Rev’It Sand 4 H2O Jacket Review: Justify the Upgrade from V3?

As a long-time fan of Rev’It gear, I was eager to test out their updated Sand jacket to see how it performs in real-world riding.

**The Sand jacket has always been popular with ADV riders for a good reason – it packs functionality into a mid-range price point.

In this REV’IT! Sand 4 H2O Jacket review, I will look at how Rev’It enhanced the already capable Sand 3 jacket to create the next-generation Sand 4. But, the main question I will answer will be: Is this the best adventure motorcycle jacket for you? Let’s find out!

A Familiar Jacket With Key Upgrades

My initial impressions of the Rev’It Sand 4 H2O motorcycle jacket were relief that they didn’t mess too much with an already proven formula. The basic styling and features stay true to the outgoing Sand 3. So, what exactly has changed?

Right off the bat, the most noticeable difference is the venting. Rev’It overhauled nearly all the vents with a simple but clever snap-back system to really open up the airflow. Trust me; the vents make a huge difference in directing air through the jacket on hot rides.

They also upgraded the shell fabric to full polyester ripstop**, which should increase durability without adding weight.

Rev’It took the opportunity to add some extra reflective bits for visibility and asymmetric design flair. Otherwise, it’s the same versatile Sand jacket adventure riders have loved for years.

Oh, and the best part? The price stays unchanged at around $500. Considering the upgrades, that makes the Rev’It Sand 4 an even better value proposition.

Sizing and Fit

Finding the right size motorcycle jacket is crucial for safety and comfort. The Rev’It size charts provide a starting point, but here’s how the Sand 4 fits me for reference:

I’m 5’10” with a 44″ chest and 36″ waist. In most motorcycle jackets, I wear a size large, occasionally slimming down to a medium for a tighter sports fit. For the Sand 4, the large was ideal in both the jacket and pants – no need to size up or down.

The jacket has a roomy but not overly baggy cut that accommodates layers underneath. The pants are similar with a comfortable, relaxed fit.

One thing to note is the liner and shell jacket use different sizes, so don’t assume they are matching sizes. Refer to the respective charts for each component.

So, to recap:

• I’m a typical large size in the Sand 4 jacket and pants
• The jacket offers a loose fit for layering armor and clothes
• Separate sizing applies for the shell, liner, and pants

Available sizes span from XS all the way up to 4XL to accommodate most body types. If you fall outside that range, Rev’It does offer custom sizing as well.

Quick Tip

If in doubt, consult Rev’It’s convenient sizing chart calculator to dial in your perfect size.

Jacket Construction and Features

Now that we’ve covered sizing and upgrades let’s dive deeper into the jacket construction.

The Sand 4 shell uses hard-wearing polyester ripstop fabric, which should withstand real-world riding abuse better than the old blended material. Abrasion resistance clearly matters more than outright waterproofing for an ADV jacket, but more on that later.

Rev’It kept the basic features like storage pockets and stretch panels in the same reliable configuration. They even added a handy hang loop, making storage easier when not riding.

Other subtle changes like the snap-down collar demonstrate Rev’It’s attention to detail in addressing user feedback.

Speaking of feedback, the brand still hasn’t added stretch panels around the back of the shoulders to improve mobility. That remains on my wishlist for a future revision.

Overall, the little tweaks add up to solid evolutionary changes rather than a drastic redesign.

Notable Features:

• Ripstop polyester shell fabric
• Removable Hydratex waterproof liner
• Removable full-sleeve thermal liner
• Micro-fleece collar lining
• Adjustable bicep, wrist, and waist
• Zippered shoulder air intake vents
• Two large chest vents with a open function
• Two rear exhaust vents
• Eight storage pockets
• Reflective trim on sleeves and back

I’ll cover some of these components in more detail next.

Ventilation When You Need It

One area where the Sand 3 fell a bit short was venting airflow to keep cool in warmer weather. Without question, this is the single biggest improvement in the Sand 4 revision.

Nearly every vent got an upgrade, with most now featuring snap-backs to forcefully billow open. The two large chest vents probably make the biggest difference. Before, these vents relied solely on forward momentum to funnel air through the front intake.

Now, these vents lock in the open position. Combining that with the full-length mid-zipper intake makes for exceptional airflow directly to the rider’s core – a notoriously difficult area to cool.

Out back, the flap-style exhaust vents at least have enlarged openings, but I wish they featured snap-back functionality, too.

When summer hits, and thermometers start creeping up, you’ll definitely appreciate the extra cooling on highway patrol or navigating wooded trails.

Waterproof and Insulation Liners – Best of Both Worlds

The Rev’It Sand bridges the gap between a dedicated winter jacket and a lightweight mesh alternative. How so?

The separate Hydratex® waterproof and full-sleeve thermal liners allow custom layering for the conditions. Need to block wind and precipitation? Zip in the waterproof layer. Battling cold temps instead? Use just the thermal layer. Or deploy both to combat truly miserable riding weather.

The removable liners prevent overheating and sweating, which is inevitable, with “4-season” jackets having fixed insulation. Plus it means the Sand jacket adapts for year-round use.

When not in use, the liners easily pack into the rear storage compartment. This liberates the main jacket pockets instead of filling them with a balled-up liner.

