REV'IT! Vapor Jacket (Sold Out)

For the last few years, REV’IT! has been trying to get their “American” offering of jackets where the sizing is consistent with most other manufacturer’s. When they first started selling in the US, they sized their alpha sized jackets so that they fit about one size smaller than anybody else. In the last couple years, they’ve corrected the issue and now their jackets fit as most people might expect. But with the Vapor, unfortunately they have taken a step back and this one fits like the original sizing chart which will be about one size smaller than you might expect. And for most people, that means you’ll have to buy one size larger jacket than you normally wear in men’s clothing. I’d highly recommend you use a tape and measure yourself and then use the chart to choose the correct size.

The overall fit of this jacket is trim… some call it a “European” cut, which means it is close fitting and will work best for those with a trim build. Short sturdy guys and those with thick arms won’t like it. We noticed the size of the arms to be close fitting and will work best on those with average to skinny arms.

We put a Medium and XL on our two Fit Check mannequins Huey and Dewey. We generally buy test jackets in a Medium for Huey and an XL for Dewey (41” and 45” chest respectively) assuming these jackets would fit “normally”, and were able to get them on the two mannequins, but it was a very tight fit (click the “View Larger Images” link above to see).

Below is the REV’IT-published chest sizes for each jacket alpha size along with our estimate of max waist/belly. We include a waist/belly measurement because if you have some belly, then you will want to make sure you are buying a jacket that is large enough to accommodate you. Those with a waist that is trimmer than the chart indicates for their chest size can use the adjustment straps to customize the fit with no problem. A jacket like this looks great with the waist adjusters in a bit.

Need help measuring? Get it here.

There are a lot of things to really like about the new Vapor jacket by REV’IT! I see a couple things on this jacket that I’ve never seen before, and that’s saying something since I’ve been doing this just about 15 years. First, I really like the overall cut of the jacket. It’s longer than a short waist sport style, but but not as long as a traditional 3/4 touring style. Those who do “sport touring” or dual sport type riding will really like this cut. Overall, it is a trim cut jacket… very European in style (see my sizing advice above) and looks great on the right body type (average to thin). The use of contrasting colors in geometric patterns like they do makes this jacket look more sporty to me than a lot of others that have similar capabilities.

Getting back to the unique features… firstly, the adjustment straps are about the most effective and versatile I’ve ever seen. They are widely adjustable (in the tight or loose direction) because they are a strap/buckle arrangement rather than a fold-over-Velcro setup which typically will only adjust a couple inches in or out… these have a wide and effective adjustment range. But what makes them unique is the installation of the buckle anchors on a “rail” which allows you to slide the buckle up or down several inches. I see this feature as only a novelty for the sides of the torso, but it’s more effective on the arms because the armor fits different people differently and being able to move the strap up or down helps in getting it in just the right place to make the armor stay in its position.

The second unique thing about this jacket takes a bit more explanation… so here it goes… This jacket is made for successful use in a LOT of wet weather. It has a built in waterproof liner between the outer shell and the inner mesh lining. This type of liner is the most effective way to achieve the highest level of waterproofing short of a rainsuit worn over. Why? Because there are fewer places where water can pass through. The only downside to a setup like this is that the zippered venting in the jacket admits air through the vents only to the outside surface of the waterproof liner rather than all the way through to your skin. The difference with this jacket is in the front chest zip vents. Those are situated such that air DOES flow through the liner to the interior of the jacket and therefore vents better. When the zip vents are closed, there are two barriers to water entry… first is the waterproof zipper you can see on the outside, and then just behind that zipper is a vertical rubber piece (like a mini wiper blade). It has a channel that is designed to stop water from traveling past and channels it down to the lower tail of the jacket where it drains out. So it would seem that REV’IT!’s system will allow for full air flow without leakage. Besides the chest vent setup, there are two lower sleeve vents and two back vents as well. For cold weather, the jacket has a nice plushy full sleeve removable liner you can use to keep warm.

The bullet list of features and our photo gallery/captions will tell you most everything else you’d want to know, but there are a couple more small features worth noting… one is that there is a LOT of nighttime reflectivity on this jacket (see our night shots in the photo gallery). Second is a unique Velcro close adjustment strap on the sleeve end that allows you to skinny down those cuff openings effectively so you can wear gloves with a gauntlet over (like with an insulated or race glove), or you can open up the circumference and wear them over a waterproof glove. Lots of jackets will have similar capability but REV’IT! has gone an extra length to make it work better. Another nicety is the well padded collar with adjustability for tightness and a loop thingy you can use to hold back the collar when you want to ride with it open.

Overall another very nice style from REV’IT! Pair this jacket with the Vapor pants and you’ll be the best dressed one of the bunch for sure! :: Paul, 10-02-14

Add a Back Protector: This jacket is made with a pocket to accept a Seesoft CE Level 2 Back Protector Insert type RV (RV refers to the shape). For sizes Small or Medium, choose size 4; for Large thru XXL, choose size 5 and for XXXL and larger choose size 6.