Tested: The Best Motorcycle Jackets For Everyday Protection

Though experience and proper training do greatly help to mitigate the likelihood of a crash, riding a motorcycle nonetheless comes with the inherent risk of wrecking. With nothing separating your body from the road or the other multi-ton vehicles that occupy it, wearing proper protective gear is absolutely essential. But with so many different styles of motorcycle jacket, and what feels like a sea of available offerings within each category, finding the right jacket for you can be an intimidating experience, especially while knowing your physical safety is possibly at stake.

So, to help get you suited up wearing the best possible garment for your bike, riding style, and intended application, we’ve pieced together this expansive guide to and hands-on review of the best motorcycle jackets. Below, we’ll be delving into what properties make for a quality moto jacket, what features to look for, why you should wear one, and the different types of riding jackets that exist, before ultimately delving into our picks for the latest and greatest motorcycle jackets currently on the market. 

Selection & Testing

When we initially set out to uncover the best riding jackets on the market, we kicked off our search by first making a list of qualities and criteria that would be used to judge each potential pick. In an effort to ensure a diverse list of jackets for any and all rider types, we also made a list of the main genres of riding jackets before then selecting anywhere from one-to-three picks from each class. These picks were largely made by relying on and looking to aspects such as shell construction, armor, weather resistance, cut and fit, and overall features and design. This would enable us to make a shortlist of motorcycle riding jackets that we suspected may stand as some of the absolute best that money can buy. 

Though spec sheets, photos, and product descriptions can admittedly be very informative, the reality is that the only real way to get a real-world sense of how a jacket feels and performs is to actually use the thing. So, that’s exactly what we did, proceeding to track down an example of every jacket comprising our shortlist. In order to get an objective sense of performance, comfort, and quality, each motorcycle jacket on our shortlist took a turn being used to commute to and from HICONSUMPTION’s headquarters in Los Angeles. By trying each jacket for several days at a time, we were able to glean an enormous amount of insight and information into the strengths and weaknesses of each of these garments. 

Additionally, on top of simply riding while wearing each jacket, we also carried out several additional tests such as a fitment test, and an armor test where a concrete pillar was elbowed and shouldered in a bid to discover how effective each jacket’s armor is. We also took an extensive amount of time out to individually scrutinize each jacket’s construction, build quality, and fit and finish, as these areas can play a major role in separating today’s best motorcycle jackets from their cheaper, less-quality counterparts. Once armed with the intel from our hands-on testing, we were then able to narrow our shortlist down to a final hard selection of the best motorcycle jackets — with each category ultimately receiving a single best-of pick. 

ICON 1000 Upstate Mesh CE

Best Textile Jacket: The ICON 1000 Upstate Mesh CE is the ultimate modern-day summertime textile riding jacket. Offered in multiple colorways including a stealthy blacked-out version, this jacket is made from a combination of 400-denier polyester and ICON’s own Iron Weave Mesh, which is a lightweight and highly-breathable material that offers unparalleled abrasion-resistance, especially for a textile construction. Despite the proprietary material being wildly-breathable, lightweight, and abrasion-resistant, the Oregon outfit has nonetheless reinforced key impact and slide-prone areas with CORDURA overlays. There are also subtle reflective accent strips for increased visibility at night. Shielding the rider from blunt-force trauma is a full suite of D30 armor, covering the elbows, shoulders, and back — all of which is included with the jacket rather than being sod separately. The jacket boasts a decent amount of storage, with a set of chest pockets, zippered-secured hand pockets, and an interior zippered pocket. 

Traditionally, motorcycle jackets have had to balance breathability and protection. The better the protection, the worse the airflow, and vis versa. And that’s essentially what makes the Upstate Mesh CE jacket so special, as it’s able to afford incredibly robust levels of both airflow and abrasion resistance — a feat that’s fairly unheard of in the riding garments world. Being a more affordable, budget-friendly jacket, you may think ICON likely cut a few corners and strayed away from more premium features, though the reality is that the Upstate Mesh CE jacket actually boasts its fair share of subtle yet high-end details such as its ultra-soft collar liner, snap-secured chest pockets, a main two-way YKK zipper, and a black-on-black ICON logo rubber-printed onto the jacket just above the left chest pocket. It doesn’t end there, however, as the zippers at the end of the sleeves are also auto flat-laying, plus feature custom ICON-branded pulls. 

I found the sizing and fit of this jacket to be perfect. It can easily be worn by itself over a t-shirt on warmer days, though it’s relaxed enough to comfortably wear a sweatshirt or other mid-layer under it in colder weather — a fact that actually affords this summer riding jacket a pretty good deal of versatility. Having said that, it is crucial to note that the thing is completely devoid of any waterproofing or water resistance whatsoever — though it’s hard to fault ICON for this as the jacket was obviously engineered specifically for hot-weather riding and not for four-season use. Additionally, the Upstate Mesh CE also affords some of the best bang-for-your-buck of any armored riding jacket currently on the market — and that’s before considering its ample versatility which further bolsters its already-impressive levels of value. 

All in all, I was really impressed with ICON’s Upstate Mesh CE jacket, though I did come across a few very minor areas that I either didn’t like, or felt could be improved upon. With only millimeters of material separating you from the pocket’s contents, the jacket is a bit prone to having its pockets’ contents poking you through the textile mesh construction. Additionally, I wish the jacket came with some kind of removable liner so it would be able to lend itself to lower temperatures without having to wear multiple base or mid-layers beneath it. Again, because it wasn’t designed for this use, it’s hard to fault ICON for this, but I still felt it was worth mentioning. 

Verdict: The ICON Upstate Mesh CE is an accessibly priced textile riding jacket that offers a truly unparalleled combination of comfort, airflow, breathability, and slide and impact protection. If you’re looking for a warm-weather-specific moto jacket, look no further.  

SA1NT Unbreakable Jacket W/ Armor Pockets

Best Denim Jacket: A motorcycle-specific take on a classic men’s wardrobe staple, the SA1NT Unbreakable Jacket W/ Armor Pockets is an ultra-stylish and super-protective riding garment with an unmistakably premium look and feel. Sporting a traditional cut and slightly relaxed fit, the armor-equipped Unbreakable Jacket features a traditional four-pocket layout (two chest pockets and two lower hand pockets) that’s brought to life using SA1NT’s sixth-generation Unbreakable Dyneema-infused denim, which is insanely resistant to slides and abrasions. Beneath its Dyneema denim shell, the jacket also sports a mesh liner that includes pockets for the jean jacket’s included suite of D30 Ghost elbow and shoulder armor. 

With the Aussie outfit’s Unbreakable jeans being one of, if not my all-time favorite pair of riding pants, I was in no way surprised by how taken I was with the brand’s matching jacket. Though it’s manufactured in China, you’d never know it based on the Unbreakable Jacket’s build quality, which is truly next level. The stitching is meticulously done, and there’s not a single loose thread to be found anywhere. What’s more, the garment is further elevated via its trim and hardware which is also unmistakably premium, consisting of matte-finished coated alloy buttons, several custom-enameled SA1NT wing-logoed buttons, and hidden chest pocket snaps. Like ICON’s Upstate Mesh CE Jacket, the Unbreakable Jacket W/ Armor Pockets can easily be rocked over a regular shirt, or be worn over a sweatshirt or some other base layer, allowing it to still be used on colder days. Boasting genuine heritage-grade quality, this jacket can also serve as something of a modern-day family heirloom, being rugged and well-crafted enough to survive a lifetime of use before being passed down to future generations. 

The SA1NT Unbreakable Jacket W/ Armor Pockets can legitimately pass for a regular high-end denim jacket, as it looks and feels like regular premium denim, despite being heavily-infused with Dyneema. This allows it to look just as natural and at-home when worn on the bike as it is out-of-the-saddle. As such, it’s genuinely one of the most versatile riding garments I’ve ever worn. Its super stylish and versatile nature is furthered by both its removable white shearing collar, and the included black shearing collar that the thing also ships with. I was also pleasantly surprised to discover that the Unbreakable Jacket W/ Armor Pockets’ Dyneema-infused shell construction will also slowly form a unique patina over time with regular use, giving this timeless-looking garment even more character. Another aspect that I really loved about this Dyneema denim riding jacket is how difficult it is to tell when it’s equipped with armor as its D30 Ghost pads are incredibly low-profile. Also, out of all the motorcycle jackets I tested, the elbow and shoulder armor on this one was by far the easiest to install or remove. While it doesn’t have any impact on performance and isn’t visible when its being worn, I nonetheless appreciate the orange accents and details found on the interior of this garment. It’s also crucial to note that this is the only motorcycle jacket that I’ve ever worn on days when I’m not riding, as it makes for just as solid of a daily-wear jean jacket as it does a protective riding garment. 

My complaints surrounding SA1NT’S Unbreakable Jacket W/ Armor Pockets are few and far between, because as far as denim riding jackets go, it’s about as close to perfect as they get. With that said, I did still have a couple gripes — albeit very minor ones. First off, while I applaud SA1NT for selling the jacket with its pair of removable starling collars and included elbow and shoulder armor, I do with the company also included a D30 Viper spine protector as standard. The jacket has a pocket for a back protector, though it’s sold separately. My second — and only other — complaint pertains to the thing’s pricing, as its $425 MSRP makes it far from cheap. Considering the enormous amount of research and development that went into creating half-a-dozen increasingly-capable generations of Dyneema denim, I actually think the price is pretty easy to justify — an area furthered by the facts that it’s extremely versatile, just as conducive to being worn off the bike, and practically guaranteed to afford a lifetime of use. 

Verdict: SA1NT’S Unbreakable Jacket W/ Armor Pockets manages to deliver something of the best of both worlds, offering ultra-robust levels of protection while legitimately looking and feeling like a normal premium denim jacket. Between its advanced Dyneema denim construction, stylish and timeless appearance, premium hardware and trim, and unmatched versatility, I’d argue this is the finest moto-specific jean jacket currently on the market. 

