While the exhilaration of adventure awaits, you also need the right gear to keep you comfortable and protected along the way.
That’s where a purpose-built jacket like the Merlin Mahala Explorer Jacket comes in. This rugged touring jacket is packed with features to help make those long days in the saddle more enjoyable. But at a price tag of £329.99, is it worth the investment?
In this Merlin Mahala D3O Explorer Women’s Jacket review, we’ll break down the key features and benefits of the Explorer to help you decide if it’s the ideal jacket for your next cross-country adventure.
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!
Merlin Mahala Explorer Jacket Review
Our Verdict: An Exceptional Value Touring Jacket
The Merlin Mahala Explorer jacket delivers everything an adventure rider needs in a long-distance touring jacket—and at a very attractive price.
Key advantages include:
- Durable, weather-resistant Cordura® shell
- Waterproof and insulating liners for [four-season comfort](21. Waterproof and Thermal Liners)
- D3O® armor for impact protection CE Level 1 Armor
- Abundant storage for organization and access
- Secure and comfortable fit with good adjustability
While more premium touring jackets exist, they can cost £150-£200 more than the Explorer. For budget-minded riders seeking maximum value, the Merlin hits a sweet spot of quality, performance, and price.
If you’ll be spending long days traversing highways and backroads, the Mahala Explorer has the versatile performance to keep you comfortable mile after mile.
Its combination of protection, weather resistance, storage, and fit make this jacket a trusty long-haul companion.
So, if you’ve got an epic trip in your sights, the Explorer deserves a spot in your gear closet. Its capabilities will have you primed to soak up every blissful mile of your motorcycle adventure.
Engineered for the Long Haul
The Mahala Explorer jacket starts with abrasion-resistant Cordura® fabric on the exterior.
This tough nylon material offers durability to withstand the rigors of long distances. The jacket also gets a Durable Water-repellent (DWR) treatment to make light rain bead up and roll off the surface.
Inside, a waterproof yet breathable Reissa® Active membrane keeps you dry without causing you to overheat.
Pair this with the removable 125-gram thermal liner, and you get reliable comfort across a wide range of conditions.
When temps climb, open the two vertical chest vents and rear exhaust vents to increase airflow. Remove the liner and detach the Cordura neck scarf to shed even more heat. With its versatility, the Explorer jacket works well across three seasons of riding.
Storage Galore
Between the voluminous exterior and interior pockets, the Explorer jacket provides more than enough space to organize your travel essentials.
The two exterior hand pockets have durable [magnetic button closures](10. Magnetic Button Closures) to securely stash smaller items like your phone, wallet, or snacks. Inside, you’ll find an additional vertical pocket for documents or maps.
On longer rides, the spacious Internal Storage pockets come in handy for stowing extra layers, tools, and other gear you need quick access to on the road.
An upper sleeve pocket gives you one more option for items like keys or toll cards. With all these pockets, you can travel self-sufficiently without the need for bulky saddle bags.
D3O Armor for Impact Protection
Though the Cordura fabric resists abrasion well, the Explorer jacket takes protection a step further by incorporating D3O® CE-Level 1 armor in the elbows, shoulders, and back.
This advanced impact-absorbing material stiffens on impact to disperse energy and reduce transmitted force through your body. Yet it remains soft and flexible when at rest so as not to hinder mobility.
The jacket even includes two D3O® chest protectors—a rarity at this price point. This 7-piece armor coverage provides significant peace of mind to help you ride carefree mile after mile.
Adaptable Fit and Function
With its neutral fit, the Explorer jacket accommodates most body types well straight out of the box. For even more flexibility, pleated panels at the shoulders allow a full range of motion without restriction when reaching forward.
Velcro straps at the biceps, forearms, and waist let you cinch and tighten the jacket based on your layering needs and preferences. Zippers at the cuff secure the sleeves firmly in place.
This excellent adjustability enables you to tune the jacket for maximum comfort across varying weather and riding conditions.
Matching Mahala Explorer Pants
To complement the jacket, Merlin offers the Mahala Explorer pants for £249.99. Constructed from the same durable Cordura fabric, these over pants provide abrasion and weather resistance to complete your head-to-toe protection.
They include D3O® armor in the hips and knees as well as stretch knee panels for flexibility. With their zip-off thermal liner and waterproof membrane, the pants deliver complementary all-weather performance.
Together, the Explorer jacket and pants give you an ideal, fully outfitted touring ensemble ready to rack up the miles in comfort and safety.
FAQ About the Merlin Mahala Explorer Jacket
Does the jacket have ventilation for warm weather?
Yes, the jacket has two vertical chest vents and an exhaust vent on the back to enhance airflow in warmer conditions. The thermal liner and neck scarf can also be removed.
What kind of warranty does it come with?
Merlin offers a standard 1-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.
How does the sizing run?
The Explorer fits true to size in a neutral silhouette. Refer to the size chart for best results. Merlin also offers free returns, which makes dialing in your fit easy.
Can you connect the jacket to the riding pants?
Yes, the jacket and Mahala Explorer pants have a 360° zipper system that attaches the two securely. This gives you full coverage without gaps.
Does the jacket offer adequate nighttime visibility?
Reflective trim on the sleeves and back provides some added visibility after dark. For maximum nighttime conspicuity, pair it with a reflective vest.
In Closing
The Mahala Explorer jacket delivers versatile performance perfect for globe-trotting motorcycle adventures. Its winning combination of toughness, comfort, protection, and value makes this Merlin a standout choice for riders who dream of endless highways.
If long-distance touring is your passion, the Explorer jacket deserves serious consideration as your riding companion.
Please share any other questions about this jacket in the comments section below!
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