FOX Adventure Combos: Motorcycle Textile Suit Test

The stylish gear from Fox has now been a loyal companion on my trips to MX and enduro tracks for almost 25 years. But especially in recent years, my focus on two wheels has shifted more and more towards Big Enduro. What a stroke of luck, then, that Fox now also has the right solution in its lineup for this off-road segment - and one that steers clear of the black-with-hi-vis-yellow style.

The Fox Adventure range consists of three different lines, each catering to different demands. The "Ranger ADV" is the "entry-level combo" in the Fox universe, though that needs to be put into perspective. The Ranger simply can't be compared in quality to a classic 800€ Louis combo - there are worlds between them. Hence the price of a good 1100€ for the Fox Ranger ADV.

The mid-range is represented by the "Defend ADV", with more ventilation options and pockets as its features. The top model goes by the name Recon and is meant to meet the highest demands. All three lines are each available in two colors and come in sizes S to 3XL, or 28 to 44. Pants and jackets can be combined with one another.

The Fox Ranger ADV combo uses high-quality GORE-TEX 2L material that's fully seam-sealed to be both waterproof and breathable. Thanks to its close-to-body fit, it offers high comfort and freedom of movement, while D30® protectors at the shoulders, elbows and knees provide the necessary protection. Particularly noteworthy are the ventilation options, which ensure an optimal temperature during more intense rides. The Ranger ADV is ideal for day trips or weekend outings where both riding comfort and protection are called for.

The Defend ADV combo also uses high-quality GORE-TEX 2L material, as well as a 3L laminate on the pants that is fully seam-sealed. It's the most robust model in the collection and was developed for demanding off-road riding. It offers reinforced abrasion-resistant materials and additional ventilation zones for long, strenuous rides off-road. This combo is also equipped with GORE-TEX, making it both waterproof and breathable. Protection is reinforced by D30® protectors and the durable materials, so even the toughest conditions can be handled.

The Recon ADV comes largely with GORE-TEX 3L material, yet remains remarkably light and flexible. This combo focuses on lightweight construction while still offering solid protection with D30® protectors. The focus here is on a small pack size and the ability to flexibly adapt the jacket and pants to the weather conditions.

As I've already mentioned, the older I get, the more I find myself drawn to the big ladies, especially when things get dirty with them. When I reach into my closet, it's usually the old MX gear rather than the highly complex 2-layer adventure combos. Which, of course, turns out to be a catastrophic choice if the weather suddenly turns, or the ride to the off-road terrain takes more than 30 minutes.

For me there are two good reasons for that, one being freedom of movement. Adventure combos, especially with inner and outer layers, feel like spacesuits, and accordingly I feel sluggish and uncomfortable on the bike. The other is the heat build-up, which really gets to me and turns every ride into torture. To wick moisture away from the body effectively, I usually wear breathable base layers. I basically always zip out the inner layer of the combo. Still, the outer shells usually add so much bulk that even at a crisp 8 degrees I get hot flashes.

The Fox Recon ADV won me over on exactly these two points. Compared to what I've worn so far, the combo is remarkably light and doesn't add bulk. Almost like my Gore ski suit. At my measurements of 1.80m and 97kg, I'm (though just barely) no longer a standard-size model. Still, the size 34 pants and the Large jacket fit me very well. The individual pieces can also be adjusted further with hook-and-loop size adjusters. Our tour started fairly early, and by September the sun had noticeably lost some of its strength. The display showed 8 degrees, yet even on the faster road sections I never had an unpleasant feeling of cold. As temperatures rose towards midday, the vents on both the pants and jacket were gradually opened. The real test came at the photo stops in 28°C, but even there the Recon showed its best side. Particularly pleasant: even though you don't feel the airflow with the zips fully open, the combo always feels fresh and has a very comfortable climate. While riding, the Recon barely draws attention to itself; thanks to its light weight you hardly notice it and can focus on what really matters - the road ahead of you!

The numerous pockets on the Fox combo are also very practical. On the Recon there were a total of 4 pockets on the pants and 6 on the jacket, plus a dedicated compartment for the Camelbak.

In mid-December, matching the combo, dedicated adventure boots are also set to hit the market. Their features in brief: high wearing comfort and top protection. There will be two versions - the Ranger and the Defend. Similar to the combos, the Ranger is the more affordable entry-level option and the Defend the model with more features, such as a BOA quick-lace system. For our test we got to try the Defend. It feels like a sturdier winter boot, so very comfortable. It's easy and quick to put on and take off and is of course waterproof thanks to Gore-Tex.

With the Ranger, Defend and Recon ADV, Fox Racing offers a well thought-out collection that's suitable both for everyday adventures and for tough off-road use. When it comes to the price of the Fox Recon ADV, you first have to take a deep breath, but for me this combo is the long-sought holy grail. The thing I've always been looking for but hadn't found until now. A combo that protects me from wind and weather and, if needed, with protectors as well, while still giving me freedom of movement and being comfortable to wear. In other words, I get the wearing comfort of an MX combo with the features of a touring rider's combo. And on top of that, with its distinctive design, it looks great and clearly stands out from the touring rider crowd.

In my research I got great support from two veterans of the apparel trade. Lars from Motorradland Bodensee and Fred from Auner Wr. Neustadt. Both were able to give me information about the build quality and any issues with the combos. The Fox Adventure combos have been selling since the start of this season, and neither advisor could recall a single defect, such as a broken zip or a seam coming apart. A good omen when it comes to the durability of the gear.