AETHER Mulholland Moto Jacket

Best Technical Jacket: Representing the newest release on this guide, the AETHER Mulholland Moto Jacket is a super technical riding garment that equally conducive to both urban and adventure riding. Backed by a lifetime warranty, the Mulholland Moto Jacket is constructed around a triple-layer Japanese polyamide shell that’s been fitted with a polyester body liner, an elastane-infused polyamide sleeve liner, and genuine cowhide leather trim. This rugged triple-layer shell construction sees its most slide-prone areas reinforced with overlays. In typical AETHER fashion, this moto jacket sports an ultra-clean, technical, minimalist aesthetic that no doubt hints at the garment’s impressive performance. Equipped with half-a-dozen pockets in total. the jacket also features vertically-running zipper tracks beneath the armpits and on the sides of the back that open to reveal thermoregulating airflow channels. 

Offering a fantastic range of motion and mobility, the jacket’s actual cut and fit is super calculated and features pre-curved sleeves that help to afford a natural position when in the saddle with your hands up on the bars. The garment’s key slide-prone areas such as the shoulders and elbow also feature hidden second-layer underlays to bolster abrasion resistance in the event of a slide. Considering how thick and robust the shell is, I was also really impressed with how lightweight this jacket is, as the entire thing tips the scales at approximately 2.5lbs — making it markedly lighter than most other riding jackets on the market without offering any less coverage or protection, be it from the elements or slides and impacts. I was also unsure as to how the Mulholland Moto Jacket would fair when exposed to the elements, though after spraying the thing with a hose I was pretty blown away by just how wildly effective the shell’s DWR coating is. All water and liquids simply bead up and roll off of the tri-layer polyamide. 

The jacket also boasts numerous features that make it abundantly clear that its design team possesses a wealth of experience riding motorcycles, with the most obvious example being the custom triangular-shaped AETHER-branded zipper pulls that make opening and closing the tracks on the shell ridiculously easy, even when wearing thick gloves. Additionally, the Mulholland Moto Jacket also benefits from a host of subtle yet premium custom elements and details that help to elevate the thing as a whole such as its supple cowhide leather collar trim, its rubberized AETHER logo patch, the 3D-embroidered AETHER logo adorning the back right shoulder, and the custom AETHER-branded zipper pulls and snap buttons used throughout. Though it isn’t made in America, the Mulholland Moto Jacket’s build quality is decidedly premium, and could easily pass for a domestically-made garment. 

Based on the materials, overall craftsmanship, and the amount of time and resources that went into designing and developing the jacket, its price actually seems pretty fitting, though there’s absolutely no denying that it doesn’t offer the best bang-for-your-buck. Though it does have a few moto-specific features, it’s plain-looking enough to largely pass for a regular technical jacket — especially with its armor removed. Because it looks and feels like a regular garment with its armor pulled, it actually offers pretty solid versatility, making it a lot easier to justify its fairly steep MSRP. And, while I realize that AETHER doesn’t currently make a matching set of pants to go with the Mulholland Moto Jacket — at least not yet — I nonetheless wish the company had opted to bestow its latest riding jacket with a snap or zipper-secured jacket-to-pant connection. 

Verdict: Well-crafted, sleek, and minimalistic, the AETHER Mulholland Moto Jacket is a thoroughly modern technical riding garment that’s largely characterized by its premium materials, slew of custom details, and highly-calculated, high-performance outdoor and off-road-focused design — making this an obvious go-to choice for those piloting either adventure bikes and scramblers. 

Roland Sands Design Clash Jacket CE

Best Cafe-Style Jacket: Whether it’s aftermarket upgrades, custom motorcycles, or riding gear, pretty much anything wearing a Roland Sands Design label is going to be stylish, well-made, and performance-focused, and such is the case with the Southern California brand’s Clash CE Jacket. Offered in black, oxblood (red), or brown, the jacket sports a unique appearance with an asymmetrical main zipper, and quilt-stitched overlays on the shoulders and lower back. As the garment’s moniker suggests, the jacket definitely sports a bit of a rocker influence, without being too loud or over-the-top. A second-generation model that now sports CE certification, the jacket is made from a top grain 1.1mm “GT Racer” cowhide leather that’s been washed, oiled, waxed, and finished by hand. 

RSD’s Clash Jacket CE is unmistakably premium through and through, from the bespoke hardware to the custom zipper pulls to its suede collar liner to the printed interior liner — the latter of which affords the jacket a ton of modern flavor. Though not hugely significant on their own, these minor details come together to hugely elevate the leather jacket as a whole. Rather than utilizing generic armor, the Clash Jacket packs RSD armor at the shoulders and elbows — the latter of which is decorated in low-profile external metal studs, adding equal parts style and protection. And, not unlike SA1NT’s denim jacket above, the Clash Jacket CE is another terrific modern-day heirloom that can no doubt be passed down to future generations. 

Despite its old-school nature, this garment’s performance is thoroughly modern. With a full suite of armor and multiple strategically-placed flex and stretch panels, it affords stellar range of motion and mobility, along with equally impressive levels of slide and impact protection. Between the perforated sections, stretch panels, plain leather, and quilted areas, it’s just a really interesting jacket from a visual standpoint too. Thanks to being as stylish and well-crafted as it is, the Clash Jacket CE can also be worn when off-of-the-bike. This not only makes the jacket significantly more versatile, but it also makes it quite a bit easier to justify the $750 investment that acquiring it calls for. Belt-style hip buckles allow the jacket’s fit to be more precisely dialed in as well. 

