The “shoulder seasons” are a time of change, renewal, celebrations, and certainly a time of shifting temperatures. In these days of fluctuating weather, we might take two steps out the door and make a quick U-turn after realizing the outdoor temperature doesn’t quite match the view from the window. 

For those unexpected weather conditions, REV’IT!’ has launched the Tornado 4 H20 with the promise of wide-spread versatility to keep the ride fun. This is the latest mesh ADV suit from the Netherlands-based company (also available in Men’s), and the fourth iteration of the venerable staple in the REV’IT! lineup. 

Now equipped with a third layer, the Tornado’s jacket and pants include an outer breathable shell fitted with both a thermal liner and hydratex waterproof liner. Each liner is individually removable, meaning this suit can run in any of four different configurations: Fully vented with just the outer layer for a freeing full-body cool worthy of its own toothpaste commercial, fully loaded with both removable liners intact for an insulated and weather-sealed experience, or either one liner of your choosing.

Sure, this is not as on-the-fly versatile as all-season gear such as the REV’IT! Lamina GTX Ladies suit and its many vents that zip open and closed. The multi-season versatility of the Tornado 4 H2O requires a bit more effort to shift gears, requiring you to stop, add/remove/stow extra layers, but the overall versatility covers an even wider spread, which is why I urge you to look at this adventure touring suit as more than a vented suit for warm-weather riding. This is a solution for a very wide range of temperatures and weather conditions, a functional suit that can help keep you comfortable outdoors throughout most of the year. Billed by REV’IT! as “multi-season” rather than “all-season,” it’s got you covered in three out of four—three layers for three seasons. And if you live in a place with mild winters, such as San Diego, perhaps it is an all-season suit.

Suit Tech

The Tornado 4 H2O Ladies jacket features an outer shell made with 3D air mesh fabric. These generous panels on the chest, arms and back allow ample airflow straight to your core. The pants feature 3D air mesh on the front of the thighs and down the back of the leg for further cooling. Structure of the jacket and pants outer shells are otherwise constructed of Hypalon and polyester ripstop, with a polyester mesh lining throughout. The lining features patches in the shoulders, elbows, knees and hips of a very silky liner that is super comfortable. You might not enjoy these (or even notice them) most of the time when you’re wearing a base layer, but the pants especially feel very supple and nice.

Pockets that house SeeFlex CE level-2 armor are also found in the elbows, shoulders and knees. Hips get the SeeSmart CE-level 1 hip protectors while the back is compatible with the SeeSoft CE-level 2 back protector insert, which can be purchased separately. All in, the Tornado H2O suit receives the gold standard CE AA safety rating.

As mentioned above, the pants and jacket can each be worn in any of four configurations. Fully vented (no liners), fully sealed (both liners), or one liner, either the thermal or the waterproof liner. There is actually a fifth configuration for the jacket, which would be the waterproof liner over the jacket rather than inside it. No such option exists for the pants; the hydratex layer may only be worn as an inner liner.

The neck features REV’IT’s handy ‘Flexisnap’ slide adjustment so you can tailor the fit of the neck for as much airflow as you do, or do not want. The collar can also be snapped open, so it doesn’t flop around in the wind.

Pockets are generous which is great, because that can always be a question mark when it comes to women’s gear. Two outer pockets and two inner pockets on the jacket can stow a lot of goodies. You won’t find a rear pocket (aside from the back protector insert). The thermal liner has one interior pocket, as does the waterproof liner—thermal liner pocket is on the right, waterproof liner on the left. Someone was thinking. The pants have a pair of front pockets that could be deeper in my opinion, but they can easily store a smartphone.

Venting in the pocket areas means that air is still flowing. This also means that your belongings are exposed to the elements such as water and dust. Make a mental note. If you are wearing the hydratex layer on the outside of the jacket, you will have no outer pockets, but the inner pocket will be weather sealed. 

How It Performed

I’ve always wanted a gear set like this. All-season gear is fantastic, but the fact that you actually have three sets of gear in one here is a different level of versatility. The mesh outer shell is the central strength—nothing beats this for warm-weather riding. But do keep in mind that you get a lot more than just vented gear with the Tornado 4 H2O. Stopping to change gear, snapping in layers or removing and stowing liners is time consuming, and not as handy as zipping open vents, but there is a broader range of versatility here, of course, skewing toward the higher temps.

