Vanucci textile gear from Louis in a tough practical test

Before setting off on our twelve-day ride report through Scotland, Ralf from Feelgoodreisen, who planned the route, warned us: changeable weather, long stages, and genuinely challenging situations awaited us in the far north. On a roughly 2,000-kilometer round trip starting from Edinburgh with a focus on the NC500 and selected detours, the journey was beautiful but also intense. The Vanucci touring gear was used alternately by my female companion and myself, each of us riding one of two bikes, the Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro, an adventure bike, and the Triumph Tiger Sport 800, a crossover machine.

The weather offered the full spectrum of northern conditions – from drizzle to thick fog to sunny stretches with double-digit gusts of wind. Daily rainfall, mostly wet roads, temperatures between 8 and 18 degrees, and many hours in the saddle provided ideal conditions to put the Vanucci gear through its paces.

The following Vanucci garments were tested: the VAJ-5 textile jacket along with the matching VAT-6 textile trousers, each in a women's and men's version. The set was rounded out by the women's VAG-6 gloves and the men's VAG-7 gloves, both designed for touring in adverse weather conditions. As touring boots, the women wore the VAB-11 STX Lady and the men the VAB-5 Sympatex. All items come from Vanucci's current range at Louis and were used daily over the entire period – on dry stretches as well as rainy rides, on asphalt, but also while walking around during stops.

At the center of the test package were the Vanucci VAJ-5 textile jacket and the matching VAT-6 motorcycle trousers – both in women's and men's versions. The differences are marginal and mainly concern the placement of the ventilation openings: on the women's jacket, the vents are located on the arms, while on the men's jacket, the vents are positioned on the chest. Both variants left a consistently robust and functional impression. The material feels somewhat stiffer than on lightweight summer combos, which translates into a heightened sense of protection and an overall high-quality feel. The fit was neutral to sporty on both versions, with sensible adjustment options at the waistband, sleeves, and waist. Whether sitting or riding actively on twisty terrain, everything stayed in place without flapping or restricting movement. Jacket and trousers can be firmly zipped together with their counterpart in the same size or one size larger, which is also recommended in order to provide ideal protection.

Especially in the wet weather conditions in Scotland, the combo (fortunately) scored well. The integrated Sympatex membrane remained reliably watertight even during hours of, at times heavy, rain. However, the outer material noticeably soaks up water, which makes the jacket heavier and means it takes somewhat longer to dry afterward. This is not a functional problem, but can be impractical on the road. The thermal liner proved to be a welcome comfort plus during chilly mornings, but could be quickly removed in milder temperatures. The ventilation is placed sensibly in principle, but due to a lack of heat during the test period, it could not be assessed under demanding conditions. In terms of protection, the combo offers level 2 protectors at the shoulders, elbows, knees, and hips. The inserts sit securely and comfortably. Back protectors can be retrofitted as an option, and most common protector types fit into the opening provided on the inside of the back.

The pockets are pleasantly large, easily accessible, and give a durable impression. However, not all of them are fully waterproof, which can lead to soaked contents during prolonged rain – anyone traveling with paper maps or sensitive electronics should take additional precautions here, or stow such items elsewhere. The non-waterproof pockets are marked accordingly.

Overall, the jacket and trousers presented themselves as thoroughly tour-capable companions that play to their strengths especially in changeable weather and on longer stages, and can be recommended aside from the mentioned limitations (drying time and pocket water resistance).

Two different models were used for the gloves: the VAG-6 for women and the VAG-7 for men. Both are based on a solid leather construction with a textile lining and an integrated climate membrane. The differences lie in the details: while the VAG-6 is cut especially for narrow hands (better to order one size larger) and impresses with a compact grip feel, the VAG-7 additionally scores with a visor wiper on the left index finger as well as a reliably functioning touchscreen feature that proves extremely useful in everyday use.

In both cases, the good fit stands out; even on long stages there were no pressure points or restricted freedom of movement whatsoever. The climate membrane did an outstanding job: despite several rain showers, hands stayed dry without any buildup of heat or moisture forming inside. Grip on the handlebar was direct at all times, and clutch and brake could be metered precisely.

Where there is light, there is also shadow. Deductions apply on the topic of ventilation. Both models are clearly designed for touring in transitional conditions and quickly show their limits in summer temperatures. Anyone looking for maximum ventilation won't find it here – but in return, the setup offers clear added value in worse weather and on longer trips.

The new women's short boot VAB-11 STX Lady and the men's VAB-5 Sympatex rounded out the touring package. Both rely on hydrophobized cowhide leather, a Sympatex climate membrane, and a Michelin touring sole that impressively proved its qualities on wet ground. Especially when walking across slippery ferry decks or wet farm tracks, the sole's grip was noticeably strong.

In terms of protection, both models are equipped with certified protectors at the ankle and shin as well as reinforced toe protection. Getting into the boots is easy thanks to side zippers, and even with wider feet there were no restrictions during testing. Only on the VAB-5 was it noticeable that the tall shaft can cause slight pressure points on strong calves – using tall socks as a buffer zone is recommended here. The women's version is cut somewhat shorter, which increases walking comfort but can allow water to enter if the trousers are short or the textile combo rides up.

Both models stayed watertight in the rain, and the wearing feel remained pleasant even after several hours in the saddle. The workmanship gave a consistently high-quality impression throughout.

The tested Vanucci gear for women and men proved to be a thoughtful, dependable set for demanding touring use, for riders who don't want to let the weather dictate whether they get on the bike or not. In particular, the good weather protection performance, the high level of wearing comfort on long stages, and the solid workmanship were convincing in practical testing. Limitations exist in details such as the drying time when the outer material is soaked, and the pockets could also be fully waterproof for this price. Whether the ventilation openings are sufficient on hot days will have to be shown by another test.

Bottom line: this is a clothing line that convinces through its everyday practicality, functional design, and stable protective performance – and at a genuinely fair price level. Anyone looking for a solid, honest touring combo will find it here – regardless of whether they're expecting sun, fog, or continuous rain.

How waterproof is the Vanucci VAJ-5/VAT-6 touring combo really on long motorcycle trips? The Vanucci combo with Sympatex membrane remains reliably watertight even during hours of rainy riding. However, the outer material noticeably soaks up water, which extends the drying time. Protection remains intact, but handling afterward is somewhat cumbersome.

How does the Vanucci VAJ-5 jacket and VAT-6 trousers fit for women and men? The Vanucci VAJ-5 and VAT-6 fit close to the body with thoughtful adjustability at the waistband, sleeves, and waist. The women's and men's versions differ in ventilation and cut, but not in basic protective performance or equipment.

Are the pockets of the Vanucci motorcycle gear fully waterproof in everyday use? The Vanucci VAJ-5 offers pockets that are partly waterproof – but not all of them. Important documents or electronics should be additionally protected or moved to a secure inner pocket, as prolonged heavy rain can otherwise become a problem.

How do the Vanucci VAG-6 and VAG-7 motorcycle gloves perform in cold and wet conditions? The Vanucci gloves VAG-6 (women's) and VAG-7 (men's) impress with high water resistance, a good fit, and practical details such as a touchscreen feature (VAG-7). Weaknesses show up in the heat – for high-summer tours they run rather too warm.