Because of its heavy-duty leather shell construction, this jacket is fairly heavy — though its heft also plays a key role in the immense protection it offers. Additionally, considering the fact that it’s made in India, its $750 MSRP does seem fairly steep, though isn’t impossible to justify, as it’s undeniably premium and has a lot going for it. Speaking of its price, at $750, I’d also have liked to see RSD include spine armor with the jacket as standard (rather than merely sporting a pocket to accommodate a spine protector that needs to be purchased separately. As far as complaints and gripes go, these were the only issues I stumbled across the entire time I tested this jacket. 

Verdict: Boasting a modern take on asymmetrical leather moto jackets, the Roland Sands Design Clash Jacket CE affords an ideal blend of old-school style and contemporary protection — all in a decidedly premium and well-crafted package that’s brimming with bespoke details. If you can afford the $750 MSRP, you won’t be disappointed. 

Dainese Super Speed 4 Leather Jacket

Best Sport/Track Jacket: If you look at the grid of any professional race series, you’re practically guaranteed to see several riders wearing Dainese suits, which makes sense considering the brand churns out some of the most cutting-edge race protection on the planet. The Italian brand’s Super Speed 4 Leather Jacket jacket is essentially a replica of the suits worn by top MotoGP riders that removes the pants, and slightly tones down how aggressive the cut is and aero hump is, allowing for a garment that offers the same top-notch level of protection afforded to world champion riders, in a more practical, street-friendly package. Sporting preserved sleeves and thermoformed shoulders, the jacket is cut from Dainese’s full-grain cowhide D-Skin 2.0 Leather and features inserts composed of the brand’s second-generation Microelastic insert, 3D-Bubble fabric, and S1 bi-elastic fabric. 

The aero hump on the back of the jacket not only gives it an unmistakably sporty, race-derived look, but it’s also a fully-functional feature that helps to direct airflow from the back of the helmet and over the rider. Another decidedly trick, race-bred feature on the jacket that also serves an important function is the Super Speed 4’s aluminum elbow sliders, aluminum shoulder sliders, and composite elbow slider pucks — the latter two of which are removable and replaceable. These allow sliders are almost certainly my favorite detail on the entire jacket — which actually says quite a bit considering how much it has going for it. Under the surface, this fourth-gen jacket sports a full suite of elbow, shoulder, and spine armor, and has pocket for accommodating chest armor. I also appreciate how the bottom of the Super Speed 4 is capped off with a jacket-to-pant fastening system, as it allows the garment to be mated to a set of leather track pants when hitting the local circuit or twisties, and then be used by itself as a standalone jacket when commuting or cruising around town. I also really like the contrasting pattern details on the jacket’s outer chest and inner arms. Like the Dainese logo adorning the front of the jacket, these details aren’t printed on, and are instead comprised of cut-out pieces of leather that have been overlaid onto the main shell. The chest logo also sports a light textured design that can only be viewed up close, but is nonetheless a cool — and decidedly premium — touch. 

Riding motorcycles is obviously dangerous, and aggressively riding a modern supersport or superbike, be it on the track or road, invites even more risk. As a result, I’d argue that, if you’re doing this type of riding, you should be making an effort to seek out the best possible protection — which very well may be this very jacket. It might not come cheap, but because of its ability to possibly save you from an expensive hospital bill (and the pain that comes from an injury), it’s actually not that hard to justify investing in, as the expenses from a single broken bone will quickly exceed this jacket’s MSRP, likely several times over. The use of Euro sizing rather than the domestic (S, M, L, XL) system also allows you to get a much better, more precise fit when purchasing one of these jackets from Dainese. This more snug and accurate fit not only makes the jacket more comfortable to wear, but it also allows it to maximize the protection that it offers, as riding garments need to be sized and fitted correctly in order to properly do their job in the event of a crash. 

Despite a fit that allows a rider to easily get into a full tuck, the Dainese Super Speed 4 Leather Jacket is surprisingly comfortable — an area that’s no doubt helped along by the item’s plush interior, breathable mesh liner, and soft Microfiber collar lining. Often times race-derived gear is particularly uncomfortable, so I really appreciated how pleasant it felt wearing this jacket, even for extended periods. Because of the build quality, I assumed the jacket was made in Italy, that was until saw the tag and realized it was actually crafted in Tunisia. Regardless of its manufacturing origin, its craftsmanship and fit and finish are stellar. I’ve owned over half-a-dozen of them in my riding career, and I’d still say that the Dainese Super Speed 4 Leather Jacket is easily my favorite that I’ve ever worn — and probably by a pretty decent margin, too. And as far as sport jackets go, I’d also argue the Super Speed 4 is about as close to perfect as one can get. As such, I’m pretty much devoid of complaints, though for the price I guess I wouldn’t mind seeing it ship with included chest armor, but that’s about it. 

