Rukka Explore-R jacket in black

The Rukka Explore-R is a-new for-2023 adventure-style laminated jacket. The reality is that a proper adventure jacket will not have a membrane. And that is because if you are riding somewhere hot, or working up a sweat off road, the last thing you want anywhere near your body is a membrane. And that’s because a waterproof membrane will make it harder for the body to use sweating as a way of cooling itself down. A membrane will insulate heat generated by the body. A membrane will also prevent the oncoming air from cooling the body down. All of which means that the Explore-R is not what we’d call a proper adventure jacket. It is, rather, a touring and commuting jacket configured in the style of an adventure jacket.

The jacket is constructed using a 3-layer Gore-Tex Pro shell that is laminated to the inside of the 500 denier Cordura fabric. More abrasion-resistant Cordura 1500 is used on the shoulders and elbows for added abrasion resistance.

Level 2 D3O comes fitted in the elbows and shoulders. The chest protector and the back protector are level 1.

The Explore-R is well furnished with vents. There are vents on the chest, vents in the shoulders, vents up the flanks, vents on the front and back of the sleeves, and vents in the back.

There’s no shortage of pockets either.  There are two chest pockets, two lower pockets with flaps, and a large water-resistant pocket on the back.

In terms of adjustment, there’s a waist belt, Velcro flaps at the hem and at the ends of the sleeves, and volume adjusters on both the upper and lower arms.

The jacket has a Gore-Tex stretch collar, which can be zipped into a compartment behind the neck. The neck is lined with neoprene. You getstretch panels under the arms and in the back. You also get GTX cuffs, and zips at the ends of the sleeves.