Our REV’IT! Sand 5 H2O Jacket review reveals hard truths about adventure touring gear that most manufacturers won’t tell you. This dual-sport jacket promises versatility across scorching deserts and sudden downpours.
In my experience testing hundreds of motorcycle jackets over the last ten years, few adventure-oriented pieces deliver on their ambitious promises.
REV’IT! positions this waterproof textile as the ultimate solution for riders who refuse to compromise between ventilation and weather protection.
I’ve worn this jacket through blistering 38°C heat and torrential rainstorms. The Sand 5 H2O survived my scrutiny in ways that surprised me.
Will our REV’IT! Sand 5 H2O Jacket review confirm your worst fears about compromise-oriented gear, or prove that one jacket can truly handle extreme conditions?
REV’IT! Sand 5 H2O Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent ventilation system
- Fully waterproof construction
- High-quality protective armour
Cons
- Less suited to daily, all-season commuting
The Sand 5 prioritizes modular versatility over simplicity. Its multi-layer setup makes it ideal for riders who tackle long-distance or mixed-climate adventures but less practical for everyday city commuting where constant weather changes demand quick adjustments.
Construction and Fit
The Sand 5 H2O employs a three-layer modular system: a CE-certified outer shell that houses the armour, a removable waterproof liner, and an independent thermal liner for insulation.
This structure allows riders to customize for climate—wearing the breathable outer alone in hot weather or combining all layers for cold, wet conditions. Unlike many competing models, the waterproof liners can be worn either under or over the shell, offering unmatched flexibility.
The thermal jacket, made from polyester insulation, functions as a standalone garment and features subtle design touches that allow off-bike use.
Build quality is excellent, with uniform stitching, reflective accents beneath vent flaps, a padded collar, drawstring hem, and leather inner-leg panels for grip and abrasion resistance. The jacket also accommodates a 1.5-litre hydration pack, with routing loops for the hose.
Sizing is accurate but slightly fitted; riders between sizes should try both. Available in men’s S–4XL (trousers to XS) and women’s 34–46.
Protection and Certification
Certified to EN17092 Level AA, the Sand 5 achieves a balance between abrasion resistance and comfort. This certification confirms that the entire garment meets required standards for tear strength, seam durability, and surface wear. Armour is separately tested, and Rev’It equips the suit with Level 2 Seeflex protectors on shoulders, elbows, and knees. These are the larger Type B variants, validated for performance between -10°C and +40°C (T+/T-).
The protectors are left/right specific, ensuring natural movement and alignment, and are adjustable across two elbow and three knee positions. The hip protectors are Level 1 Type B, offering lighter protection but preserving mobility.
The jacket includes a pocket for Rev’It’s Seesoft Air Type RV back protector (£49.99), available in four sizes, and optional Level 1 Seesoft chest protectors (£33.99). Though the back unit is certified only as Central Back (CB), its coverage remains extensive. This configuration provides outstanding impact and abrasion defence for its weight and flexibility class.
Pockets and Storage
Storage capacity in the Sand 5 is streamlined but purposeful. Two primary waist pockets on the jacket use a diagonal, fold-over closure that remains waterproof regardless of liner configuration. They easily hold essentials such as a phone, wallet, or keys, while their placement prevents leg interference during riding.
A large rear mesh pocket accommodates either a hydration bladder or damp gloves. Internally, two small Velcro pockets handle documents or small accessories. The waterproof liner includes an interior pocket suitable for a smartphone, maintaining access during rain.
The thermal jacket offers open hand pockets and one internal popper-closed compartment, while the trousers feature two thigh pockets—one popper-fastened, one zipped—and an additional tall left-side slot for slim items. Though minimal, each pocket serves a clear function, emphasizing practicality over excess.
Fastening System
The main jacket closure employs a heavy-duty YKK zipper with an ergonomic metal pull, ensuring reliability even with gloved hands.
The trousers feature a zip fly, snap button, and a full-circumference belt with a plastic buckle for waist adjustment. Stretch at the waist is limited, so riders near size thresholds may prefer sizing up.
