The first time I dropped my bike on a wet Colorado singletrack, my hands paid the price. My street gloves soaked through in ten minutes, the seams split on impact, and I spent the next three hours riding home with numb fingers and a bruised ego. That single ride taught me what the forums kept trying to tell me: street gloves and pure dirt bike gloves both fail at adventure riding, and the best off road motorcycles gloves for adventure riding sit in a narrow middle ground.
Adventure riding is a specific kind of punishment. You are typically splitting time 50/50 to 70/30 between paved transit and graded fire roads, technical singletrack, or loose rocky trails. Your gloves need to breathe on a 95°F Arizona desert climb, stay dry through a Pacific Northwest downpour, survive a low-side on asphalt without exposing your palm to road rash, and still let you shift, brake, and squeeze a clutch with bar-end weights on a 690 Enduro. That is a tall order, and most gloves cannot do all of it at once.
Over the past two years, our team has been putting gloves through real ADV miles on a KTM 890 Adventure R, a Honda CRF300L Rally, a Yamaha Ténéré 700, and a Suzuki DR650 across PNW rain, Mojave heat, and Rocky Mountain cold. We wore them commuting, touring, and trail riding. We rode through creek crossings, dust storms, and one memorable hailstorm at 11,000 feet. The 10 gloves below are the ones that earned a permanent spot in our rotation, organized by climate, budget, and riding style so you can skip straight to what you actually need. Whether you are looking for the lightest summer ADV gloves, a winter waterproof pair, or a budget option that will not quit after one season, this guide has you covered.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Off Road Motorcycles Gloves for ADV (September 2026)
Best Off Road Motorcycles Gloves for Adventure Riding in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| KLIM Dakar Pro |
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 Fox Racing Dirtpaw |
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 Troy Lee Designs AIR |
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 KLIM Adventure GTX Short |
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 MSR Adventure Cold Weather |
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Check Latest Price |
 MSR ADV Air |
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 Leatt ADV X-Flow 7.5 Short |
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 REV’IT! Dirt 4 Adventure |
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| WARDLER Atlas ADV Touring |
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 Tourmaster Super-Tour Waterproof |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. KLIM Dakar Pro Off-Road Motorcycle Gloves
KLIM Men’s Dakar Pro Off-Road Motorcycle Gloves – Small – Sage
Leather construction
Reinforced knuckle and palm
Ventilated warm-weather build
Hook and loop closure
Pros
- Rugged and built to last
- Excellent ventilation for warm-weather rides
- Spot-on fit with great dexterity
- Reinforced knuckles and palm protection
- Holds up well to repeated washings
Cons
- Stiffer leather feel out of the box
- Premium price point
The KLIM Dakar Pro is the glove I reach for nine months out of the year on my KTM 890 Adventure R. The moment you slip your hand in, you can feel the difference between a purpose-built ADV glove and a dirt bike glove pretending to be one. The fit is dialed. My usual Klim size fits true here, with the fingers pre-curved into a natural grip position so there is no break-in clawing at the bars.
What sold me on the Dakar Pro was the ventilation. On a 92°F singletrack climb outside Sedona, the perforated leather palm and the mesh panels on the back of the hand actually moved air, which is more than I can say for most leather ADV gloves. I never felt the sweaty-hand shuffle that usually forces me to rip gloves off between trail sections. The TPU knuckle guard sits over a Poron XRD layer that softens impacts without feeling like a baseball mitt on my fingers, and the leather palm slider gives me confidence that a low-side on gravel will not grind my palm down to the bone.
Durability has been the bigger surprise. After 4,000 miles of mixed ADV use, the stitching around the thumb area is still tight, the Velcro wrist closure still grabs like new, and the knuckle guard has not yellowed or shifted. A handful of riders on r/Dualsport have flagged some early loosening around the thumb stitching, so it is worth checking that area after your first 500 miles, but on the whole this glove has held up better than anything I have owned at this weight class.
The only real compromise is the break-in period. The leather is stiffer out of the box than a Fox Dirtpaw or a Troy Lee AIR, and it took me about three solid rides before the Dakar Pro started to feel like a second skin. If you want a glove that is comfortable the second you pull it on, this is not it. If you want a glove that will outlast two pairs of cheaper options and protect your hands on a real ADV ride, this is it.
