If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes. While somewhat of an exaggeration, riding in the Northeast does require being prepared for rapid weather and temperature changes. Since it’s awkward packing several jackets and pants for each trip, I’ve been on a quest to discover the ultimate riding suit.
New materials have allowed an evolution in riding gear, and the construction of the Rev’It Sand 2 is more complex than most. It begins by having two specialized liners: one for rain and wind protection, and one for warmth. Each is securely positioned by the use of retaining zippers and metal snaps on fabric loops. The jacket is prepped for an optional cooling vest, back protector, hi-viz vest, and both the Leatt and Moveo neck-brace systems. Numerous cinch straps and snaps allow the fit of the body, sleeves and cuffs to be adjusted. Six zippered vents and one secured with hook-and-loop provide airflow. Multiple pockets include two handwarmer, two cargo, two inside breast, and, for the removable Hydratex liner, one large fanny pocket. The waterproof membrane and the thermal liner have zippered pockets. There is removable CE armor at the elbows and shoulders with a perforated-foam EVA back pad.
The pants utilize two inner liners of the same type as the jacket and which fasten in a similar manner. There are two zippered side pockets and two cargo pockets with fold-over hook-and-loop flaps to hold essentials. An 11-inch zipper on the cuff makes fitting them over boots easy, and 9-inch long cinch flaps with hook-and-loop ensure a tight fit. Two 5-inch zippered, mesh-covered vents next to each cargo pocket provide airflow. There is removable CE armor in the knees and perforated EVA foam at the hips. A dual zipper system allows the pants to be attached to the jacket for security (8-inch) and to the jacket’s waterproof membrane (26-inch) for a dry seal.
Rev’It uses six different, carefully chosen materials to create the outer shell of the jacket and seven for the pants. The most important are the 500- and 1200-denier PWR material—made with polyamide yarn for superior abrasion/tear resistance and its high melting point—in strategic areas. The PWR material also allows air to flow through the fabric and makes the jacket and pants, sans liners, almost as comfortable as those made of nylon mesh.
All of the elements are thoughtfully designed, the materials are strictly “top-shelf” and workmanship is of excellent quality. Both the jacket and the pants are comfortable and suitable for all but the most extreme temperatures experienced by long-distance touring, sport-touring and dual-sport adventure riders.
The flexibility of this three-layer system does, however, have a couple of downsides. Intermittent rain showers require stops to insert, and remove, the Hydratex liners. The same occurs with the thermal liners for temperature fluctuations. Three of these four liners require storage on the bike.
The various adjustments make the jacket appear to be tailored, and the wide range of colors—black, black/orange, silver/red, silver/blue and silver/black—should complement the majority of motorcycle paint schemes. The $489.99 jacket comes in sizes from S-4XL (XZL in Rev’It’s sizing code); the $329.99 pants in S-XZL waist/standard length, M-3XL (XYL)/short, and M-2XL/long.
For more information: Call (888) 681-0180 or visit revitusa.com/en-us
(This Gearlab review was published in the June 2014 issue of Rider magazine.)
