Adventure motorcycle riding gear; pants and jacket

I am NOT sponsored by Rev'It!
Rev'it! Defender Pro GTX suit (www.Revitsport.com) is used as a prop as I discuss the process of selecting the perfect riding suit for ADV adventure riding. Whether you preper KLIM, Alpinestars or some other brand this tutorial will help you select your next suit. I have been using the Defender Pro as my primary ADV suit since 2015 when it replaced my Defender suit I used for my trip around the Americas
www.BretTkacs.com , www.Patreon.com/brettkacs

[@Dr.MountainND]

The way Bret gets his hat on could win America's Got Talent this year!!

[@osimnod]

I had to watch that twice to note how smoothly he performed that Matrix-like move.

[@sjachim314]

@@osimnod The same.... Then I went to the comment section immediately to find a comment like yours and respond with mine.

[@helvin8972]

True

[@nickcleary8033]

I had to rewind that to see it again , didn't believe my eyes first time

[@edsyphan3425]

Ok, so you don't want anyone to see the pile of Bitcoin hidden under your helmet. But please get better looking lid.

[@ricardofabia]

I don't know what I am more shocked about: Bret's magic hat skills or the fact that the KTM is out of the shop.

[@BretTkacs]

😂🤣...😐😞...😰😭

[@Porsche996driver]

Spends so much time on the shop … it learned to whistle!

[@newenglandscrambler2262]

I bought my first KTM this year. Brand new. I have spent more time fixing it than riding it. Only 500 miles in it all year,, about 70% dual sport/road miles. All the guys on KTM forums are trumpeting about how they are so much more reliable than they used to be, and here I'm thinking that they must never have ridden anything else to experience what actual reliability is supposed to look like in a motorcycle.

[@galynnedavis2996]

Totally! My first thought was "hey, there's Bret's 790!!!"😂 😂 😂

[@greg9076]

@@newenglandscrambler2262 And this is exactly why I'm reluctant to get a KTM, even though there's plenty of dealers in my area. I'm looking at other bikes with dealers up to 6 hours away instead. I don't see how adventure riders can go where they go and not worry about their KTM's breaking down. I'd love to have one, but...

[@IRLtrolls]

Anyone that has been watching Bret for a while now knows the Helmet to hat transition is something to watch for but this video basically makes it a meme at this point. I was staring at his head, watching and waiting for the hat swap and I still missed it and had to rewind. 🤣🤣🤣

[@BretTkacs]

😂😂😂

[@brettstewart5836]

Agreed me too, 🤣🤣 your a hat magician Brett.

[@danmanthe9335]

This one was lightning quick!

[@itsane]

I had to see it twice (and then at 0.25x speed) to understand what he did !! Pure magic indeed ! 😂👍

[@snowchaser75]

I watched it 5 times, then saw the pinned comment. LOL

[@derekbender]

1:40 that helmet/hat swap looked like magic

[@ismaelbesharah1385]

So slick

[@robhart3451]

Very, very slick helmet to hat transition. If it was an olympic sport, he'd definitely be on the podium.

[@richardgatenby7560]

Blink and you miss it.

[@ArizonaAdv]

I had watch it twice I wasn't sure what I saw. He needs an award for that. BE SAFE OUT THERE EVERYONE '''RIDE ON""

[@thomaswarren2699]

Right!?! Sleight of hand 100/100 Had to watch a couple times to realise he wasn't wearing it under the helmet!!

[@1001CP]

Probably the BEST review on suits I have seen in all my old guy years. Coming from gear being a leather jacket, jeans (NOT motorcycle jeans), real motorcycle boots w/buckles&straps, some farm gloves and a helmet (about any helmet) for off road riding growing up and just enough gear to race.. Now I have several suits and combos over the years for different weather here in the midatlantic where it gets pretty cold and really HOT/MUGGY that have great protection in them. Thats important because if I go down w/o it I will sound like a beer/soda can full of gravel with all the metal in my body. Sometimes a suit only lasts one good fall and that is all it is designed for! Sliding/tearing terrain will total a suit but NOT YOU! I am not as sensitive to color as I wore uniforms and body armor for the better part of 30 years on duty and there was NO air movement. Everything I heard here is what to check for and the best you can at your price point. I would love a clest full of Klim but that aint happening on a cops retirement. There are still good choices out there and making combos of equipment underneath with a cover garment (knee/hip pads, chest/back pro, etc) Like motocrossers. As always Brett is spot on. A great instructor and regular gay. The hat magic is awesome! I wear the same type of caps and loved them for years. Thank you again Sir for your time, knowledge and experience for even us old dogs.

