When packing your suitcase, no matter what destination and time of year, a rain jacket, sweater, and t-shirt should always be present. The same rule applies to a multi-day motorcycle tour – and this is where the experience of the motorcyclist counts – but everything is a bit more complicated. The jacket must be versatile and comfortable in any climate and weather condition. So which jacket should you choose? There is no shortage of solutions these days. The models differ in terms of construction methods and the fabric used.
The 4-season motorcycle jacket
As the name suggests, this motorcycle jacket can adapt to any climate and weather situation. Consequently, a waterproof material membrane is directly connected to a detachable thermal layer. It has modular design makes it easy to transform the garment from a ventilated jacket for warmer climates to a warm, waterproof jacket for cold or rainy days. The many large air inlets allow the motorcycle jacket to change from a ventilated jacket for warmer temperatures into a warm, waterproof jacket for cold and rainy days in a matter of minutes. Consequently, a waterproof material membrane is directly connected to a detachable thermal layer. It has modular design makes it easy to transform the garment from a ventilated jacket for warmer climates to a warm, waterproof jacket for cold or rainy days. The large air inlets allow the motorcycle jacket to change from a ventilated jacket for more hospitable climates into a warm, waterproof jacket for cold and rainy days in a matter of minutes. This jacket represents the absolute ultimate and most versatile solution.
The motorcycle jacket with a floating, impermeable membrane and a removable thermal layer
One of the most effective solutions for touring riders in predominantly cooler climates is the jacket with a floating, impermeable membrane and a removable thermal layer. The outer part of the jacket is connected to a fixed, non-removable, impermeable membrane. The main advantage of this construction is the insulation against the cold, guaranteed by the padding of warm air created between the outer fabric and the membrane when worn. Under the outer shell, there is a second layer, the thermal padding, which in many cases, has to be worn separately. In hot weather, this can be removed. Due to their nature, jackets with a floating membrane are the least ventilated: A characteristic of impermeable membranes is that even when the air inlets are open, fresh air flow to the body is held back.
The motorcycle jacket with laminated waterproof membrane
In rainy weather, motorcyclists particularly appreciate garments with a laminated impermeable membrane, i.e., those in which the waterproof layer is bonded to the outer fabric. The most significant advantage of garments constructed in this way is their excellent performance in the rain: no soaking occurs, even after a long period. In addition, due to this property, the drying time is significantly reduced compared to other solutions.
The ventilation slots of a laminated garment are also more effective than those of floating membrane garments. The reason for this is that in laminated clothes, the unique construction of the openings allows air to circulate without it hitting the "protective shield" of the membrane. The body, therefore, benefits directly from ventilation. Vents of this type require entirely waterproof zippers.
The ventilated motorcycle jacket with a detachable, impermeable membrane
The ventilated jackets with a removable, impermeable membrane are particularly suitable for drivers who travel in more moderate climate zones. They combine a lower overall weight with increased breathability thanks to a ventilated fabric construction on the chest and back that ensures a continuous flow of fresh air and the escape of warm, humid air.
At the same time, the removable membrane helps change weather conditions or in situations where the driver has to deal with different temperatures on the same day, e.g., B. if his route includes both uphill and downhill rides or he sets off on an evening drive by the sea.
Summer motorcycle jacket
The summer motorcycle jackets also called full summer jackets, deserve their section. Thanks to their ventilated fabric construction on the chest and back, these motorcycle jackets are characterized by incredible lightness and freshness. They are the perfect solution for hot and sunny days.
The temptation is often great here to drive short-sleeved without considering the possible negative consequences of this choice. In addition to the obvious safety risks associated with riding without functional clothing, a perforated and ventilated jacket also protects the skin from the sun's rays. In midsummer, a light and protective jacket is the perfect companion - no matter how and where you ride your motorcycle.
