One Kit To Do It All: Best 4 Season Motorcycle Jackets
Four seasons. One Jacket
Best 4 Season Motorcycle Jackets
The perfect solution for being able to ride year-round would be to have gear that can handle all four seasons. Wait – we do! That’s exactly what this list is about. Well, at least your upper half, anyway. What you’ll find below are our picks for four-season motorcycle jackets. You’ll notice as you scroll down that most of these jackets are touring-oriented. The reason is pretty simple: those are typically the riders that will face the gamut of weather extremes on just one ride. So, if a jacket will work for them in extreme conditions, chances are they’ll handle your ride to work in December just fine. Assuming you’re not working from home, that is.
Before we jump to the list, realize that while these jackets are made to handle all four seasons, by that very definition these jackets are a compromise. None of these jackets will outperform a dedicated summer jacket in the middle of July, but if you truly only have the budget for one jacket, and are willing to sweat a little, all of these picks are very versatile.
Why Trust Motorcycle.com?
At Motorcycle.com, our reputation as a trusted authority in the motorcycle world since 1994 is built on our deep expertise and commitment to quality. Our team, composed of seasoned riders and industry experts, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to every review and product recommendation we offer. We understand that when it comes to motorcycles, parts, and accessories, the right choice can enhance both performance and safety.
Our extensive range of in-depth reviews and performance tests are more than just evaluations; they are insights born from years of hands-on experience and a thorough understanding of what riders truly need. We cover every aspect of motorcycling, from sport bikes and cruisers to adventure bikes and beyond, ensuring that our recommendations cater to every type of rider.
The trust placed in us by over 2 million enthusiasts monthly is a testament to the reliability and accuracy of our advice. Whether it's selecting a new bike, finding the best accessories, or choosing the right gear for your ride, Motorcycle.com is dedicated to providing advice you can trust, backed by decades of expertise in the motorcycling field.
Table of Contents
1. Editor's Choice: REV’IT! Stratum GTX Jacket
In our review, our very own Ryan Adams found that the REV’IT! Stratum GTX Jacket, an offering from the Dutch brand known for its adventure travel gear, stands out as a versatile and innovative piece of equipment designed for the varied demands of adventure riding. With an overall score of 84%, the jacket's standout features include its exceptional waterproofing, excellent ventilation system, and versatility, making it highly desirable for riders seeking protection across different weather conditions.
Constructed with a Gore-Tex outer shell, this jacket is tailored to offer maximum weather resistance while maintaining breathability. The incorporation of an inner mesh layer equipped with built-in armor enhances the jacket's protective qualities without compromising comfort. Despite its high functionality, the Stratum GTX does not offer a mid-range temperature solution, tending to be either quite warm or cool. Additionally, its modular design, requiring the wearer to manage multiple layers, may restrict movement to some extent.
The jacket's aesthetics and quality received high praise, scoring 8.5 and 9.5 out of 10, respectively. It features a three-layer Gore-Tex shell with strategically placed Armacor on shoulders for enhanced abrasion resistance. The thoughtful design extends to practical elements like a detachable hood and various pockets for convenience, although one pocket's unusual shape was noted.
In terms of value, the jacket's premium features are reflected in its price, which may be considered high but justified by its overall performance and quality. The Stratum GTX Jacket proves to be an essential piece of gear for adventurers who prioritize durability, comfort, and protection on their journeys.
2. Spidi 4Season H2Out
In our review, Evans Brasfield found that the Spidi 4Season H2Out Jacket excels as a versatile and thoughtfully designed piece of touring gear, tasked with the difficult job of protecting riders from both the elements and potential mishaps across diverse weather and riding conditions. The jacket is part of a modular riding suit that has been carefully crafted to balance the needs for protection, comfort, and adaptability.
The exterior layer of the jacket offers robust abrasion protection with CE-certified armor in critical areas, such as the elbows and shoulders. Notably, the back protector is an additional purchase, which might be a consideration for some riders. The jacket's construction features Tenax Nylon 6.6 of varying densities to offer the right balance between protection and flexibility across different sections of the garment.
Layered functionality is a core strength of the 4Season H2Out Jacket. It includes a waterproof layer that is completely removable, allowing riders to adjust to changing weather conditions seamlessly. The jacket's venting system is designed to operate effectively without the need for the vents to be waterproof, addressing common issues found in other touring suits regarding leaks or inadequate venting.
Despite its high adaptability, the jacket does present a couple of drawbacks, including the need to remove it to don the waterproof layer and the non-waterproof nature of the exterior pockets. However, the jacket's overall design, which includes multiple adjustment points for fit and an effective venting system, is praised for its ability to keep riders dry and comfortable in varied conditions.
The jacket's aesthetic appeal is also highlighted, receiving commendations for its looks in addition to its practical features. With its layering system, the 4Season H2Out Jacket enables riders to manage temperature effectively, making it suitable for a wide range of climates, from mid-80s to low 30s Fahrenheit.
