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You arrive to work freezing and leave praying that the heavens won’t open up: these are the symptoms of someone without a good winter motorcycle jacket. The right jacket will keep you bone-dry as you ride through the pitter-patter of raindrops and cozy as you pass by motorists defrosting their windshields. A good jacket doesn’t need to break the bank, but you need to know what features are worth it relative to the climate you face. Luckily, I’ve made a buying guide that helps you understand what to look out for when making your purchase. I’ve also included some of the best winter motorcycle jackets on the market, and you can check them out below.
Summary List
- Best Overall: Rev’it! Trench GTX
- Best Value: Scorpion EXO Optima Jacket
- Honorable Mention: Alpinestars Andes v3 Jacket
- Best Premium: Dainese Springbok 3L
- Best Women’s: Alpinestars Stella T-Kira WP Jacket
Our Methodology
My only means of transportation in Ireland for six years was a motorcycle, and it didn’t matter if it was raining, snowing, or below freezing because I had to ride. So, although I haven’t personally tested any of the jackets on this list, I have a deep understanding of what makes a good winter jacket and combined that with my institutional knowledge of the motorcycle industry to produce my picks. With that said, I reserve the right to change my picks, and I surely will, as manufacturers and models ebb and flow in terms of quality.
Best Winter Motorcycle Jackets: Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall: Rev’it! Trench GTX
Pros
- Waterproof 2-layer Gore-Tex membrane
- CE level 2 Seeflex elbow and shoulder armor
- Detachable thermal liner
- 4-season jacket
- VCS aquadefence air outlet with FidLock
Cons
- A tad pricey
- Back protector not included
You’re not confined to adventure jackets during winter, not if you get the Rev’it! Trench GTX jacket. This model keeps riders as warm and dry as the best adventure jackets but doesn’t come with all the added bulk. The Trench GTX’s urban styling means you can look just as good through winter as you did in summer with your snugly fitting mesh jacket. But this isn’t only suitable for city commuters, as it can double as a stylish touring jacket. The laminated 2-layer Gore-Tex outer shell should keep you bone dry in even the worst downpours while remaining breathable. And there’s a removable thermal liner to keep you warm when temperatures drop.
You’re not confined to adventure jackets during winter, not if you get the Rev’it! Trench GTX jacket. This model keeps riders as warm and dry as the best adventure jackets but doesn’t come with all the added bulk. The Trench GTX’s urban styling means you can look just as good through winter as you did in summer with your snugly fitting mesh jacket. But this isn’t only suitable for city commuters, as it can double as a stylish touring jacket. The laminated 2-layer Gore-Tex outer shell should keep you bone dry in even the worst downpours while remaining breathable. And there’s a removable thermal liner to keep you warm when temperatures drop.
Best Value: Scorpion EXO Optima Jacket
Pros
- Waterproof membrane
- Fantastic value
- CE level 1 elbow and shoulder armor
- Hi-viz material
Cons
- No back protector
- No CE level 2 armor
If I were on a tight budget, I wouldn’t hesitate to pick up the Scorpion EXO Optima Jacket to keep me protected throughout winter. This model features a seam-sealed waterproof laminate, which is extremely rare at this price. There’s a double-zippered center to prevent leaks even when riding headfirst into heavy rain. And when temperatures drop, you’ll be thankful for the removable EverHeat thermal liner. On warmer days, open up the two waterproof zippered vents on the upper torso, which allow air to flow through the jacket and exit at the rear exhaust vents.
There’s a waterproof Napoleon pocket in the upper torso, two internal storage pockets, and one internal media pocket. Scorpion has used NightViz reflective material on the torso, which is always a feature to look for on a winter jacket. It comes with Exo-Tec CE level 1 armor at the elbows and shoulders. At this price, it’s unfair to expect CE level 2 armor, but it would be a great addition to this package. There’s a pocket for a back protector, which is sold separately.
Honorable Mention: Alpinestars Andes v3 Jacket
Pros
- Waterproof membrane
- Good value
- CE level 1 elbow and shoulder armor
- Compatible with Tech-Air 5 airbag
Cons
- No back protector included
- Not CE level 2 armor
The Alpinestars Andes v3 Jacket is durable, ready to brave the harshest conditions, and it won’t break the bank. Keeping you dry during downpours is Alpinestars’ proven waterproof Drystar membrane. This version now features 600D Cordura at the shoulders and elbows, offering better impact resistance. Those of you who live in colder climates will be happy to know it comes with a removable thermal liner. Once things start to heat up, direct vent-zippered chest air intakes and back exhaust ports are there to help you stay cool.
