Best Motorcycle
Touring Jackets
2025 Guide — Mesh, Waterproof & Adventure Textile
The jacket is where you cannot cut corners. CE Level 2 armour throughout, a waterproof option for whatever the weather throws at you, and the right ventilation for your destination.
Andy's Top 4
RST Ventilator-X CE
£179
The best-value mesh touring jacket. CE Level 2 back protector included, large chest and elbow vents. Removable thermal liner. Andy's pick for Route 66 summer heat.
Weight
1.4kg
Safety Certs
CE Level 2 AA
Touring Comfort
Key Features
- → CE Level 2 back protector included
- → Mesh panels front & back
- → Removable thermal liner
- → Waterproof rain jacket included
Pros
- Outstanding airflow
- CE Level 2 certified
- Excellent value
Cons
- Less protective than leather in a slide
- Liner is basic
Alpinestars T-GP R Air
£249
Premium mesh jacket with Alpinestars' signature styling and quality. Nucleon back protector slot standard. Excellent shoulder and elbow armour throughout.
Weight
1.6kg
Safety Certs
CE Level 2 AA
Touring Comfort
Key Features
- → Nucleon back protector slot
- → Alpinestars connect system
- → Internal document pocket
- → Premium mesh construction
Pros
- Premium armour quality
- Great fit and finish
- Connects to Alpinestars trousers
Cons
- Higher price
- Liner sold separately
Rev'it Sand 5
£549
The premium adventure touring jacket for serious multi-country touring. Completely waterproof, highly ventilated, and packs serious CE protection. The jacket for Scotland to Morocco.
Weight
2.1kg
Safety Certs
CE Level 2 AA
Touring Comfort
Key Features
- → Seam-sealed waterproof
- → Removable thermal liner
- → CE Level 2 shoulder & elbow
- → BackSafe spine protector
Pros
- Genuinely waterproof
- Excellent ventilation system
- Outstanding durability
Cons
- Expensive
- Bulky when layers removed
- Needs break-in period
Oxford Montreal 4.0
£169
Outstanding budget waterproof touring jacket. The Montreal 4.0 packs genuine wet-weather protection and CE Level 1 armour into a competitive price. The choice for Scotland on a budget.
Weight
1.8kg
Safety Certs
CE Level 1 A
Touring Comfort
Key Features
- → Aqua-DRY waterproof liner
- → Removable thermal layer
- → Reflective piping
- → Hi-vis option available
Pros
- Excellent value
- Genuinely waterproof
- Good visibility options
Cons
- CE Level 1 (not Level 2)
- Less breathable than premium
- Stiffer than premium jackets
Comparison Matrix
Buying Guide
CE Level 1 vs Level 2
Always go CE Level 2 if you can. Level 2 armour absorbs significantly more impact energy. It matters most at shoulders and elbows — the points that take impact in a slide.
Mesh for USA, Waterproof for UK/Europe
Route 66 in summer means mesh or vented textile — nothing else is comfortable in 40°C+ Arizona heat. Scotland and Ireland demand genuinely waterproof seam-sealed construction.
The Liner Question
A jacket with a removable thermal liner extends the season range significantly. The RST Ventilator-X and Oxford Montreal both include decent liners — saving the cost of a separate fleece layer.
Back Protector Is Non-Negotiable
CE Level 2 back protector is worth the investment on any tour. Most budget jackets include Level 1 slots — upgrade immediately. The Shoei equivalent-sized back protectors are the gold standard.
Andy's View
The RST Ventilator-X CE is the jacket I send every USA-bound rider to first. Nothing beats it for the price in summer heat. For Scotland and Ireland, I'd go straight to the Rev'it Sand 5 — it's genuinely waterproof where the cheaper options eventually soak through. Don't compromise on a jacket. It's the most protective thing you wear.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some links on The Road Ahead may be affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services we believe are useful for riders.