As someone who rides year-round, I’m always looking for jackets that can handle changing weather and varying temperatures. I need outerwear that keeps me dry in the rain yet doesn’t overheat when the sun comes out.
I also want jackets with versatile layering systems so I can adjust for warmer or cooler days.
The Revit Defender 3 caught my eye because it offers that elusive combination of weather protection and ventilation.
With a Gore-Tex waterproof/breathable membrane plus an array of vents, this jacket promises comfort across a wide range of conditions. I was intrigued to see if it could deliver on that proposition.
But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Is this the best gore-tex motorcycle jacket?
Rev’It! Defender 3 Gtx Jacket
Key Takeaways
- Heavy-duty construction
- Expensive but high-performing jacket overall
- Ventilation is impressive with a removable liner
In testing the Defender 3, I wanted to evaluate four key criteria:
- Weather Protection: How well does the Gore-Tex layer keep wind and rain out?
- Breathability: Does the jacket vent heat and condensation effectively?
- Versatility: Can the layering system adapt to different temperatures and conditions?
- Durability: Will the jacket withstand daily use and hold up over time?
Over several weeks of riding, I rigorously tested the Defender 3 to find the answers. In this review, I’ll share my experiences related to these criteria so you can determine if this jacket is right for your needs.
Revit Defender 3 Construction and Features
Before getting into my testing results, let’s look at how the Revit Defender 3 is constructed and some of its notable features:
Outer Shell
- Mainly 750 denier PWR shell fabric, with ripstop reinforcement on lower sections
- Tough Park Skin material on shoulders
- Neoprene collar lining for comfort
- Printed panels on forearms add abrasion resistance
- Reflective panels improve visibility
Protection and Armor
- Removable Gore-Tex 3-layer waterproof/breathable liner
- Removable 140g thermal quilted liner
- CE-approved Level 2 shoulder and elbow armor
- Back protector pocket (protector sold separately)
Ventilation
- Two large chest vents with fidlock magnetic closure
- Long zippered sleeve vents
- Rear exhaust vents
- Ability to unzip waterproof liner for airflow
Storage and Convenience
- Two exterior zippered pockets
- Interior wallet pocket
- Rear map pocket with expansion zipper
- Connection zipper for pants
My First Impressions of the Revit Defender 3
When I first tried the Revit Defender 3, I was impressed by the quality and attention to detail. The jacket has a premium feel, with smooth zippers, strong Velcro closures, and neatly finished seams.
The outer shell fabric provides a reassuringly rugged feel while the collar and cuffs are soft against the skin.
The default fit strikes a nice balance between feeling protective and allowing a comfortable range of motion.
There’s enough room to add layers underneath while still avoiding excess bulk. I also appreciated that the sleeve cuffs and waist adjusters allow you to customize the fit.
Small touches like the magnetic chest vents and stowable rear map pocket demonstrate a thoughtful design for motorcyclists’ needs. This jacket was purpose-built for adventure riding.
Overall, my first impressions were very positive. The jacket seemed well-constructed, functional, and ready for the open road. Next, it was time to put it to the test in real-world conditions.
Testing the Revit Defender 3’s Weather Protection
Given its Gore-Tex liner, I had high expectations for the Defender 3’s weather protection. To evaluate this, I wore the jacket while riding in light rain as well as a heavy downpour.
In lighter rain, the Defender 3 kept me completely dry. Beads of water formed on the surface and ran off without soaking through. The jacket withstood a steady light rain for 30 minutes with no moisture penetration.
THE JACKET ALSO PERFORMED WELL when I got caught in a serious deluge. Even when utterly soaked, it kept me dry underneath.
I was impressed by how well it worked in heavy rain. Pit zips, cuffs, and collar sealed out moisture effectively.
I also found the Gore-Tex liner provides solid wind protection. Paired with the thermal quilted liner on a brisk 40-degree F / 5 C morning, I stayed warm and windproof.
For all-around weather protection, the Defender 3 delivers. It kept wind, rain, and precipitation at bay through everything I encountered.
If you’re looking for a 3-season jacket that can handle the elements, the Defender 3 fits the bill.
Ventilation and Breathability Testing
Since weather protection seals out elements, it also retains heat and sweat. Good ventilation is essential to prevent overheating and discomfort, especially for active riders.
To test breathability, I wore the jacket on 65-70 F / 18-21 C days and used the vents to see their impact.
With the pit and rear exhaust vents open, I could definitely feel increased airflow. There was a noticeable difference in heat buildup compared to leaving them closed.
I removed the Gore-Tex liner for the ultimate ventilation test and rode with just the outer shell. Airflow drastically improved, and I stayed cool even at higher speeds.
Having the ability to take out the liner completely transformed the Defender 3 into a highly breathable mesh riding jacket.
Through all these tests, I was pleased with the ventilation performance. The Defender 3 offers a wide range of configuration options to match conditions.
When paired with the Gore-Tex layer, airflow is more restricted but livable. Removing the liner provides excellent cooling for warmer weather.
Versatility and Adaptability
Besides ventilation, its versatility makes the Revit Defender 3 shine. The layering system allows you to adapt it for colder or warmer riding.
In chilly fall temperatures from 45-55 F / 7-13 C, I could comfortably wear the shell with the Gore-Tex and thermal liners zipped in.
