If we were to write a job description for all the responsibilities a good set of adventure gear had to perform, it would be full of contradictions: Must be warm in cold weather. Must be cool in warm weather. Must provide heavy-duty protection in the event of a high-speed crash. Must be comfortable and lightweight for casual wear. Must have a CE AA protection rating, but must be form-fitting. Must flow air. Must be able to not flow air. Must be waterproof. Must also be breathable.

We’d sound like the impossible boss, especially when we add that we’d like all of this for less than $1000. It seems like it’s an entirely futile effort and that not many would apply. Fortunately, there are companies such as Leatt that accept all these challenges and more in creating heavy-duty all-weather adventure riding solutions… for men and women.

I was intrigued by the all-new Leatt ADV MultiTour 5.5 Women’s gear on display at the AIMExpo in February, and thrilled when I was offered the opportunity to test it out in the spring. The timing couldn’t have been better since I had rides coming up in Prescott, Arizona, and Black Hills, South Dakota, with plenty of sunny SoCal in between. Riding in three different states meant that I got to run this Leatt ADV MultiTour 5.5 gear through a multitude of conditions, from mud and pouring rain to dust and heat, highway miles to technical trails. I even hit the ground at one point. You know… in the name of testing. 

Tri-Layer Jacket

The ADV MultiTour 5.5 Women’s jacket features three layers—the main outer shell made of Leatt RipStop material and two removable layers: the HydraDri EVO waterproof inner jacket and a thermal liner that snaps into it. All the layers use snaps to connect, which makes it easy to pull them apart in a quick road-side change. You won’t be searching for tiny zippers… unless you want to zip the cuffs of the sleeves together. More on this in a minute.

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The layers only come together in one configuration; the thermal liner snaps into the waterproof jacket, and the waterproof jacket snaps to the main shell. You cannot connect the thermal liner to the outer shell and skip the waterproof jacket. I suppose Leatt assumes if you’re going to run two layers instead of all three, it will be the waterproof liner and outer shell. It makes enough sense. The thermal layer is only a liner for the inner jacket, and is not a standalone garment (it doesn’t have a front closure, so you wouldn’t be able to zip it closed on its own). The waterproof jacket, however, can be a standalone garment with or without the thermal layer.

Many ADV jackets with a multi-layer setup allow the waterproof layer to be worn either inside OR outside the main shell, which is a nice touch. Let’s say it starts to drizzle on your ride. You can pull over and throw on the rain layer over the main shell and get back underway—no shedding layers, removing gloves, or shivering on the side of the road while you reconstruct the jacket. But the ADV MultiTour 5.5 does not have this capability since the waterproof jacket has a pretty slim fit. I tried this configuration just for fun, and the sleeves fit okay, but when I attempted to get it zipped up, I had a Tommy Boy “fat guy in a little coat” moment that ended in this very unflattering photo. I suppose you could run it this way (if you don’t mind looking like a bloated burrito), but I’m pretty sure you’d risk busting the zipper and damaging the waterproof jacket.

In terms of protection, it’s the main outer shell that has all the abrasion protection with the Leatt heavy-duty RipStop Nylon construction. So you could argue that putting the rain layer over shell is not the proper way the jacket is supposed to function anyway. Also keep in mind that without the waterproof layer, there is no way to connect the thermal liner to the shell. Anyhow, enough about that minor gripe.

The good news is there are still five different ways you can configure the tri-layer jacket. You can run all three layers, run the outer shell plus the rain jacket, or just the outer layer on its own. That’s three. The other two would be the rain layer on its own, or the rain jacket plus the thermal liner. That’s a whole lot of function in one.

Back to our zippered sleeves. If you plan to run all three layers, or even two, and don’t plan to make any quick changes on the fly, it is nice to be able to zip the sleeve cuffs together. It turns the jacket into one seamless garment with smooth on/off and no bunching of layers. But really think ahead and plan accordingly, because fumbling with these tiny interior zippers is not a fun task on the road. Getting the configuration and the order of operations right can be tedious. My advice is to really think about what the day may bring and if there’s a chance you will be shedding or adding layers as you go, it’s probably best to not bother with the sleeve zippers. The waterproof and thermal layers of the ADV MultiTour 5.5 jacket still function just fine without the sleeve cuffs zipped, and you can still seal out weather with the adjustable Velcro cuffs of the outer shell. Snapping the layers together at the main body will suffice. Save the sleeve zippers for when you know you won’t be altering layers during your ride. 

