Go exploring: Best adventure motorcycle jackets

The RST Pro Series Adventure-X is a serious piece of kit and is available as a non-airbag or an airbag-equipped version (£499), the latter with the In&motion technology built-in. The jacket itself is CE AA rated and uses a MaxTex ballistic nylon outer with a removable thermal/waterproof liner that houses a SinAqua membrane to keep water out and let the body breathe. This can be stored in the rear pocket as required so luggage is not necessary. It comes with CE Level-2 armour in the elbows and shoulder and there are huge vents; two panels on the front, two on the arms and two large exhaust vents on the back. It will also accept RST's water bladder.

Alpinestars' Andes Pro features an outer made in textile fabric with extra reinforcement over the shoulders and elbows/forearms and has a removable thermal liner to keep you warm on chilly rides. It comes with CE rated shoulder and elbow armour and is also compatible with Alpinestars' Tech Air airbag system, though a separate back protector and chest armour can be fitted if the airbag is not used. The front features zipped air vents as well as roll-away large panels and there are two exhaust vents in the back. It also uses Alpinestars' Drystar waterproof and breathable membrane for excellent weather performance.

If you do your adventure riding in warm or hot climates, then this mesh jacket from T.ur will be right up your trail. It uses an outer formed of a combination of heavyweight Cordura in key impact and abrasion areas with open mesh in non-contact areas to provide exceptional airflow. The outer is CE AA-rated and it comes with a separate thermal, waterproof and windproof inner liner to keep the elements out. It comes with CE Level-2 armour in the shoulders and elbows and there is a pocket for a back protector, as well as a drink bladder.

If the name doesn't give the game away, then the spec and features list of this jacket will. The outer is formed in 600D polyester with reinforcement in key areas and features mesh panels as well as zipped vents and panels. There is a removable thermal liner for cold rides and a separate waterproof and windproof Hydratex version to keep the elements out, the removal of which will allow the maximum airflow through. It comes with CE Level-2 shoulder and elbow armour and there is a pocket for an optional Level-2 back protector while it will also accept chest armour as well.

With a 600D nylon outer, the Weise Onyx comes with a removable 150g thermal liner and a separate removable breathable wind and waterproof liner to keep the elements out while allowing the body to breathe. For extra ventilation when the liner is removed, there are zipped flaps on the front, exhaust vents on the rear and arm vents. It comes with well-respected Knox Microlock armour in the shoulders, elbows and back and there is plenty of adjustment to get the fit right, whether the liners are fitted or not. It also includes a storm collar in case of bad weather, to prevent water entering through the neck.

The All Road is Spidi's adventure jacket and combines what the manufacturer describes as three separate jackets; a CE AA-rated outer, an H2Out breathable, waterproof and windproof liner and a thermal liner for warmth. The outer has large openable mesh vents in the chest, the back and the arms while it comes with CE Level-2 armour in the shoulders and elbows with optional back protector and chest armour. The waterproof jacket can be worn inside or over the top of the outer and can also be worn on its own as a rainproof layer while the thermal liner can also be worn individually as a lightweight jacket.

The Hakuna II from Held is the company's mid-range adventure jacket and features a 500D Cordura outer paired with a breathable waterproof and windproof liner that is removable to improved cooling. There are zipped vents on the arms and chest as well as removable panels covering mesh sections and it comes with Level-1 SAS Tech shoulder and elbow armour while there is a pocket for a Level-2 back protector. The jacket will also accept Held's In&motion-powered airbag vest insert.

Klim is regarded as one of the leaders when it comes to adventure clothing and uses some of the highest specification materials. The outer is formed in 630D Cordura in the key abrasion areas while the non-key abrasion and impact areas use a lighter material to keep the weight down. It comes with a Gore-tex membrane bonded to the inside of the outer so it doesn't get damaged on the trails and there is CE Level-2 D3O armour at the shoulders, elbows and the back. There are vents at the chest, the arm and the back and the collars can be held open for additional airflow.