In SoCal, I’ve just spent a couple of months testing the new Yosemite XDR suit, an all-weather textile touring suit for men that’s cut in a more European style, with a tailored fit ’n’ feel. Lots of rain, chilly temps (high 40s to low 50s F), and hot days in the 80s along with heavy winds, gave the suit a good work-out for this review.

I can’t help but be impressed by what Scorpion is bringing to the ADV market, and this suit is no exception. The jacket, especially, is a fantastically innovative, solid three-season design. It has a durable feel that’s a lot classier than outfits you’d expect at this surprisingly low price point.

The Yosemite XDR is a liner-based design with both waterproof and quilted thermos layers in the jacket and a waterproof liner in the pants. The innovation is in how the jacket can be easily transformed from near-winter wear to summer mesh. A large flap on the back unzips into a pocket to reveal a large mesh panel. And, behind the two front pockets are also flaps that unzip into pockets to expose large mesh panels. Combined with plenty of other waterproof-zippered vents, it’s hard to imagine anything cooler, other than an all-mesh shell. (There’s an ADV-style “rabbit pouch” on the back of the jacket that makes an ideal stash for the liners.)

Armor and safety are qualities I’m rather fanatical about. The jacket comes with excellent coverage for the elbows, shoulders, hips and knees (most of the armor is CE-certified SAS-TEC). The elbows, in particular, are large and wide, providing much more protection than most jackets I’ve tested. Although the stock back protector is minimal, Scorpion offers a more substantial SAS-TEC option, which I installed (a nominal $40 and well worth the extra cost). A kidney belt that attaches to the jacket is another available option, nice for holding everything together on those longer rides. And the rain liner has “monkey paws” that keep its arms tucked firmly into your riding gloves.

The shells are mainly 500-denier nylon with 1680-denier nylon in crucial crash-zone areas. Strategically placed night-viz highly reflective materials react to oncoming headlights when riding in the dark, and a hi-viz yellow-green appointments option effectively cures the “I didn’t see him!” mantra so often heard from cagers.

Other appointments include quality YKK zippers throughout; most are waterproofed with rugged pull tabs for glove-friendly access. The jacket’s front is storm-flapped to help keep the rider warm and dry. In addition to zippered pockets, there are four cargo pockets, two on the jacket (semi-waterproofed) and two on the pants—all with wide gussets allowing lots of room to carry stuff comfortably. A neoprene, non-chafing micro-fleece high collar tucks up nicely under the helmet to keep the elements out.

It’s clear that Scorpion is firmly committed to supporting adventurers. Not too long ago, a suit of this quality (but not as innovative) would have cost twice as much. Whether budget is an issue or not, I recommend taking a close look at Scorpion’s offerings—they not only understand ADVing, but are making products that are a cut above. MSRP: Yosemite XDR Jacket $389.95 | Pants $239.95 | SAS-TEC Back Protector $39.95 ScorpionUSA.com

Sizes: Small to 3X
Color options: Jacket (4)—Red/Grey, Hi-Viz Neon/Grey, Black, Sand | Pants (2)—Grey, Black

Where to Buy:

Jacket:	Pants:

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