Wearing the Joe Rocket Ballistic Adventure Jacket over several thousand miles, from interstate pavement to West Virginia mountain cow paths, through frog-strangling rainstorms and 100°F heat, I must conclude: This garment covers the adventure riding bases rather well.

How so? The jacket served well in every situation, offering confidence in its impact and abrasion-protection features, tangible protection from wet and cold, versatile cargo capacity (including space for a hydration bladder), and hot weather relief through an ingenious ventilation system. With adjustments for custom fitting to the rider’s dimensions and preferences, the jacket remained comfortable over varied terrain and temperatures.

Joe Rocket uses CE armor in shoulder and elbow areas. The armor panels fit the body comfortably, without binding or feeling bulky. A removable high-density spine pad protects the back (CE-certified spine pad is optional). Also, there’s an additional abrasion layer of 840D ballistic nylon that covers external shoulder and elbow areas.

Durable, water- and UV-resistant Rock Tex 600 fabric, double overstitched, forms the jacket’s basic outer structure. Double cross-over storm flaps augment the two-way main zipper closure. A removable waterproof liner repels heavy rains. For colder weather, a long-sleeved, quilted, thermally-insulated liner zips in. What about when it’s hot? The Joe Rocket Ballistic Adventure Jacket’s integrated Variable Flow ventilation system provides extensive intake and exhaust portals for riding comfort in hot weather with a total of eight ventilation portals: Two massive zippered chest panels; two 8-inch sleeve vents with two-way zippers; two 6-inch front shoulder vents at the base of the armor inserts; and two vertical 8-inch rear exhaust vents. If that ain’t enough, the sleeves are detachable. The most dramatic vents might be the zippable chest panels—two 5x9-inch panels opening to the mesh liner, and folding into their own retention pockets. These panels permit air to circulate through the jacket, exhausting through the rear vertical vents.

Adjustable straps set the jacket dimensions at the biceps, forearms, wrists, and waist. Two zippered gussets at the hem allow hip snugness adjustment. Thus, a considerable range of fitment, depending upon body style and internal layering, is possible. “Accordion” Flex-Fit expansion panels above the elbows easily permit a wide range of arm motion.

The Joe Rocket Ballistic Adventure Jacket is a serviceable, versatile adventure riding touring jacket, with significant features unseen on garments selling for hundreds of dollars more.

Colors: Black/Gunmetal, Silver/Gunmetal | Sizes: Small–3XL MSRP: $299.99 JoeRocket.com