One challenge I had as I prepped for a round-the-world motorcycle trip was deciding what riding suit to wear. Two suits—one for hot weather, one for cold—would have been ideal but was cost and space prohibitive. I liked the Rev’it options and bought the Sand jacket (the current model is called the Sand Urban jacket) and Neptune GTX riding pants. After 708 days on the road in the heat, cold, dirt, rain, snow, and even a high-speed crash on gravel, I should have worn out every stitch, but my suit remains intact and safe. I still wear it today.
REVʼIT SAND JACKET
I wanted a suit that was flattering but also functioned as protection, not only from a crash but the weather as well. Color choices other than black or pink were also a selling point. The Sand jacket was light coloured to offset the heat from the sun and came with two removable layers. I could add or remove the waterproof liner or quilted layer as needed.
Additional comforts are an adjustable neck collar and waist straps as well as pockets large enough for a small camera and a hat. It’s also very important your jacket zips into your riding pants to avoid separation in a crash.
Lacking in the Sand jacket was breezier venting in the back and arms, and the liners could be more stylish for off-bike excursions. The neck strap would benefit from more adjustability as it pushed into my throat uncomfortably.
Be sure to buy a jacket that fits over additional layers, like a heated jacket. A too-tight jacket limits movement and is uncomfortable. Also, consider beefing up the padding. Most jackets will come with elbow and shoulder pads but not back padding. After that gravel crash at 55 mph, I was grateful I’d bought the Rev’it SeeSoft back protector. My jacket did not have a single abrasion, which also speaks to the importance of fabric durability. By Heather Lea Rev’it Women’s Fullseason Riding Suit Four years on the road and still going strong. One challenge I had as I prepped for a round-the-world motorcycle trip was deciding what riding suit to wear. Two suits—one for hot weather, one for cold—would have been ideal but was cost and space prohibitive. I liked the Rev’it options and bought the Sand jacket (the current model is called the Sand Urban jacket) and Neptune GTX riding pants. After 708 days on the road in the heat, cold, dirt, rain, snow, and even a high-speed crash on gravel, I should have worn out every stitch, but my suit remains intact and safe. I still wear it today.
REVʼIT NEPTUNE GTX RIDING PANTS
Riding pants are an item many riders skip, but legs need protection as with any other part of your body. Advantages of the Neptune pants were again the removable liners, one waterproof and one quilted. On hot days, a built-in liner can stick to your legs and add extra heat retention.
Something I hadn’t thought about when looking for riding pants was how often I’d be kneeling, cooking in camp, or attending to things on my bike. Knee pads are a godsend here but also consider the durability of the fabric. I blew out the knees on my very first pair of pants because they were cheap. As an aside, I wore the Neptunes climbing Kilimanjaro as they were just like any other layer.
There is grippy fabric on the pant seat (so you stay in your seat), adjustable protection (so pads can be repositioned if needed), and that essential zipper to connect your jacket.
Criticisms include a small thigh zip that does nothing for cooling legs. I chose black to hide dirt and stains but was often uncomfortable in hot climes. The pockets have a sharp-edged zipper, which scratches hands. The Neptune pants are not quite as flattering as other riding pants I’ve worn, due to being too bulky.
While no riding suit is perfect, I have found that this pairing is the best choice for me.
