As an adventure rider and gear reviewer, I recently tested out the new Sedici Garda H2O jacket and pants. Sedici is an exclusive brand from RevZilla, allowing us reviewers to provide direct feedback to the designers.

I was eager to check out their latest adventure touring jacket, which offers versatility on- and off-road riding. After logging many miles wearing the Garda outfit, I’m ready to share my in-depth thoughts in this review.

Introduction

I decided to test the Sedici Garda jacket and pants because I was looking for reasonably priced adventure gear that could handle both street and light off-road riding.

This review reveals my experiences with the Garda in terms of comfort, protection, versatility, and value. I evaluate the construction quality, weather resistance, ventilation, fit, and overall usability of this jacket and pant combo.

After putting these pieces through their paces in various conditions, I determine who they are best suited for and where they could be improved. Read on to discover everything I learned while testing the Sedici Garda H2O outfit.

Construction and Materials

The Garda jacket and pants use several different materials strategically placed to balance comfort, durability, and flexibility:

• 600D polyester – This midweight, abrasion-resistant material makes up the majority of the Garda outfit. The woven 600D polyester is durable yet pliable.
• 1200D ballistic nylon – Ballistic nylon reinforces the impact zones on the jacket and pants – like the shoulders, elbows, and knees. This provides extra abrasion resistance in key areas.
• Stretch panels – Elasticized stretch fabric is incorporated into areas that need enhanced flexibility and range of motion, like the arms, waist, and legs. This improves comfort without compromising protection.
• Waterproof laminate membrane – The Garda has an inner waterproof yet breathable laminate layer to keep you dry in wet conditions. However, it may cause overheating with vigorous off-road riding.
• 3M Scotchlite reflective accents – Strategically placed reflective piping aids visibility in low light.
• YKK zippers – Reputed YKK zippers secure the jacket front, pockets, vents, and pant fly. Their water-resistant construction prevents seepage.

The mix of materials provides an optimal balance of durability, weather protection, comfort, and flexibility. The 600D polyester resists abrasion, while the 1200D ballistic nylon boosts impact protection.

Stretch panels enhance freedom of movement, while the laminate membrane blocks wind and water. Reflective accents and YKK zippers round out the construction.

Armor and Protective Features

The Garda jacket and pants include several protective features to help minimize injury in a crash:

• SEESmart CE-rated armor – Level 2 armor pads are found on the elbows and shoulders of the jacket. They are fitted into interior pockets for comfort.
• Abrasion-resistant exterior – The exterior shell uses abrasion-resistant fabrics like 600D polyester and 1200D ballistic nylon in the impact zones.
• Reinforced vents – Interior bartacks support the vent structure to prevent ripping if snagged.
• Knee pucks – Large KEPROTEC knee pucks on the pants provide additional abrasion resistance and sliding protection.
• Zippered pant cuffs – Pant cuffs secure over boots via water-resistant zippers rather than velcro for greater security.

While not a full-on racing suit, the Garda provides decent protection for on- and light off-road riding. The armor shields your most vulnerable areas while the exterior resists abrasion in a slide.

Reinforced vents and secure pant cuffs enhance safety. Overall, it offers suitable protection for adventure and sport-touring use.

Weather Protection

The Garda is designed to provide all-weather riding protection within reason. Key weather-resistant features include:

• Waterproof laminate layer – The interior laminate membrane blocks wind and water, allowing perspiration to escape.
• Water-resistant YKK zippers – Zipper seepage is prevented by their special water-resistant construction.
• Velcro storm flaps – The jacket’s front zip and chest pockets have velcro-secured storm flaps behind them as an extra shield against the elements.
• Low-profile neck closure – A thin, water-resistant gasket runs around the neck area for a tight seal that keeps out the cold and wet.

The jacket and pants kept me dry during my testing in light to moderate rain. However, the waterproofing and breathability are not on par with more expensive touring suits.

The jacket feels a bit stuffy and damp when working hard or riding in warmer weather. But for casual touring in mild conditions, the Garda provides adequate wet weather protection.

Ventilation

Flow-through ventilation is achieved with vents strategically placed around the jacket:

• Chest vents – Two large vents on the chest allow air to flow in through the front. They are positioned to avoid direct water exposure in the rain.
• Back vents – Rear exhaust vents allow air to exit after circulating through the jacket. Their position helps draw airflow from front to back.
• Bicep vents – Upper sleeve vents provide additional airflow and cooling.
• Pant vents – Vertical vents run down the thighs to ventilate the lower half.

I found airflow decent at speed on the highway. The vents channel a noticeable breeze through the jacket that reduces stickiness. However, venting is still limited compared to a mesh jacket.

The Garda can get rather warm when riding slowly or in hot weather. But the strategic vent placement does help prevent overheating in many conditions.

Fit and Sizing

The Garda jacket and pants have a trim yet comfortable fit tailored for adventure riding:

• Pre-curved sleeves – Pre-shaped sleeve construction mirrors the natural bend of your arms when in the riding position. This eliminates bunching and binding while gripping the bars.
• Articulated elbows – The jacket elbows are articulated to prevent restriction of movement when the arm is bent.
• ** elastic panels and adjustment straps** – Stretch fabric and adjustable straps allow you to customize the fit. The jacket, in particular, offers many adjustment points for a dialed-in feel.
• Tall sizing – For taller riders, the Garda is available in sizes up to 5XL in both the jacket and pants. The pants also come in a Tall version.

Overall, I found the ergonomic Garda pieces moved naturally with my body. The pre-curved sleeves and articulated elbows provided great freedom of motion.

