Scorpion EXO Yosemite Hi-Viz Jacket Review: The Best Adventure Touring Jacket Under $500?

As an avid adventure motorcyclist and jacket aficionado, I understand the importance of reliable gear handling in diverse riding environments.

My quest was to find a jacket offering maximum protection against the cold without sacrificing mobility or ventilation.

After evaluating jackets from industry leaders like Klim, Rukka, REV’IT!, and Alpinestars, the Scorpion Yosemite kept rising to the top of my list.

But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Is this the best adventure motorcycle jacket for you? Let’s find out!

In this Scorpion EXO Yosemite Hi-Viz Jacket review, I’ll walk through the reasons why:

• Construction quality and materials
• Protective features and armor
• Weatherproofing and insulation
• Comfort, fit, and adjustability
• Ventilation and breathability
• Pockets and storage

By the end, you’ll know whether the Yosemite is the perfect 4-season jacket for your next adventure. Let’s get started!

Yosemite Construction and Materials

One of the first things that impressed me about the Yosemite was its durable, abrasion-resistant exterior construction.

The majority of the jacket utilizes a sturdy 500D polyester material, while the shoulders and elbows are reinforced with an ultra-tough 1680D ballistic poly fabric.

This combination provides exceptional resistance against scrapes while maintaining flexibility where you need it most.

The Yosemite also incorporates 3M Scotchlite reflective detailing on the sleeves and back to keep you visible after dark.

The zippers are premium YKK units with weatherproof seals, and the Velcro closures on the cuffs feel burly and substantial. Scorpion didn’t cut any corners in the materials and hardware used on this jacket.

Armor and Impact Protection

Staying protected from impacts is a top priority for adventure riders, so I was thrilled to see SAS-TEC CE-rated armor on the elbows and shoulders.

This advanced armor stiffens upon impact to disperse energy, then returns to a flexible state for all-day comfort.

The Yosemite includes a basic foam back protector, but I chose to upgrade to a SAS-TEC Level 2 insert for maximum protection.

With these upgrades, I feel shielded from harm without that restrictive, “wearing a cast” feeling that some jacket armor creates.

The armored areas and the abrasion-resistant fabric create a very reassuring package of safety features. This is a jacket built for the real world, not just the showroom floor.

Weatherproofing and Insulation

Now let’s talk weather protection – the Yosemite brings out the big guns here. It uses a high-tech H2O Block waterproof and breathable liner that can be zipped in when needed.

This membrane keeps wind and moisture out while enabling interior perspiration to escape.

A full-sleeve Everheat thermal liner attaches independently of the waterproof layer for additional insulation.

With the Yosemite, you have the versatility to mix and match these components based on conditions. Rainy but warm? Wear just the H2O Block. Cold but dry? Opt for just the Everheat liner.

The Yosemite shell, waterproof layer, and thermal liner work in conjunction to create a practical 4-season jacket.

I rode in everything from chilly autumn mist to frigid winter rain and stayed warm, dry, and comfortable.

Comfort, Fit, and Adjustability

Finding the right fit is crucial with motorcycle apparel, and the Yosemite delivers here too. I typically wear a size medium in most jackets, and the same was true with Scorpion’s sizing chart.

The medium Yosemite fit me perfectly, allowing room for a few warm base layers.

The jacket is cut to contour to a riding position without binding or bunching. I appreciate the neoprene collar and soft interior lining that prevent chafing, plus the hook-and-loop cuff adjustments for dialing in the fit. Other riders liked the articulated elbows that don’t limit movement.

Ventilation and Breathability

Even with the insulating liner installed, overheating is never an issue, thanks to the ventilation built into the Yosemite shell.

Dual zippered chest vents and extra-long pit zips provide excellent airflow directly to the core body. I stay cool and dry thanks to these strategically placed vents.

The waterproof H2O Block liner also uses advanced technology to promote breathability and dissipate vapor buildup.

I’m happy to report no issues with condensation or sweating, even when riding hard for hours in challenging conditions.

Storage and Pockets

The storage options on the Yosemite are excellent for long-distance adventure touring. You get two zippered exterior chest pockets, two large lower cargo pockets, and a huge rear pocket for maps, tools, or spare layers. There’s also an interior zippered Napoleon pocket for valuables and electronics.

The cargo pockets have rubber pull tabs for easy access with gloves, and I appreciate the drain holes at the bottoms.

Small details like this show that Scorpion designed this jacket specifically for motorcyclists. There’s ample room to carry everything you need on multi-day journeys.

The Yosemite in Action

To put the Yosemite through its paces, I rode with it extensively through rain, wind, and cold temps down to the mid-20s Fahrenheit.

The jacket performed admirably across the board – I stayed warm, dry, and comfortable in conditions that would make most people head for the hills.

The bulk of the jacket is hardly noticeable while riding, and the ventilation works as advertised. I also appreciated the convenience of stopping to snap in the insulating liner when the temps dropped without having to remove the shell.

After hundreds of miles on the road and trails, the Yosemite still looks brand new, with no tears, leaks, or signs of excessive wear.

For the price, you’d be hard-pressed to find a jacket that offers better 4-season performance and protection.

Yosemite Specs at a Glance

Before giving my final verdict, let’s recap some key specs and features of the Scorpion Yosemite jacket:

• Shell Fabric: 500D polyester main body, 1680D ballistic poly shoulders/elbows
• Waterproof & Insulated Liners: Removable H2O Block and Everheat
• Armor: SAS-TEC shoulders & elbows (back protector upgradeable)
• Storage: 2 chests, 2 cargo, 1 rear, 1 interior pocket
• Ventilation: Dual zip chest vents, extra-long pit zips
• Reflectivity: Scotchlite reflective striping on sleeves & back
• Colors: Black, Gray, Blue, Red, Hi-Vis Yellow
• Fit: Athletic cut, true to size

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of weather is the Yosemite designed for?

With its waterproof and insulated liners, the Yosemite is optimized for four-season riding in conditions ranging from hot and humid to freezing cold and pouring rain. It’s an excellent choice for riders facing unpredictable or extreme weather.

Does the jacket run true to size?

Yes, the sizing is consistent with most major motorcycle jacket brands. Order your normal size unless you need room for lots of bulky layers underneath.

How does the venting compare to other hot weather jackets?

The venting is superb thanks to the long pit zips and chest vents; airflow is on par with the best summer mesh jackets when all vents are open.

Is the Yosemite jacket waterproof?

The outer shell is water-resistant, but you need to zip in the included H2O Block liner to make it fully waterproof and breathable. This versatility allows you to configure the jacket based on conditions.

What armor does the Yosemite ship with?

It includes SAS-TEC CE-rated armor in the elbows and shoulders. A basic foam back pad is also included, which you can upgrade to SAS-TEC Level 2 for maximum impact protection.

The Verdict: An Exceptional 4-Season Touring Jacket

Is this the best adventure motorcycle jacket? In my experience testing motorcycle gear, the Scorpion Yosemite stands out as one of the top premium 4-season adventure jackets available today.

The materials and construction quality are second to none, creating a durable and resilient outer shell.

The H2O Block and Everheat liners allow remarkable versatility to adapt to changing ride conditions. I stay protected from impact with the included SAS-TEC armor.

The intake vents and multitude of pockets fully address climate control and storage needs.

The Yosemite has become my go-to jacket when the ride calls for ultimate weather protection and cold-weather performance. It provides peace of mind that I have a rugged companion ready for any adventure or season.

The Scorpion Yosemite deserves strong consideration if your adventures take you through unpredictable environments and extreme conditions. This could be the last touring jacket you’ll ever need.

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