Rukka Explore-R Textile Jacket - Black

My thoughts very much align with Steve's October review. My ten year old Rukka suit, whilst still serviceable, is starting to tire, so treated myself to this jacket and the matching trousers. I mention this because I dropped a size from 50 to 48, which is more aligned with my 40" chest. Like Steve, this means the jacket is much snugger than I'm used to, but I can fit either a Keis jacket OR a Rukka down jacket underneath without issue (the latter is excellent for spring / autumn).

The jacket just looks gorgeous to me - and in the grey really stands out compared to the black (which I also looked at). And it comes with the excellent and comprehensive armour protection. Moreover, this is the first jacket I can ever remember being able to get my gloves underneath the sleeves easily, with an excellent cuff feature that allows it to be folded back. I managed to fit (on one wrist) my Apple Ultra watch and Held Quattrotempi gloves - my version of which has really chunky armour on the cuff - underneath the sleeve without any hassle, providing a snug but comfortable weatherproofed fit.

The initial stiffness makes accessing the pockets problematic on first use (had to fight to get my wallet out of the top pocket - but that may also be my natural reluctance to pay for things!). But after 650 miles over a weekend, I noticed the jacket and trousers are starting to break in.

I haven't (fortunately) had to test the waterproofing yet - but as a previous Rukka owner, expect this to be amongst the best available.

Perfect sizing, no inner-warm lining, but leaves 'just' enough space for my Keis heated jacket.

Very stiff, but with reassuring security from the armour and strong construction. I'm sure from previous experience with the brand, that the comfort will improve over time.

Styling is very cool (for an adventure jacket) and very visible in this colour without having to put on a separate hi-vis.

Waterproofing is excellent. Caught in biblical rain on the motorway and bone-dry.

Thoroughly recommended, you get what you pay for and long warranty make up for the initial outlay.