[@tomjones8883]

Little tip for you Bret To convert from degF to degC Take off 30 and divide by 2 So 114-30 = 84 / 2 = 42degC It’s not 100% accurate but it’s close enough 😁

[@MrVideoVero]

Legit thought bret was wearing his hat under his helmet at first glance

[@alijanahabdullah]

That was pure slight of hand at it's best. Magic.

[@BigRockMoto]

Nice overview. I own a Klim Baja suit and also their new Carlsbad. I appreciate both, but for ultimate versatility in one suit, I would go with the high end Rev'It for sure! The laminated suits are indeed too hot for slow speed riding above 80 degrees, and the fully mesh suits are too cold below 65, so it's a hard decision to make.

[@DakarBlues]

I used to have just one Olympia mesh jacket. In winter I put the waterproof liner as well as the alu lined liner and then used heated liner and gloves. I even did a dead of winter Iron Butt run St Louis to Buffalo, round-trip temp below 28!

[@aartmg]

That transition from helmet to hat is like magician fast. Seriously

[@goldenchild4835]

Hip armour, yes! I came off my motorcycle at relatively low speed and hit a rock - no hip armour; the fall punched the neck of my femur through my hip and broke my pelvis in six places. I spent seven weeks in hospital and months recovering. Big yes to armour, ATGATT!

[@malvinacarabas5768]

I researched all hip protectors ( armored shorts ) on Revzilla - NONE of them protects the hip. Thighs - yes , hips - no ! Bought Leatt 3DF 3.0 shorts - no hip protection whatsoever ! Apparently , if you want hip protection - get the car :(

[@Met201101M]

@@malvinacarabas5768 I got forcefield pro short. The rest are rubbish.

[@Propelled]

Malvina, check out Motoport. Their quad armor has awesome hip protection, massive sacrum coverage, great chest protection, elbows, forearms, shoulders and spine as well. Best of all, because the suit is tailored, the armor is exactly placed without adjustment straps everywhere.

[@malvinacarabas5768]

@@Propelled Thank you ! They are definitely worth checking out. But i`ll stick to Leatt and probably will add up AlpineStar bionic freeride shorts. Because i already got motor pants and jackets more than enough. Thank you. And yes , down with democRATs.

[@markjacobs3956]

Bohn armor.

[@rangeroadmoto]

Is Brett the reason for the phrase “hat trick”

[@dmumladze]

Rumor has it, he got up the tree with the helmet on and then made the swap with the hat.

[@uponthepegs]

Hat tricks aside. Great video and, as ever, packed with much useful and sound advice. The hallmark of Brett’s information is the delivery. Engaging, informed, concise and well told, with humour. Just what committed adventure riders need.

[@BretTkacs]

Thanks... Entertainment with education snuck in 😉

[@David..]

The thumbnail for this video always cracks me up.

[@reginaldoswald424]

God level helmet to hat transition.

[@pnwtenere4001]

That is the smoothest helmet to hat transition I’ve ever seen, you’ve really been practicing! 😉

[@weifeng5958]

Man, the slight of hand with getting that cap on is magical 🧙‍♀️

[@sv650nyc7]

Consider thermal conduction, i.e. heat moves from a warmer to a colder object. Once the air temperature is above 95°F/ 35°C, the air is warmer than the surface of your skin. This will effectively heat up your skin, and the faster you ride, the more air can stream over your skin, the more you will heat up, the more you will sweat, and the more dehydrated you will get without any cooling effect. So above that temperature you need to ditch the mesh jacket, close up any vents, and leave as little skin exposed to the outside air as possible (same thing you would do when it's very cold outside). You can add a cooling effect by soaking your under-shirt in water which then slowly evaporates under your airtight jacket and will cool you down quite effectively. This will also protect you from dehydration as you will sweat much less. There are special garments made for that purpose which can evaporate water for a longer period than a cotton T-shirt can, a.k.a. cooling vests.

[@cyclechillers1857]

@SV650NYC Great explanation.

[@BlackThor15]

One thing is for sure, when someone stops a bike like Bret, in a gravel road, I'll take his riding lessons every day!! 👍👍

[@tannerhawes6890]

Absolute God-tier helmet to hat transition

[@flyingklaasman]

Always a great review and on point on all the features and details of clothing!

