Tried & Tested: Royal Enfield Gravel Riding Jacket & Pants

Royal Enfield isn’t new to riding gear. With experience, what started with basic protective apparel early on has now turned into a full ecosystem of purpose-built riding equipment, whether for touring, adventure or daily use. This kit is one such example. Called the Gravel Riding Jacket and Trousers, this is a combo meant to do a bit more than just your average daily ride.

What I mean is that this is focused on people who want something more durable than city riding gear to go on their off-road adventures. With that idea, the jacket is beefier than regular jackets – the choice of materials will tell you that. With a mix of multiple materials such as Ribtex bonded fabric, polyester mesh and polyester reinforced patches at impact zones, you have a mix of stretchable panels, summer-season friendly mesh panels and durability. Importantly, it has a firm shape that allows easy movement without feeling baggy.

One point you have to note here is that despite getting mesh panels, this is still a heavy jacket with fewer mesh sections than a typical city riding jacket. In warm conditions, particularly in slow-moving traffic or technical off-road sections, you are always aware of the insulation created by the dense fabric and armour. This, rather than a complaint, is proof of intent. By adding abrasion-resistant materials and thicker fabric, RE provides a more durable structure.

What this jacket does well is offer practicality. Pockets are placed logically, including a large rear pocket, two pockets in front and one near the chest area as well, all equipped with YKK zippers. Inside, it is equipped with CE Level 2 armour at the shoulders and elbows, backed by a Level 2 Safetech back protector. A miss here is no chest protector, which is an important part of any riding gear. Still, there are pockets for the chest protector in case you want to add yours. There is no built-in waterproof or thermal liner either, in case you were wondering, but that’s to be expected with an ADV jacket.

The pants follow the same philosophy. They feel robust without being cumbersome and the construction mirrors the jacket’s focus on protection and movement. CE-rated knee and hip armour provide impact resistance, while stretch panels around the knees and inner thighs prevent the stiffness that plagues many protective trousers. There’s plenty of adjustability at the waist and hem, making them useable across a range of body types. Both pieces fit well, and that’s why even in the saddle, the armour sits well without shifting or creating pressure points, even when you’re standing on the pegs or moving aggressively through rough terrain. Good, because you don’t want to feel like you’re wearing a knight’s armour.

Where this set shows real potential is in how close it comes to being a complete adventure solution. If you are looking for something lighter than your average adventure jacket, this is certainly an option. This provides almost the same protection, although it does not provide the same storage space. That can be fixed with another bag, or just carrying less stuff on rides – advice that a lot of us need. If you were to use these solely for intended purposes, this will shine. For trails and weekend exploration, both work extremely well. Just remember to get a chest protector.

Price: ₹11,740/- (Jacket); ₹8530/- (Pants)

More info: store.royalenfield.com