Best laminated textile motorcycle jackets

Get the latest waterproof technology with a laminated textile jacket

Riding a Yamaha Ténéré 700 in a laminate textile jacket

by Jim Blackstock |

With motorcycling textiles becoming ever more sophisticated and littered with technical jargon, it’s sometimes confusing trying to understand what’s available and laminated jackets are one of the most recent examples.

Most all-weather textiles use a combination of detachable layers to provide different functions, usually a tough, water-resistant outer shell, waterproof inner layer and a thermal liner.

These types of textiles can be very effective and have the additional advantage of being adaptable and versatile – the modular design allows you to detach unnecessary layers, depending on weather conditions. On the downside, repeatedly detaching/replacing layers can be inconvenient and with all layers fitted, they can be bulky.

Related: Best high-end textile motorcycle suits

Modern laminates, however, simplify this by laminating or bonding the waterproof membrane to the outer shell providing a waterproof garment with fewer, less bulky layers which should shed water more effectively and minimise absorption, helping drying times and comfort in the wet. However, on the slight downside, the laminating process can make the garment more expensive.

So, what’s out there, what do you get for your money and which should you go for? Here’s our pick of some of the current best to help you decide.

1. Oxford Mondial

Description

From respected British brand Oxford, this laminated jacket is designed to be affordable and within

Oxford Mondial

There are zipped ventilation panels to help prevent overheating, CE certified shoulder and elbow armour, YKK zips and it comes in sizes S-5XL and in a variety of colours. It’s also ‘Recommended’ by our sister title, RiDE.

Pros:

Respected brand

Highly rated

Affordable price

Con:

Lacks the features of some

2. Bering Tijuana Gore-Tex

Description

Bering is a quality, highly-respected French motorcycle clothing brand which is part of the Segura

Bering Tijuana Gore-Tex

There’s also a removable ShellTech thermal lining, CE-approved shoulder and elbow armour (although a back protector is extra), four external and two internal pockets and also a five-year warranty.

Pros:

Quality brand

Five-year warranty

Gore-Tex membrane

Con:

Pricier than some

3. Richa Infinity 2 Pro

Description

Another well-priced laminated all-season textile jacket, this time from Richa. It features a tough

Richa Infinity 2 Pro

There is D3O armour in the shoulder, elbow and back, a pocket for an optional chest protector, soft-finish neoprene collar and cuffs and hook and loop waist and arm adjusters. There is a large rear pocket plus two front pockets and again comes in sizes S-5XL.

Pros:

Highly rated

Extra armour and features

Good price

Con:

Not as ‘snazzy’ as some

4. iXS ladies laminated ST-Plus

Description

This German clothing brand may not be as fashionable as some, but it provides more womenu2019s

iXS ladies laminated ST-Plus

The ST-Plus has a hard-wearing polyamide outer shell with a two-layer waterproof and breathable membrane welded to the outer. There’s a removable quilted thermal inner jacket, adjustable waist, elbow and upper arm for optimum fit, an elasticated hem, six outer and two inner pockets including a waterproof ‘Napoleon’ pocket and CE Level-2 shoulder, elbow and back protectors.

Pros:

Quality features

Lots of protection and pockets

Adjustable fit

Con:

Less fashionable brand

5. Weise Outlast Frontier

Description

This is a mid-price laminated all-season textile jacket from respected motorcycle clothing brand

Weise Outlast Frontier

It also has a neoprene-trimmed comfort collar, an adjustable waist belt, stretch panels under the arm and at the elbow and four external and three internal pockets as well as a large rear map pocket. It also comes with a two-year warranty.

Pros:

Quality brand

Lots of pockets

Two-year warranty

Con:

Fairly sober design

6. Rukka Nivala Gore-Tex

Description

Yes, itu2019s pricey u2013 although Sportsbikeshop has cut nearly £200 off the RRP u2013 but

Rukka Nivala Gore-Tex

It features a Gore-Tex Pro 3 laminate construction, generally considered to currently be the best, combined with Armacor strengthening on the shoulders and elbows. There’s D3O body armour not just for the shoulders and elbows but back and chest, too. There’s also a waterproof YKK-Aqua front zip, waterproof pockets, a down/feather detachable thermal inner jacket and even a full six-year warranty.

Pros:

Arguably ‘the ultimate’

Top quality brand and features

Six-year warranty

Con:

Eye-watering price

7. Dainese Tonale D-Dry

Description

If you want a textile jacket with a bit more kudos and style, you can always rely on Dainese. Its

Dainese Tonale D-Dry

It’s also reasonably priced for a more premium jacket. There’s an abrasion-resistant outer with Dainese’s ‘D-Dry’ laminated waterproof and breathable membrane, a detachable thermal inner jacket, two zipped chest vents as well as a rear vent, CE-certified Level-1 shoulder and elbow protectors plus pockets for both back and chest protectors and it has a quality, simple design.

Pros:

Quality brand

Stylish design

Good ratings

Con:

Not as ‘all-season’ as some

8. Revu2019It Vertical GTX

Description

A good quality mid-price laminated jacket that combines many of the features of a higher-priced

Revu2019It Vertical GTX

There’s also a detachable thermal liner, Rev’It’s patented ‘Aquadefence’ ventilation system, ‘Seeflex’ Level-2 CE-approved armour at elbow and shoulders, pockets for optional chest and back protectors and an overall CE approval rating of AA.

Pros:

Gore-Tex outer and laminate

Quality features

Stylish design

Con:

Less fashionable brand

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