Bargain Hunter | Appropriate attire for getting off the beaten track confidently and comfortably

Exploring the roads less travelled can lead to all kinds of unexpected discoveries, from amazing new rides to fascinating out-of-the-way places and fabulous vistas that a straightforward route would have otherwise avoided. Yep, adventure touring is some of the most fun you can have on a bike, plus it doesn’t even have to stop when you run out of tarmac.

It’s important then to pick clothing that can handle the varying conditions, both in terms of terrain and weather, so this week we’ve picked a bundle of versatile jackets that can be adapted for the journey as necessary. Matching trousers are available for all bar one, so you can get properly suited up too.

Best deals at a glance:

Let’s rock!

Save 40%
Price: £159.99 (was £269.99)
Oxford’s Rockland has a three-layer system with separate removable sections for waterproofing and retaining warmth. It also boasts masses of ventilation, as well as multiple adjustment points for a custom fit. CE certification is AA.

Doin’ it Dakar

Save 39%
Price: £289.99 (was £479.99)
Awarded a Best Buy triangle by our sister mag RiDE, this jacket has detachable waterproof and thermal liners which can be worn separately or stowed in the rear pocket when not in use. It’s certified to CE AA standard with level 2 armour.

Breeze with ease

Save 30%
Price: £209.99 (was £299.99)
Pre-fitted with level 2 shoulder, back and elbow armour, this CE AA certified jacket has ventilation panels down both arms, as well as on the chest and back. A single waterproof thermal liner which can also be worn as a destination jacket. 

Old school style

Save 52%
Price: £119.99 (was £249.99)
The only jacket in our list that doesn’t have matching trousers, but the vintage look works better with armoured riding jeans anyway. The waxed cotton shell is water repellent, but it also includes a removable waterproof thermal layer.

Total Flashback

Save 30%
Price: £179.99 (was £279.99)
The ‘Air Scoop’ system in the Zastro allows for ventilation even when it’s raining to keep you dry inside whatever the weather. Other clever details include loops for heated kit cables and an outer shell fabric that’s highly reflective at night.     

Rocky Mountain ride

Save 44%
Price: £229.46 (was £409.95)
Three interchangeable weather-beating layers gives the Ladakh the kind of adaptable performance needed for a proper dual sport adventure. Chest and arm vents provide airflow when needed, and it’s equipped with level 2 armour.     

Top tier performer

Save 30%
Price: £769.99 (was £1099.99)
With a triple layer Gore-Tex laminate membrane, D3O level 2 protectors for elbow, shoulder and back, a Coolmax lining and Aramcor construction, the CE AA certified Armada drops all the right names. It’s got an integrated kidney belt and storm collar too.

Alpha Tourer

Save 30%
Price: £154.99 (was £229.99)
This CE AA certified jacket comes with level 2 armour for elbow and shoulder, plus a level 1 back protector. Storage is paramount, and it’s bristling with pockets inside and out, including a pair of handwarmers and a large map slot at the back.  

Last week’s bargains

If there’s one bit of kit that should always be in tip-top condition, then it’s your helmet. Day in day out, it’s subjected to UV rays, exhaust fumes and general road grime, not to mention human sweat, all of which will conspire to erode its effectiveness. How often you should replace it depends heavily on useage, but whenever the time comes it can be a significant outlay – unless you shop smart.

Manufacturers release new designs and colour options for their existing range on a regular basis, and a keen eye will spot the price drops when retailers need to make room for them on their shelves. Which is exactly what we’ve done this week, highlighting a bunch of fantastic deals on full face and adventure lids.

Best deals at a glance:

Alpha Tourer

Save 33%
Price: £299.99 (was £449.99)
HJC’s carbon-aramid hybrid R-PHA 71 is their premium sports touring helmet, and features all the creature comforts, such as a quick release visor, drop down sunshade and fully removable, moisture wicking comfort liner.

Doctor’s Orders

Save 30%
Price: £144.99 (was £209.99)
The K1S may be the iconic Italian firm’s entry level helmet, but it’s every inch a genuine sports lid. The thermoplastic shell incorporates a quick release visor and fully refreshable interior, with a double-D ring fastening system.

Full bore adventure

Save 49%
Price: £189.99 (was £374.99)
This versatile lid can be worn in several configurations, and boasts a drop-down sunshade, removable, lining and ACU Gold approval. Goodies in the box include an action cam mounting kit and Pinlock anti-fog insert.   

Integrated Illuminations

Save 10%
Price: £278.99 (was £309.99)
The Skwal i3 has an onboard accelerometer which activates bright red LEDs under braking. It also has running lights which can be programmed to flash if required, and an aerodynamic design with integrated spoiler.    

Slipstream Extreme

Save 40%
Price: £299.99 (was £499.99)
Shoei’s lightest ECE 22.06 certified lid has been developed in the wind tunnel to offer high speed stability and reduce wind noise. Shell construction is multi composite and there’s a Pinlock insert for the quick release visor.

Top of the Klass

Save 25%
With a hand laid carbon fibre shell and using impact absorbing Koroyd rather than traditional EPS, this class leading adventure helmet has only just been superseded by the new X1 Alpha. Trick features include a photochromic visor.

It’s In The Detail

Save 54%
Price: £169.99 (was £369.95)
This ECE 22.05 approved lid is constructed from a tri-composite which includes Dyneema, Carbon and Aramid fibres. It has a drop-down internal sunshade, quick release visor and even ships with a Pinlock anti-fog insert.

Be the GOAT

Save 30%
Price: £899.99 (was £1299.98)
With approval for use at the highest level of motorcycle racing, this FIM homologated helmet features a full carbon fibre shell, detachable spoiler moisture wicking interior. It’s available in four shell sizes and includes a titanium D ring.

How MCN tests products

At MCN, our team of expert journalists have decades of experience gained over hundreds of thousands of miles. We don’t test our kit to destruction; we use it exactly how you do, in the real world and in all conditions. That means we can deliver impartial buying advice you can rely on.

Each of our writers has an in-depth understanding of the needs of today’s biker… because they are one.

If you can’t see a review against an item on this page, it’s because we haven’t tested it yet. These items will only be included if we think they’re important and relevant in the market, and rest assured, we will be working on bringing you a review as soon as we’ve done the miles.

To find out more, head to our dedicated page explaining how we test motorcycle products.

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