Two jacket-to-trouser connection zips—a short rear and a full-length waist version—offer secure integration. Trouser cuffs open widely to fit enduro-style boots and use substantial Velcro panels for sealing. Jacket cuffs feature zippers and side-mounted Velcro straps that tighten comfortably without bunching.
The waterproof liners replicate these closures with lighter zips and adjustable Velcro cuffs, accommodating slim waterproof gloves. Attention to ergonomic access and durable hardware reinforces the Sand 5’s reputation for long-haul practicality.
Adjustment Features
Fit customization on the Sand 5 is extensive. The jacket includes adjustable waist straps, a sliding collar fastener, two-position bicep snaps, and multi-stage forearm straps for maintaining armour placement across different liner combinations.
The trousers feature below-knee straps and a secure waist belt for fine-tuning. These adjustments ensure the armour remains precisely positioned regardless of thermal or waterproof layer use.
Such retention systems enhance both protection and comfort, preventing the protectors from shifting during active off-road movements or long-distance highway riding.
Ventilation Performance
Effective airflow is one of the Sand 5’s defining strengths. With the waterproof layer removed, six major vent areas promote cooling: two large chest panels, dual shoulder-to-elbow zippers with internal flaps, an openable collar, a wide back exhaust panel, and two thigh vents.
Each panel can be half-opened using integrated poppers or fully retracted for maximum air intake. On bikes like the R1250GS, ventilation remains strong while seated and exceptional when standing.
Riders are advised to pair the suit with moisture-wicking technical base layers rather than cotton, which retains sweat. The result is a system that maintains comfort and dryness even in high summer conditions.
Thermal Performance
When equipped with both waterproof and thermal liners, the Sand 5 provides reliable insulation for cool-weather touring. The included down-style thermal jacket performs comparably to midweight standalone puffers and can be worn independently off the bike.
For moderate cold, most riders can forgo additional layering, but extreme winter riding may still require heated garments. The thermal trousers, designed only for internal use, offer adequate warmth when zipped into the main pants. The system’s modularity allows riders to adapt seamlessly from summer heat to early-winter chill without needing multiple suits.
Lining and Comfort
The interior mesh lining of the main jacket and trousers prevents stickiness in warm conditions, maintaining smooth airflow and comfort. Armour pockets, while slightly warmer under extreme heat, remain soft and flexible.
The fabric choice and seam placement minimize friction points, allowing comfortable movement during long rides or technical off-road standing positions.
Waterproofing and Wet-Weather Use
Both jacket and trousers are fully waterproof when the liners are installed. The three-layer laminate construction bonds the waterproof membrane to a durable outer fabric with a protective scrim, safeguarding against abrasion and wear. All seams are accurately taped, ensuring no leakage except minor seepage at the collar in heavy storms.
Because the outer shell itself is not laminated, it will absorb water if the liners are worn inside, extending drying time. However, Rev’It’s decision to allow the liners to be worn externally solves this—riders can quickly layer up without undressing mid-ride. Reflective elements and Cordura reinforcements on the forearms and seat increase visibility and longevity.
While ideal for touring and expeditions, frequent daily commuters might find the multi-layer setup cumbersome for constant weather transitions.
Cleaning and Maintenance
All components of the Sand 5 H2O—outer shell, waterproof liner, and thermal liner—can be machine washed at 30°C with mild detergent after removing armour.
The items should be air-dried in a shaded, ventilated area and never tumble-dried or ironed. The outer layer should be washed separately to preserve its DWR (durable water repellent) coating. Proper care maintains breathability and ensures long-term waterproof integrity.
Verdict
The Rev’It Sand 5 H2O exemplifies advanced adventure-touring engineering. It achieves a rare combination of flexibility, protection, and ventilation without excessive bulk.
While its modular nature requires more effort than a single-layer commuter suit, it rewards riders with unmatched adaptability across climates and terrains.
For those planning multi-day journeys or mixed-weather expeditions, this is one of the most accomplished textile systems currently available.