that many of the big manufacturers and gear makers have had to adapt to provide proper racing suits and gear for these women. This, naturally, has led to the traditional trickle-down style of motorcycle gear from racing to street, which means that more and more jackets, pants, boots, gloves, and other pieces of gear are appearing every month.
Rev’It is one of those companies that has made women’s protective gear pretty much since their incorporation, as there are quite a few female riders in the Netherlands. On top of that, they have a history in both circuit racing and enduro racing, so both the full leather track jackets and hot weather mesh jackets are packed full of cutting-edge design.
The Eclipse is just one such example of this, with an open, flowthrough style mesh that would seem to not have any abrasion resistance at all. However, that mesh is made of polyester ripstop material, as is the main chassis of the jacket. While the solid panels are rated to 600D, the mesh itself commands a respectable 400.
With adjustable bicep and wrist closures, full YKK zippers, two external pockets, and one internal pocket, the Eclipse is also quite fashionable to boot. The armor comes in the form of Knox Flexform in both the shoulders and elbows, which feels extremely light but carries CE-rated impact protection. An optional back protector can be fitted to the jacket.
Roland Sands, with the Mia jacket, ticks off two-rider fashion styles in one go, without sacrificing any protection. The retro and cafe crowd will love the classic British asymmetrical styling, while the sport and the sport-touring crowd will love the aggressive fit with the included thermal lining that doubles as a hoodie when the leather is taken away.
That leather is one-grain style better than cowhide, as it is oiled buffalo leather at 1.0 to 1.2 mm thicknesses. In areas requiring stretch, premium-grade elastic ripstop polyester is used. The hoodie liner is also breathable and waterproof, meaning that even if you have to do a dash from the bike to your front door in a downpour, simply flip up the hood and you’ll get there dry.
Protection comes in the form of Knox micro lock CE level 2 armor at the shoulders and elbows, with the leather jacket’s inner mesh liner holding a back protector pocket for optional armor. Accordion panels at the elbows and a quilted stitch design around the shoulders allow the jacket to move freely, despite being pre-curved for a front tuck position. Ventilation comes via some very well hidden shoulder intakes and vents, which keep the jacket looking premium when zipped up.
If Roland Sands has the women’s cafe market cornered, it’s fair to say that Alpinestars, realizing there was a gap to step through, made a sporty cruiser jacket with the Alice. Carrying all the right looks of the double-breasted front flaps, the asymmetrical zipper, and the relaxed arm curvature makes this both a classic and a modern sports cruiser jacket, all in one.
Don’t let its old-school looks fool you into thinking it’s not armored to the nines. Alpinestars has included their super lightweight, breathable Nucleon Flex armor, which is certified to CE level 2, at the shoulders and elbows, with a forearm extension on the elbow armor. This is carried in a mesh-backed cowhide 1.3mm leather chassis, with a back protector pocket for optional armor.
As with other jackets of the sporting style, the thermal liner of the jacket is easily detached and serves as a hoodie. Ventilation is hidden well in the underarm stretch panels, allowing just enough air to pass to wick away heat without being overly cold.
This is a jacket that would look at home being used while riding either Honda Rebel 500 or an Indian Roadmaster. Classic, timeless styling with modern armoring deserves a spot on this list.
Roland Sands strikes again with a superb classic English cruiser jacket. Solidly in the retro cruiser fashion sense, the Riot jacket would look perfectly at home being worn in the crowd at an Iron Maiden or Judas Priest concert as much as it does astride a Royal Enfield or a Triumph Bonneville.
Much more of a summer cruise jacket, the Riot is made of microperforated top grain cowhide sourced from Blackstone, which means it is soft, supple, and abrasion resistant with a thickness of 0.9mm throughout. The asymmetrical zipper is, of course, full YKK, and is of the bronze classic style. Quilted leather highlights and aggressive cuff YKK zippers make the jacket scream “Rock n Roll!” in that quintessential British understated-but-loud way.
The jacket is also, of note, made with a very aggressive black dye process, as the color will lighten the more it is exposed to UV light until it reaches the classic light black that well-worn leather fashion jackets eventually reach. This is also the only jacket recommended on this list that does not come with pre-installed armor. However, pockets for elbow, shoulder, and back protectors are ready to accept your own choice of the best armor, from Alpinestars’ Nucleon Flexto Icon’s D3O and Rev’It’s SeeSoft.
