My last foreign riding trip of 2017 took me through France, northern Spain and the Pyrenees in autumn – the perfect opportunity to test RST’s Adventure 3 jacket.
On paper the Adventure 3 was a good choice for the variable weather conditions that can be expected as we approach the autumn.
It has all the features you’d expect from an adventure jacket, including detachable waterproof and thermal liners and a removable collar.
The jacket has both inner and outer pockets so there is lots of space to carry items you want to have close to hand. There is also a detachable rear pocket which you can use as a bumbag when you are off the bike to carry things like wallet and phone.
In the rear of the jacket an expandable pocket with hooks accommodates a hydration bladder, with a hole on the shoulder of the jacket allowing the feed pipe to exit with a loop to keep it near the front of your helmet.
In theory, the jacket was ideal – so what was my verdict after covering more than 2000 miles in it?
With both the waterproof and thermal layers zipped into the jacket I found it bulky at first. It did restrict my movement, however I soon got used to this and found the restricted feeling soon turned into one of support, which made the jacket comfortable and easy to wear.
On the first few occasions I used the suit I confused the zip that holds the waterproof liner in place with the one that opens the jacket front, so instead of unfastening the jacket I was detaching the liner.
It’s easy to confuse the two because the front opening zip is protected by a storm flap that’s fastened by Velcro.
It didn’t take me long to get used to this quirk, however RST could make life easier by using a contrast colour for the storm flap so it’s more easily identified.
The jacket offers good provision for ventilation, although I found the front opening system fiddly and not something you should expect to open and close in a hurry.
Once opened though, it worked well even though there was interference to the airflow from the Helite airbag vest I wear over the top of my riding kit.
On the other side of the weather scale the jacket protected me from rain throughout a spell of rain in northern France and another day of wet riding in Derbyshire after returning home from my travels. It is also warm, with the thermal liner doing a good job of resisting cold weather.
One surprise came in the manufacturers’ instructions, which say the jacket can only be washed by hand. Motorcycle gear gets dirty and in hot climates can get very smelly.
I would try the handwash programme on my washing machine, although I may have to accept that this could have consequences for the jacket’s future fit, use and whether it would remain covered by the warranty.
That issue aside, I liked this jacket for my travels. Now I have experience of the Adventure 3 it would be high on my list of potential jackets for use at home or longer trips abroad.
When you consider the price amongst many of its competitors the RST Adventure 3 certainly represents value for money.
Fit & Comfort
It’s a comfortable jacket that fits true to the sizing I would expect. The adjustable sleeves and waist allow for minor adjustments to suit your own personal comfort.
Protection
It has CE-approved armour at the elbows, shoulders and also a Level 2 back protector. The armour is large enough to cover the vulnerable areas without being overly intrusive.
Waterproofing
I experienced wet riding twice – once on the journey through northern France as I returned to Calais and another while riding in rainy Derbyshire after getting home. The jacket kept me warm and dry and I’m confident it will remain waterproof.
Build quality
The jacket feels robust and well made, giving me confidence that it would withstand many hard miles. I’ve marked it down for being marked as handwash only as this displays little confidence in the construction.
Features
It’s hard to argue with the features on this jacket, although Level 2 shoulder and elbow armour would make it perfect.