With so many options on the market, it can be challenging to find which jacket provides the ideal blend of style, protection, and value.
In this Roland Sands Petaluma Jacket review, we’ll examine whether the Roland Sands Design Women’s Petaluma Jacket lives up to its nearly hefty price tag or if riders’ money is better spent elsewhere.
But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Is this the best women’s motorcycle jacket for you? Let’s find out!
Roland Sands Women’s Petaluma Jacket
Our Roland Sands Women’s Petaluma Jacket Verdict
A Fashion-Forward Jacket With Limitations
The Petaluma earns high marks for its adventurous style and versatility. This jacket brings a creative flair while providing expected features for the daily urban commute. The extensive storage options and direct ventilation add to its practicality and comfort on rides.
However, the high price gives me pause. The quality and construction feel solid, but not necessarily $400 solid.
For that amount, I expect a more breathable liner and a truly waterproof outer shell. Plus, the lack of a full zipper connecting system limits the integration with riding pants.
The Petaluma best suits riders who prioritize edgy style along with moderate protection. While safety remains a priority, it isn’t the most protective jacket available.
If you desire more coverage, brands like Alpinestars offer women’s jackets with 360-degree armor integration.
Ultimately, the Petaluma is a stylish, well-designed riding jacket. But its limitations likely aren’t worth the steep price for most riders.
If you love the aesthetics yet want better value, I recommend seeking out similar styles for under $300. That price better reflects Petaluma’s blend of fashion and function.
What has your experience been with the Petaluma or similar Roland Sands (1) women’s jackets? Share your thoughts on this iconic design in the comments below! I’m always eager to hear other riders’ perspectives.
| Jacket | CE-approved armor at elbows & shoulders | Ventilation | Water Resistance | Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roland Sands Petaluma | CE Level 1 armor at shoulders & elbows | Direct vents at chest, back & arms | Water-resistant outer shell | Classic trucker jacket styling |
| Rev’It Sand 4 H2O | Seesoft CE Level 2 armor at elbows & shoulders | Mesh panels & vents | Fully waterproof Hydratex membrane | Sportbike racing inspired |
| Joe Rocket Atomic 5.0 | Mesh panel at the back | Zippered intake and exhaust vents | Waterproof Rock Tex 600 outer shell | Sportbike styling with graphics |
| First Mfg Wildside | Upgradeable CE armor at elbows & shoulders | Vents at chest & back | Water-resistant | Vintage moto throwback style |
| Alpinestars Banshee | Bio armor at elbows & shoulders | Vintage Moto throwback style | Water-resistant | Casual street style |
The Petaluma stands out for its unique retro trucker jacket style while providing expected armor and abrasion protection.
But with a hefty price tag, it’s one of the pricier options, lacking more advanced venting and waterproofing than competing jackets.
The Rev’It Sand 4 provides very breathable ventilation and waterproofing at a lower cost. Joe Rocket’s Atomic 5.0 offers similar protection specs at almost half the price.
And the First Mfg Wildside provides vintage throwback flair closer to the Petaluma’s styling for less money.
While the Petaluma is a fashion-forward choice, riders wanting better value for money may prefer one of these alternative jackets offering comparable or better features at lower prices.
But for those who love the classic workwear look, the Petaluma delivers on aesthetics and everyday wearability.
Key Takeaways:
- Classic trucker styling with modern protective elements
- Relaxed fit caters to athletic female figures
- Excellent storage with waterproof interior pocket
- Outshell has moderate water resistance
- Non-removable liner reduces airflow
- Expensive for the performance and feature set
An Overview of the Petaluma Jacket
The Petaluma offers a classic trucker jacket style made modern with its motorcycle-friendly features. Roland Sands Design aimed to create a fashion-forward look reminiscent of the bold styles from the 1970s. The Petaluma’s standout qualities include:
- A waterproof laminated main shell constructed from 70/30 poly/nylon woven fabric.
- A satin poly quilted liner with an embossed repeat graphic for added flair.
- Strategically placed mesh panels for ventilation.
- CE-approved armor at the elbows and shoulders for impact protection.
With its midweight construction and direct vents, the Petaluma serves as a viable 3-season option for cooler weather riding. While it provides adequate airflow, the Petaluma isn’t nearly as breezy as a summer mesh jacket.
Riders looking for a blend of protection and everyday wearability may find it strikes the right balance. But with a price hovering around $395, it ranks on the more expensive end of the spectrum.
So, how does the Petaluma stack up when considering its core features, protection ratings, and value for the money? Let’s dig into the details.
A Closer Look at the Construction and Materials
The Petaluma instantly makes a stylish impression with its corduroy collar complementing the classic button-front exterior.
It’s easy to secure the collar when riding, thanks to a snap closure under the neck. The quilted poly satin accents add depth to the design, while a subtle hat snap on the lower front channels ’70s style.
Beneath the fashionable facade, the main shell utilizes a woven poly/nylon fabric coated with a DWR finish.
This provides water resistance that can withstand light rain while keeping you dry. However, for hardcore rainy rides, you’ll want a jacket with more advanced waterproofing.