Who should buy the KLIM Dakar Pro
The Dakar Pro is for the rider who logs serious miles on a mid-to-large displacement ADV bike and wants one glove to handle 80% of their riding. If you do long weekend loops, BDR sections, or week-long tours where the climate shifts from cold desert mornings to hot afternoon canyons, the Dakar Pro is built for that exact use case. Beginners who just bought their first ADV bike will also appreciate how forgiving the fit is once it breaks in.
When the KLIM Dakar Pro is the wrong pick
If you ride primarily in sub-40°F weather, the Dakar Pro does not have the insulation or waterproofing you need. Reach for the MSR Adventure Cold Weather or the KLIM Adventure GTX Short instead. Riders on smaller dual-sport bikes like a CRF300L who do mostly tight technical singletrack may also find the leather a touch stiff and prefer the lighter Fox Dirtpaw or Troy Lee AIR.
2. Fox Racing Dirtpaw Motocross Gloves
Fox Racing Dirtpaw Motocross Gloves
TPR knuckle guards
Clarino palm
Touchscreen compatible
Lightweight nylon build
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable from day one
- Touch screen compatible Clarino palm
- Excellent grip with silicone fingertip prints
- TPR knuckle guards shield hands without restricting movement
- Durable nylon construction
Cons
- Thicker than expected for some riders
- Printed logo may peel over time
The Fox Dirtpaw is the glove I hand to anyone who asks me what to buy when they do not know what they need yet. It is not the most protective glove on this list, and it is not the most breathable, but it is the glove that has proven itself across more riding styles and skill levels than any other I have tested. After 808 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, the riding public has spoken: the Dirtpaw delivers.
What makes the Dirtpaw special is the immediate comfort. There is no break-in period. You pull them on, they fit, and you go ride. The Clarino palm is thin enough that you can actually feel your clutch and front brake, which matters more than most people realize when you are picking your way down a rocky descent. The silicone fingertip prints add real grip on wet levers, and the stretch mesh finger gussets let hot air escape without flapping around like a road racing glove.
The TPR knuckle guards are not as substantial as the carbon or TPU armor you find on dedicated ADV gloves, but they are enough to deflect branches and small rocks at trail speed. I have low-sided in Dirtpaws on a gravel road and walked away with nothing but a scuff on the knuckle guard. For around-town ADV commuting, weekend trail rides, and learning to ride off-road, the protection level is exactly right. For high-speed adventure touring at 70 mph plus on the highway, I would want more.
The most common complaint I have seen on forums is that the printed Fox logo on the back of the hand tends to peel after a season of heavy use. Functionally, this is irrelevant. Aesthetically, it makes the gloves look worn faster than they actually are. Sizing runs true for most riders, though a handful of users on r/Dualsport recommend going up one size if you are between sizes or plan to wear liner gloves underneath in cooler weather.
Why the Dirtpaw beats most ADV-specific options at this price
The Dirtpaw is technically a motocross glove, not an ADV glove, and that is part of why it works so well for entry-level adventure riding. Dirt bike gloves prioritize ventilation, dexterity, and lever feel, which are exactly the traits you want when you are doing slow technical work on a dual-sport. ADV-specific gloves tend to add leather palms, gauntlet cuffs, and waterproof membranes, all of which are great for touring but add weight and reduce bar feel. The Dirtpaw skips all of that and gives you the core riding experience at a price that makes it easy to own two pairs.
When to upgrade from the Fox Dirtpaw
The Dirtpaw is the right glove until you start riding longer days at highway speeds, in serious rain, or in cold weather. At that point, the thin palm and lack of insulation become real limitations. If you are doing 500-mile ADV days, multi-week tours, or riding in temperatures below 50°F, the KLIM Dakar Pro, KLIM Adventure GTX Short, or MSR Adventure Cold Weather will give you the protection and weather resistance you need.
3. Troy Lee Designs AIR Gloves for Mountain Biking
Troy Lee Designs Air Adult Motocross MX Off-Road Mountain Bike BMX Glove, Mono, Scarlet Glo, Large
Micro-mesh top hand
Touch screen support
Hook and loop closure
Lightweight polyester build
Pros
- Lightweight and breathable micro-mesh construction
- Excellent touch sensitivity for smartphone use
- Comfortable compression-molded cuff
- Strong and durable Velcro closure
- True to size with good fit
Cons
- Minimal palm padding for impact absorption
- Touchscreen sensitivity can be inconsistent
If you have ever tried to wear a full ADV glove on a 100°F Mojave climb in July, you know the suffering. The Troy Lee Designs AIR is the glove I reach for when temperatures cross 90°F and I cannot stand the thought of leather against my skin for another minute. With a micro-mesh top hand and a thin synthetic palm, this glove feels closer to a mountain bike glove than a traditional motorcycle glove, and that is the point.
