Challenger Jacket

Olaf Wolff
AllAboutBikes Sr. Staff Writer

I set out to do a product evaluation on Belstaff’s Trekker jacket and wound up with something much more. Back in the day Belstaff gear was the shasizzle – it was the motorcycle stuff you had to have, but that was awhile back, and for whatever the reason the mystique faded over the years, things changed.

This particular jacket for example the Trekker, I discovered, had been replaced by British Motorcycle Gear’s Challenger Jacket. Two things immediately came to mind with this revelation – the first being, “okay then let’s test that jacket,” and the second thought was, “so what’s up with that?” Here’s the official short version regarding the Belstaff to BMG transformation –

“The Belstaff brand was sold to an Italian Fashion House in ‘05.  We (BMG) were the USA Importer for Belstaff.  We are now manufacturing under our label.”

BMG also acquired a large stock of genuine Belstaff inventory and is selling it via their website. This stuff is like the best kept secret in the motorcycle gear industry. You won’t find it in your local shops and hardly anyone talks about it currently – but I have a notion that’s all going to change soon.

The BMG Challenger jacket packs a walloping first impression – from it’s striking appearance to it’s confidence inspiring heft – there’s little doubt that the Challenger is dukeing it out in the heavyweight class – nothing wimpy, frilly, or lightweight going on here.

The jacket is described as an all weather, 100% waterproof, multi functional adventure touring jacket with detachable thermal insulation, and 6 zipped ventilation points. What that doesn’t address is the truly practical vents on the forearms that run from the wrists to the biceps. It is basically the same classic ¾ length cut that has long been a best seller, but all the best features and protection have been jacked up to exceed today’s demanding expectations and finicky tastes. You really do get a bunch of jacket for the buck with this one.

The exterior is made of thick, heavy, hard-wearing 600 denier fabric, with double reinforced fabric along the upper back and a double studded storm-flap to prevent rain/cold ingress. The CE approved Knox shoulder and elbow armor exceeds European and U.S. standards for PPE protection, with optional CE back armor available as well.

For added comfort and insulation there is TPU foam positioned along the lower back, just above a large rear pocket, which is ample enough to act as a mobile picnic-pack for a passenger. The collar is lined with cushy neoprene, there’s even a piece smartly positioned in the Adams-apple region, an area that can be abrasive on some jacket collars.

There is stretch material under the arms and eyelets that can be used for holding sunglasses. There are rubber grab-tabs on all the adjusters, along the collar, shoulders, sleeves and the waist – allowing you to totally personalize and dial-in the fit. This jacket is in fact so damn feature packed – it discloses itself like a wonderland of discoveries worthy of any gear-geek’s attention.

I’m still finding pockets inside pockets, a mobile phone pouch in one and a license/ID case in another. There are 2 security zipped pockets in the jacket lining, 4 large cargo pockets, 2 hand-warmer pockets and 2 pockets at the end of the sleeves. I’m pretty sure I haven’t found them all yet.

With the thermal liner zipped in place this jacket is cozy enough down into the 40 degree area – anything lower is out of my comfort zone anyway.

BMG may not yet be an immediately recognizable player in the humungous motorcycle apparel market, but be advised – all the old missing Belstaff charisma is back – and then some. When you see someone wearing the Challenger you will take notice – this jacket is pure class and all business – I flat-out love it.

Suggested Retail Price:  $279.00

Colors:  Black/Blue/White and Black/Gunmetal.