I’m always on the prowl for riding gear that’s a step up from what I’m currently using at an affordable price. The mid-height Flex WP Touring boots from Tourmaster come pretty close to nailing my ideal for a commuting boot: they’re waterproof (which I tested in a light rain), have a dual zipper for easy entry/exit and offer a nice balance of comfort and protection. Oil-resistant, anti-slip rubber soles are reinforced with a steel shank, while the leather/synthetic leather uppers sport heel, toe, shin and ankle guards. The boots fit well and are true to my normal size 11. The dual-zipper entry requires a bit of fiddling to ensure none of the inner pleat is caught in the second zipper, but I’m hoping that goes away as the boots break in. The soles are rigid enough for comfort on the bike but flexible enough for walking, and feel slightly rounded which contributes to walking comfort in the office or on a short hike.
Previous experience with Tourmaster boots has been very positive as they proved durable and robust, and the Flex WPs have a quality feel and are well-constructed. With a reasonable MSRP of $124.99, they offer a lot of boot for the money.
For more information, see your dealer or visit tourmaster.com.
Adventure touring boots have a serious job to do. In addition to keeping your feet dry and protected from rocks and impacts, ADV boots should provide plenty of ankle support and have a sturdy sole for long periods of standing on footpegs. The problem is that all of this often results in a boot that is stiff, heavy, uncomfortable and hard to put on and take off, with lots of straps, buckles and hook-and-loop flaps.
Rev’It’s new Discovery Outdry boots take a different approach to ADV boot design, by incorporating the stability and safety of off-road boots with the user-friendliness and clean, lightweight construction of a touring boot. A key element is the lightweight Boa lacing system, which replaces shoestrings, buckles and straps with stainless-steel wire laces and low-friction lace guides that snug up the boot with the turn of a dial. Pull the dial to release the laces and the boot slips easily on and off; push the dial in to engage the locking adjustment system and a few turns result in a perfect fit every time.
Boa closure technology allows you to tighten or loosen the boots with the simple twist of a dial.
Boa technology was invented for snowboarding boots in the 1990s and is now used by hundreds of footwear companies worldwide. The steel laces only need to withstand five pounds of pressure to work, but are rated to 10 times that amount, and Boa guarantees its dials and laces for the lifetime of the product in which they’re integrated.
Beautifully constructed of suede and full-grain leather and 500D Cordura nylon with a rubber abrasion edge around the sides and toe, the boots are laminated with an outer layer of Outdry, a 100-percent waterproof membrane that sheds water before it soaks in, keeping your feet dry and warm. My pair passed the soak test handily, but I haven’t yet been able to rain test them.
Injected ankle cups and thermoformed plastic armor in the heel, toe, shin and a hook-and-loop flap that covers the Boa dial provide comfortable protection. A versatile Vibram Apex sole with a shock-absorbing EVA midsole and anatomic footbed is comfortable and grippy for walking or hiking and provides plenty of support for standing on footpegs. Reflective panels in back enhance conspicuity, and large loops on top aid in pulling the boots on.
Rev’It Discovery Outdry boots come in Euro sizes 38-47 (U.S. 6-13) and have a pricy MSRP of $499.99, but as a rider who dislikes time-consuming complication and clutter in my apparel, I couldn’t be happier with them. Fit and comfort are exceptional, they break-in quickly and are light, fast and easy to put on and take off, yet the level of protection they provide is substantial enough for pretty gnarly ADV riding. While they won’t quite substitute for motocross or enduro boots, short of that you’d be hard-pressed to find as much comfort and protection in one boot. Or even two.
For more information, see your dealer or visit revitusa.com.
The author in his Aerostich R-3 suit, which he wears on his daily commute during the cooler months.
’Stich. Spacesuit. Moto onesie. Aerostich’s R-3 suit, known for years as the Roadcrafter, goes by many names, but one thing is for sure: it has become an icon of motorcycle apparel. Introduced in 1983 by Andy Goldfine, the founder of Aerostich and the non-profit organization that promotes the annual Ride to Work Day, the Roadcrafter was designed for motorcycle commuting and can be worn over street clothes. Thanks to its two main zippers–one from the neck down to the inside of the left ankle and another down the inside of the right leg–a Roadcrafter, with practice, can be put on and zipped closed in a matter of seconds, and removing it is even easier.
