We’ve tested multiple versions of the Rev’It Sand motorcycle suit over the years. It’s one of those rare pieces of gear that always gets the balance right: rugged enough for off-road exploring, versatile enough for on-road touring, and comfortable enough for long days in the saddle in any type of weather.
Now in its fifth generation, the Sand suit has evolved steadily over the past 15 years. Right out of the box, the Sand 5 looks and feels like classic Rev’It – thoughtfully designed, well-built, and high-quality. Putting on the jacket and pants for the first time, the fit felt more precise than the Sand 4, like it was tailored for me. The suit feels less bulky than the previous version, with a sleeker silhouette.
The jacket and pants are made of multiple high-tech textile materials: 600D ripstop polyester, 600HD polyester, PWR|mesh, 3D air mesh, and 2D mesh. Compared to the Sand 4, the 5 moves noticeably better, especially when standing on the pegs or maneuvering through tight, technical sections. The arms are pre-shaped and articulated, and the pants mirror that thoughtful design, with improved contouring through the hips and knees. After just a couple hours in the saddle, the whole suit felt broken in.
Rev’It has totally reworked the airflow. The underarm zippers are equipped with a snap-on button to keep them open at higher speeds when wind pressure tends to close the gap, and excellent vents on the upper arms, back, and thighs keep the air moving. But what really impressed me were the new 3D mesh panels behind the front and rear zips. They don’t just let air in – they actually circulate it around your body.
The Sand 5 still includes both a waterproof liner and a thermal liner, but they’re better integrated and easier to manage. The new hydratex|Lite waterproof layer is lighter, quicker to dry, and can now be worn inside or over the jacket. The new external layer option also has smart touches like mini-ripstop on the forearms to fend off snags from brush or urban hazards like concrete walls and parking lot scuffs. Best of all, even with the liners out, the suit holds its shape and doesn’t flap around like some modular systems do. It stays streamlined without sacrificing performance.
The thin, pliable SeeFlex CE level 2 armor in the shoulders, elbows, and knees, along with SeeSmart CE level 1 hip armor, strikes a great balance between serious protection and day-long comfort. There are pockets for chest and back protectors, but the armor must be purchased separately.
Fit adjusters at the arms, waist, and legs help fine-tune everything as your layers change, and the pockets have been redesigned too. More waterproof inner storage, easier-access cargo pockets, and zippers you can operate with gloves on – little things that become a big deal when you’re deep into a ride.
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At $549.99 for the jacket and $419.99 for the pants (see website for size and color options), the Rev’It Sand 5 suit carries a premium price, but the versatility, top-shelf materials, and field-tested, fifth-generation design make the investment worthwhile. It’s everything I hoped it would be: lighter, cooler, more comfortable, and even better equipped for long miles and unpredictable conditions. It’s gear you don’t have to think about – exactly what you want when your mind is focused on the ride.