Verdict: Essentially the top-half of a professional-grade MotoGP race suit, the Dainese Super Speed 4 is a state-of-the-art sport and race jacket that offers the absolute pinnacle of protection for on-road riding — along with immense comfort, replaceable alloy and composite sliders, and a top-shelf material array that’s been pieced together using top-notch craftsmanship. 

Aerostich Roadcrafter Classic Stealth Jacket

Best USA-Made Jacket: Technical, high-performance riding jackets are commonplace today, though this wasn’t the case some 40-years-ago when Aerostich founder Andy Goldfine first created the Roadcrafter jacket. Unsatisfied with the lack of options on the market aside from leather garments, Goldfine envisioned a new kind of high-tech riding gear, crafted from what he called “a new recipe of ingredients” — i.e. lightweight tough breathable-waterproof seam-sealed fabrics, large reflective areas, vent zippers, ergonomic pockets, and visco-elastic foam armor. It was also engineered to be as lightweight as possible, while still being able to handle a high-speed crash. Since its debut, the Aerostich Roadcrafter has steadily evolved over the years, gaining minor tweaks and upgrades along the way, though at its core it remains what it’s always been; a finely-made, ultra-high-end riding garment that offers truly unparalleled levels of protection, comfort, and quality.   

Cut from mil-spec 500-denier TLTex fabric and equipped with even more hardwearing overlays at all key slide-prone areas, the Aerostich Roadcrafter Classic Stealth Jacket is offered in an off-the-shelf capacity, but most units are made on a sewn-to-order basis that’s markedly more in-line with buying a custom-tailored suit than it is your average motorcycle jacket. When ordering a Roadcrafter Classic, the company requires you to give your shirt size, suit size, height, weight, wrist-to-shoulder length, and collar size. From there, one of the  30 suit-graded sizes that the RC is offered in is selected and then custom-tailored to your exact proportions. Carried out in Aerostich’s Duluth, Minnesota workshop, each step of the jacket’s manufacturing process is handled by an expert artisan or craftsperson — each of which actually signs their name on a label inside the jacket that denotes the part(s) they’re responsible for. Though it cost more and takes more time, this markedly more meticulous manufacturing process ultimately allows for a much more precise-fitting garment, as well as a much-finer-crafted one, as this level of quality control, craftsmanship, and attention to detail simply wouldn’t be possible when manufacturing at a mass-scale. 

Boasting a level of build quality that’s legitimately second to none, the Aerostich Roadcrafter Classic Stealth is unquestionably the most comfortable riding jacket I’ve ever worn. Not only is it perfectly custom-sized to fit my exact proportions like a glove, but it’s interior feels soft and plush, and its collar is lined with Ultrasuede. It also features a natural cut and shape that’s clearly geared towards riding, with lightly pre-curved sleeves. The collar also does a great job of keeping wind out. Sporting a four-pocket exterior design supplemented via multiple interior pockets, the jacket can also be mated to a pair of Aerostich’s matching pants using a securely-sewn 270º circumferential two-way zipper. Aerostich also offers the jacket in a wide range of color options. And, because the thing is so robust, I also really appreciate the fact that it’s machine-washable, plus I was also pretty impressed with how small and compact it can break down to, making it super easy for me to stash the thing in a backpack after commuting with it. It’s also super clear that this jacket was designed by someone with a ton of riding experience, as it boasts a slew of small features that are super practical and helpful. One example of this being the small carabiner anchored to the inside of the left chest pocket, as it provides a convenient and ultra-secure way of always storing your keys when off-the-bike. 

It’s hard to put into words just how thoroughly impressed I was with this jacket on pretty much every level. Due to the age of the design, I honestly expected to find a handful of issues with it, but there were only one or two gripes that I came across, and they’re both pretty minor. My first complaint is with the armor, as I’d like to see the Roadcrafter get upgraded to a more low-profile type of armor such as D30. Second, compared to the other, more fashion-forward jackets on this list, the Roadcrafter just isn’t the most stylish garment. It is hard to fault Aerostich for this, as the company is very open and upfront about the fact that it makes “equipment, not fashion.” Having said that, I don’t think it’s a bad-looking jacket by any means — especially in the blacked-out Stealth version seen here — it’s just not as stylish as the above jackets from SA1NT, RSD, or ICON. Aerostich also offers what it calls a “Crasher Discount” where accident-damaged items can be replaced at 15% off — though they can also be covered by insurance. Sure, it’s only a small percentage, but at this price, that percentage adds up fast to some real savings.

Verdict: Boasting an unparalleled level of craftsmanship, the Aerostich Roadcrafter Classic Stealth Jacket is a truly-bespoke, built-to-order and built-to-last riding jacket that’s meticulously made in America by a legendary boutique brand and characterized by its immense comfort and protection. This is also almost certainly the best touring jacket currently on the market as well. 