The Petaluma includes 1000D abrasion-resistant panels along the elbows, shoulders, and other high-impact zones.
This sturdy material boosts safety and enables the jacket to meet Class A CE abrasion resistance standards.
Mesh paneling features throughout the jacket’s interior to bolster breathability. The direct vents along the biceps, back, and chest allow air to flow through.
However, the non-removable quilted liner reduces airflow compared to more ventilated warm weather jackets.
Roland Sands Women’s Petaluma Jacket Armor Protection
When riding a motorcycle, impact protection is a top priority. The Petaluma comes equipped with CE Level 1 flexible armor in the elbows and shoulders to guard these vulnerable areas. The low-profile armor allows a flexible range of motion while riding.
The jacket lacks any armor at the back, hips, or forearms. Some competing jackets provide more extensive coverage.
However, the Petaluma does have an armor-ready back pocket where you can insert an optional CE-approved back protector for added protection.
The extensive abrasion-resistant panels made from 1000D Cordura offer supplemental protection and peace of mind in a slide.
These rugged fabrics cover the elbows, shoulders, and sides of the torso. Compared to regular denim or leather, the Petaluma’s reinforced material offers far greater tear resistance in a crash.
So, while the Petaluma isn’t the absolute safest option, it includes ample armor and abrasion reinforcements for the style-focused daily commuter.
Storage and Convenience: A Jacket Built for Practicality
The Petaluma incorporates an array of handy storage options tailored to a rider’s needs. Two classic snap-flap pockets rest on the chest, while dual lower-hand pockets provide additional storage.
Inside the jacket, two roomy stash pockets can fit small essentials or serve as hand-warmer pockets during colder rides.
But the most secure pocket is the waterproof inner chest pocket with a welded zipper. This interior pocket safely stashes your smartphone and valuables away from the elements.
Ventilation zippers along the biceps, back, and sides offer cooling airflow when you work up a sweat. For night-riding visibility, reflective piping outlines the vents and body of the jacket.
While the Petaluma excels in storage and convenience, one downside is it lacks any zipper connections to attach to riding pants. For those looking for a complete zip-together suit, other brands offer more options.
Fit, Sizing, and Style: Evaluating the Petaluma’s Versatility
The Petaluma provides a relaxed fit through the sleeves and body without appearing overly baggy or boxy. I’m 5’9″ with an athletic build, and the size medium draped well in both the shoulders and length.
For reference, I typically take a medium in most jackets. Based on the sizing chart, the Petaluma seems to run true to size. Order your usual jacket size for the best fit.
This jacket caters to women with its curved shape and proportions. The neutral styling appears flattering across different body types. The Petaluma hits a nice balance between everyday streetwear aesthetics and motorcycle jacket function.
In terms of color selection, currently, it’s only offered in black. More color options would be welcome to complement different riding gear.
Roland Sands Women’s Petaluma Jacket Sizing Table
| SIZE | CHEST (IN) | ARM (IN) |
|---|---|---|
| XS | 31 | 29 |
| SM | 33 | 29.5 |
| MD | 35 | 30 |
| LG | 38 | 30.5 |
| XL | 40 | 31 |
| 2XL | 42.5 | 31.5 |
FAQ about the Roland Sands Petaluma Jacket
What type of weather is the Petaluma jacket suitable for?
With its water-resistant shell and direct vents, the Petaluma can handle lighter rain and cooler temps ranging from 50-80°F. It isn’t ideal for heavy precipitation or sweltering summer heat but provides versatile protection across three seasons.
How does the sizing run on the Petaluma?
The Petaluma has a relaxed but flattering fit designed with the female figure in mind. Reviews indicate it runs true to size. Order your usual jacket size based on the sizing chart for the proper fit.
Is the Petaluma a fully waterproof jacket?
No, the outer shell has a water-resistant DWR coating that repels light moisture, but it is not a fully waterproof membrane. In heavy rain, moisture will begin to seep through. For 100% waterproofing, look for jackets using Gore-Tex or similar technology.
What type of armor does the Petaluma jacket include?
The Petaluma comes equipped with CE Level 1 shoulder and elbow armor for impact protection. An optional CE back protector can be added as well. It does not contain any hip or forearm armor.
Does the Petaluma jacket have a removable liner?
Unfortunately, no. The quilted polyester liner is sewn into the jacket permanently. So you can’t remove it on hotter days to improve airflow and cooling, which is one downside.
Is the Petaluma jacket suitable for sports bikes or aggressive riding?
Not necessarily. With its relaxed fit and lack of full armor coverage, it’s best suited for general street riding. For track days or aggressive canyon carving, you’ll want a sportier jacket with more comprehensive protection.
And Finally
The Petaluma jacket certainly makes a retro-inspired style statement while providing expected protective qualities.
This iconic Roland Sands design earns points for its storage conveniences and comfortable feel. Factor in the high asking price, however, and alternatives from Alpinestars, REV’IT!, and other brands offer greater value.
But for riders who love the classic workwear look, the Petaluma delivers on aesthetics and versatility. Ultimately, identifying the right motorcycle jacket comes down to balancing your personal style, safety needs, and budget.
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