[@kentower]

Transition from helmet to hat is so smooth

[@MrRabbitthumper]

Excellent as always. You are my go-to reference as I enter into the world of adventure riding! Thank you Brett!

[@petertspock]

Thanks for another great video. Been riding since the 70's and not an know it all , can always learn more.

[@ozyfran72]

Great video and thanks for explaining all details to look for. Very informative as always. Was a bit unsure about all the options, and particularly cost. Quality has a price but I doubt all the price out there are proven quality. I went for a full inside armour AA and Light Leatt vest to start with and happy so far. This video will help to decide for a full suit later on. And I am still always amazed by your helmet-cap transition, this is Houdini level 😁 Thanks Bret (and wife for the filming)

[@seekerofthenarrowgate8716]

Have a great weekend Bret! Thanks for the quality videos and channel.

[@BretTkacs]

Thanks

[@josephbarnes7217]

I’d love the jacket zipper to zip both ways so when I sit on the bike I can pull the zipper up from the bottom to open it up and prevent bunching the jacket while seated.

[@verdonrocksphotography3510]

very nice review and tips, on point as always, cheers V!

[@FanOWater]

My KTM 790R has never whistled like that. Hope it isn't another issue with his bike. Kudos to Bret for discussing the less common stuff. Cheers

[@sigis72]

I blinked once and missed the moment Bret put that hat on

[@kimvanuytsel8462]

My first adventure motorcycle suite was the Revit Defender, including pants. At first I thought, woaw, this is the best of the best. I then wore it in extreme hot weather (above 100F = above 40°C). Way too hot. I quickly learned that this type of suite did not “suite” me… And when it starts raining, taking of your entire gear, trying too sqeeze in thus very bulcky and noisy Goretex… no thank you. I have now switched to the laminated Goretex Klim Carlsbad and Klim Kodiak jackets. Way more comfortable and convenient. I wish I did not have wasred my money on the Revitt defender suite… Revitt has certainly great gear (such as boots), but jackets and pants… no thank you…

[@therealtashiro]

Great video Bret! Thanks for sharing!

[@LudwigRuderstaller]

I just love your smooth slide of hand when you put off your helmet and your cap on :)

[@andrewtreloar7389]

Mad cabbie skills!! I bought a Rev'It Sand 2 jacket/pant combo back in 2010. I used it on my RTW adventures on my Transalp and it was the single best investment I have ever made. There were some issues with it like the Sand 2 never came with cuff locks so the zippers would slowly open up as you rode, and the arm straps were velcro and simply delaminated over time so now there are pieces of material that just flap in the wind. Other than that, kept me warm and dry and protected.

[@bsalvis]

I only needed a good 3 three season suite. The revit offtrack seemed like a good cost/benefit compromise. Happy so far. Agree with the mesh comparison, the offtrack is surprisingly cooler than full mesh in the summer.

[@Ducksonalltube]

You had me at the helmet 2 hat swap, priceless. 🤙

[@MotorDanko]

thats the most adventure tacticool way to helmet to hat swap... amazing.

[@correykeen2956]

Great video, thanks for the info and the laughs

[@galynnedavis2996]

Another stellar video! Great content, Bret!

[@BretTkacs]

Thanks

[@Tenerisius]

A good rider, recognize an insect from his taste.

[@BretTkacs]

😂

[@sudarshandevarasam]

Hat transition is getting better and better

[@fredrikbengtsson4050]

Just got the defender 3 today. Tested it in -1c today for about 45 minutes. Incredible fit and comfort just using the extra liners. Looking forward to test it this season!

[@anto687]

THAT HAT TRANSITION! The man has it down to an ART!

[@beamdoctor5637]

Bret I have watched you for years and your always filled /share great motorcycle rider info. I been a rider for over 40 years. What I could help is info when you get to your locations work or vacation. I can teach you to relax, listen to music and DRINK. Slowly you will go from EXPERT TO GENIUS .

[@BretTkacs]

Don't I look relaxed 🤪

[@marcusmaxadventure6010]

Excellent video, thank you

[@EpicHardware]

that smooth hat change! if you not paying close attention I'd like he was wearing the hat under the helmet

[@TheKniferaped]

Every episode I'm amazed how fast u can switch from the helmet to the cap...! and like always verry learn full video's! grtz from Belgium!