Klim Badlands Pro A3 Jacket

Best ADV Jacket: Headquartered out of Rigby, Idaho, Klim (pronounced “climb”) is a leading power sports gear purveyor that currently produces some of the finest and most innovative snowmobile, off-road, and motorcycle kit that money can buy. Case in point; the Klim Badlands Pro A3 Jacket. Not only is it one of the toughest and most well-crafted hardcore adventure jackets out there, but more importantly, it’s also the world’s first CE AAA-rated all-weather motorcycle garment, which is a massive deal on its own. Once you start factoring in the jacket’s elite material selection, ultra-rugged build quality, hardcore design, and wealth of features, and it’s not hard to see why the Badlands Pro A3 Jacket ended up getting our best adventure jacket pick. 

Crafted from a spare-no-expense material selection, the Klim Badlands Pro A3 Jacket is crafted around a GORE-TEX 3-Layer Pro shell that’s been fitted with water-resistant YKK zippers, a two-way main zipper, and custom-engineered variable-density Superfabric overlays across the shoulders, elbows and forearm. Benefitting from Biomotion recognition, the jacket comes with a super robust full suite of armor consisting of Klim Aero Pro D30 vented shoulder and elbow armor, limb and side-specific pads, D30 Viper back armor, spacer mesh kidney pad pocket and kidney belt, perforated XRD chest armor — the latter of which can be upgraded to D30. Engineered for the ground up for hardcore adventure riding, the jacket also boasts tons of adjustment points, including adjustable nylon webbing on the sleeves, and an included adjustable interior kidney belt. 

Klim’s Badlands Pro A3 Jacket features a laundry list of proprietary name-brand materials and technologies from the like of GORE-TEX to Vectran Fiber Fabric to 3M to D30 to CORDURA to SuperFabric. Not unlike every other Klim product I’ve ever gotten my hands on, the Badlands Pro A3 Jacket’s build quality is genuinely really impressive. This really shouldn’t come as a surprise, as there’s no point in opting for some of the world’s most hardwearing materials if they aren’t going to be pieced together using an equally rugged build quality and construction. Armed with 14 pockets in total strategically placed across the jacket — not including its internal hydration bladder compartment, which also features internal hose routing. It’s also worth noting that Klim also sells a matching pair of A3 Pro Badlands pants that are crafted from the same materials and benefit from many of the same features and design elements. 

Its appearance is far from casual and basically screams “motorcycle jacket,” though it’s also pretty clear it wasn’t designed to be stylish or subtle so it’s really difficult to deduct points for this. The jacket is definitely on the heavier side and actually outweighed the leather jackets I tested, though I also realize the heft is necessary for the jacket to achieve its ultra-robust protection. Last, at $1,500, it’s objectively an expensive jacket. Hell, I’ve bought used motorcycles that have costed far less than that. Having said that, if you want the very best, it’s not going to come cheap, and the sheer cost of development and materials sunk into this thing make it easy to understand how Klim arrived at the price point that it did. At the end of the day, what really makes this jacket so special, is how it’s not merely designed to protect from impacts or slides like every other item on this list, but it’s actually engineered to shield its wearer from the myriad of hazards and obstacles that one faces when riding off-road. 

Verdict: The world’s first CE AAA-rated all-weather motorcycle garment, the Klim Badlands Pro A3 is a spare-no-expense, hardcore adventure riding jacket that offers an unparalleled degree of durability and protection, no matter where your off-road adventures take you or what hazards pop up on your travels. While it isn’t cheap, it legitimately is the very best. 

Motorcycle Jackets Comparison Chart

A Guide To The Different Types Of Moto Jackets

Though there are some riding garments that can fall under multiple umbrellas, the vast majority of motorcycle jackets fit squarely into one of the roughly half-dozen main types/categories of riding jackets. Below, we’ll briefly break down each of these sub-sectors. 

Adventure Jackets: Adventure — or “ADV” as it’s often referred to — jackets are the most hardwearing and durable garments in entire moto jacket space, made for on and off-road use (with a heavier emphasis on the latter), typically constructed using materials that can survive impromptu meetings with logs, rocks, or other unforgiving terrains, as well as being able to withstand regular slides on the tarmac. ADV jackets are also routinely equipped to stand-up to hostile weather conditions, and as such often feature wind and waterproof GORE-TEX membranes. At the same time, due to the physically-demanding nature of off-road riding, these jackets also have to be able to afford their wearer ample ventilation, and consequently, normally come with a bevy of flaps and panels for this purpose. And, much like adventure bikes themselves, ADV jackets sport a decidedly rugged, off-road-themed aesthetic.

Cafe Jackets: Cafe racer garments are traditional leather biker jackets, with a more aggressive cut and an overall aesthetic design that borrows heavily from that of race gear from the 1960s and 1970s. Similar to modern scrambler and cafe racer models, cafe jackets combine this aforementioned vintage aesthetic with modern materials and safety standards, ultimately affording what many riders would call, “the best of both worlds”. And, in response to the steep rise in popularity of modern-retro models over the last decade, gear companies have stepped up to feel the demand, resulting in an enormous number of offerings in this specific space. Cafe jackets also have the added benefit of being a stylish wardrobe option when not riding — especially if the jacket in question has removable armor.