Two-Layer Pants

The Leatt ADV MultiTour 5.5 Women’s pants feature two layers instead of three, and therefore, not as many neat tricks as the jacket. But for what it’s worth, I have experienced a set of tri-layer pants, and can say it can be pretty overkill. For one, it’s a much more involved process to change up pant layers, and it’s especially awkward to attempt this on the side of the road. Second, it’s rare that you need as much function and versatility from the waist down. Two layers give you plenty to work with, and the ADV MultiTour 5.5 Women’s pants still have a lot of versatility and warmth, without the extra bulk of an additional thermal layer.

The outer layer, like the jacket, is mainly constructed of Leatt RipStop heavy-duty material. Some additional abrasion-resistant material is also found on the knees and the pants feature several stretch panels, as well, which allows for better movement. The accordion-style panel at the rear yoke means the pants stay secure and fitted in both sitting and standing positions.

The removable waterproof layer is made of HydraDri EVO and zips in both at the top near the waist and at the cuffs of the pants. Zipping the layer in and out isn’t too much of a task, but you’re not likely to do this mid-ride simply because it would require you to take off your boots. Maybe I’m wrong, but I don’t think a whole lot of people want to do that at a gas station or a restaurant.

This two-layer construction gives you a two-way function—wear them with or without the waterproof liner. That’s it. The inner liner does not work as a standalone garment like the waterproof jacket. This may not seem very exciting given the five-way function of the jacket, but these pants will still perform in a lot of conditions. 

Construction & Protection

Heavy-duty Leatt RipStop material makes up the main shell of the ADV MultiTour 5.5 Women’s jacket and pants. When you first pick it up, it’s clear this is sturdy gear. Fully loaded, all layers and all armor inserts, the ADV MultiTour 5.5 jacket checks in at 6.5 pounds. The pants are just over 4 pounds (both women’s size large). If you’re looking for lightweight adventure gear, this isn’t it. But if you’re looking for superior protection, something with some heft that will guard you from the elements and defend your body from impacts and abrasion, then this is as good as it gets. You’ll be feeling cozy and confident in over 10 pounds of solid protection. And on warm dry days you can run just the shell, which is a lot lighter and more breathable than suits that have the waterproofing baked into the shell.

In terms of protection, the outer shell of the jacket and pants house all the important parts. 3DF armor takes care of impact absorption with CE level 2 inserts in the shoulders, elbows and back of the jacket, and knees of the pants. Hip pads are CE level 1. The breathable armor inserts are slim, spongy and lightweight in order to move with you. The back insert isn’t actually what I’d call slim, since it’s about the size of a boogie board. But the pliable gel-like 3DF material does allow it to mold to your form.

The elbow armor is easy to remove from outside the jacket, which is nice. Zippered pockets just above the elbows make it easy to pop the 3DF pads out (the only time I do so is when I throw the jacket in the wash). Pockets for the shoulder and back pads are accessed internally, but easy enough to get to. Hip and knee pads are also simple enough to access. Velcro allows you to adjust the placement of the knee protection, which is essential to finding a good fit.

RipStop Nylon fabric gives the pants a nice sturdy feel but not a lot of flex. Fortunately Leatt added in a stretch material panel at the front yoke of the pants which gives them enough flex for comfort in the saddle. Heat resistant panels inside both lower legs and leather patches on the inside of the knees are not only built for protection, but to hold up against rugged use. Plus the leather panels help protect your tank from scratching. Now is probably also a good time to mention this gear has a five-year warranty.

All in, this gear reaches the moto industry’s coveted safety rating, the CE Class AA certification.

Fit & Features

There’s a lot to unpack here with the Leatt ADV MultiTour 5.5 Women’s jacket. You can probably spend an hour investigating this garment, and all its functions and configurations. The longer you spend exploring it, the more you will appreciate the attention to detail. This is an incredibly well thought out garment built by people who are obviously passionate about adventure riding.

Generous sized pockets allow side entry or top entry. From the size, you’ll find a simple fleece-lined pocket without any zippers or closure. This is solely for warming your hands, not stowing belongings. From the top of the pocket, you will find a waterproof compartment with a flap-style Velcro closure. This is where you can safely stash your phone, keys, wallet or anything you want to keep safe from the elements, and access quickly. The cut of the pocket allows it to expand to accommodate bulkier items, as well.

Depending on which layer(s) you’re wearing, you will also find interior pockets. The thermal liner has a single left-side pocket while the outer shell has interior pockets on both sides with Velcro top closure. The waterproof layer has no interior pockets.

The rear of the jacket features a single large waterproof pocket, also with a roll-top Velcro closure and room to expand.

