Adventure jackets are built for riders who cover ground in every condition. This range spans laminated and textile touring shells, mesh summer layers and waterproof 4-season builds from Shark Leathers, Merlin, Macna, Leatt and Oxford. Expect removable thermal liners, CE armour pockets and ventilation made for long-haul touring and off-road use.
Difi Shuttle Aerotex Jacket Black
Oxford Dakar Dry2Dry Air Men's Jacket - Tech Black
Oxford Harrington Laminate Jacket - Black
Leatt 7.5 ADV DriTour Jacket - Royal
Oxford Mondial Laminate Jacket - Black / Grey
Leatt 5.5 ADV FlowTour Jacket - Iron
Leatt 5.5 ADV MultiTour Jacket - Stealth
Leatt 5.5 ADV MultiTour Jacket - Iron
Leatt 5.5 ADV FlowTour Jacket - Stealth
Oxford Stormland Dry2Dry Men's Tech Jacket - Black (XL)
Shark Ladies Tract Jacket White
Merlin Jacket Axe Hydro W/P Red 3XL 108166
Merlin Jacket Axe Hydro W/P Red XL 108210
Merlin Jacket Axe Hydro W/P Red 4XL 108173
Merlin Jacket Axe Hydro W/P Red S 108203
Merlin Jacket Axe Hydro W/P Red M 108197
Merlin Jacket Axe Hydro W/P Red 2XL 108159
Merlin Jacket Axe Hydro W/P Red L 108180
Merlin Jacket Axe Hydro W/P Red 6XL
How to choose an adventure motorcycle jacket
An adventure jacket has to handle more than a single ride type. The right shell balances abrasion protection, waterproofing and airflow so one jacket can tour, commute and tackle gravel. Match the construction to your climate and the distances you cover.
| Construction | Abrasion rating | Best for | Airflow |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laminated textile | EN 17092 AAA | All-season touring | Vented panels |
| Textile (drop-liner) | EN 17092 AA | 4-season commuting | Moderate |
| Mesh | EN 17092 A | Summer heat | High |
| Leather | EN 17092 AAA | Sport touring | Low |
Armour and waterproofing
Protection comes from impact armour, not the outer shell alone. CE Level 1 armour absorbs up to 18 kN of transmitted force; CE Level 2 caps it at 9 kN, so Level 2 transmits roughly 50% less impact. Look for shoulder and elbow armour rated to EN 1621-1 and a back protector slot sized to EN 1621-2. Laminated membranes keep water out across all 4 seasons, while a 100% removable thermal liner adapts the same jacket from a 5 degree morning to a 35 degree afternoon. Most touring shells run 600D to 1000D Cordura at the high-wear zones and a YKK main zip for long-term durability.
Size for layering. A jacket that fits over a base layer with a 2 cm margin lets you add a mid-layer in cold weather without losing armour alignment over the shoulder and elbow.
Frequently asked questions
What makes a jacket an adventure jacket?
An adventure jacket is a versatile touring shell built to handle road, gravel and changing weather. It combines abrasion-resistant textile or laminated panels, CE armour pockets at the shoulder, elbow and back, ventilation for hot days and a removable thermal liner for cold ones, so a single jacket works across all 4 seasons.
Are adventure jackets waterproof?
Many are. Laminated jackets bond a waterproof membrane to the outer shell so water never soaks in, while drop-liner textile jackets use a separate waterproof membrane inside. Mesh adventure jackets prioritise airflow over waterproofing and usually need a packable rain layer for wet rides.
Which armour level should I look for?
For touring choose CE Level 2 armour where you can, since it transmits roughly 50% less impact force than Level 1 (9 kN versus 18 kN under EN 1621 testing). At minimum, confirm the jacket has shoulder and elbow armour and a pocket sized for an EN 1621-2 back protector.