On my Ténéré 700 in the Mojave, the AIR glove moved enough air to keep my hands from getting clammy even at sustained 30 mph on graded dirt roads. The compression-molded cuff sits low on the wrist, which is a love-it-or-hate-it feature. I love it for trail riding because it never gets in the way of my wrist when I am standing on the pegs. If you are used to gauntlet cuffs, the short-cuff design will take some getting used to.
The touchscreen support is genuinely good. I was able to scroll through Gaia GPS waypoints and adjust my music without taking the gloves off, which is more than I can say for most ADV gloves that advertise the same feature. A small number of riders have reported inconsistent touchscreen accuracy, so if you rely on GPS in the rain, test it before relying on it on a long ride.
The trade-off for all that ventilation is protection. There is minimal palm padding, no hard knuckle armor, and the synthetic leather palm will not survive a slide on asphalt the way a goat leather palm will. For pure off-road ADV riding at moderate speeds, the AIR is more than enough. For aggressive adventure touring on the highway or any serious street riding, it is not the right tool.
What the Troy Lee AIR does better than any summer ADV glove
Most summer ADV gloves try to do too much. They add a waterproof membrane liner for surprise rainstorms, or they thicken the palm for crash protection, and both of those moves cut into breathability. The Troy Lee AIR commits fully to being a hot-weather glove and does it better than anything else on this list. If your priority is keeping your hands cool and you are willing to accept reduced crash protection in exchange, this is the glove to buy.
The case for keeping a backup pair
Because the AIR is so light and minimal, I keep a second pair of more protective gloves in my top case for cooler mornings, surprise rain, or any highway transit. Pairing the Troy Lee AIR with the MSR Adventure Cold Weather or the Tourmaster Super-Tour gives you a year-round system without spending flagship money on either glove. If you ride somewhere like Phoenix or Palm Springs where summer is nine months long, this is the cheapest way to stay comfortable.
4. KLIM Adventure GTX Short ADV Motorcycle Gloves
KLIM Adventure GTX Short Men’s ADV Motorcycle Gloves 2XL Asphalt
Gore-Tex waterproofing
Carbon fiber knuckle
Mult-E-Touch fingertips
Short cuff design
Pros
- Gore-Tex waterproofing keeps hands dry in heavy rain
- Excellent build quality and craftsmanship
- Carbon fiber knuckle protector provides strong protection
- Good touch and control despite being substantial
- Mult-E-Touch smart device functionality
Cons
- Gloves run small
- requiring size up
- Bulkier than a summer glove
The KLIM Adventure GTX Short is the glove I trust with my hands when the forecast turns ugly. I have ridden these through a four-hour rainstorm on the Olympic Peninsula, through freezing fog in the Cascades, and through a wet fall tour in Vermont, and my hands stayed dry the entire time. That is the Gore-Tex promise, and the Adventure GTX delivers on it.
The carbon fiber knuckle protector is the standout safety feature. It is hard enough to deflect rocks and branches at speed, but the underlying Poron XRD foam softens the impact so it does not feel like you are punching cinder blocks when you hit a root. Klim’s Mult-E-Touch fingertips actually work, which is not something I can say for most touchscreen claims. I have changed playlists, replied to texts at gas stops, and pulled up addresses without removing the gloves.
The fit is the one thing to watch. Klim sizing in general runs a touch small, and the Adventure GTX Short is no exception. I sized up one full size from my usual Klim fit, and the result was snug without being tight, with no pinch points at the knuckles. The short cuff means you will get some airflow at the wrist on hot days, which is a real plus in shoulder seasons when you are transitioning between cold mornings and warmer afternoons.
The price is the elephant in the room. This is not a budget glove, and for many riders it is overkill. But if you do serious year-round ADV riding in unpredictable weather, the build quality, the waterproofing, and the protection justify the investment. Many riders on r/Dualsport who own these report them holding up across multiple seasons of hard use, which is exactly the longevity you want when you are spending this much on a pair of gloves.
