I recently had the chance to test out the Street and Steel Runaway Women’s Motorcycle Jacket. I was eager to see how this jacket would perform in the real world.
After extensively testing this jacket, I wanted to share my hands-on impressions. I’ll cover the fit, comfort, protection, and versatility offered by the Runaway.
I’ll also highlight some of the key features and technologies that make this a jacket worth considering if you want something flexible for various types of riding.
But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Is this the best women’s motorcycle jacket? Let’s find out!
Street & Steel Runaway Women’s Jacket
Key Takeaways
- Great for all-weather women riders
- A removable hoodie liner adds value
- Versatile across seasons and conditions
Our Verdict On The Street & Steel Runaway Women’s Jacket
The Street and Steel Runaway is great for riders seeking a mid-priced, all-weather jacket. It provides protection for most conditions while offering bonus features like the convertible hoodie liner and ventilation zippers.
The waxed cotton shell resists light weather and has a stylish finish. There are some drawbacks in terms of all-out rain protection and cold weather performance. But overall, the Runaway delivers fantastic versatility at this price point.
It quickly became my favorite jacket for typical commuting duties and moderate-weather weekend rides. If you ride in changeable conditions where adaptability is key, the Runaway is worthy of consideration.
Comparison to Similar Jackets
| Jacket | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Firstgear Kilimanjaro 2.0 Women’s Jacket | Waterproof and breathable outer shell, CE armor, reflective detailing |
| Alpinestars Stella Bogota Drystar Jacket | Waterproof and breathable Drystar material, CE armor, high-visibility color options |
| Spidi 4Season H2Out Women’s Jacket | Waterproof and breathable, many vents for airflow, CE armor |
| Roland Sands Cambria CE Women’s Jacket | 100% wool construction, armor on shoulders & elbows, vintage styling |
Why I Tested the Runaway Jacket
As an avid motorcyclist living in a region with dramatic seasonal changes, I’m looking for riding gear that can adapt to shifting conditions.
I need jackets that provide protection from cold winter winds and ventilation for hot summer riding. The Runaway caught my eye because it is designed specifically with versatility.
Here’s what I’ll cover in this hands-on review after testing out this jacket:
- How the fit, sizing, and adjustability suited my body type
- Comfort and breathability during long days of riding
- Protection and safety features like armor and reflective details
- Ability to adapt through ventilation zippers and the removable inner liner
- Quality and durability of materials and construction
- Unique attractions like the stylish hoodie liner
- Drawbacks or limitations I noticed
- Who this jacket is ideal for
Let’s get into the details!
Fit, Sizing, and Adjustability
One of my first considerations with any riding jacket is how well it fits my body type. I’m 5′ 5″ with an athletic build, so finding jackets tailored for women but don’t restrict movement can be tricky.
The Runaway jacket features a lightly waxed cotton shell with a princess cut, allowing more room in the bust. It has a slightly roomier fit than many race-style leather jackets.
I ordered a size medium based on the sizing chart. It fits my 37” chest and 36” bust well, with enough room to add layers underneath.
However, the sleeves were a bit long. This jacket runs larger than typical Street and Steel sizes, so sizing down may be best.
Luckily, the Runaway has several adjusters to customize the fit:
- Waist cinch belts on each hip
- Zippered gussets on the waist and sleeve cuffs
- Snaps at the collar
- Belt loops to connect pants
These allow you to tailor the jacket to your exact shape for comfort and protection. It accommodated my proportions very well after some slight adjustments.
Comfort and Breathability
One feature I appreciate on long rides is breathability—being able to ventilate to prevent overheating. The Runaway surprised me here with some useful air circulation features:
- Zippered vents on the biceps
- Rear shoulder vents with mesh lining
- Lightweight cotton shell that doesn’t get too warm
By opening the vents, I stayed relatively cool and dry during test rides on 80+ degree days. The waxed fabric also didn’t cling or cause sweatiness.
The collar has a soft microfiber lining that also prevents any rubbing or chafing on my neck. For colder weather, the quilted thermal liner provides warmth without bulk.
Overall, this jacket struck a nice balance between protection from wind and rain and enough ventilation for comfort on summer rides.
Protection and Safety
While comfort is crucial, protection is my top priority in any riding jacket. The Runaway includes some key safety features:
- CE-rated armor in the elbows and shoulders
- Abrasion-resistant waxed cotton shell
- Reflective piping across the rear yoke
- Belt loops to connect to riding pants
I prefer some adjustment straps on the armor, as the elbow pads did shift while riding. Adding a back protector would also improve protection.
However, the level 1 armor still provided reassuring impact protection. The cotton outer shell also felt thick enough to resist slides without getting shredded.
The back reflective strip is a nice safety addition for increased nighttime visibility, even if partially covered by the hoodie liner.
Versatility and Adaptability
True to its name, the Runaway really shines for versatility across different types of riding and weather conditions.
The removable quilted liner turns it into a winter-ready jacket. You can ride without the liner and utilize the zippered vents when temperatures rise.
The liner is also a full-featured destination hoodie that you can wear off the bike. This is a cool, adaptable design I haven’t seen before.
Between the vents, cotton fabric, and hoodie, this jacket transitions seamlessly from winter to summer while also pulling double duty as streetwear.
Materials and Construction
Considering its price point, the materials and construction impressed me overall:
- Durable, mid-weight waxed cotton shell
- YKK front zipper and quality snaps/zippers throughout
- Removable hoodie liner with reversible zipper
- Mesh lining for