Removing just the thermal layer kept me warm yet ventilated when riding in 60-70 F / 16-21 C weather. And on hot summer days, I took out both liners for a lightweight feel.
This ability to reconfigure the jacket quickly maximized usage across a wide temperature range.
In the same way you add or remove layers on your body, being able to zip liners in or out lets me adapt the jacket to match exterior conditions.
The Defender 3’s layering system made this a true 3- to 4-season jacket. Instead of needing separate gear for winter, summer, and in-between temps, I could rely on this single versatile jacket year-round. That’s a key advantage for riders looking to simplify their gear collection.
Durability and Protection Testing
I wore the Defender 3 jacket daily for commuting, weekend rides, and a few longer trips to evaluate durability.
I rode in temperatures from 35-75 F / 2-24 C and encountered rain, wind, and everything in between.
The jacket still looks brand new after all these miles in mixed conditions. The outer shell shows no signs of wear or abrasion damage.
The waterproof liner remains in perfect condition and fully functional. Locking zip pulls, velcro closures, and adjusters all continue to work flawlessly.
For protection, I luckily didn’t get a chance to crash test the CE-rated armor. But the Defender 3 appears thoughtfully constructed to handle a slide.
Seams and material overlaps protect key impact zones. Also, the included back protector pocket is a plus for adding that vital protection (sold separately).
Considering the use it has seen and the features it offers, I’m very satisfied with the durability and protection provided by the Revit Defender 3 jacket.
It has held up to consistent real-world use and offers essential impact protection for the road.
Key Pros of the Revit Defender 3 Jacket
Based on my testing, here are some of the standout pros that I found using the Revit Defender 3 Gore-Tex jacket:
- Superb all-weather protection: Gore-Tex liner keeps wind and rain completely out
- Versatile layering system: Liners allow adapting the jacket for different temps
- Heavy-duty outer construction: Resists abrasion damage even after miles of use
- Optimal ventilation: Ample vents and removable liner allow impressive airflow
- Premium quality and details: Shows attention to detail from materials to features
- CE-rated armor: Provides certified impact protection on the road
The Defender 3 brings together everything I want in an all-season adventure riding jacket – protection, versatility, durability, and comfort. For riders who log serious miles in changing conditions, it’s an impressive offering.
Possible Drawbacks to Consider
No product is perfect for every user, so here are a few potential downsides to weigh with the Revit Defender 3 jacket:
- Expensive: With a premium price tag
- Snug fit: Less room for adding lots of layers underneath
- Armor sold separately: Back protector insert not included
- Ventilation is still limited: Heat buildup is possible with a waterproof liner in
For some riders, the tighter performance fit and lack of included back armor may be disappointments. And while venting is good, heat can still be an issue if you don’t remove the Gore-Tex liner when it’s warmer out.
Lastly, the price is substantial. The Defender 3 is worth it for serious all-weather adventuring, but casual riders may not need this level of technology.
As with any gear purchase, consider how well-aligned the features are with your individual riding needs and budget.
The Verdict: My Recommendation
After extensively testing the Revit Defender 3 in many real-world scenarios, I can confidently recommend it for the right rider. This jacket exceeded my expectations for weather protection, ventilation, versatility, and durability.
The Defender 3 is worth the investment for hardcore, committed motorcycle enthusiasts. It meets the needs of the rider who wants one jacket to rule them all. I’ve added it as vital gear for my own collection.
That said, more casual or fair-weather riders may not require this level of technical performance. And some may find the European fit too snug for layering. As always, choosing riding gear comes down to personal preferences and priorities.
Overall, if you demand the best possible foul-weather riding experience, the Revit Defender 3 Gore-Tex jacket will not disappoint.
It provides top-tier protection, breathability, and adaptability for all-season motorcycling. I’m thrilled to have this jacket as part of my own gear lineup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Revit Defender 3 work well in hot weather?
Yes, thanks to the ability to remove the waterproof Gore-Tex liner. With just the outer shell on, the Defender provides excellent airflow and ventilation to stay cool in the heat.
How easy is it to swap the liners in and out?
The zip-in liners can be added or removed in less than a minute by undoing the attachments at the cuffs and collar. It’s a quick and simple process.
Can you wear the Gore-Tex liner separately as a casual jacket?
Absolutely. The liner functions as a stand-alone waterproof jacket. It’s perfect for wearing off the bike during travel.
Does the Defender 3 run true to size?
It fits quite snugly. I’d recommend sizing up if you need lots of room for layering underneath. The Revit size chart accurately reflects their tailored Euro fit.
Is the outer shell fabric tough and durable?
Yes, the 750D PWR material shows no signs of wear after hundreds of miles. It’s built to last many seasons of hard riding.
Conclusion
The Revit Defender 3 Gore-Tex jacket offers hardcore riders an exceptional combination of Versatile all-weather protect
n, durable construction, and excellent ventilation.
All motorcyclers looking for a premium, high-performance four-season should strongly consider the Defender 3. With the right layering configuration, this jacket can take you anywhere, anytime, in any weather.
Just be prepared for the hefty price tag. But for serious riders who are constantly in the saddle, the Defender 3 is worth every penny. Let me know if you have any other questions!
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