Any visible zippers you find on this gear are vents – not pockets. The upper arms feature vents, as well as the chest panels. Once unzipped, you can also release the Velcro along the bottom of the chest vents and the flaps can then be rolled up to reveal a vented panel beneath. A simple magnet holds the rolled-up flaps in place to allow maximum airflow.

If you’re seeking full venting, then you can also “roll down the windows” on the back of the jacket. Once unzipped, the back panel can be un-Velcro’d from the top and rolled down to reveal another full mesh panel.

There’s another neat trick inside the rear mesh panel. A small zipper tucked up top will reveal a sleeve for a 1.5-liter water bladder. A small “Hydra Port” even gives you a small gap to route the hose through so it pops out neatly out at the front of the right shoulder. A plastic clip fixed to the front of the jacket keeps the hose secure. 

It’s not unusual to find a hydration sleeve built into a jacket, but what I found most impressive about this system is the built-in weight distribution straps. Sticking a water bladder in the back of your jacket can cause it to pull at the collar and choke you out. The internal straps are like a built-in backpack. You clip your water pack to the top, and the straps route inside the jacket and attach to the front of the sleeve seams. Clever and effective design that makes it far more practical to use this internal system. Of course, it all works best if you run the Leatt bladder, which you can order as an accessory.

The main front zipper is the only zipper that is not a vent. Zip and Velcro hold the jacket closed at the front, and Velcro secures the collar. If you want to allow a little more airflow, the collar can also be snapped open. Straps around the sides of the collar allow for compatibility with a Leatt neck brace.

As for fitment, the waist is adjustable thanks to a pair of straps, each with three snap positions. The straps are anchored with elastic, allowing a snug and comfortable fit. The upper arm features an adjuster with snap closure. This can be used to cinch the sleeve, or to help prop the vent open. The lower arm has adjustable elastic straps, and the cuffs are elastic with thin Velcro adjusters. The bottom of both sides of the jacket features an apron cut with Velcro adjusters that allows you more fitment versatility.

The lower interior of the jacket features a full-width zipper that allows it to connect with the pants. Reflective hits at the cuffs of the sleeves and on the rear pocket offer improved nighttime visibility. (I told you there was lots to talk about here.)

As for the pants, they feature very generous main pockets at the mid-thigh with similar flap-type Velcro closure at the tops for waterproof storage. At the hips, you will find pockets in the traditional place. These are also waterproof and large enough for a phone, but a slimmer profile and not as roomy. Zippers at the top of the main pockets are, again, vents.

There are also vent zippers at the back of the leg, so don’t forget these when you need to get the air flowing. You gotta let the air in AND out to get the flow going. Apron-style cut on the lower legs and Velcro closure allows you to tailor the fit of the pants below the knee, which is essential not only for body types, but boot types. These can easily fit motocross boots, or cinch down for a slimmer fit. Reflective hits at the lower leg help with visibility.

Pants close at the top with a zip-front, but no button where a button should probably be. A rachet-style closure will cinch the waist, and an additional strap on the right side of the waist (curiously only on the right…) can further adjust the waist with three different snap positions. A zipper around the back half can secure the pants to a jacket, and there are small tabs and a separate smaller zipper at the back of the waist that can fit with suspenders (available as an accessory).

How It Performed

Confession: I’m a dirt bike rider who does not like being dirty. I especially DO NOT like being cold. While adventure riding is one of my favorite things, I also prefer to stay clean, comfortable and warm. This is obviously not easy to do, since a good adventure typically involves being the exact opposite of all those things. That’s why anything that can keep me feeling cozy and protected while riding down a highway in the pouring rain, or clean and dry while flinging mud for miles on end, is like magic.

My first order of business with the Leatt ADV MultiTour 5.5 Women’s gearset was a Can-Am Canyon intro in Prescott, Arizona. The event had already been bumped once due to weather, but here we were in the cold rain anyway. Maybe not ideal for testing the Can-Am, but a great place to test out the ADV MultiTour 5.5.

A 44°F morning at altitude on an on-and-off drizzly day meant I was fully suited and booted with all layers buttoned in, and then some. I’ll say I was too bundled up at this point to fully assess the fit of the jacket, but it’s always ideal to have enough room to bundle up and not feel constricted. I will say the collar is a little wide. This should be narrower for a women’s garment. If you want to seal out the cold at the neck area, plan on wearing a gaiter or small scarf.

Onboard stowage is refreshingly generous. I was tempted to fill my pockets simply because I could, but you have to consider how much more weight you want to wear.