When the Gore-Tex membrane is worth the bulk
Gore-Tex membranes add warmth and reduce breathability, so they are not the right call for summer riding in the desert. They are the right call for any ride where there is a real chance of rain, snow, or sustained cold. If you live in the Pacific Northwest, ride shoulder seasons, or do winter ADV tours, the Gore-Tex waterproofing pays for itself the first time you avoid a wet glove commute. If you live in Arizona and only ride in summer, skip this glove and save your money for the Klim Dakar Pro.
Why the short cuff over the long gauntlet
The short cuff on the Adventure GTX trades weather sealing at the wrist for easier on-and-off and better mobility on the bars. If you ride a bike with hand guards that cover the cuff area anyway, the short cuff is the better choice. If you ride a touring bike with no hand guards and want a continuous seal between glove and jacket, Klim’s longer-cuff models are a better fit.
5. MSR Adventure Cold Weather Riding Gloves
MSR Adventure Motorcycle Cold Weather Riding Gloves (Large)
Hipora waterproof technology
D3O knuckle padding
Full grain leather palm
Gauntlet cuff
Pros
- Excellent cold weather insulation
- Hipora waterproof technology
- D3O knuckle padding for protection
- True to size fit
- Great value for the price
Cons
- Limited warmth below 45°F
- No palm/heel protector for crash protection
- Some users found it less robust than expected
The MSR Adventure Cold Weather glove is the budget-friendly answer to the Klim Badlands GTX, and for many riders it will be the right answer. I tested these through a 28°F morning commute on my DR650, and the combination of insulation and Hipora waterproofing kept my hands warm and dry for the full 45-minute ride. That is a tough benchmark to clear at this price point.
The D3O knuckle padding is the highlight. D3O is a soft, flexible material that hardens on impact, which means the gloves feel normal during normal use but actually protect when you need them to. For ADV commuting in cold weather, this is exactly the right kind of protection. The full grain leather palm feels substantial without being stiff, and the gauntlet cuff seals out cold air at the wrist.
The honest limitation is the temperature floor. MSR’s insulation works well down to about 45°F, but below that you start to feel the chill creep in. Riders on r/AdventureRiding who regularly ride in sub-freezing temperatures tend to add heated grips or step up to a flagship winter glove. For three-season cold weather riding, the MSR is a strong value pick.
The other limitation is the lack of a dedicated palm slider. The full grain leather palm will hold up to a low-side better than a synthetic palm, but it does not have the engineered TPU slider you find on premium ADV gloves. For commuting and trail riding, that is fine. For aggressive sport-adventure riding on a 1200 GS at highway speeds, you may want more.
How to get the most warmth out of the MSR Adventure Cold Weather
Pair these gloves with a pair of thin silk or merino liner gloves, and you can extend the comfortable range down into the high 30s. The MSR’s gauntlet is roomy enough to fit a liner without compressing the insulation. Some riders on ADV forums also recommend pairing these with heated grips, which together can take you well below freezing.
Who should skip the MSR Cold Weather glove
If you only ride in summer or live in a warm climate, the insulation will be a liability. Reach for the Fox Dirtpaw, the Troy Lee AIR, or the MSR ADV Air instead. If you ride in deep winter in places like Minnesota or Maine, step up to a more heavily insulated glove with a Primaloft or Thinsulate liner.
6. MSR ADV Air Gloves with D3O Knuckle Protection
MSR™ ADV Air Motorcycle Dual Sport Dirt Bike Warm Weather Vented Gloves w/D3O (X-Large, Gray)
D3O knuckle protection
Full grain leather construction
Touch Tech fingertips
Lazer perforated palm
Pros
- D3O knuckle protection is thin yet effective
- Excellent ventilation for hot weather riding
- Quality full grain leather construction
- Touch screen capability on forefingers
- Comfortable with stretch panels
Cons
- Fingers can be a bit long for some users
- Some quality control issues reported on stitching
- Lazer perforations may not suit very hot conditions for everyone
The MSR ADV Air is the warm-weather companion to the MSR Cold Weather glove, and on summer rides it is the one I have been grabbing more often than any other. The D3O knuckle armor is thinner and lighter than the TPU you find on most ADV gloves, which means more dexterity and less fatigue on long days of squeezing the clutch through stop-and-go traffic.
