The Dutch company, REV’IT!, is a respected leader in adventure riding clothing. Their large assortment of designs covers a broad range of riding needs and styles specific to our genre of motorcycling.

Think of the Sand 2 jacket and pants system as a niche within a niche. Minus the double waterproof and thermo liners, it’s a remarkably lightweight and comfortable design that’s particularly well suited for desert riding. With various combinations of the liners, it can get you through three seasons. However, design sacrifices were understandably made to keep it lightweight and cool. The suit comes with minimal (but upgradeable) armor, and the outer textile shell is not waterproof or as abrasion-resistant as, say, GORE-TEX®. That said, those who’ve ridden 120°F plus deserts, or extensively in the world’s equatorial regions, will appreciate that a compromise is necessary. Full-on armor is just too heavy and hot to wear in these sweltering environments—a huge problem for most riders.

Prior to this review, I used the Sand 2 suit for about six months, getting to know it pretty well. From Death Valley, to north of Lake Superior, to the mountainous forest regions of Idaho, I lived in the suit for several weeks at a time, field-testing it in multiple climates and environments from late winter to mid-summer months. If the suit has an Achilles’ heel, it surfaces in heavy rains. While it does have a removable waterproof liner, the jacket itself soaks up the pissing skies and can take a day or more to dry out. In moderate rain showers it wicks away quickly after the skies clear and you ride on. But, in torrential fallouts, it’s a problem. As a result, I resorted to a Tour Master Defender (TourMaster.com) rain shell to stay dry. For all other situations, the suit was great, and especially appreciated across the scorching summer days, no matter where I was on the continent.

Speaking of which, I was absolutely blown away by the REV’IT! Challenger Cooling Vest which comes separately. This is something you have to try to believe. Essentially it’s a quilted sponge-like vest that attaches to the inside of the jacket’s shell. Soak it in water, then as you ride the wicking effect keeps your core cool—as in remarkably cooler than the outside temps—for hours! And, as the vest’s inner side is waterproof, you’re never wet, per se. When the vest is dry, it functions as another thermal layer. An ingeniously simple idea that I’d like to see on every riding jacket. RevitUSA.com

The Sand 2 jacket is actually part of a system that includes these optional add-ons:

Leatt® or MOVEO® neck brace ready, with the addition of a connection kit for seamless integration.

Hi-Viz Connector Vest for increased visibility when you want it, easily stows when not needed.

Sizes: Small to 4X-large/five color options

MSRP: $499.99 (jacket) $329.99 (pants)

 Where to Buy:

Jacket:	Pants: