The Richa Atlantic 2 jacket and trousers are tough textiles for both sides of the Atlantic

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I’ve been using Richa’s AA-rated Atlantic 2 jacket and trousers since the onset of autumn 2023. Used for both commuting and leisure rides, I’ve experienced surprisingly warm weather, harsh winter morning frosts, and some of the worst rain I’ve ever ridden in.

Through all of this, the Atlantic suit has been impressive, always keeping me dry and remaining comfortable across hundreds of miles in the saddle thanks to its supple D3O armour in both the jacket and trousers. Both elements are also vegan-friendly, if that’s something that’s important to you.

Although sold with a five-year warranty, the quality stitching, chunky zip closures, and abrasion resistant textile patches give the impression that these will stand the test of time – providing comfort across all seasons of riding, thanks to multiple vents for the summer, and a warming winter liner for when the temperatures drop.

Comfort

This is an extremely comfortable set of textiles. The jacket is the standout of the show, with triple adjustment straps on the arms, plus further toggles around the waist. The collar can also be closed, or pinned back for further ventilation, with sturdy zips also found at the cuffs.

The trousers are also good, and when the weather gets colder, they are the better of the two items at keeping me warm. However, despite fitting me in the leg, they are slightly high waisted, meaning they can sometimes dig in a little when sat on the bike, especially when wearing layers underneath. You soon stop noticing it though when on the move, though.

Both the jacket and trousers come with soft level one D3O armour as standard, which goes unnoticed against your joints, and allows for plenty of movement when on the bike. A winter liner also assists up top when things get cool, with ventilation zips on the chest and trousers to let the air flow through.

These are kept open on the chest with magnets, with the trousers getting four zips in the upper leg and two in the lower sections. Accordion-style stretch panels are found on the knees and arms for additional comfort.

Off the bike, both jacket and trousers also feel light when worn, meaning you’re not thinking about them when walking around – a handy feature when you’ve made it to your destination and fancy going for an explore. As someone that rides to work, the jacket can also be easily used as a coat for a lunchtime walk.

Practicality

With four large internal pockets and a napoleon pocket on the inside, plus another two on the outside, there are plenty of places to stuff your belongings in the Atlantic jacket.

The trousers also come with two pockets, however these are far tighter and so only ever get used for storing spare earplugs if anything at all. What’s more, whilst the central storm flap does very well at keeping rain water away from your groin area, it can make quick toilet breaks more challenging.

Less helpful too is the white colour scheme on the jacket, which shows any splats of dirt and grit thrown up on your ride. That said, the jacket is available in two black designs, which would be far better at dealing with this problem.

The waterproof Goretex construction is also a practicality plus, with both the jacket and trousers keeping the damp out during torrential downpours. This means no need to carry additional waterproofs – although I will often chuck a rain jacket over the top on really cold days to keep out more of the chill.

Another plus in the trousers is the wide opening at the base, which easily swallows sportier touring boots with bulky shins, without then impacting on comfort or freedom of movement on the bike.

Looks

If textile riding kit is your thing, then the Richa Atlantic 2 suit is one to consider. The fit is snug and secure – meaning they don’t look bulky and cumbersome off the bike, with the tight fit also allowing you to slip a rucksack on quickly without snagging the straps.

However, the looks themselves are quite functional and – dare I say it – bland. There’s nothing really wrong with them, but it doesn’t stand out as particularly good looking set of kit.

In Richa’s defence, I do think that about an awful lot of textile riding clobber though, and if I had my time again, I think I’d have opted for a black jacket instead of white.

Quality

Put simply, this feels like a properly sturdy riding suit. After around 7000 miles in some tough riding conditions, there are no frayed zips, the Velcro tabs are like new, and the comfort remains just as impressive.

The only thing that gives the use away is the splats of road muck on the white elements of the jacket, which has been more of a problem during the colder, wetter months of winter.

Other quality touches include the sturdy press stud on the collar, which can be adjusted, as well as pinned out the way on warmer rides.

You’ll also find higher abrasion resistant textile material on the shoulders, elbows, and knees – further giving the impression that these would stand up well in a tumble.

Protection

The Richa Atlantic suit comes with level one D3O armour as standard. This can be upgraded to level two, or Ghost armour, and there’s also a pocket for a chest protector.

Both garments also meet a AA CE rating, with Armacor high abrasion resistant textile on the knees, elbows, and shoulders.

For the price point, I’d like to see this armour come as level two as standard, however I do feel safe and secure when wearing the garments. It does not incorporate an airbag vest and isn’t designed for one to be worn internally.

Value

The Richa Atlantic textile suit is undeniably expensive. I’ve bought working motorcycles for less money, but then this does feel like it will last well beyond Richa’s five-year warranty (something that couldn’t be said for some of those motorcycles…).

Looking specifically at jackets, rivals to the £849.99 Richa Atlantic 2 include the Halvarssons Gruven, which comes in at £599.99, is AA CE rated, and is said to be airbag ready. Although cheaper, there’s no back or chest protector as standard, however the shoulder and elbow armour is level two rated.

You could also consider the Klim Latitude Gore-Tex, which is priced at around £860 and also features D3O level one armour as standard, including at the back. That said, its CE rating is just a single A.

Verdict

Although an undeniably expensive set of textiles, I am happy to say that they are some of the comfiest I have ever worn, with supple D3O armour in the shoulders, arms, back, hips, and knees, plus plenty of adjustment points to get things just right.

This armour is level one as standard and can be upgraded to more protective D3O options should you so wish. I’d personally like to see it as level two as standard for this price point, but I do feel secure wearing it, and there’s an option for an additional chest protector.

Away from the armour, the finish feels quality and rugged, and whilst there’s a five-year warranty, I reckon it will live on far further than that.

It’s also one of the few sets of textile kit I’ve used that remains waterproof during serious downpours. My commute is 50 miles each way, and having kit I can trust without additional waterproofing has been wonderful.

That said, on very cold rides below five degrees, I have been wearing a rain jacket over the top to keep some of the wind chill away, as the top half doesn’t keep me warm enough with a T-shirt, jumper, and base layer underneath.

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