[@SamiNami]

Thanks for the video. I don't know what kind of idiot decided that the rain proof layer should be inside the jacket? You want the layer on top of the jacket to keep the water out. Who wants a drenched jacket, with a thin layer protecting your skin? Also who wants to take your pants and jacket off in the rain and start fiddling with liners? Rain jacket + pants is the way to go.

[@BretTkacs]

I carry rain pants as well. The pant liner only goes in in cool temperatures

[@314adv]

Agreed - I’ve ditched the rain liner and only consider it a thermal liner anymore. Over gear rain suite it is.

[@Met201101M]

I upgraded to BMW Enduro and BMW triple black Rallye suits and ditched my Revit Sand 4. The new ventilation system in the tripe black worked for me nicely when I was riding the Titus canyon’s narrows (115 Fahrenheit) in June.

[@steveaustin1820]

My BMW Rallye suit has the best armor for sure...heavier than my Sand 2. The REVIT is dry in a downpour the BMW suits aren't...but we all have our wardrobe don't we.

[@BadDadio]

I strongly agree with you regarding the color. It’s hard to find light colored gear. I live in the desert and don’t like wearing black. Lighter colors are also more visible to other vehicles. Another problem I’ve had is finding stores that carry adventure gear so I can try it on before I buy.

[@frankofrank6152]

I'm just a new subscriber to he's channel and that's the first thing I noticed.. how fast he changes from the helmet to the hat... 😂 😂😂 great channel do.

[@leanit5756]

I bought an Aerostich Roadcrafter about 10-11 years ago. Been riding for 46 years and it was the best money I ever spent on riding. Granted it doesn't get really hot often where I live, but if it is really hot, I just where a riding jacket and jeans with Leatt knee/shin protectors, or a vented/perforated roadracing suit that I use for track days. But 95% of the time the Roadcrafter is the go-to. With a nice thick fleece jacket underneath it is good down to the 30s F, and it has never leaked water on me.

[@hannytyo]

That hat skill is amazing! 😁😁😁

[@brucewinpenny5057]

Well I had one of these suits a few years ago. Nothing but problems. Both knees wore through the gore tex liners, many button and zipper failures especially on the bottom of the pants. And last but not least its a royal pain having to pull off the road take off all your gear to install the gore tex. Really fun when its raining Lol !!

[@Propelled]

I’m so impressed with my Motoport suit. I have the stretch kevlar, will be buying a second mesh kevlar for down south. No off the rack junk fit, all tailor made. Made in the USA by the good folks in Carlsbad, CA.

[@mikemerrill175]

Agree. Great gear for the SW. My vortex was just to hot most the time. I just throw in rain gear if it rains.

[@turbolag5107]

I have the Revit sand 4 H2O jacket and pants and I really like them. All the inner liners can be removed and I get great airflow and the warmth. The only thing I don't like about the pants is they are a little restrictive around the waist but other than that they are comfortable. And for anyone who might find this little piece of information useful, the rain liner works very very well. Like I'm still dry after hurricane Force rain LOL

[@BretTkacs]

Waist sizes do run more European (smaller) than more American cut riding gear. At 6' with a 32" waist and 32" inseam I wear a med long. The long would be Ideal for a 33-34" inseam. It the regular is a little short. A large standard length is a perfect 32" inseam

[@turbolag5107]

@@BretTkacs lol yup. I could go one size bigger on the waist size but then it goes one size longer on the legs even if I go short which might make them too big. I just need to shed a few pounds.

[@jimwood1068]

Cooorrrr! Now that was quick! Seamless! 🤣🤣 Jim. Uk.

[@IslandInsanity]

I knew it! He sleeps in full gear!! And obviously showers in his suit too! Haha

[@Grossman77]

Damn that hat transition was so smooth I had to rewatch to be sure you weren’t wearing it under your helmet

[@PatRick-bg4dm]

I like the Rev'It Stuff too. Actually im pretty happy with the Tornado 3.

[@donaldakelly9732]

Well done. Thank you.

