A riding jacket for all seasons and reasons

This fall, I spent some time riding with Rob Brooks about town. We meandered through the backcountry and stopped for lunch. “Hey, I’ve got a jacket you might like,” he mentioned. “It’s not really my style, but I bet it’d suit you a lot better.” I was curious what that meant, but gladly took him up on it.

“You’re a bit more…’hipster’ than me,” he said as he handed it to me. I mean he’s not wrong, I just can’t remember the last time I got called that. I figured that term was gone by now. “Don’t get me wrong, it’s a very nice jacket,” he went on. “Stylish and simple, weather protection, good armor,” like he was trying to sell me on it. It doesn’t take much to sell me on things. It looked nice and I always could benefit from good gear. My adventure closet is full, but when it comes to casual rides and city commuting, I don’t quite have the fit for that.

Rob was right- this jacket suits me.

Rob wasn’t wrong about it suiting me better, either. I look good in this jacket, and I also make this jacket look good. The REV’IT! Trench 2 GTX packs a good bit of tech and fitment, all in a modern, sleek silhouette. It’s a jacket worth considering. And hey, with the holidays around the corner, you might want to put it on your list- sales are coming!

There’s gear, and then there’s good gear. Not just the “yeah, I’ll throw this on” jacket, but that quality piece you reach for with intent.

Out for a ride on a gorgeous autumn day in the South. This jacket is perfect. So is this 50th Anniv Honda Gold Wing.

The Trench 2 GTX is versatile. It projects a vibe that bridges urban commuter polish with adventure, fit for any bike. The all-black colorway and clean silhouette means it slips easily into city life, being from their “Metropolitan” line, fittingly. This jacket can also easily be worn off the bike, nearly blending as normal wardrobe.

REV’IT! offers this jacket in three colors: beige, blue, and mine as a sleek black. The fit is described as “regular” rather than slim or loose, meaning tailored but not tight, so you get a bit of movement for riding and layering. I found all the adjustment tabs at the hem, waist, and arms to really help dial in the shape.

Three nice colorways to choose from. The black is just beautiful.

Where the jacket really earns its stripes is in the tech. So when you see the price, consider this. You’re getting a laminated 2L GORE-TEX shell, which is some serious weather defense. The outer shell is 100% waterproof, windproof, yet still breathable. The added VCS/Aquadefence chest vents allow for extra breeze and comfort when needed. REV’IT! also includes a detachable thermal liner, which means this jacket spans nearly all seasons.

Check out the Trench 2 GTX line via our affiliate links, like RevZilla here or Cycle Gear down below.

The Trench 2 GTX packs a good bit of safety in there too, without compromising style. For protection, you’ve got CE-level 2 SEEFLEX protectors in the shoulders and elbows. While it’s not included, the jacket comes ready for a SEESOFT CE-level 2 back protector insert.

Magnetic fasteners are found all around, from opening the chest vents to keeping the front pockets water-tight. The Trench 2 GTX features just enough pockets to carry a decent bit, but not too many to give off the “cargo” feel. A sleeve pocket for documents, a napoleon pocket for snacks, and a couple inner pockets to stash the rest. It plays just as well off the bike as it does on it- less gear switching, more being ready for whatever the day holds.

Quality comes at a price. But if this ends up being the ultimate riding jacket for all seasons and reasons, it just might be worth it.

On the flip side: at around $699, it’s not budget gear. But then again, everyone can benefit from good gear. Consider your riding style, and your style in general. Does weather protection and a sleek silhouette interest you? It’s an urban vibe that blends in, even out in the elements. This jacket says “I ride” without yelling it. It says readiness with its features. It says style with substance.

I’ve found myself grabbing the Trench 2 GTX for nearly every ride, on or off-road, and on motorcycles vintage and new. It’s kept me cool and stylish around downtown, and warm and wind-free on the interstates. Even adventure bikes on backroads, eventually off-pavement and into the mountains, this jacket does it all. The weather tech and protection, combined with the aesthetic, make it the suitable choice for nearly everything.

Drew P.

*Check out Rob’s initial impressions back this summer in the video below-