The fit on the jacket is a little… different. I’ll admit I was expecting a similar fit to the REV’IT! Lamina GTX Ladies suit that I have in my closet, but one look at the Tornado jacket will reveal that this is not a form-fitting cut (REV’IT! even explains as much on its website). My guess is that the women’s Tornado is adapted from the men’s cut, rather than being a blank-sheet design contoured in the women’s shape like the Lamina GTX. Slipping into the jacket actually had me checking to make sure that the label said “Ladies,” since I suspected from the very straight and somewhat boxy torso that this could be a men’s jacket. The arms had a nice slightly snug fit with a decent cuff length (maybe a touch on the short side), but even with all three layers intact, the trunk was pretty roomy. Now, I don’t exactly have a slim waist (athletic shaped, 5’8” 140 lbs) but this was a pretty boxy fit. No problem, I’ll just cinch up the waist adjusters… Nope. No waist adjustability. There are adjustable straps at the bottom of the jacket around the hips, but nothing to gather up this boxy trunk.

With the layers out, and just the vented jacket, things are even roomier, and started feeling like a bathrobe. You might be thinking I should go down a size, but as I mentioned, the arms felt reasonably snug – I wouldn’t want them any tighter and wouldn’t want the sleeve length any shorter at the wrist. But speaking of the arms, there is the ability to take them in by way of upper arm snaps, forearm cinches and adjustable wrist closures with zippered cuffs. So a reasonable amount of adjustability is there, just not the waist, which would be nice. But it’s by no means a dealbreaker. It’s always better to be too big than too small, of course. That leaves more room to layer up in the cold weather if I need to—a nice puffer vest will fit in there no problem, even after a big breakfast.

The pants fit great. The waist sits just at the hip, right where I like them, in a relaxed fit with very comfortable liner, and adjustability right where it should be—stretch panels and cinches in the waist, and cinches on the calf. The waist adjusters mean that if you prefer a higher-rise fit, these pants can likely adapt. The leg closures are highly adjustable by way of Velcro strips, an easy solution that can quickly and effortlessly accommodate everything from riding shoes to enduro boots.

Venting is quite thorough throughout the jacket and pants, the literal breath of fresh air I was longing for all summer. I didn’t get my set until mid-September, and not a moment too soon. My all-weather gear was my go-to prior to that, but even well-placed vents are no match for full air mesh panels. I learned this summer that you need to be careful with matching zippered vents with things like backpacks or hydration packs. One strap crossing the vent will render it completely useless. But with thoroughly vented gear like the Tornado 4 H2O, nothing much is going to stop the air from flowing. Mesh panels both front and rear mean the air is pumping through the suit non-stop—so vented it had me wondering how much drag this must actually be creating.

At anything north of mid-80’s temps, the mesh suit is a no brainer for me. Zippered vents are nice, but there is a limit to how much air they can flow. The 3D air mesh, on the other hand, flows so much air that you actually need to consider the level of exposure you’re getting. If plans change, you’re out after dark, or temps drop, you could find yourself becoming uncomfortable pretty quickly. On a warm day in the Laguna mountains in early fall, weather took a slight turn in the afternoon. While it wasn’t drastic, moving in and out of shadows on the north faces of the mountains sent a whoosh of cool air to my core, reminding me how exposed I sort of was in this configuration. This also means you could be getting dirty, because if air is getting in, that also means dust is getting in. Consider this before you tell your buddy to ride ahead of you on the dirt road. This can also mean that you’re getting more dehydrated than usual. As your body’s internal AC gets cranking, moisture is getting stripped from your skin that much quicker, so factor that into your ride plans, as well.

Exposure doesn’t mean a lack of critical protection, however. Impact absorption and abrasion resistance are CE AA certified. The jacket also comes with a pocket to insert a CE Level-2 back pad for additional protection. Although, I learned that adding the back pad does increase the stiffness of the jacket and blocks much of the back venting.

