Are you thinking about picking up an all-season motorcycle riding jacket for your upcoming long ride? It sounds like a no-brainer, right—one piece of riding gear to handle all weather conditions. But is it really that simple? With so many options out there, choosing the right riding jacket can get confusing. The good news is—we've got you covered!
Let’s break it down so you can make the best decision for your motorcycle tours and everyday rides.
Two Different Approaches to All-Season Motorcycle Riding Jackets
When it comes to all-season riding jackets, you’ll generally find two types:
- High-end premium ones that set the benchmark
- Budget-friendly ones that try to offer similar versatility without breaking the bank.
On the premium side, these motorcycle riding jackets use high-quality materials and well-engineered designs to offer real multi-season functionality, sometimes even eliminating the need for extra layers. Of course, just because something is expensive doesn’t always mean it’s better, but some jackets in this category genuinely live up to the hype.
On the other hand, budget-friendly options take inspiration from the premium segment but achieve multi-season adaptability by bundling in extra layers. Usually, this means a mesh riding jacket paired with waterproof and thermal liners.
At first glance, it might seem like getting a jacket with built-in layers is a great deal, but is it really that simple? Let’s take a closer look.
Price vs. Quality: What Are You Really Paying For?
For example, you're choosing between two mesh riding jackets—one from Brand A that costs 6,000 Rs. without any extra layers, and another from Brand B at the same price that includes warm and waterproof liners. It seems like Brand B is the better deal, right?
Well, not necessarily.
There are two possible scenarios here:
- Brand A is overcharging, and Brand B is giving you more bang for your buck.
- Brand A is focusing on delivering the best standalone jacket, while Brand B is cutting corners in materials and design to fit the budget.
Most motorcycle riders don’t have the technical expertise to analyze the quality of fabric, stitching, or protective features, so choosing often comes down to trust. Do you trust Brand A’s approach of making the best possible riding jacket or Brand B’s bundled offering?
The Reality of Built-In Layers
If you’ve ever worn a budget-friendly multi-season jacket, you may have noticed that the included warm layers can be a bit underwhelming. Some are super thin, some are just sleeveless vests, and most only work when worn inside the riding jacket.
Similarly, waterproof layers included in these budget options might not perform as well as a high-quality standalone rain liner.
A dedicated warm liner, on the other hand, is usually made from better materials, keeps you warmer, and can be worn on or off the bike. The same goes for rain protection; separate, purpose-built layers tend to be more reliable than those bundled with budget jackets.
Viaterra Gear’s Approach
At Viaterra Gear, we believe each piece of riding gear should be the best version of itself. That’s why most of our motorcycle riding jackets are sold without built-in layers; we focus on making the jacket itself top-notch. We also offer high-quality warm and waterproof layers separately, so you can pick the ones that suit your specific needs. And if a layer is included, it’s the same quality as our standalone options, ensuring you get real functionality, not just a gimmick.
Making the Right Choice for Your Motorcycle Tour or Everyday Rides
If you’re in the market for an all-season riding jacket, here’s our advice: prioritize functionality over the illusion of getting more for less. When you’re in doubt, especially due to budget, choose a riding jacket designed for the conditions you’ll be riding in most often. You can always invest in better layers later.
What’s your take? Do you prefer all-season motorcycle riding jackets with built-in layers, or do you like to mix and match?
Check out our YouTube video for a better understanding of the product here
FAQ: Are All-Season Riding Jackets Worth It?
Q: What makes an all-season motorcycle riding jacket different from a regular riding jacket?
A: An all-season motorcycle riding jacket is designed to handle multiple weather conditions, usually through materials that offer ventilation, waterproofing, and warmth. Some come with built-in layers, while others allow you to add separate thermal and rain liners as needed.
Q: Are budget-friendly all-season riding jackets worth it?
A: It depends on your expectations. Budget-friendly motorcycle riding jackets often include multiple layers to provide multi-season functionality. However, the quality of these layers may not match standalone premium options. If durability and performance are priorities, investing in a high-quality jacket and adding layers separately is a better approach.
Q: How do I choose the best riding jacket for my needs?
A: Consider the climate you ride in most often. If you primarily ride in hot weather, a well-ventilated mesh jacket with separate rain and warm layers is ideal. If you ride in colder regions, a textile jacket with good insulation and waterproofing works best.
Q: What are some of the best motorcycle riding jackets from Viaterra Gear?
A: We at Viaterra Gear offer a range of motorcycle riding jackets designed for different riding styles and conditions. Here are some top picks:
- Viaterra Miller Street Mesh Riding Jacket: Ideal for hot weather and summer rides, offering maximum airflow and ventilation.
- Viaterra Spencer Riding Jacket: A versatile option that balances protection and comfort for various riding conditions.
- Viaterra Fender Riding Jacket: Designed for daily commutes, providing a great mix of comfort, durability, and practicality.
- Viaterra Wayne Riding Jacket: A stylish choice for riders who prefer a retro aesthetic without compromising on protection.