[@danmanthe9335]

My Roadcrafter saved my bacon in a recent deer vs. motorcycle interaction. 60+ feet of asphalt at 50 mph didn't hurt. High siding did but not the slide

[@BretTkacs]

I love my Road rafter too ... My all time favorite commuter suit

[@ninjabortion]

I've been happy with my r3 for adv type of stuff as well. Any great can be adventure gear if you take it on an adventure 😜

[@coopers_guitar]

I'm here to see Bret's hat magic! LOL

[@mikemerrill175]

I use Motoport Kevlar mesh gear & pack rain gear, electric windbreaker, & a cooling vest. Works well all seasons for me & I’ve tried everything bit a single piece suit over my 50 plus years of riding.

[@myveryownchannel]

Revit is quality gear at a great price. I have a cheap safari 1jacket I still use as a daily beater, never seen Velcro hold up so we'll on a jacket

[@WheeliePerd]

Some good small things to think about. Especially velcro around the wrists

[@MudOregonVet]

Love the info and content in all of your videos but there's something I have to point out, no matter the video if that helmet comes off, the helmet to hat transition is godly perfect

[@nkgagne]

South-central Ontario Canada: Sitting on a hot engine, behind a hot radiator, I’m hot any time it’s above 16°C/61°F if I’m in any kind of city traffic (50 km/h/30 MPH); and that’s in an Olympia mesh pants and jacket. Rain/wind layer and a warm sweater and socks and I’m good in the same suit down to about 5°C/41°F. Mesh seems like the way to go for me…

[@damyanexssessgeorgiev6]

Hello Bret, i truly enjoy watching your channel and learn new tips and bits about adventure riding, i've got myself my first bike this summer and passed my driving licence (im from Europe, Bulgaria) , its a 2001 Honda Transalp 650 and i love it so far! I wish to know more about good suits and good gear to protect myself and not break the bank, so can you do some fresh video of good budged to mid and high end gear, we talk about full gear setup and budget around 500 to 2000 euro, maby summer/winter or 4 season gear as well! The weather here is in winter soft and almost no snow the past 10 years (-20 to +10 degrees Celsius) and summers with 20 to 45 degrees, raining is more issue in the winter, but still we have some in summers ! Much love, Damyan!

[@quatron---]

I use the exact same suit you are wearing. The review about it were very good and the fit is great. And indeed a goretex liner that u can take out was very important to me. Bought it last year, its pricy but very good. I dont use a collar though.

[@alangioro]

Another smooth hat transition😁

[@johnhoaglun1]

That is a timely video as I search for my next suit. I just finished riding 10 sections of the Continental Divide (north to south) on a KTM 790 S. The suit search is confusing at best and pretty expensive. Thanks for feeding us content on a regular basis.

[@spookyroofus]

So how was the 790 on the continental divide? Debating weather to use my wr250r for my Continental divide trip, versus a bike in the 790/890 class.

[@johnhoaglun1]

@@spookyroofus the 790 was awesome. There were 3 Africa Twin DCTs, a KTM 1090, and a R1250GSA. My bike had zero problems. It was an absolute tractor going up hill at slow speeds and plenty fast 80+ across the desert. I had been considering getting AT or GSA but after that trip I have decided that my current bike covers all of the bases pretty well. I don’t see a need for the weight of the liter bikes. The bike is comfortable enough that I can do 450 mile days on the slab and 250 on the dirt without issue. A WR would be good in the boulders but would be lacking on the highway loaded down for the trip home. GL to you.

[@Road_Rash]

My 'riding suit' consists of good boots, jeans, t-shirt, gloves & a modular full faced helmet...for winter riding, add long handles (aka thermal underwear), insulated bib style coveralls, insulated flannel shirt, heavy leather jacket & heated gloves...when raining, add a slicker suit (rain suit)...I like a little 'scruffy vagabond' look...riding is dirty business...🖖🏿😎👍🏿

[@michaelhazen8658]

I just ran 6000+ miles around the western states. *most* days were over 100 degrees. all were above 90. I wore a revit sand 3 suit - the budget little brother to what you have. I think the sand 3 is sufficient. It performed well. But finding the budget to step up to the defender is worth it. the sand misses out on rear vents on the pants. the separate insulating layers are junk (remember when first gear used a full sized fleece jacket for that?) so revit should just ditch that and include a back protector instead. All said and done the ventilation was pretty good especially when paired with an evaporation vest. THanks for the tips! I'll probably spend on a lighter colored suit for the summer rides - black was a bit...much :)

[@tahoehiker]

I'm going to have nightmares about rabid guinea pigs. Thanks Bret

[@fightswithspirits915]

I only recently learned to take electrolytes. Water is not enough when it's over 100, riding work, heat and wind zapping all fluids from the body. My doctor also says wear white gear. Good tip.