3. REV'IT! Sand 4 Jacket
In our review, we found the REV’IT! Sand 4 Jacket to excel in versatility and functionality, offering a solid value at a mid-range price point of $500. Highlighting its adaptability, the jacket comes equipped with both a quilted liner for warmth and REV’IT!’s proprietary Hydratex waterproof liner. These liners, designed as full-sleeve components with built-in pockets, can be utilized together or separately. An innovative feature is the waterproof liner's design, which allows it to be worn independently as a casual light jacket without the appearance of a typical liner, proving useful during cooler nights around the campfire.
The Sand 4 Jacket's outer shell is praised for its airflow capabilities and fit adjustability, featuring large chest vents and sleeve vents that enhance cooling in warmer conditions. This adjustability ensures a comfortable fit regardless of the liners' presence, catering to a standard touring fit that leans towards the larger side when liners are removed.
Material-wise, the jacket is constructed from a flexible and light polyester ripstop, ensuring mobility. It incorporates Seeflex CE level 2 rated armor in the shoulders and elbows for protection, with the back protector being an additional purchase. The jacket's thoughtful design extends to practical features like adjustable collar buttons and compatibility with REV’IT!’s high-visibility vests and the Segur neck brace, along with reflective elements for increased visibility.
Riding impressions reveal the jacket's roominess accommodates the liners comfortably, with armor staying in place effectively. Despite the observation that hydration packs limit airflow through the back vents, the sleeve vents provide ample ventilation. The jacket’s design facilitates easy use of zippers and adjustability features, even with gloves on, thanks to its large zipper pulls and strategically placed adjustments.
Available in five colorways and sizes ranging from S to 4XL, the Sand 4 Jacket stands out for its blend of versatility, comfort, and thoughtful design features, making it a commendable choice for riders seeking a mid-priced jacket that does not compromise on quality or functionality.
FAQs
Should a motorcycle jacket be tight?
In a perfect world, all of your gear would fit skin tight and be ultra-comfortable. That way the armor inside won’t have a chance to shift or roll in case you fall. The world obviously isn’t perfect, and we need to allow some additional space for comfort, flexibility, and to have the option of adding layers when riding in cold weather.
Of course, you also don’t want to wear a jacket that’s obviously too big. Extra bagginess, sleeves extending past your wrists, or an overall profile well below your waistline are a few signs your jacket may be too big. Some four-season jackets will extend slightly past the waistline, but should still be form-fitting. The key word here is “slightly.”
What is a four-season motorcycle jacket?
It’s what the name implies – a single jacket you can wear during all four seasons. These jackets tend to be thick and bulky, since it has to be able to provide warmth in the winter and keep you dry if it rains. These winter and rain layers are removable for warmer riding, and four-season jackets also have as much ventilation as possible for airflow during the summer. Ultimately, our experience has shown that, while four-season jackets do an admirable job of keeping you warm and protected when it’s cold (although additional layers are still recommended on very cold rides), they are simply too loose – and still too hot – when riding in the summer with all the layers removed.
What is the best all-weather motorcycle jacket?
Look at the choices above. Those are good places to start. There really is no single answer to this question. Different riders have different wants, needs, and tastes, which makes picking just one jacket virtually impossible. However, the best way to answer this question is to take inventory of what’s most important to you in an all-weather jacket and choose the one that checks as many of the boxes as possible. Keep in mind, though, that a comfortable fit should be most important. A jacket with every feature in the world is useless if it just sits in the closet because it’s uncomfortable.
Recent Updates
- March 22, 2024: For a more streamlined and better shopping experience, we have reduced the number of recommendations to three. We have also updated our top three choices, based on recent reviews and evaluations performed by our very own editors.
- September, 2021: Updated products, added FAQ and Additional Resources
Additional Resources
We are committed to finding, researching, and recommending the best products. We earn commissions from purchases you make using the retail links in our product reviews and other articles. Learn more about how this works.
Become a Motorcycle.com insider. Get the latest motorcycle news first by subscribing to our newsletter here.
Troy's been riding motorcycles and writing about them since 2006, getting his start at Rider Magazine. From there, he moved to Sport Rider Magazine before finally landing at Motorcycle.com in 2011. A lifelong gearhead who didn't fully immerse himself in motorcycles until his teenage years, Troy's interests have always been in technology, performance, and going fast. Naturally, racing was the perfect avenue to combine all three. Troy has been racing nearly as long as he's been riding and has competed at the AMA national level. He's also won multiple club races throughout the country, culminating in a Utah Sport Bike Association championship in 2011. He has been invited as a guest instructor for the Yamaha Champions Riding School, and when he's not out riding, he's either wrenching on bikes or watching MotoGP.
More by Troy Siahaan
Comments
Join the conversation
Living and riding in North Carolina, you really need a 4 season jacket...even in one season...LOL.
I found the Klim line of jackets provided the best all around versatility. Being able to wear up on cold days or wear down on warmer days.
I bought a KLIM Latitude jacket and pants in 2016 that I still use and still looks like new. It keeps me dry on my local rides and my annual 6 week tours in the Alps in all kinds of weather. Why switch from a product that works.