Taking to the highway in cold, wet conditions gave me an immediate appreciation for how well the MultiTour 5.5 can seal out the elements. I did have added layers beneath the tri-layer jacket (as I mentioned… not a fan of the cold), and somewhere inside all the textiles, I was nice and warm. The wide collar and wide cuffs were the only spots I could feel some cold air creeping in, but I did my best to adjust the Velcro straps and seal it all out.

The final stretch of the ride was over an hour on the highway in steady rain and a gusting crosswind. The suit’s ability to keep the elements at bay was admirable. The water will reach the inner layer of the pants quickly due to the stretch panel across the front crotch and the upper knees of the outer shell, but this is where the HydraDri waterproof layer becomes your barrier of protection. Leatt’s HydraDri waterproof material comes in a good, better, best system, and the HydraDri Evo is the mid-level, keeping you dry, but also allowing some breathability so you don’t feel like you’re wearing neoprene.

The jacket was flawless—not one drop made its way through. It was rather remarkable to endure a thorough soaking like that on the highway, and arrive back at the hotel to find my base layers bone dry. 

While the MultiTour 5.5 really shined in the soggy cold in Arizona, the “all-weather” claim made us also put it to the test in warm weather. Spoiler alert, this gear is not the best solution for warmer conditions. When temps rise north of 80°F or so, you’ll start finding the comfort limit. The generous amount of vents and mesh panels made me think this gear would do a decent job in the heat, but one day testing at temperatures hovering around 90°, I was ready to surrender.

When the air is flowing, and all vents are open, it is manageable at high temps. But when you’re stopped (or doing U-turns on the trail for a photoshoot), the heavy-duty Leatt RipStop material will trap heat and get your body temp up in a hurry. Although it is not as intense as laminated Gore-Tex, I will put it in the same category. The protection you get from the heavy-duty material is nice but it can get a little swampy in there if you don’t have airflow moving through the vents in hot weather.

An adventure ride in South Dakota’s Black Hills proved to be the perfect place to test out the versatility of the MultiTour 5.5. The temperamental microclimate weather in the area kept us guessing all day. Between cool mornings, patches of sunny, clear skies in the afternoon and another downpour in our final highway stretch, we saw it all. Our casual pace, stops for snacks, photos, and a leisurely lunch allowed me to work the layers as we went. Over the course of two days, I tested every one of the five-way configurations of the ADV MultiTour 5.5 Women’s jacket, and each time found myself comfortable and dry. Layers were easy to snap in and out of, and equally as easy to stow in the tail bag of the motorcycle.

Slick and muddy conditions on the trail were what led to my “big crash.” A low-speed tip-over sent me rolling in the mud. I landed on my left knee and shoulder, the impact was nothing – no bruises or scratches. And fortunately the bike was okay, too. Only my ego took a hit. The gear was effectively mud-splattered (even before hitting the ground), so at our lunch stop, I opted to shed the outer layers completely and lay them out to dry while we dined. A pair of yoga pants and the inner two layers of the jacket were comfortable to hang out in at the restaurant… even without shoes.

Running a hydration bladder inside the jacket is something I only did once for the sake of testing. The fit and weight distribution are great, and the inner backpack design is again, very well thought out. But the conflict I run into is that I’d only want this in warmer temps, and wearing a sheet of plastic on your back will prevent you from having the ability to open the mesh panel on the rear. Much like making the decision to zip up the cuffs of the jacket, you really need to think through whether or not you want to run the internal hydration pack. This is not something easily or quickly removed mid-ride. Just be aware of the trade-off: the functionality is great, but it is going to limit the venting performance of the jacket.

As far as features and functions, the Leatt ADV MultiTour 5.5 Women’s jacket and pants are pretty outstanding. The only place I’d say they stand to improve is the overall fit. The adjustment features are great, and the ability to cinch the waist and let out the hips of the jacket are fantastic to accommodate varying shapes and sizes. But I find it to be a little boxy at the chest and across the shoulders. I suspect this gearset was adapted from a men’s cut, rather than crafted as a women’s cut from the outset. This is by no means a dealbreaker and honestly might not even be noticeable to many. But when you experience how well a set of women’s gear can fit when it is tailored for a female figure, you’ll appreciate the difference.

I also think it would be a nice touch if the rain layer was cut a bit wider in the torso to allow it as an overlayer. This would provide six-way function… or maybe I’m just getting greedy at this point.

I’d also say that the collar and the cuffs could be narrower. Of course you want these wide enough to accommodate a wide variety of riders, but the neck in particular is pretty gaping wide. Though I will say that it did not chafe my neck or pull my hair once.

