Rev’it Roamer Leather Jacket – review

City Slicker

Motorcycles or scooters are a great way to get around a city; whether for your daily commute or simply buzzing out for coffee with friends; no traffic hold-ups, easier parking and cheaper than public transport, it’s no wonder that urban bike sales are up again this year. But the gear we wear, heavy with armour and label-conscious styling, marks us as bikers when off the bike – something we might not want in a swanky watering hole. Traditional garb is heavy too and not everyone wants to be a walking advert for Alpinestars.

That’s where jackets like Rev’it’s ‘Roamer’ score. Part of Rev’it’s city range, they’re as multi-tasking as modern life; on the road they’ll protect you, but in the bar, classic styling and quality materials makes them look good too. Our Sarah tested one for three months, and she thinks the Roamer is practical, well priced and cool.

So who’s it for? You might say people less interested in brands and more into just being themselves. Certainly there’s a simple, timeless elegance about the styling that looks great without falling into some lifestyle pigeon hole. It’s safe to wear while riding but you can use the Roamer anywhere; ride to work then go out with your mates afterwards for instance. It’ll not look out of place at the Ace Cafe, but then again it’ll be fine in a shopping mall, restaurant or pub.

What’s on offer

Sharp and curvily shaped in the ladies version (both boys and girls are available) and with no lumpy armour in sight, the Roamer has a sort of understated coolness that will go with just about anything from jeans to trousers or even a skirt.

This is achieved by simple lines, muted logo’s, an absence of frills or bright colours, but with fabulously tactile Brazilian cow hide and quality fittings. Rev’it may be a Dutch company, but there’s something distinctly stylish, perhaps even Italian about this jacket.

Protection and Features

The Roamer is not just about good looks and neat styling though – it’s designed to be fully functional as a motorcycle jacket too. CE approved armour is cleverly concealed so there’s a minimum of external bulk. But it’s there alright, level 2 in both shoulder and elbows. A back protector is also available.

Hide is full grain cowhide, which offers excellent abrasion resistance, while being gorgeously supple and soft. The leather is specially selected and treated to retain its fresh new appearance over time – it’s won’t get scruffy quickly. The hide is safety stitched to improve burst resistance in the event of a spill and there’s a zipper to connect to leather pants should you wish.

The Roamer has a removable quilted liner for warmth on cool days or in the evenings, and there are numerous pockets (4 inside and 2 out on the ladies, the gents has a third outer breast pocket too). Waist adjustment is available via poppers and straps and there’s even a small reflective tab at the back – a nod towards higher visibility at night.

Sizing and fit

Fit is well calculated – the jacket showing the figure but not being too clinging. Sizes are accurate; a 42 Euro should be a Ladies UK 14 and indeed it fitted our size 14 tester spot on. No need to order a larger size jacket with this one – it’s designed to go over light under-layers and if necessary the thermal liner can be removed.

Quality

This is a really top notch jacket in terms of materials, build quality and fittings. It’s a reminder that cheap jackets are often cheap for a reason – thin, non-cow leather and single stitching with basic cotton thread looks OK until you have a crash. With the Rev’it product, you’ll be fine. The sheer quality of the build shows in a non-shouty, subtle sort of way from the fine hide to the YKK zips.

Verdict

Above all it’s a pleasure to wear – wonderfully comfortable, supple and reassuringly strong. You won’t wear this because you have to but because you want to.