With the increase in women’s participation in BSB, ASA, MotoGP feeder series, and the like over the past three decades, Alpinestars has had a lot of exposure to creating gear that is suitable to both genders, or those in-between genders. For the men, the T-GP Plus R v3 Air is one of the best mid-range sport and track rated jackets you can get, and by simply adding a Stella to the front of that name, that same legendary jacket is available to women.
The Stella T-GP Plus R v3 Air, apart from being one hell of a mouthful of words, is made of 600D highly abrasion-resistant polyester. Interspersed between these polyester panels, abrasion-resistant, tightly woven polyfabric mesh allows just enough air to wick away heat, but not chill you to the bone. A full mesh lining also helps boost that airflow’s effectiveness in carrying away sweat and warm air.
Protection is in the form of Alpinestars’ Nucleon Flex CE level 1 armor, with the shoulders being additionally armored with GP Lite slide shields. As sport riders will often choose between vest-style back protection or using jacket pockets, no back protector is included. However, Alpinestars has included both chest and back protector pockets, suitable for Nucleon KR-Ci CE level 2 armor.
A definite warm-weather riding winner, those that ride sportbikes where it never really snows have a go-to jacket that can be armored up as the need arises.
If you want a sport riding jacket that is both warm-weather rated and contains the abrasion resistance of leather, Dainese has you covered with the Racing 3 Perforated women’s jacket. The “mortal enemy” of Alpinestars on the MotoGP grid, Dainese uses a special treatment on all the leather they use for track and street gear, naming it “tutu leather.”
This leather is always 1.2mm or greater in thickness, while the treatment makes it highly water-resistant, supple, and reinforces the abrasion resistance through chemical bonding. And if that wasn’t enough protection for you, the stretch panels between the leather chassis panels are made of S1 bi-elastic, a Dainese and Cordura co-development that mixes the elasticity of regular polyfabric with the 500D+ abrasion resistance of pure Cordura.
The jacket is also microperforated in key areas and includes zip closure vents in the upper chest, with intake and exhaust vents on the sides of the jacket. Protection comes in the form of Dainese composite CE level II elbow and shoulder armor, with the shoulders being covered by an aluminum impact and slide plate that is mounted on a composite base, meaning the plate is replaceable. The jacket features a back protector pocket suitable for a Dainese G1 back protector, or a Dainese D1 airbag vest can be worn under the jacket itself.
It’s a premium leather and polymer jacket that passes CE EN 1621.1 and CE Category II – 89/686/EEC Directive protection standards, meaning it is ready for track use. Dainese themselves note that the jacket does tend to run on the tighter sport fit side, so they recommend buying one size up from your measurements.
If you have spent even two seconds at the local gear store’s ADV and off-road touring gear section, Klim is a name that is plastered literally everywhere. Specialists in the long-distance touring style of gear, both on- and off-road, the Artemis is a design that is not shared with any other jacket in their lineup, making this one of the very few women’s only jackets.
Named after the Ancient Greek goddess that protected nature, the Artemis does a very good job at protecting whoever is within its confines. A true three-season touring jacket, this jacket is made of Klim’s own Karbonite textile, which is rated at least 600D, and up to over 750D, abrasion-resistant across multiple certification tests. Behind the chassis sits a full GoreTex membrane layer, which itself is over a Klimatek mesh layer that acts to both wick away hot air and sweat, and supports the jacket on the body.
In making the Artemis specifically for women, Klim did not have to worry about ventilation for the male torso, so airflow has been mapped specifically for the female torso. Ventilation is controlled via two centerline chest vents, two cross-core vents, 2 forearm vents, and two bicep vents, all of which exhaust out two massive vertical back vents.
Protection beyond abrasion is reinforced by D3O level 1 armor in the back, shoulders, and elbows. The Karbonite fabric is also penetration resistant, so no sharp rocks on an off-road trip should leave much more than a small bruise and a memory. The collar is comfort-lined to not be abrasive to the neck, and both sides of the collars can be pinned back to the upper chest to allow ventilation air to pass down from the neck roll into the body of the jacket.