Denim Jackets: Denim motorcycle jackets are exactly what they sound like; motorcycle-specific riding garments cut from denim. Often drawing inspiration from vintage jean jackets, modern-day denim riding jackets tend to be extremely versatile, lending themselves to use both in and out of the saddle. Today’s latest and greatest denim riding jackets also typically benefit from the use of hidden armor and advanced denim constructions, many of which are infused with Dyneema, Kevlar, CORDURA, or other hardwearing constructions.

Sport/Track Jackets: Sport jackets are built to cater to the most performance-focused motorcycling styles, produced with an aggressive, hunched-over cut that’s designed to accommodate a rider using clip-ons and rear-sets, and/or in a full race tuck. Much like superbikes, these track-oriented offerings typically exhibit the latest and greatest in materials and technology and are often used to debut cutting-edge features such as smart airbag systems. As such, sport jackets almost always represent the pinnacle of moto safety, and unlike other jacket segments, these offerings are engineered with a focus on aerodynamics. They also possess a sleek look that pairs wonderfully with sportbikes — an element that plays an undeniable role in this sector’s popularity.

Technical Jackets: Regular technical jackets are largely characterized by their advanced constructions, athletic cuts, and overall performance-focused nature. As technical garments have grown more popular in recent years, this genre of clothing’s formula has increasingly been applied to motorcycle jackets that are purpose-built for riding, while retaining the cutting-edge materials, unparalleled mobility,  and high-performance capabilities of their non-motorcycle/riding counterparts. Additionally, this type of riding jacket almost always features a modern design with a sleek appearance, along with robust levels of weatherproofing. 

Textile Jackets: For years, leather was the standard material of choice in the motorcycling realm, whether you were piloting a chopper or a Grand Prix bike. And while leather affords quality protection in the event of an impact or slide, it’s incredibly hot and uncomfortable to wear on a hot summer’s day. Enter: the textile riding jacket, a more modern style of riding garment, typically constructed from ultra-breathable mesh, or some other well-ventilated fabric. Without the restrictions of working with leather, textile jackets can be produced in a much wider variety of styles, including traditional fashion staples concealing abrasion-resistant materials and integrated armor (the latter of which is normally removable). It is extremely important to opt for a quality textile jacket, as the cheaply-made items in this space will basically disintegrate upon meeting the pavement.

What To Consider When Shopping

To the uninitiated, it can be difficult to know what to look for when buying a motorcycle jacket. Well aware of this reality, we’ve put together this condensed guide on the main factors that make for a quality riding jacket. 

Intended Use: There is no one best motorcycle jacket, but rather, motorcycle jackets that happen to excel in specific applications. Obviously, an item that might lend itself to track use probably won’t be very conducive to off-road use, or vis versa. Consider the type of bike you’ll be riding, your particular riding style, and your intended riding application in order to hone in on what style of jacket is right for you.

Materials: What a jacket is made of plays a pivotal role in its overall quality. The type of construction determines breathability, weather, and abrasion resistance, as well as overall durability. High-tech materials like CORDURA, Dyneema, and Kevlar have all made their way into the riding jacket space, as have GORE-TEX membranes and the like. The construction techniques used in a jacket’s creation also heavily factor into the overall quality.

Armor: Integrated armor basically consists of internal padding that provides ample protection from impacts in the event of a crash. And while any armor is better than no armor, there are different brands and types on offer like D30 and SAS-TEC, rated using a specific Level numbering system. Armor routinely covers the elbows and shoulders, and occasionally the spine and/or chest. Jackets in the sport and track category are often equipped with external sliders, too.

Ventilation: The armored and layered elements that shield the rider from abrasions, impacts, and the elements, also make for a rather hot and stuffy garment, which is why solid ventilation is so key. The use of open and closable flaps and perforated or mesh sections all provide airflow, helping to cool the rider. A key area to consider here is exhaust ports, as the inclusion of one or more of these will allow for much greater breathability when compared to jackets that only sport ventilation intakes.

Layering & Versatility: Using modular shell and liner systems enables certain motorcycle jackets to suit a wide variety of riding situations, climates, and conditions. Removable liners have also become standard fare on most mid to top-shelf riding jackets on the market today.

Climate: Just like with any regular jacket, the type of climate you’re in (or plan on being in) should play an enormous role in guiding your purchase. Different motorcycle jackets are designed for use in all manner of different climates. In the same vein, moto jackets vary in weatherproofing. There’s also heated motorcycle jackets and gear for the most extreme, otherworldly cold locales.

Features & Amenities: Recent years have bared witness to a slew of innovative features in the moto jacket realm, that have added functionality and, in some cases, hugely-improved safety capabilities. Some modern amenities to look for include hydration reservoirs, removable liners, loops or zippers for attaching to riding pants, slots for supplementary armor, replaceable sliders, and the biggest advancement in recent moto-jacket history: the smart wireless airbag system.

Color & Visibility: There’s a common term shared amongst riders called “SMIDSY,” short for “Sorry mate, I didn’t see you,” referring to how often those words are uttered by at-fault drivers following a collision. And the existence of this term makes it abundantly clear how important visibility is while riding a motorcycle. Jackets in brighter colors make it easier to be seen, and while we personally think that nothing looks cooler than all-blacked out moto gear, it hugely hinders drivers’ ability to spot you on the road, greatly upping the danger factor. Black gear also soaks up the sun and makes an already hot leather jacket all the more unbearable. On the other end of the spectrum from black gear are high-visibility (or “Hi-Viz”) colors: bright neon hues specifically utilized for their ability to grab driver’s attention. Reflective elements are also incredibly helpful for being seen at night.