Over the years, as word spread about the Roadcrafter’s convenience, versatility and practicality, it became the suit of choice not just for commuters but also for many touring riders. Based on regular feedback from customers and motojournalists, evaluations of suits damaged in crashes and a personal obsession with details, Goldfine has steadily refined the Roadcrafter over the past 36 years. It may not be particularly stylish, but it works remarkably well.
Soon after I joined the Rider staff in 2008 I tested a Roadcrafter, and I wore it for years and over many thousands of miles, on my daily commute, on short- and long-distance tours, on press launches and road test photo shoots, in all kinds of weather. Though faded and stained, that suit is still going strong and holds a place of honor in my gear closet. Over the past four years I’ve been wearing the R-3, the third-generation Roadcrafter, which is better for California’s hot, dry climate because it is unlined and, thanks to seam-sealed zippers in addition to its full Gore-Tex membrane, is waterproof. (The Roadcrafter Classic is still available.)
Made of 500D Cordura with 1000D abrasion-resistant ballistic panels at the shoulder, elbow and knee that are backed by tough, pliable TF armor (a back protector is sold separately), the R-3 is stiff at first and requires some breaking in, but soon feels like a tailored, flexible exoskeleton. It has a full collar that can be folded down, nine pockets that hold a ridiculous amount of stuff, flap-covered zippers at the hips that provide easy access to your pants pockets, various adjustment tabs and Scotchlite reflective panels. With ventilation limited to two underarm vents and a horizontal back vent, the R-3 can get swampy on hot/humid days, but that’s it in terms of shortcomings.
Aerostich’s R-3 One-Piece Suit sells for $1,197 and is available in sizes 34-54 in Short, Regular and Long in multiple suit and ballistic panel colors. A women’s version, a lighter-weight Tactical version, custom sizing and a wide range of add-on accessories are available. Suits can also be sent back to Aerostich for cleaning, alterations and repairs. Like any well-made, tailored garment, you’ll wear it for years.
For more information, call (800) 222-1994 or visit aerostich.com.
I have learned that it definitely pays to wear versatile gear. On a single tour covering several days–or even on a single-day ride–one could experience searing daytime heat, evening cold, a touch of rain and then, of course, the constant wind blast while riding. That’s why versatile gear is a real plus.
I obtained Tourmaster’s Transition Series 2 Jacket several years ago and have worn it extensively since, which is why I was excited to test the Transition Series 5. While comparing the two I noted more similarities than differences. The styling and features are very familiar, but one newer feature on the Series 5 is the patented stretch nylon Aqua-Barrier hood that folds up behind the zippered collar, from where it can be deployed. This super thin, stretchy hood is designed to be worn under the helmet to prevent rain from seeping down the back of your neck while riding.
The Transition 5’s shell utilizes abrasion-resistant 600 denier Carbolex polyester fabric, with 1680 denier ballistic polyester in the elbows. The breathable Rainguard barrier lives up to its name, as I did encounter some rain during my test period and stayed dry. The removable, full-sleeve thermal liner zips and snaps in place–and removes just as easily. Stretch panels in the back and elbows, in conjunction with various tabs and the waist belt, allow for adjustability and comfort whether the liner is removed or in place. Reflective striping adds to visibility, and protection is provided by the back protector and the CE-approved armor that lives in the elbows and shoulders.
The Transition Series 5 includes a foam back pad and CE-approved elbow and shoulder armor.
On the outer shell are a large zippered pocket and wallet pocket, a pair of fleece-lined handwarmer pockets and a couple cargo pockets. There’s also a dual zippered fanny pack in back. Both the liner and the shell are equipped with a cell-phone pocket and an internal pouch.
For ventilation the Transition 5 offers two sets of paired, controllable slit vents in the chest, along with pairs in the shoulders and upper arms, and three sizeable exhaust vents in back. My only criticism is that the front vents are little more than slits, and despite their number they don’t move a lot of air, especially if your bike dictates a forward, crouched riding position.
Overall, the Transition 5 proved to be a very versatile jacket in terms of not only general temperature control, but also in adjustability with its belt and various tabs. It is available in several colors, in both men’s and women’s sizes, and retails for $269.99.
For more information, see your dealer or visit tourmaster.com.