If you are going to be off-road for any duration, you really cannot get a better ADV jacket than the Artemis. It’s designed for, built for, made for the active off-road riding woman, and it shows!
The latest trend in protective gear in 2021 has been the major push forward with armored shirts and hoodies. Either out of a desire to not look “kitted up,” or purely for comfort, there are varying degrees of quality with these newer pieces of gear, and Merlin has been at the forefront of the highest-rated, best quality shirts.
Looking like your average long-sleeved plaid shirt that isn’t out of place on a farm, the Madison shirt is much more than just a fashion statement. The Buffalo Plaid fabric, itself tear-resistant, is backed by a full, interwoven, 100% DuPont Kevlar lining that is rated to 1000D abrasion. A light mesh lining keeps things comfortable, as does a relaxed street fit, while the kevlar holds CE level 1 elbow and shoulder armor in place. There is a pocket in the mesh liner for a back protector as well.
What looks like a button up front is in fact a storm flap closure over a full YKK zip, with YYK zippered vents cleverly hidden along the tops of the chest pockets. The pockets have small inner pockets designed to hold hand-warmer packs, and if that wasn’t enough, the whole shirt is water-resistant but breathes easily.
If understated but superb protection is in your checklist for gear, or if you just want a good all-around riding shirt that pairs beautifully with some riding jeans and boots, Merlin has just the shirt for you.
To say that this jacket is revolutionary is understating just how important it is. It may not look like much, it may even look bland compared to some of the other options on this list, but Helite has made a women’s fit jacket that has the single most important protection feature that any jacket can have. Enter the Xena, a leather sport touring and cruiser jacket with a built-in, tether deployed rider airbag system.
Made from premium 1.2mm cowhide leather, the Xena hides stretch polyfabric under a cleverly designed panel at the top back of the jacket, whose importance we will discuss shortly. As well, the sides and lower back feature floating leather on stretch panels, allowing the jacket to keep a tight, close fit at all times. The arms are relaxed in their curvature, making it comfortable for long-distance cruising.
The importance of both the large stretch panel at the top of the back and the stretch panels on the sides and lower back is so that if you do come off your bike, in any way, shape, or form other than stepping off of it when it’s parked, a tether attached to a solid point on your motorcycle yanks an activation valve open, inflating the airbag hidden in the liner of the jacket in 0.1 seconds. This airbag, along with the full Sas-Tec CE level 2 back, shoulder, and elbow armor, provides extreme impact protection into the high tens of G’s.
As it is a tether-operated system, with no fancy electronics or GPS sensors, it works every time you need it to. In fact, the airbag will self-deflate over about half an hour, and as long as the jacket has not been penetrated by any object or otherwise damaged, all you need to do to reset it is replace the spent 60cc CO2 cartridge in the right lower front of the liner, and it’s ready to deploy again.
For disguising a life-preserving safety feature in a fashionable cruiser and sport-touring jacket, while it is expensive, nothing is more expensive than your life. Either this or the wearable Helite Turtle 2 airbag vest, comes highly recommended.
Much like a couple of the other jackets in this list, if you’re going for a retro look that hides otherwise superior protective features, Dainese has a retro jacket for you in the Lola 3. Just looking at it, you’d think it was a slightly heavier track jacket, or a zip-up spring jacket to wear on the walk to the grocery store.
However, the Lola 3 is so much more. Combining high-grade Iride matte leather with S1 bi-elastic polyfabric panels and Dainese Pro-Armor impact zones, the jacket passes both prEN 17092 Class A jacket protection and EN 1621.1 armor class 1 standards. The Pro-Armor elbow and shoulder protectors are also rated CE level 1, which, while not as protective as CE level 2, allows for the armor to be more flexible and comfortable, while still being able to take an incredibly harsh whack without passing the impact to you.
And the piping on the jacket is not just for fashion, either. It is fully reflective material in an artificial shape, so the eye at night recognizes an artificial shape among the organic clutter of the environment in their headlights. A pocket for an optional Dainese G1 or racing G2 grade protector is inlaid into the TechFrame internal comfort liner just in case that person doesn’t see you.
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