As for the style, the newer stuff isn’t a huge departure from the previous style, but I do really appreciate that the yoke of the seat is black and not a light shade. That could honestly have been a deal breaker for me. I’ve worn gear with white-/pale-colored seats and it always ends up the same—after riding through dirt (or god forbid, mud), it looks like you crapped your pants. The dirty-butt-look seems inevitable with light colored pants, but the black yoke spares you that unflattering skunk stripe that doesn’t look good on anyone.

When it comes to layering up, the generous trunk of the jacket allows plenty of room for a comfortable fit, and the arms, as mentioned, can be let out or snugged up. Snapping in the thermal liner is pretty quick and easy, and can be done on the roadside. The waterproof layer is even easier, since this can go under or over the shell. The ultra-lightweight hydratex liner can even be worn on its own (with or without the thermal liner) as a casual jacket. How great is that?

Throwing the hydratex liner over the whole kit makes the most sense to me, since the mesh won’t be taking on water. Wind, water and dust are all kept out with one light shell. Do keep in mind that the liner is not rated for abrasion resistance, so hit the ground and you’ll shred it to bits. But it sure does keep things neat and simple in quick changing weather.

The pants are not quite as simple, and are definitely not done in a roadside stop. Nor can the waterproof layer go on over the pants. The pant layers only configure one way (outer, waterproof liner, thermal). Do yourself a favor, and if you get these pants in the middle of a heat wave like I did, study the way they assemble before you go ripping the liners out. Because the construction of the Tornado 4 H2O pants is a bit more complex than the jacket, and weeks later when it comes time to layer up, you’ll need to get it right. 

On the pants, the liners attach at the top by way of sleek yet sturdy zippers that circumvent the waist below the waistband. This is an appreciated detail since the liners can attach without altering the waist size of the pant. The liners zip to each other at the bottoms, and the waterproof layer zips to the outer. You do have the option of running only the thermal layer, in which case there is a second zipper circumventing the inner leg cuffs. But when you’re running both layers, you won’t need this attachment. See what I mean? It’s complicated.

Plan ahead for the pants, change up the jacket on the fly. 

Who it’s For

Lady riders traveling in warmer climates will reap the rewards of this suit. For temperatures north of the mid-80s, when zippered vents no longer cut it, a mesh suit is in order. Add to that all its configurations, and you can adjust to warm rainy days, cold windy days and plenty in between. The light hydratex shell can protect from wind and dust without adding any insulation, and of course, running both liners will keep you comfortable well into the “shoulder seasons” of fall and spring. If you live in a place with mild winters like San Diego, this might even be considered an all-season solution.

Our Verdict

The REV’IT! Tornado 4 H2O Ladies jacket and pants are far more than vented gear. This is three layers in one, giving you four configurations for multi-season riding comfort.

At $369.99 for the jacket and $319.99 for the pants, this is a sizeable investment, but far from REV’IT!’s top line offerings that can reach more than twice those amounts. The versatility by way of liners and fit adjustability, along with a CE AA safety rating, give this suit an excellent bang-for-the-buck rating.

Ladies who prefer a fitted cut might find the jacket a little boxy, but there are more options from REV’IT! such as the Lamina GTX or the Sand that better contoured to the female shape.

What We Liked

• Three layers in one give you four suits in one
•  Excellent venting in warm temperatures
• Waterproof shell doubles as a casual jacket
•  Pants feature great adjustability

What Could Be Improved

• Fit of the jacket is a bit boxy in the torso
• Waist adjusters would be nice!

Tornado 4 H2O Ladies Jacket Specs

Colors: Silver-Black (shown), Black-Anthracite
Sizes: 34 – 44
Price: $369.99

Tornado 4 H2O Ladies Pants Specs

Colors: Silver-Black (shown), Black
Sizes: 34 – 44
Price: $319.99

Shopping Options

JACKET

PANTS

Photos by Jean Turner and Rob Dabney

Author: Jean Turner

Jean Turner is a freelance journalist/photographer in the powersports industry. She has been riding and racing motocross and enduro for over 18 years, during which she has worked for a number of publications such as Cycle News, Dirt Rider magazine, Dirt Bike magazine, Racer X, Motocross Action Magazine and international publications in Europe, Japan and Australia. Jean grew up riding in the Southern California desert with her family and has traveled the world as a media correspondent covering and shooting motorcycle races, manufacturer intros and off-road/adventure tours.