Rukka Explore-R trousers in black

The Rukka Explore-R is a-new for-2023 adventure-style laminated trouser, designed to zip into the similarly designed and constructed Explore-R jacket. The reality is that a proper adventure pant 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 pant It is, rather, a touring and commuting pant configured in the style of an adventure pant.

 

The pant is constructed using a 3-layer Gore-Tex Pro Shell that is laminated to the inside of the tear-resistant Cordura shell fabric. More abrasion-resistant Cordura 1500 is used on the hips and knees for added abrasion resistance.

 

Level 2 D3O comes fitted in the knees and hips. 

 

The Explore-R pant is well furnished with vents, with openings on the fronts and backs of the thighs.

 

There’s no shortage of pockets either.  There are two water-resistant, cargo pockets with zippers and snap fasteners. You also get one more zip pocket. 

 

In terms of adjustment, there’s a waist closure with press buttons, and an adjustable waist belt. The bottoms of the legs are adjustable, with zips and velcro flaps. Rukka’s Comfort and Defence braces come as standard. Obviously there’s a zip to allow the pants to be connected to a Rukka jacket.

 

In the seat you get Rukka’s AirCushion system for comfort. There are heat-resistant leather patches up the inside of the legs, and in the seat. Stretch panels in the crotch and inner thighs, above and behind the knees serve to make the pants more comfortable on the bike