[@mikebee969]

Thanks for the video

[@BretTkacs]

You are welcome, thanks for commenting 👍

[@fennek2w662]

Due to your video I bought the new Rev'it Defender 3 GTX suit instead of a laminated suit ! Thanks, works great for me

[@TheScatman89]

Hey im looking at this suit currently. How did you get on with it so far, if you don't mind me asking?

[@fennek2w662]

@@TheScatman89 its an awesome suit ! High Quality materials, warm in the winter, very good ventilation when its hot outside. I love it !

[@TheScatman89]

@@fennek2w662 That's great to hear, I've had a laminated Rukka suit for a number of years, and Im tired of the lack of ventilation and heat. Its time for a new suit, this might be the one. Thanks for the reply ride safe.

[@jeffreymurillo3131]

1:38 is the quickest helmet to hat transition I've ever seen.

[@NickMasseyRideon]

For someone who does not do well in heat physiologically I have a few "summer" only jackets. I have been using 2 or 3 different jackets for the seasons for years now. I would love to be able to get one jacket for all seasons but I have never found one, not even my Klim will be comforatable for me in summer. The right tools for the job is my motto I guess and I need several.

[@LaurentEgliAdventure]

Amazing Helmet Cap switching 😂

[@onerider808]

An old guy once told me that ‘in the day’ they used to call those hats “go to hell hats”.

[@JohannesDalen]

There’s nothing that I hate more than putting on rain gear, so I bought a laminated Klim jacket. Will be very hot during offroad riding in the summer, but it beats putting on rain gear!

[@debroyprasenjit]

Lucid explanation Brett! 29 July 2021

[@57Shaitan57]

I have recently found that japaneese equipment may be very nice. Probably best for the money. My Komine jacket even had chest protectors in stock! And even more ventilation than on Bret's jacket.

[@masonmax1000]

lol that ktm vent whistle

[@nigelbush7255]

Seamless helmet to flat cap / a true professional 😎

[@wesleyjackson1036]

Great video. Wish I had some of that knowledge before my last suit purchase. I am curious about what others do with base layers. Like Brett, my suit isn’t designed to wear pant/shorts underneath. My pants are infused with waterproofing. So far, I’ve found them to be more comfortable in heat if I wear long underwear, typically bamboo. Being in the southeast/Midwest, humidity is the greatest frustration.

[@ion123456]

I noticed that with my Sedici mesh suit as the weather got cooler.. it doesn't take well to layering due to the tighter fit (even though I wear poly base layer + long john).. Last season I was using my HWK gear which was much more a loose fit for wearing clothes underneath. I guess i'll be in my cheap gear which is the better winter gear

[@Mightycaptain]

I had to go motoport. I'm a big guy. Revit will never fit for me. And I'd love a klim suit. But how do they 3x and 4x jackets and stop the pants at 42 inches. But motoport makes it to your size. The armour is 2nd to none. The kevlar mesh and stretch kevlar are fantastic. And they custom size. Should give them a look. They will customize jacket and pant features to suit the rider.

[@scottbroyles2114]

I looked at the motoport site .. I should be out of the hospital in the next week or so (From the Heart Attack) .. to those with the means, these are very nice .. for us mortals, bespoke gear is a fantasy

[@Mightycaptain]

@@scottbroyles2114 unfortunately for me it was that or nothing. But I saved and anytime I was going buy something I didn't really need I didn't and put that money back too. It saved quicker than I thought that way. It was a good investment. I'd do it over again personally.

[@thesalsalthe]

I met a guy at a rally in Motoport jacket and pants, I was encouraged and bought ordered Motoport pant, love them, as you say, fully customize and great material.

[@mikemerrill175]

I love mine plus they were custom fit to my short legs.

[@ion123456]

I started with a low price HWK adv suit (at the time i paid about USD $80 for a jacket and pants with armor), put over 10000mi on it in less than 5 months, then spent a little more on a a Sedici mesh( with insert) suit... oddly, the Sedici which cost around 2.5-3x more per piece also gained a brown tint in about the same amount of riding and I had to add hip inserts separate..

[@DakarBlues]

My personal experience is, one can even have a good mesh jacket, with the waterproof liner, and a heated jacket, tat could get you through the foru seasons, I have been there, I even did a n Iron Butt run to Buffalo in March, with temp below 28 degree round trip. It seems a bit extreme, but if I were on a budget, I would do it again.

