If you started motorcycling in the dirt, then you’re probably familiar with the Moose Racing brand. Moose Racing has been producing high quality gear and hard parts since 1986.

Their catalog has thousands of items ranging from raceware, casual apparel and boots to hard parts covering everything from dirt to adventure/ dual-sport motorcycles. Moose Racing has positioned themselves to offer products the growing adventure/dualsport sector wants, at prices that are pocketbook-friendly.

The Monarch Pass has been around for several years as a jacket that hard-core off- roaders turn to for extreme weather riding. Fast forward to 2014 and the Monarch Pass has become more suited for the adventure/dualsport rider.

With its zip-out insulated vest, the shell is constructed with what Moose Racing calls HDWB (Highly Durable Waterproof Breathable) nylon. Whatever that is, it’s awesome!

The jacket is not bulky and moves with the body without feeling heavy. And, to keep out the elements when the weather turns, Moose uses a hem synch system at the neck and bottom.

These days sleeves seem too bulky in many jackets. Moose has identified this issue and made their jacket adjustable in two ways. First, just below the shoulder there is a lacing system that pulls the jacket tighter around the upper arms.

Second, there is a traditional Velcro strap that holds the elbow guard in place. At the arm openings is a zipper and Velcro closure system allowing you to get bulkier gloves on and seal out the elements.

There are six vents, all with waterproof zippers—two are on the shoulders, letting air flow across your shoulders and down the back of the jacket when in riding position. The two most important (in my opinion) are pit zips.

The Monarch Pass doesn’t have the biggest I’ve seen, but it does have them and that’s a plus. Last, there are two large vertical vents on the back to let heat out. For the first time since its inception, the jacket is being offered with armor for street riding protection.

The Monarch Pass uses the D3O EVO Pro in the shoulders and elbow areas, with D3O VIPER1 for back protection. D3O is a revolutionary material that stays flexible to move with the body. The material hardens on impact, protecting the rider in the event of a crash.

Well thought-out pockets are extremely important to a rider on the road, and the Monarch Pass has four waterproof pockets that are easy to access. On the left chest there’s also a large waterproof map pocket to keep your route dry.

I’ve tested this jacket from one extreme to another, from 20F-degree weather to hours of rain. The Monarch Pass performed well in all of the elements I threw at it. If you’re in the market for new gear, the Monarch Pass is worth a look.

As with the Monarch Pass jacket, the pants use the same HDWB (Highly Durable Waterproof Breathable) in their construction. However, Moose adds a few things other textile manufacturers forgot, making these pants more multipurpose.

The built-in boot gaiter is thoughtfully designed and is an easy-to-use feature for keeping out the elements. The other great addition to the pants is an inner leather panel inside each leg.

This feature keeps you from burning the fabric should you brush up against the exhaust or hot engine. The leather is also less abrasive to protect your machine’s finish.

The Monarch Pass pants are very easy to wear because they move freely with the D3O EVO PRO 2 armor in the hip and knee areas. Zip-out suspenders are a nice bonus, but as with most riding pants you have to purchase them separately.

Large leg openings use a zipper closing system and Velcro strap system for custom fit ver most boot sizes. The four pockets are well placed for easy access to your belongings. Venting comes from two front vents and two rear vents.

The venting is average, I’d like to see larger vents on the next rendition of the line. As with the jacket the Monarch Pass pants were subject to extreme cold and long periods of rain.

During the rain test I had a small amount of water get through somewhere in the crotch area at about the seventh hour, however that might have been due to something as simple as an incorrectly closed zipper.

I’ve since ridden in the rain for shorter periods and not had any problems with water getting in. The Monarch Pass combo is a great pants and jacket combo, and has become one of my favorites to wear.

Jacket MSRP: $399.95 S–2XL, $439.95 3XL. Pant MSRP:$299.95 S–2XL, $329.95 3XL. Mooseracing.com

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