Cut & Shape: Different varieties of motorcycles sport different riding positions, depending on the height and placement of the seat, handlebar height, length, and width, and position (and type) of the foot-controls. If you’re piloting a superbike with clip-ons and rear-sets that boasts a hunched-forward rider’s triangle, you’re going to want a jacket with a matching cut and shape. Conversely, if you’re cruising on a laid-back bagger with swept-back bars and forward controls, you’ll almost certainly best off with a jacket that has a more relaxed fit.

Weight: Today’s current crop of riding jackets is incredibly light compared to offerings from prior decades, though weight is still an area that should be considered, especially when looking at bulky ADV jackets, or thick leather cruiser or cafe pieces. Assume you’ll be wearing this jacket for prolonged periods, at times in the sun.

Fit & Adjustability: Just like with motorcycle helmets (and really all protective riding gear), for a jacket to properly do its job, it needs to correctly fit its wearer. While some jackets follow the traditional “S, M, L, XL” sizing conventions, there are other offerings that use the European measurement system with is markedly more precise, allowing for a much more accurate fit. Being able to adjust individual areas to better shape your body is another feature to keep an eye out for, as this too affords an even better fit.

Why You Should Be Wearing A Motorcycle Jacket

While it’s an extremely unfortunate reality, crashing is a very real possibility on the street. And we’d argue it’s well worth investing in gear upfront, rather than having to pay exorbitant medical bills down the road — not to mention one of these two options involves experiencing markedly more pain and suffering. Jackets also provide you with additional confidence, knowing you’re protected should something happen, which in turn should enable you to ride be more comfortable on the bike.

At the end of the day, we as motorcyclists have very little protection on a bike, which makes it all the more important to fully-utilize the security that we do have at our disposal. With today’s abundant range of highly-breathable textile jackets and fashion-forward “stealth” riding jackets (aka protective riding garments made to look like regular clothes), there really is no excuse not to be gearing up every time you swing a leg over a bike.

Honorable Mentions

Made from 12oz comfort-stretch CORDURA denim equipped with a COOLMAX liner, the Pando Moto CAPO COR 03 is a CE-approved slim-fit riding shirt that features zippered ventilation ports, zippered pockets, and a full suite of armor. Boasting a causal, stylish appearance that allows it to be worn on or off-the-bike, the CAPO COR 03 is no doubt a fantastic riding garment, though it’s not really a motorcycle jacket, so while it’s worth considering when shopping in this space, we didn’t feel it was quite deserving of being a main pick, so we’ve opted to make it a very honorable mention. 

With the appearance of a modern technical jacket, an included removable insulated thermal liner vest, a stretch CORDURA denim shell construction, a full-laminated hydratex 3L pro membrane, and a full-suite of armor, the REV’IT! Stealth 2 Hoody is something of the ultimate urban commuter jacket. As such, the second-gen Stealth Hoody would have undoubtedly earned a spot on this list if it wasn’t for the fact that it’s no longer in production — though it can still be found on some online retailers, and we’d recommend picking one up now while you still can!

Another immensely stylish choice, the JANE Moto The Driggs Waxed Canvas Riding Jacket is made by boutique customs and gear shop operating out of New York City. Cut from 8.5oz waxed canvas, this fashion-forward item features a satin olive liner, Bedford cord at the neck collar and cuffs, and pockets for housing a full suite of armor. While it’s no doubt a terrific jacket, the Driggs Waxed Canvas Riding Jacket was ever-so-slightly-edged out by another main pick on this list, resulting in it receiving an honorable mention. 

A long-sleeve version of the Italian brand’s Smart Jacket vest, the Dainese Smart Jacket LS is a state-of-the-art wireless airbag system that can be worn underneath any regular or motorcycle-specific riding garment in order to afford even greater levels of protection in the event of a crash. While it is definitely worth considering if you’re shopping for a motorcycle jacket, this product is more of an airbag with sleeves than it is a true motorcycle jacket, so we’ve decided to include it as an honorable mention. 

Whenever riding a cruiser — or really any vintage-inspired motorcycle — it’s exceedingly hard to go wrong with rocking the classic Schott One Star Perfecto Leather Motorcycle Jacket. Handcrafted from panels of heavyweight steerhide, this thoroughly-iconic USA-made jacket oozes 1950s style with its asymmetrical cut, hip belt, and  bi-swing back panel. As much as we like it, it simply lacks the more robust impact protection offered by RSD’s Clash CE Jacket, ultimately making this admittedly stellar leather riding jacket an honorable mention. 

Tested: The Best Motorcycle Helmets For Everyday Riding

Though there’s absolutely no denying how essential jackets are for motorcyclists, the reality is that these garments represent only one of several other must-have pieces of riding kit such as helmets — the latest and greatest of which can be found in our guide to and hands-on review of the best motorcycle helmets for everyday riding.