Top nine motorcycle jackets for winter

There is nothing worse than feeling cold on a long motorcycle ride. Here are nine winter jackets that will keep you warm and dry

Winter is here, and that means keeping warm. It can be hard to keep warm while riding a motorcycle, especially when you live in cold places with unreliable weather (like Melbourne).

Fortunately there is plenty of apparel that can keep you warm and dry in inclement weather conditions. A good jacket should be able to keep you warm, dry, ventilated (when it gets a bit too warm) and protected. Comfort is also essential as it will help keep your focus on the road ahead.

Here are nine jackets for winter that tick the boxes and cater for a variety of budgets:

Alpinestars Andes V2 Drystar

The trademark Alpinestars DRYSTAR technology makes for a waterproof and breathable jacket that can be utilised in any weather. A removable thermal liner (100g body, 80g sleeve) will help keep away the winter chill. It also features comprehensive ventilation, internal impact protection, large waterproof pockets and a waist adjustment strap.

PRICE: $399.95 (via Motorcycle Accessories Supermarket)

Dainese Carve Master 2 Gore-Tex

The premium price tag is justified by the addition of Gore-Tex, which is the ultimate for inclement weather. The breathable, waterproof, 3L Gore-Tex membrane will keep you dry, while a removable thermal liner thermal takes care of the cold. There are loads of storage pockets and abrasion-resistant protection on shoulders and elbows.

PRICE: $899.86 (via Motorcycle Accessories Supermarket)

Dririder Climate Control Pro 4

The name says it all. The Dri-Tec H20 removable waterproof and breathable liner and the removable 85g thermal liner make bad weather a breeze. There is also plenty of protection with CR armour, a foam back pad, and shock absorbing air-hump. There are also pockets for storage, reflective prints and plenty of ventilation.

PRICE: $359.95 (via Motorcycle Accessories Supermarket)

Ixon Crosstour HP

The Ixon Crosstour HP jacket has removable waterproof and thermal liners. It also has large air vents, CE approved armour, 600D polyester construction, reflective prints and plenty of storage pockets. It is adjustable via a waist strap and arm straps.

PRICE: $409.95 (Ficeda Accessories)

Klim Carlsbad

The Klim Carlsbad Jacket is at the pointy end of the price spectrum, but it is for good reason. This jacket features Gore-Tex, 630D cordura twisted overlays, reflective materials, CE-approved protection, plenty of ventilation, 14 pockets, moisture-wicking and anti-odour liner, adjustability and much, much more. Klim guarantee this jacket will keep you dry.

PRICE: $1245 (via Adventure Moto)

Macna Aytee

The Macna Aytee jacket combines style and function. Its point of difference is its ‘Night Eye’ technology, which results in a fully-reflective jacket. It also has removable, waterproof, and breathable membrane, as well as a removable thermal liner. There is also plenty of protection, ventilation and storage.

PRICE: $449.95 (Link International)

MotoDry Advent Tour

The Advent Tour jacket from MotoDry has heavy-duty abrasion resistant material, CE armour and reflective prints. Hand warmer pockets, a removable waterproof liner, and a removable thermal liner, all help keep you warm and dry. There is also plenty of adjustment, ventilation and a hydration pack pocket.

PRICE: $355 (via Motorcycle Accessories Supermarket)

Rjays Pilot

The Rjays Pilot jacket has a water repellent outer shell and a breathable waterproof membrane, meaning you’ll always be dry. There is also a removable thermal zip-out liner that will keep you nice and toasty, whole plenty of ventilation will get the air moving. The jacket is made from condura for extremely high abrasion resistant and it also includes CE-approved armour.