Deconstructing the Mandate
In the world of high-performance outerwear, the most effective tools are rarely generalists. They are specialists, engineered with a clarity of purpose that dictates every material choice and design line. The Rev’It! Component 2 H2O Jacket is a prime example of this philosophy applied to the rigors of adventure motorcycling. To mistake it for a conventional, all-in-one touring jacket is to fundamentally misunderstand its mandate.
This is not a single garment meant to solve every environmental problem. It is a technical outer shell, the waterproof and abrasion-resistant keystone of a layering system. Its design DNA, born from the Rev’It! Dirt Series, sheds the bulk and integrated liners of its touring-focused cousins. In their place, it offers mobility, light weight, and a focused defense against wind and water. It operates on the same principle as a high-altitude mountaineering shell: it is the impermeable barrier that enables the layers beneath it to function correctly, providing a precise solution to a specific set of problems encountered by the rider who ventures far from the pavement.
Material Science and Architecture
The integrity of any technical shell is determined by its materials. The Component 2 H2O is built around a strategic triad of fabrics and technologies, each selected for its role in the jacket’s active-use mission.
- Chassis and Waterproofing: Hydratex|3L Pro: The core of the jacket is a 3-layer laminated fabric. This construction method is critical. Unlike a drop-liner system where a separate waterproof membrane hangs inside the outer fabric, a 3L laminate bonds the waterproof, breathable Hydratex membrane directly between a durable outer face and a protective inner backer. The immediate benefit is the elimination of the air gap between layers, which prevents the outer shell from absorbing water, getting heavy, and feeling cold—a phenomenon known as “wetting out.” This system ensures the jacket remains light and its breathable properties are not compromised, even in a sustained downpour.
- Primary Fabric: Abrasion-Resistant Ripstop: The main body employs a ripstop material, identifiable by its crosshatch pattern of reinforcement threads. This is a deliberate choice for an off-road environment. The grid structure is engineered to arrest tears, preventing a small snag on a branch from propagating into a catastrophic failure. It provides a foundational level of durability without the restrictive weight and stiffness of heavy-gauge Cordura.
- Impact Protection: See-Smart CE-Level 1 Armor: The included armor at the shoulders and elbows is See-Smart CE-level 1. This armor is notable for its flexibility, thin profile, and open-cell structure, which allows air and moisture to pass through. The choice of Level 1 over Level 2 is a calculated trade-off. It prioritizes ergonomic comfort and ventilation for the high-exertion, dynamic movements of off-road riding, accepting a lower level of impact absorption in exchange for a garment that moves with the rider, not against them. The jacket is designed to be worn over standalone body armor for those seeking a higher level of protection, reinforcing its identity as a component within a system.
Real-World Ergonomics and Performance
A spec sheet is a list of ingredients; the real test is in the execution. In application, the Component 2 H2O demonstrates how its design elements coalesce into a functional whole.
- Weather Defense: The Hydratex|3L system performs exactly as designed. Water beads and runs off the surface effectively, and the taped seams and waterproof zippers provide a complete seal. Its true advantage over lesser designs becomes apparent during intermittent rain or on trails with multiple water crossings, where the shell’s resistance to water absorption keeps the rider from feeling clammy and chilled.
- Ventilation and Thermal Regulation: As an active-use shell, managing rider-generated heat is paramount. The Component 2 H2O features direct-to-body ventilation via zippers on the upper arms and back. While effective for moderate exertion, this is not a mesh jacket. In high-temperature, low-speed technical terrain, the rider will rely heavily on the inherent breathability of the 3L membrane. Its performance here is analogous to any high-end waterproof-breathable fabric: it manages moisture vapor transfer effectively, but it cannot defy physics. Its primary role is to block wind and water, and it relies on intelligent layering and judicious use of its vents to manage the microclimate within.
- Fit and Articulation: The jacket is cut with an “active fit”—it is trim and athletic, designed to eliminate flapping material without restricting movement. Gussets and stretch panels are placed strategically to allow for the full range of motion required when maneuvering a motorcycle off-road. It fits cleanly over a base layer and a low-profile mid-layer, but those intending to wear it over bulky armored jackets should verify sizing. The design assumes a rider who is standing on the pegs, leaning, and constantly shifting their body weight.
The Nexus Verdict
The Rev’It! Component 2 H2O is an expertly executed piece of specialized equipment. It is not, and was never intended to be, the single answer for every rider. Its value is not in its breadth of features, but in its depth of purpose.
This jacket is the definitive choice for the dedicated dual-sport and adventure rider who builds a functional layering system. It is for the individual who understands that true all-weather capability comes from adaptability, not from a single, heavy garment. For these riders, the Component 2 H2O is an indispensable tool, offering high-level waterproof performance and mobility in a lightweight, durable package.
Conversely, the long-distance tourer or daily commuter seeking an all-in-one solution with integrated thermal liners, extensive storage, and CE-Level 2 protection should look elsewhere. The Component 2 H2O’s specialization is its greatest strength, and that strength is most apparent in the unpredictable environments for which it was engineered. It is a precise, high-performance solution for the demands of the adventure.
