The Vertical GTX from REV'IT! is new, yet not entirely unknown. It has strong links with the part of the REV'IT! collection that has been established for several years now, and of which the Trench GTX is the best-known adept.
’Adventure Touring' and 'Adventure Sport' are the two segments in this collection. So, there are plenty of sporty elements. Where 'Explore' is rarely far away and sporty versatility is key. Rugged motorcycles, go-getter riders, commuters who like a bit of adventure or who are just as happy getting to work as they are getting to the motorway heading south. Or north. Yes, up or down, the fact that they can do both and that you only have to decide at the entrance, that's what this is really about.
For the Trench GTX - the closely related 'city version' of this Vertical GTX - we wrote at the time: "the Trench GTX is more neutral and stylish than 'pure adventure' and that makes it just that little bit more accessible. Because they are not all high-powered machines with studded tyres”.
And the Vertical GTX is just the thing for those adventure riders. Studded tyres are one thing, but a sportier bike is another. Just think of the BMW XR1100, the Yamaha Tracer and the Ducati Multistrada, to name the usual suspects.
The Vertical GTX is a laminated GORE-TEX motorcycle jacket that - for a laminated GORE-TEX motorcycle jacket - remains relatively low-profile and price-conscious. The outer shell consists of 2L GORE-TEX and 400D nylon, providing a lightweight but excellent buffer against the elements. The finish, with subtle laminated reflective material and faux leather on the collar, is REV'IT! all about attention to detail and high quality, even in the small parts.
The latter includes the push button that replaces the loop when the collar is permanently open. And the Flexisnap. And the centering straps that do an excellent job. Or the underarm adjustment.
Laminated jackets like the Vertical GTX are situated in the by now familiar 'like water off a duck' category, so don't look for a removable membrane here. The waterproof element is located in the outer layer, which has some serious advantages. The Vertical GTX has a removable thermal lining, which leaves many options open. Who thinks that all this tends to colder and wetter, is only partly right: the ventilation panels on the chest - with the patented Fidlock® magnets to open them up wide - certainly offer a lot of cooling. Whether it is enough to cross an African desert comfortably is another matter. The fact that the ventilation panels are equipped with Aquadefence gutters makes you suspect that 'waterproof' comes just before 'ventilated' in the hierarchy. Maybe, just maybe, the lover of the highway to the north will have a slight advantage here.
It's not really black and white though. A lot depends on personal preference, the size of your windscreen and the rest of your wardrobe. If you have a good windproof motorcycle jacket, which is always preferable from 25 degrees, then the Vertical GTX is the right choice for the rest of the year. Also, because the Vertical GTX is standardly equipped with SEEFLEX™ Level 2 CE protection on shoulders and elbows. The rear is prepared for the integration of an optional SEESOFT™ CE-level 2 back protector, and a SEESOFT™ CE-level 1 chest protector can be fitted if desired. The typical laminated reflection on the back and sleeves ensures that you remain visible at night. The Vertical GTX can also be combined with the Connector NEON vest.
The small stash pocket on the left sleeve is worth mentioning, although the lion's share of your stuff will go into spacious front stash pockets. Press buttons and a zipper make sure you can find everything back after the ride. A (smaller) storage compartment can be accessed from the back, and the inner pockets will not cause any complaints either.
The combination with a REV'IT! motorbike pants is obvious. A short and a long connecting zipper leave other options open as well.
There is maintenance clothing, and then there is clothing maintenance. Good, solid motorcycle clothing is an investment in comfort and personal safety. So invest in its maintenance after your purchase and enjoy your gear for longer.
We put the best tips & tricks on this maintenance page.
