REV'IT! Sand 4 H2O Jackets

We tried a size Medium and an XL on our Fit Check mannequins Huey and Dewey. Those are sizes they usually wear in an “American” cut jacket. This jacket from REV’IT! fits well enough and it looks sharp, but there is very minimal room left. Many brands from Europe exhibit a fit like this, such as Alpinestars. If you look at REV’IT!’s published size chart (below), you’ll see their estimate of chest size is at least a full size smaller than what you’d find in equivalent US designed clothing.

We measured each jacket and tried them on and we’ve concluded that the fit is just about one-half size smaller than what you would find in ordinary US men’s clothing. The amount the jackets are undersized is not as severe as REV’IT!’s size chart would have you believe. For most people, this means you’ll be able to buy the size you normally wear if you want a snug, European style fit. If you want a looser American fit, or if you are between sizes, choose one size larger.

Below is the REV’IT!-published chest size for each jacket’s alpha size along with our estimate of max chest and max waist/belly. This particular style is not a “sport” oriented style so there is not a lot of taper from chest to waist, and with a style like this you can effectively tailor the fit of the waist with the side waist adjusters, which makes the jacket look great and fit great, so don’t worry if your waist/belly is smaller than the max. We only list this for those that have a belly so they can know what minimum size they’d have to choose to fit the belly.

Need help measuring? Get it here

The Sand 4 H2O Jacket by REVIT is a mainstay in their product line and for 2021, they’ve introduced the fourth iteration. This is a 3/4 length jacket with extensive climate control features to make it comfortable and practical for many riding styles from adventure to touring. This jacket is available for both men and women (take the link below for the other gender). Matching pants are also available for both men and women. Armor is included for the shoulders and elbows and a back protector is optional.

The Sand series of jackets and pants have been so popular over the years because of the climate versatility and ruggedness… all for “not a lot of money”. And I’m speaking relative to higher-end jackets/pants that can cost twice as much. Both REVIT and Klim come to mind when you talk about premium gear like this, and both brands make excellent products. The construction approach to climate control and waterproofing is what makes the Sand 4 an affordable option. Higher priced gear typically uses a “bonded” type shell where the waterproofing layer is bonded to the shell material and is most commonly a Gore-Tex branded product. The Sand jacket and pants rely on a textile shell supplied with a detachable waterproof jacket for use in wet weather and it also has a detachable thermal layer too. The bonded style products offer lighter weight and less bulk, but having separate liners has advantages too aside from affordability (read on).

REVIT has really worked hard to make the Sand 4 as close as possible to a 4 season jacket. I mentioned already the detachable liners you can use to cover you in wet and/or colder weather. The thermal piece is quite plushy and should work well. The waterproof “jacket” that fits inside the main shell is tailored so that it can be worn separately either with or without the thermal piece. So if you are on a trip, you’ll have one less thing to pack.

For warm weather use, pull out both liners and use the zippered vents built in. The Sand 4 has probably the most extensive zip vent set up in the business. Have a look at the pictures to see the details, but the main components are: two LONG sleeve zips on each arm that opens up from the wrist to the bicep; on the chest, there are two zip-open panels that pin back with a snap to create a good size panel of mesh material to admit air; and new for this “4” version is a second/smaller front zipper behind the main zipper situated so that when in use, it creates a long slender vent right in the middle of the jacket from top to bottom! (as an aside, Joe Rocket “invented” the main zipper vent at least a decade ago and they called it the “Big Air” vent. I thought it was a clever design when I first saw it, and I still do). And finally in the back of this jacket are two vertical exhaust vents.

The armor setup here is REVIT’s best product and is the same as in the previous Sand 3; it is their CE Level 2 SeeFlex style (take the “view larger images” link above to see shots of that). This armor is definitely substantial, but is molded to the body shape and isn’t overly heavy. This jacket has attachment points for a couple different aftermarket neck brace setups (details in their product bullet points). Also, they’ve added some military style webbing for attachment of accessories you may own. Look for those on the front, shoulders and back. A back protector is optional a remains their Seesoft type. Take the link below to add a back protector and please refer to REVITs size suggestions in the product “bullets” to choose the size back protector based on the jacket size you choose. Chest protector units are also available and installed in pockets built in. The chest protector units are similar in design to the back protector.

The Sand 4 is loaded with product features that make it great just like past versions, but let me point out a few new things: The collar closure still has the size adjustment feature but with a new single snap to “hold open” the collar for hot weather use; the night reflectives are now more distinctive… they are applied on the surface of the shell and really stand out at night; pockets everywhere!... and look at the front lower pockets… those are large patch style with waterproofing and fold over flaps to keep things dry and secure; notice the big “handle” on the back just below the collar so you can hang up the jacket or carry it easily.

The styling colors for both men and women are updated, and there is one new entry… the brown/camo which I think looks great. It has a military vibe for sure and the pattern won’t show dirt like the solid colors. You can choose the Sand 4 jacket and pants with confidence… this design is years in the making and is a super high quality product. :: Paul, 02-28-21

REVIT says: Talking layers, both the Hydratex mid layer and inner thermal liner are fully removable. Add one or both liners to suit your conditions. Lose the shell and you have a waterproof, insulated jacket system for setting up basecamp; REV’IT! finishes each liner as a freestanding, destination garment. Adjustment straps at the arms and torso of the shell ensure unencumbered range of motion and a secure fit regardless of your combination of liners. The jacket’s rear stash pocket is large enough to store both liners if needed. Fourth generation improvements considered, the Sand 4 H2O is a tremendous three-jackets-in-one.