[@DivergentDroid]

The best suit for you, is the one you can afford. Perhaps you cannot afford a Defender Pro GTX suit, but get Something that protects you either leather, textiles with CE rated armor or both but get Something.

[@BretTkacs]

Agreed... That's what I said too

[@Mightycaptain]

Idk. I would almost disagree. I went down in the "gear I could afford". Broke shoulder. And burn down to the bone on my knees. That cheap gear wasn't any better than nothing but street clothes. If you don't care about your safety buy cheap gear. I decided then I would spend whatever because that was an expensive and long recovery. It definitely wasn't worth the cost difference between cheap gear and actual good gear. It cost me way more after.

[@DivergentDroid]

@@Mightycaptain You don't know that. You don't have any comparison of your crash wearing No Gear at all. If one cannot afford expensive gear.. what would have them do.. ride with no gear or not ride at all? Even expensive gear many times has been shown not to be good gear, see Bennets Insurance video on popular 200 dollar gear that isn't worth spit. Yet that gear is better than No gear.

[@Mightycaptain]

I do know. I rode as a kid all the time and because I was a fool and found my way to the ground often or the pavement. I certainly could fall better when I was young. No question about that. I went down at twice the speed in jeans and a jean jacket slid 3 times as far and came out way better on abrasions. I was lighter then. But not by a lot. I've also went down off-road in good gear. With good armour. I can tell you the difference isn't even close. So as I sit here with a shoulder that 3 years later still won't move the way it should. And knees that have no feeling because that cheap suit burnt through in a second. I think I'm pretty qualified to make that statement. You can certainly ride in anything. But I will tell anyone. The gear matters. And one wreck it will likely pay for it's self. I would never stop you. But why waste 2 bills on a jacket and 1 to 2 bills on pants when it really won't do much of your body hits the pavement. There are still quality suits that aren't 2 grand. I didnt have everything all at once and got it over time. But now that I have it. ATGATT.

[@Mightycaptain]

Another important point though I think is about the impact zones and whether they will slide or not on pavement. The stuff I was wearing got crazy traction. Dislocated my shoulder just from the jerk. Then it broke. Even the pants did. Yanked me around hard. I'd been way better off if it would have just slid. Polyester which is what most cheap suits are made out of. They don't slide very well on pavement.

[@nexgenvxv6652]

You need to try Klim Badlands Pro. 14 vents on jacket itself. Plenty of airflow, works really well with Klim Aggressor -1.0.

[@MotoTrotter]

I had the Defender Pro, i wanted something lighter and simplier (less zippers) but without sacrificing safety. So i sold the Defender Pro and bought a Cayenne Pro. I'm super happy with it and the sand color is beautiful. I still complain about the velcro system on the legs, it's the same as the Defender, it's hard to keep the pants firm to the boots.

[@robertocalzada1111]

Nice video, you talked about the suit, and maybe I missed it but critical when you move to a second level to use the correct off-road boots, two weeks ago I broke my foot and have 3 pins, and damaged ligaments for not using the correct ones, I was using some good should that have helped me but the level of riding I started has been more extreme and that is the consequence of not using the correct gear.

[@BretTkacs]

I have an entire video about boots kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGa6aJtnqdmLjqc

[@ryanmalone2681]

It definitely helps to put aside $2k. That’s what I budget for a serious suit that I’m going to use on a multi-day solo adventure.

[@deon1978]

I agree about the velcro on the sleeves. Years ago I emailed revit, I pointed them to all the complaints on the Internet about the velcro on the sleeves losing their grip and I even send them pics of my old Hein Gericke Master V suit. I said why don't they make the sleeve with a zip. I explained that you use the velcro to cinch the sleeve and then when you remove the jacket you use the zip to open it up so you can pull your hand out and when you put it on, once your hand went through you zip it and you don't adjust the velcro. As a result in my Hein Gericke after 12 years the velcro still works...Yet Revit just brought out a new Dominator GTX jacket and still the velcro. I now ditched them. They don't care or listen to their customers nor are they open to address the issues. The new Dominator is a huge step down from the old...Quite bizarre. But shows how out of touch revit is.

[@sgtunix]

That KTM whistle. Ahhhhh!!!

[@joant816]

Thanks for this video!! What about the jacket chest protection? Do you use it?