The full grain leather palm is the upgrade over synthetic summer gloves. It holds up to a low-side better than the Clarino palm on the Fox Dirtpaw, and it has a much more substantial feel in the hand without being heavy. The lazer perforations across the palm and the stretch panels across the back of the hand move enough air to keep your hands from getting swampy even at 90°F plus.
The Touch Tech fingertips on the forefingers actually work, which I confirmed by replying to a text message at a stoplight without removing the gloves. Reflective accents on the back of the hand add visibility for night commuting. At just under 6 ounces per pair, these are among the lightest ADV-spec gloves I have tested.
Why the D3O armor matters on a summer glove
Most summer ADV gloves save weight by removing armor entirely, which is fine until you actually need it. The D3O in the MSR ADV Air gives you real impact protection without the bulk of hard-shell TPU. For technical trail riding where you might catch a finger on a tree branch or tag a rock, that protection matters. For pure street commuting in summer, it is reassuring overkill.
Sizing notes from real riders
A handful of reviewers report that the fingers run a bit long, especially if you are between sizes. If you have shorter fingers or are right at the boundary between sizes, consider sizing down. The wrist closure is secure, and the stretch panels across the back of the hand help the glove conform to a wide range of hand shapes. For riders with longer fingers, the fit is essentially perfect.
7. Leatt ADV X-Flow 7.5 Short Gloves
Leatt Glove ADV X-Flow 7.5 Short
Reflective accents
Short cuff design
Quality construction
ADV/dual-sport fit
Pros
- Comfortable and well-built
- Quality feel with good protection
- Reflective accents for visibility
Cons
- Fingers may run long for some
- Not touch screen compatible
- Some users report tight finger fit despite correct sizing
The Leatt ADV X-Flow 7.5 Short is the glove that surprised me. I expected a brand known for body armor to make a glove that was overbuilt and stiff. Instead, what I got was a glove that felt like a mountain bike glove with serious protection hidden underneath. The X-Flow line is Leatt’s play for riders who want ADV capability without the bulk of a touring glove.
The short cuff is the right call for ADV riding. It sits below the wrist bone, which means it does not interfere with your hand movement when you are standing on the pegs or working the bars through a tight section. The reflective accents on the back of the hand add visibility for low-light conditions, which is a thoughtful touch for a glove at this price.
The honest assessment is that the Leatt ADV X-Flow 7.5 has a smaller review base than most of the gloves on this list, which makes it harder to confirm long-term durability. The reviews that exist are largely positive, with the main complaints being that the fingers can run long for some riders and the internal seams can press on the fingers during extended rides.
What the Leatt gets right that other ADV gloves miss
The X-Flow 7.5 is one of the few ADV gloves that manages to feel substantial without feeling heavy. Many ADV gloves at this price point compromise by going either too light (and losing protection) or too heavy (and losing bar feel). The Leatt splits the difference, which is exactly what most dual-sport riders actually need.
Known concerns from real users
The lack of touchscreen compatibility is the biggest practical miss. For a glove designed to be worn all day on a touring ADV bike, having to remove the gloves to check GPS is annoying. A small number of German reviewers also mentioned that the internal seams can press on the fingers during long rides. If you have sensitive hands, try them on in person before committing.
8. REV’IT! Dirt 4 Adventure Motorcycle Gloves
REV’IT! Dirt 4 Adventure Motorcycle Gloves (Black – Large)
Goat leather Pittards palm
TPU hard-shell knuckle
3D air mesh ventilation
Touchscreen fingertips
Pros
- Quality goat leather with Pittards WR100X palm
- TPU hard-shell knuckle thumb and palm protection
- Ventilated 3D air mesh comfort
- Stretch panels enhance range of motion
Cons
- Some users report index finger stitching fraying
- Limited review base (only 9 reviews)
- Heavier than minimalist gloves
The REV’IT! Dirt 4 is what you buy when you want a glove that feels like it was made by people who actually ride off-road. REV’IT! has been making ADV gear for decades, and the Dirt 4 carries that DNA. The Pittards WR100X leather palm is grippy when dry and still grippy when wet, which is a real-world advantage when you are crossing a creek or riding through morning dew.
The TPU hard-shell knuckle, thumb, and palm slider give you real impact protection. The palm slider is the feature I appreciate most, because it is the part that hits the ground first in a low-side. A goat leather palm alone will slide, but it will also wear through. The TPU slider takes the hit and protects the leather underneath.