Included in the sale are CE level 1 shoulder and elbow protectors. If you want CE level 2 armor and a back insert, you’ll need to buy it yourself. This jacket is compatible with the Alpinestars Tech-Air 5 airbag system, which is sold separately but would be a great add-on for the safety-conscious. There are front waterproof cargo pockets, an external stash pocket on the lower back, and a waterproof interior wallet pocket. If you’re between two sizes, you should opt for the larger size, as this model runs a tad small.
Best Premium: Dainese Springbok 3L
Pros
- Removable standalone thermal liner jacket
- Removable standalone waterproof jacket
- Mugello fabric CE-AA rated shell
- CE level 2 Pro-Armor at elbows and shoulders
- Elastic mesh cargo pocket
Cons
- Higher end of the price spectrum
- Back protector not included
Go all out and get yourself the most versatile winter jacket in Dainese’s Springbok 3L. This model is comprised of three layers, starting with the external layer of Mugello fabric, which is CE AA-rated. The stretch material is made of micro Nylon and Elastomer fabrics and is designed to give maximum flexibility and comfort while riding. The next layer is the waterproof Absoluteshell removable membrane, which can be worn as a standalone jacket when you’re off the bike and need to stay dry. Finally, there’s a removable thermal liner, which you can also wear as a standalone jacket to stay cozy throughout winter.
This jacket comes with CE level 2 Pro-Armor protectors on the shoulders and elbows. There are pockets for a 2-piece Pro-Armor chest protector and a pocket for the G1 or G2 back protector. There’s no shortage of pockets, and you’ll find a notably large pouch at the rear where you can store the liners when temperatures rise. If you want to remove the liners completely and open the large mesh air vents on the chest, arms, and back, this model should double as a great summer jacket too. The only issue with the Springbok 3L is that it’s one of the pricier jackets on the market.
Best Women’s: Alpinestars Stella T-Kira WP Jacket
Pros
- Waterproof fixed membrane
- CE Level-1 elbow shoulder armor
- Removable thermal liner
- Pre-curved sleeves
Cons
- Waterproof membrane isn’t Alpinestars’ Drystar technology
If a snug fit is your priority, and you spend most of your time on a sports bike, the Alpinestars Stella T-Kira WP Jacket could be just what you’re looking for. This model features a fixed waterproof membrane, which is breathable and sits behind a textile shell. Once temperatures drop, you’ll be thankful for this jacket’s removable thermal lining. Anything important that you’re carrying, such as your phone and wallet, will be protected from the elements by the waterproof inner front pocket.
Keeping you safe in the event of a crash are CE Level-1 pads in the elbows and shoulders. Unfortunately, there are no back or protectors included in the sale, but there are pockets should you want to fit aftermarket protection. The sleeves are pre-curved to reduce fatigue while riding in a sporty stance. This jacket doesn’t use Alpinestars’ Drystar technology, unfortunately, so it’s fair to theorize that it won’t keep you bone-dry if you’re riding through heavy rain for a couple of hours. But, even with that in mind, this model is outstanding value for money.
Our Verdict on the Best Winter Motorcycle Jackets
The Rev’it! Trench GTX is the best overall winter jacket. This model’s 2-layer Gore-Tex laminated shell will keep you bone dry, while its thermal liner keeps the cold at bay, and it comes with Seesmart armor at the elbows and shoulders. And it’s particularly well-suited to anyone who wears heated gear. If you’re on a tight budget, you simply can’t go wrong with my value pick, the Alpinestars Andes V3 Jacket.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers!
A: You can use a leather motorcycle jacket during winter, but it’s not the best option. Textile jackets, which have waterproof and thermal insulation features, will provide much better protection from the elements.
A: Yes, a jacket that is created for all-weather conditions should ensure that you stay dry and warm. Just make sure that the jacket has waterproof features and a thermal lining (if temperatures get cold in your area during winter).
A: How warm a textile jacket is depends on its thickness. For example, a jacket that uses 1,000D Cordura should be warmer than one that uses 500D Cordura.
A: Always look for a jacket that has a thermal liner. If your budget stretches to a waterproof laminate shell, such as Gore-Tex, get that. But at the very least, get a jacket with a waterproof liner.