Multiple adjustments let me tweak the fit to my preferences. And sizing extends to riders of all shapes and sizes. The jacket, in particular, fits me like a custom-tailored piece.

Features and Convenience

Several thoughtful features make the Garda jacket easier to live with:

• Hydration pouch – A rear compartment allows storage of a hydration bladder and routing of the hose. However, there is no hose management loop in front.
• Interior stash pockets – Interior pockets provide storage for essentials you need quick access to, like wallet, phone, keys, etc.
• Waist adjustment straps – Side waist straps cinch the jacket tighter if needed depending on the layers.
• Low-profile neck closure – Unlike some jackets, the Garda has a minimal neck closure that fits comfortably under your helmet.
• Jacket-to-pant zipper – A full-length zipper secures the jacket to the pant’s waist for enhanced coverage.

The Garda struck a nice balance between features and simplicity. Conveniences like the hydration pouch, interior stash pockets, and waist cinch straps add real-world practicality without cluttering things up. Overall, it’s a straightforward yet fully functional adventure jacket.

Value and Cost

Considering the quality and capabilities of the Garda jacket and pants, I find them to provide excellent value:

• Jacket price – At around $200, the jacket is very competitively priced for what you get.
• Brand exclusivity – As a Revzilla exclusive brand, Sedici provides high-end features at a mid-range price.
• Premium materials – Despite the reasonable cost, it uses premium components like 600D polyester, YKK zippers, and SEESMART CE armor.
• All-weather capability – You get versatility for street, adventure, and touring riding despite the lack of a premium price tag.

When you add up the durable materials, protective features, weatherproofing, and comfort, the Garda punches far above its price point. Riders get high-end functionality without the premium price!

Who is the Garda Outfit For?

The Sedici Garda gear is best suited for:

• All-weather street riders and casual tourers.
• Adventure riders who stick mostly to the tarmac.
• Occasional off-road riding on mild trails.
• Riders seeking versatile, 4-season protection.
• Anyone wanting premium features without a designer price tag.

It comes at an affordable price while still offering excellent quality. The Garda provides substantial weather protection and storage capacity for all-day rides. And it allows for the occasional adventure off the beaten path. Overall, it’s fantastic value for the everyday adventure rider.

Potential Drawbacks

While largely positive, my testing did reveal a few potential drawbacks of the Garda:

• Ventilation – Laminate construction limits airflow, so it can run warm in very hot weather.
• Waterproofing – Performs well in light rain but eventually leaks in extremely heavy downpours.
• Off-road protection – Only has basic armor, so true off-road riding calls for beefier protection.
• Neck closure – No ability to snap the neck closure back out of the way when opened.

I’d recommend a more ventilated jacket if riding in the sweltering summer heat. For hardcore off-roading, you’ll want sturdier armor and abrasion protection.

And wet weather performance is good but not impenetrable in serious downpours. Aside from those limitations, I was very pleased with both the styling and functionality of the new Garda outfit.

The Bottom Line

Is this the best adventure motorcycle jacket? After logging extensive mileage on the Sedici Garda jacket and pants, I walked away, impressed with the price. They provide excellent all-around protection for street, adventure, and light off-road riding.

The weather-resistant construction blocks wind and water while locking in warmth. Articulated pre-curved sleeves and multiple adjustment points allow dialing in a precision fit.

While not suited for hardcore off-roading or extreme heat, the Garda is versatile enough for daily rides in any condition. And it comes with premium features at a mid-range price that’s easy to stomach.

The new Sedici Garda outfit is an outstanding bang for adventure riders who log both on- and off-road miles!

Key Specs:

Jacket Shell Fabric:	600D Polyester, 1200D Ballistic Nylon (High Abrasion Zones)
Jacket Lining Fabric:	Waterproof Yet Breathable Membrane
Pants Shell Fabric:	600D Polyester, 1200D Ballistic Nylon (Knees)
Waterproof Rating:	Waterproof Yet Breathable Membrane
Armor Protection:	Level 2 SEESMART CE at Shoulders and Elbows
Impact Zones:	Reinforced with 1200D Ballistic Nylon
Ventilation:	Air Inlets on Chest, Air Exhausts on Back
Available Sizes:	Men’s S-5XL, Tall Sizes Available
Warranty:	1 Year Limited Warranty

FAQ:

What is the Sedici Garda jacket best suited for?

The Garda jacket is ideal for street riding, adventure touring, and mild off-roading. It provides excellent protection from the elements while allowing freedom of movement.

How is the sizing on the Garda pants?

The Garda pants come in men’s sizes from small up to 5XL. I found they run true to size based on the sizing chart. Order your normal pants size unless you prefer a slim or baggy fit.

Does the Garda outfit work well for tall riders?

Yes, Garda jackets and pants are available in tall sizes to accommodate riders over 6 feet. The tall pants prevent the jacket from riding up and exposing your back.

Is the Garda jacket fully waterproof?

The laminate membrane provides waterproof yet breathable performance. It keeps you dry in light and moderate rainfall but may eventually wet through in extremely heavy downpours.

How durable is the exterior shell fabric?

The 600D polyester resists abrasion well, and the 1200D ballistic nylon used in impact zones provides even more tear resistance. It should hold up to typical street use and mild off-road riding.

Conclusion

The Sedici Garda outfit delivers tremendous value for those of you who are looking for versatile 4-season protection. It provides premium features and materials at a mid-range price point.

Though best suited to street and adventure riding, the odd trail or dirt road isn’t out of the question. While not a match for hardcore off-road gear, the Garda still punches far above its price bracket.

For all-weather street touring or globetrotting adventure rides, it’s one of the top jacket and pant combos available without emptying your wallet!

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