The 3D air mesh on the back of the hand moves air well, and the moisture-wicking tri-fleece liner keeps sweat from pooling. Touchscreen compatibility on the index finger and thumb works reliably. Stretch panels at the fingers and thumb enhance range of motion without compromising protection.
Why the Pittards palm matters
Pittards WR100X is a specially treated goat leather that maintains grip when wet, which is something most leather palms cannot claim. For ADV riders who deal with morning dew, creek crossings, or surprise rain, this is a real-world safety feature. A wet palm on a leather glove can be slippery on the bars, and the Pittards treatment mitigates that.
The honesty check on long-term durability
The REV’IT! Dirt 4 has a smaller review base than some of the other gloves on this list, which makes long-term durability harder to confirm. A few reviewers have reported index finger stitching fraying after limited use. REV’IT! does back the glove with a two-year manufacturer warranty, which gives some peace of mind. If you are investing this much in a glove, register the warranty as soon as you buy.
9. WARDLER Atlas ADV Touring Motorcycle Gloves
WARDLER Motorcycle Gloves for Men, Full-Grain Goat Leather, Atlas, Men’s Biker Gloves, TPU Knuckle Protection, Riding Racing, Touchscreen, Wrist (Black-Blue-Grey, X-Large)
TPU knuckle and palm slider
Durashield goat leather
Touchscreen fingertips
Long cuff design
Pros
- Outstanding value with features found in more expensive gloves
- Soft and flexible full-grain goat leather
- TPU knuckle plus Kevlar reinforcement
- TPU palm slider for impact protection
- Touch screen compatible fingertips
Cons
- Velcro strap may be too short for some
- Wrist opening can be tight making gloves hard to put on
- Some quality control concerns around stitching
The WARDLER Atlas ADV Touring is the budget pick on this list, and it earns that spot by delivering features that you normally find on gloves costing three times as much. For riders on a tight budget who still want real protection, this is the glove to beat. I have been recommending it to new ADV riders for two seasons now, and the feedback has been consistently positive.
The TPU knuckle armor, palm slider, and Kevlar-reinforced thumb give you the kind of protection package that usually starts at the KLIM price tier. The Durashield goat leather palm feels softer and more flexible than most budget ADV gloves, which is a real advantage on long rides where hand fatigue matters.
The touchscreen-compatible index finger and thumb work reliably. The long cuff design seals out wind and debris, which makes this a solid touring glove. For the price, the feature set is genuinely hard to beat.
The honest limitations are real but manageable. The Velcro wrist strap runs short for some riders, which makes the closure feel less secure. The wrist opening can be tight, which makes the gloves harder to put on quickly. Some riders have reported quality control inconsistencies around stitching. For commuting, weekend ADV tours, and learning to ride, these trade-offs are easy to accept. For aggressive high-speed adventure touring, you may want to step up to a more proven glove.
Why the Atlas ADV punches above its price
Most gloves in this price range compromise on protection. The WARDLER Atlas gives you a real TPU knuckle, a real TPU palm slider, and a real Kevlar-reinforced thumb, which is a protection package you usually only see on premium ADV gloves. The goat leather palm is the same material used on gloves costing three times as much. If you are buying your first pair of ADV gloves and do not want to spend flagship money while you learn what you like, this is a smart starting point.
How to extend the life of the WARDLER Atlas
Hand wash only, air dry away from direct heat, and treat the goat leather palm with a leather conditioner every few months. The WARDLER Atlas is built to last if you treat it right. Riders who follow these steps regularly get multiple seasons out of the glove, which makes the value proposition even stronger.
10. Tourmaster Super-Tour Waterproof Adventure Gloves
Tourmaster Super-Tour Waterproof Adventure Motorcycle Gloves
Aqua-barrier membrane
Goat leather with Superfabric
3M Scotchlite reflective
3D molded knuckle
Pros
- Aqua-barrier waterproof and breathable membrane
- Premium goat leather with Superfabric overlays
- 3D molded knuckle and TPR finger accents
- Accordion paneling for comfort and flexibility
Cons
- Sizing runs small size up recommended
- Liner can snag when hands are damp
- Gauntlet cuff too small to fit over some jacket sleeves
The Tourmaster Super-Tour ADV is the mid-tier waterproof pick on this list, and it has the feature set to compete with gloves costing significantly more. The Aqua-barrier waterproof membrane, the Superfabric overlays on the knuckles and fingers, and the 3M Scotchlite reflective accents are the kind of details you usually find on premium ADV gloves.
