Adventure gear comes in all shapes, sizes and prices nowadays. There’s an array of options each with their own advantages and disadvantages and, ultimately, it comes down to how much you want to spend. This Vortex gear by DriRider is middle-shelf kit, with a price tag to match. It’s waterproof (well kinda) and has a zip-out inner to keep you warm or cool, depending on your riding conditions.
WE LIKED
Fit: At 190cm and 97kg the XL jacket and 34-inch pants fitted me perfectly. They’re long enough in the arms and legs and don’t restrict movement. FLARES: The zip at the bottom of the pants allows you to fit them perfectly over your boots without the cuffs ripping or flapping.
PRICE: Some ADV gear can cost as much as your bike but this stuff is cheap and will get the job done if you don’t intend on coming off or going underwater.
WARMTH: The thermal liner kept me warm on a bunch of trips through the Vic High Country but found its limit when the temp dropped down near zero.
WE DIDN’T LIKE
WATERPROOF: The waterproof liner had to be zipped in and out, which added to the bulk and was a hassle when changing. It also didn’t allow the jacket to breathe. The outside of the jacket is not waterproof and will absorb water.
ARMOUR: A lack of armour definitely improved manoeuvrability but it won’t offer the same protection.
AIR VENTS: As this is the base model gear it did not have vents you could zip open. If it gets real hot and you’re not moving, you’re going to sweat. The DriRider Vortex is great gear if you don’t have huge coin to spend. If you’re new to adventure riding or don’t intend to get soaking wet, or to take on extreme terrain and conditions, than this piece of kit will make for the perfect apparel.
