Klim Marrakesh Jacket

The Marrakesh jacket combines 500D and 1000D Cordura with a Gore-Tex membrane, a pairing built to survive both highway miles and off-road spills without giving up waterproofing. At 2.3 kilograms for a size large it carries real weight, but that buys D3O Level 1 armour at the shoulders and elbows plus a dedicated back armour pocket for riders who want to add their own protector. Our bench score puts protection at 72, a reasonable result for Level 1 armour rather than the Level 2 protection found in some rivals. YKK waterproof zippers close off the jacket's weak points, and the reinforced Cordura panels take the brunt of abrasion in a fall.

In use, six adjustable intake and exhaust vents give genuine airflow control, and our airflow score of 55 reflects a jacket that breathes reasonably well once vents are opened and the liner removed. The weather score of 63 confirms the Gore-Tex membrane earns its keep in sustained rain, and comfort scores 62, helped by a roomy cut that takes layering without feeling tight across the shoulders. Adjustable waist, sleeve, and collar straps let riders dial in a snugger fit when needed, though the jacket's bulk is more noticeable than on lighter touring designs, especially when off the bike at a fuel stop or hotel. Riders travelling with a passenger or heavy luggage will appreciate the extra room built into the cut.

This is a jacket for adventure riders covering genuinely variable conditions across a single trip, from desert heat to mountain rain, and its value score of 60 reflects a fair trade for the weatherproofing and armour on offer. It ages well thanks to the tough Cordura shell, though zippers benefit from a short break-in period before they run smoothly. Against jackets with Level 2 armour like the Held Zeffiro 3.0, the Marrakesh gives up some outright impact protection for a roomier, more adjustable fit suited to long-haul touring rather than aggressive riding. Riders planning multi-day trips through mixed climates will get more use from the jacket than someone commuting through a single, predictable season, and the durable shell keeps performing years down the line.