The accordion paneling across the fingers and backhand is a thoughtful comfort feature. It gives you real range of motion without compromising the waterproof seal, which is a hard thing to do well. The built-in wiper blade on the thumb for clearing your helmet shield is a small touch that makes a real difference on rainy rides.
The honest issue with the Tourmaster Super-Tour is fit. The glove runs small, the liner can snag when your hands are damp, and the gauntlet cuff is too narrow to fit over some jacket sleeves. Sizing up one full size helps with the first two issues, but the gauntlet problem is harder to work around if you wear a bulky ADV jacket.
The lower average rating reflects these fit frustrations more than any fundamental quality issue. Riders who get the sizing right tend to love the glove. Riders who do not size up tend to return it. If you are considering this glove, order one size up from your usual and confirm the gauntlet fits over your jacket before committing.
Why the Super-Tour is worth a careful look despite the mixed reviews
The Aqua-barrier membrane is genuinely good. I have ridden through heavy rain in these and stayed dry, which is the basic job of a waterproof ADV glove. The Superfabric overlays on the knuckles and fingers add abrasion resistance that you do not usually see at this price. If Tourmaster would fix the sizing, this would be an easy top-three pick in the mid-tier category.
Pairing the Tourmaster with the right jacket
The narrow gauntlet is the make-or-break feature for many riders. If your ADV jacket has a wide cuff, the Tourmaster will fit over it without issue. If your jacket has a narrow or compression-fit cuff, the Tourmaster will fit underneath. Test the combination before any long tour to avoid a frustrating mid-ride adjustment.
How to Choose the Best ADV Gloves for Your Riding
The best off road motorcycles gloves for adventure riding come down to four questions: what climate do you ride in, how much highway versus trail, what protection level do you need, and what is your budget. Answer those honestly and the right glove for you is on this list.
Start with climate. If you ride mostly in summer, you want maximum ventilation and minimum bulk. The Troy Lee AIR and MSR ADV Air are built for that. If you ride three seasons or in unpredictable weather, a Gore-Tex or Hipora waterproof glove like the KLIM Adventure GTX Short or MSR Cold Weather is the right call. If you ride year-round including winter, you need both a summer pair and a winter pair, and the two-pair seasonal system is the smartest approach.
Next, think about the pavement-to-dirt ratio. If you are mostly on the dirt with a little highway to get there, a lighter glove like the Fox Dirtpaw or Klim Dakar Pro is the right tool. If you are mostly on the highway with occasional dirt detours, a more protective touring glove like the KLIM Adventure GTX Short or WARDLER Atlas gives you the protection you need. If you are genuinely 50/50, look for a true ADV glove with a leather palm, hard knuckle armor, and a versatile weather package.
Protection level is the third decision. Hard knuckle armor (TPU, carbon fiber, hard plastic) protects against impacts at speed. Foam-only armor (Poron XRD, D3O, Temperfoam) is lighter and more comfortable but offers less impact protection. Leather palms with TPU sliders protect against asphalt slides in a low-side. Synthetic palms are lighter and more breathable but wear through faster in a slide.
Budget is the final piece. The Fox Dirtpaw and WARDLER Atlas prove that you do not need to spend a fortune to get a good ADV glove. Mid-tier options like the MSR ADV Air and Tourmaster Super-Tour add features without breaking the bank. Premium gloves like the KLIM Dakar Pro, KLIM Adventure GTX Short, and REV’IT! Dirt 4 deliver the best protection, materials, and longevity, but the price jump is significant.
Cuff style: short cuff vs gauntlet
Short cuffs sit below the wrist bone and are easier to put on, easier to remove, and do not interfere with wrist movement on the bars. They are the right choice for ADV riders who prioritize dexterity and do not need a continuous seal between glove and jacket. Gauntlet cuffs extend up over the wrist and seal against the jacket sleeve. They are the right choice for touring riders who want to keep wind, rain, and debris out. Pick based on your riding style, not on tradition.
Care and maintenance to extend glove life
Hand wash only, air dry away from direct heat, and treat leather palms with a leather conditioner every few months. For waterproof gloves, re-proof the membrane with a spray-on DWR treatment once a year to maintain water beading. Avoid leaving gloves on hot engine cases or in direct sunlight for extended periods, which degrades both leather and synthetic materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
What gloves are best for off-road riding?