I went a size up at the advice of Leatt—I’m usually a solid women’s medium, but went with a large for the MultiTour 5.5. While this was a good move for the jacket, I found the pants to be a bit roomy. But with the level of adjustability the pants offer, it’s not a dealbreaker. If you like form-fitting pants, don’t size up. As for the jacket, size up when in doubt. 

The fit and the comfort level of the pants were both great. While it seemed like there maybe should have been a button or fastener at the top of the zipper (aside from the ratcheting waistband), I will say I appreciated the fact that these pants never once dug into my stomach. They also stayed put very well. When riding technical terrain and moving around on the bike a lot, they stayed snug and secure. I grab with my knees a lot, and even when we were soaked, the pants still allowed me to grip the bike with my legs and stay planted.

Another high mark for the fitment of the Leatt ADV MultiTour 5.5 Women’s gear, especially the pants, is the variety of sizes available. Sizing ranges from XS to 3XL in both the jacket and pants. The pants add on three additional sizes with a Short option for XL – 3XL sizes. Bravo, Leatt! Someone has been listening.

Wash & Wear

After several months with this gear, getting a thorough mud-soaking multiple times and running this through the wash on two occasions, the Leatt ADV MultiTour 5.5 is still looking brand new. This surprised me especially after our Arizona outing since I came home with red-clay mud caked on the light gray jacket. I thought this was for sure going to leave a stain.

Care instructions will tell you NOT to use any sort of detergent, which I found really weird. Basically you just throw it in the wash (after you break down all layers, empty pockets and remove armor) and let it slosh around in water. But I did what it instructed and found the jacket came out pretty clean. The material did not stain, but there were still bits of mud caked in some of the seams. I used a small toothbrush to gently dust the last bits of dirt away.

The waterproof pockets make washing a bit of a task since you have to manually wipe the pockets out before hanging it up to fully dry. Then it’s time to reassemble with the armor and layers. Pay attention to labels on the armor, and the order of operations on the layers to do this correctly.

After our second mud-splattering in South Dakota, and having to leave my gear stuffed in a bag for a week after that until we flew home, it was time for another washing. This time I used a small splash of laundry detergent (against the directions, and possibly voiding the warranty so do this at your own risk) but this time the gear came out looking brand new.

Who’s It For

Lady riders traveling in moderate to cold temperatures, and especially quickly changing environments, will find the most use for the Leatt ADV MultiTour 5.5 Women’s suit. For those demanding the utmost in protection, and want to seal out all the elements, this gear is up to the task. I don’t know if I’d classify it as “all-weather” since it is not optimum in the heat, but this could be a decent three-season solution.

This will be my go-to gear for extreme conditions, when I am heading into the unknown and want to have the most heavy-duty protection. It probably has more technical features than any other gear I own, and for that reason alone, it will get a lot of use.

Our Verdict

The Leatt ADV MultiTour 5.5 Women’s jacket and pants pack a lot of function into a single set of gear. This jacket is five garments in one, and the pants feature very good versatility. Details are incredibly well thought out, and it is very clear this is made by a company of off-road enthusiasts that prioritize safety. However, ladies who prefer a more form-fitting cut or something light enough for casual wear off the bike might want to keep looking. Keep in mind this is heavy-duty gear. It is built for the demands of the ride, rated for the gold-standard in protection, and for being out in the elements all day long. Style and casual comfort are secondary, but not forgotten.

Recalling our unreasonable job description for ADV suits, this gear provides a remarkable answer to many demands, meeting nearly all responsibilities no matter how contradicting. Of course, there are limits in some areas, and strengths in others. But the all-around performance of the Leatt ADV MultiTour 5.5 Women’s jacket and pants is very good, especially when you consider that it comes in at under $1,000 for the set.

What We Liked

• Three-layer construction and five-way function of the jacket
• Good protection against the elements
• Heavy-duty protection and CE AA safety rating
• Waterproof layer of the jacket doubles as a casual jacket
• Great adjustability features to fit different body types
• Sizing variety of the pants (XL – 3XL available in Short)

What Could Be Improved

• Fit of the jacket is a little boxy across the shoulders/upper chest
• Collar and cuffs should probably be narrower
• Design the waterproof liner to fit over the jacket too.
• Heavy-duty shell material can get hot in the summer heat.

Leatt ADV MultiTour 5.5 Women’s Jacket Specs

Colors: Stealth, Iron (pictured)
Sizes: XS – 3XL (US 2 – 14)
Price: $582.00

Leatt ADV MultiTour 5.5 Women’s Pants Specs

Colors: Stealth (pictured)
Sizes: XS – 3XL (including Short XL – 3XL)
Price: $384.00

Shopping Options

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Photos by Jean Turner, Align Media and Rob Dabney