Both zip-out liners allow wearing separately off the bike without looking like you stepped out of a space movie. Rev’It updated its liners with improved comfort and flexibility compared to prior versions as well.

The only drawback is that the waterproof liner lacks membrane fabric technology, as seen in premium alternatives like Gore-Tex. So, while the Hydratex material resists moisture, extended heavy rain may lead to some seepage.

Armor Protection That Flexes

Protective impact armor takes top priority for functionality in any motorcycle jacket. Here’s how the Rev’It Sand 4 stacks up:

Rev’It updated to their SEEFLEX CE Level 2 armor in the elbows and shoulders, along with softer CE Level 1 foam at the back.

The elbow, shoulder, and back plates display the perfect balance of impact shock absorption and ergonomic flexibility. They move freely with the rider’s body without restrictive stiffness.

I’m relieved Rev’It didn’t resort to cheap foam elbow pads or bulky shields to cut costs. Too many brands sacrifice proper armor to hit lower prices. Protection should never take a backseat for comfort and budget.

Downsides? Some riders prefer exterior elbow sliders for abrasion resistance in a crash, although these often wear down quickly. Also, no optional chest protection to mitigate trauma from traffic accidents.

Overall though, Rev’It’s flexible armor approach works extremely well for the Sand’s intended adventure touring and off-road environment.

Connection Zipper and Pants Integration

Rounding out the highlights, let’s talk about the full 270-degree zipper and matching Sand 4 pants.

The jacket’s front zipper completely detaches all the way around the waist, allowing connection to riding pants. This prevents the jacket from riding up and exposing your midriff during a skid.

While any pants with a compatible zipper will interface, the matching Rev’It Sand 4 pants complete the package. The pants mirror the jacket’s construction with ripstop fabric plus removable waterproof and thermal liners.

You also get decent CE Level 1/2 armor in the knees and hips without a lot of bulk. Between the jacket and pants, I stay protected from neck to ankles.

The full ensemble combines to create a complete cold/wet weather riding rig. Considering the cost of full sets from other brands, the Rev’It combo delivers good value as well.

Final Verdict: Still a Winner for All-Weather Riding

In case you can’t tell by now, I’m happy to recommend the Rev’It Sand 4 jacket and pants for dedicated motorcycle riders.

It continues Sand lineage’s reputation of balancing protection, all-weather versatility, comfort, and great value.

The thoughtful improvements in venting, fabrics, liners, and armor leave very little to complain about for a mid-range setup punching above its class.

As long as you’re fine without membrane layers for the highest waterproofing, the Sand 4 set should serve you well riding in every season.

So, are the upgrades worth it over the old Sand 3? For me, the complete airflow redesign alone makes this a no-brainer upgrade, providing much more comfort.

In my experience testing motorcycle gear, sacrificing ventilation leads to distracted sweating in the heat rather than focusing on safe riding. The Sand 4 keeps air flowing with its redesigned vents.

Factor in small fit and fabric tweaks, a new snap-down collar, and maintaining competitive pricing – Rev’It has a winner with the new Sand 4 jacket revisions. ADV riders searching for tough, adaptable, all-weather protection should shortlist this setup.

To wrap it up, I wholeheartedly recommend the Rev’It Sand 4 jacket and pants as the Swiss army knife of rugged motorcycle riding gear ready for whatever weather the road throws down.

Stay safe out there, and keep the rubber side down! Let me know your thoughts about the Sand 4 in the comments below.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the ventilation compare to similar jackets from other brands?

The Rev’It’s redesigned vents provide airflow on par with premium jackets costing twice as much. The front intake and chest vents really stand out, driving cooling air right to the rider’s core.

Do the jacket and pants run small or large?

In my experience testing Rev’It gear, they cut the Sand 4 true to size without vanity adjustments. Refer to their sizing chart to find your ideal size, as results can vary.

Should I choose Gore-Tex over the Hydratex liner for waterproofing?

For the Sand 4’s mid-range price, the Hydratex liner provides good water resistance that withstands moderate rain exposure. I’d only upgrade to Gore-Tex if I frequently rode hours in heavy downpours.

What optional upgrades does Rev’It offer?

You can add a Back Protector 2 insert for about $30 to bolster spine protection. Rev’It’s proprietary VCS magnetic connecter lets you attach a wind-blocking inner vest. Also, replace armor with the Force Protectors or Seesmart options.

Do the jacket and pants work for hot weather riding?

Definitely – just remove both zip-out liners to transform the Sand 4 into a highly vented riding jacket perfect for the summer heat. This flexibility for year-round use really enhances value.

And Finally…

The Rev’It Sand 4 H2O continues its legacy as an impressively versatile jacket ready to handle anything the road dishes out. While not cheap, you get tremendous 4-season capability coupled with abrasion and impact protection for the money.

Factor in subtle but meaningful upgrades over the previous gen, and it remains a standout choice for dedicated riders who won’t compromise.

So do the new tweaks claim the Sand 4 the title of best all-weather adventure riding jacket? In my book, Rev’It made an already great jacket in the Sand 3 substantially better – and that’s before considering it costs the same.

Unless you demand Gore-Tex waterproofing, the Sand 4 is hard to fault. Throw in the weather-resistant pants with flexible CE armor, and I believe the complete Sand 4 H2O ensemble earns its place among the best all-around options.

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