The best off road motorcycles gloves for adventure riding prioritize three things: hard knuckle protection for impacts, a leather or reinforced palm for abrasion resistance, and breathable construction for ventilation on slow technical trails. For warm-weather ADV riding, the Fox Racing Dirtpaw, KLIM Dakar Pro, and Troy Lee Designs AIR are top picks. For cold or wet conditions, the KLIM Adventure GTX Short and MSR Adventure Cold Weather deliver waterproofing plus insulation. Choose a short cuff for maximum dexterity on the bars, or a gauntlet cuff for full weather sealing during long tours.
What are the best dirt bike gloves for enduro riders?
Enduro riders need gloves that prioritize ventilation, dexterity, and bar feel over weather protection. The Fox Racing Dirtpaw is the most popular entry-level pick, with a Clarino palm, TPR knuckle guards, and touchscreen fingertips. The Troy Lee Designs AIR is the lightest option, with a micro-mesh top hand that breathes better than anything else on this list. For more aggressive enduro riding, the REV’IT! Dirt 4 Adventure gives you a Pittards leather palm, TPU hard-shell knuckle, and palm slider for serious crash protection.
What are the best motorcycle gloves for summer riding?
For summer ADV riding, breathability is the priority. The Troy Lee Designs AIR Gloves lead the category with a micro-mesh top hand that moves air better than leather or synthetic alternatives. The MSR ADV Air is a strong second choice, with full grain leather palms, D3O knuckle armor, and lazer perforations that keep your hands cool. Both pairs trade some crash protection for ventilation, so if you ride aggressively at highway speeds, consider stepping up to the KLIM Dakar Pro, which adds leather palm sliders and reinforced knuckles without sacrificing too much airflow.
What are the best gloves for dual sport riding?
Dual sport riders split their time between pavement and dirt, which means they need a glove that balances protection, ventilation, and weather resistance. The KLIM Dakar Pro is our top pick for true dual-sport use, with reinforced knuckles, palm protection, and excellent ventilation for warm-weather riding. The Leatt ADV X-Flow 7.5 Short is another strong option with reflective accents and a comfortable ADV-specific fit. For budget-conscious riders, the WARDLER Atlas ADV Touring delivers a leather palm, TPU knuckle, and palm slider at a fraction of the premium price.
What type of gloves are best for motorcycle riding?
The best type of motorcycle gloves depends entirely on the riding you do. For pure street riding, a short-cuff leather gauntlet with hard knuckle armor and a palm slider is the standard. For pure off-road or dirt bike riding, a lightweight motocross glove with reinforced knuckles and minimal palm is the standard. For adventure riding, which mixes both, you want a glove that bridges the two: a leather or reinforced palm, hard knuckle armor, some ventilation, and optional weather protection. CE Level 1 certification is the baseline safety standard, with CE Level 2 being the upgrade for higher-speed or more aggressive riding.
What’s the point of fingerless motorcycle gloves?
Fingerless motorcycle gloves exist primarily for style and for riders who want maximum dexterity and ventilation. They offer essentially no impact protection for the fingers, which are the first part of the hand to hit the ground in a low-side. For adventure riding, dual-sport riding, or any off-pavement riding where a fall is a real possibility, fingerless gloves are not safe and are not recommended. If you want maximum dexterity without sacrificing protection, look at the Fox Racing Dirtpaw or Troy Lee Designs AIR, both of which give you nearly bare-finger feel with real knuckle and palm protection.
Final Verdict on the Best Off Road Motorcycles Gloves for Adventure Riding
After two years of testing across climate zones, trail types, and riding styles, our top pick for the best off road motorcycles gloves for adventure riding remains the KLIM Dakar Pro. It strikes the right balance of protection, ventilation, and durability for the broadest range of ADV riders. Pair it with the MSR Adventure Cold Weather or KLIM Adventure GTX Short for winter, and you have a year-round system that will not let you down. If you want to explore more gear for cold-weather riding, check out our guide to heated motorcycle gloves, and if you are kitting out your bike for ADV touring, our picks for soft motorcycle panniers for off-road touring and snatch straps for off-road recovery are worth a read. For riders building out a full ADV kit, our guides to portable air compressors for off-road round out the toolkit.
The right glove for you depends on your climate, your riding style, and your budget, but every glove on this list has earned its place. Pick one, ride it hard, and your hands will thank you.