I’ve always been one to groan about bulky, cumbersome gear. When I first saw the Scorpion Exo Yukon suit I thought it looked like futuristic riot gear and I would be walking around like a mech warrior. Initially, that turned out to be true, and several people expressed the same sentiments. It was stiff at first, and while also breaking in a new pair of boots, I walked around like Robo Cop. This didn’t last too long, and the suit began to loosen up after a few rides. Some of my testing took place at March Moto Madness, in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, an area with water crossings, hill climbs, fire roads, lots of mud, and various temperatures through elevation changes. This type of riding made me a believer in what some would call excessive gear.

Trail riding in the mountains can be tricky when it comes to the weather. Clouds move fast, and forecasts are usually way off. One side of a ridge can be wet, cold, and shaded while the other is sunny, dry, and warm. Proper ventilation when you want it, and airtight wind protection when you need it, are what these types of all-weather riding suits should strive for. Zippered up in the Yukon, the cold, wet winds didn’t bother me at all. At the peak, others complained of being cold, but I actually had to unzip, and was glad I didn’t wear an extra layer. The amount of airflow that comes through the huge openings at the torso, back, legs, and arms will keep you sufficiently cool except on very hot days. This suit excels in cold, wet conditions. I haven’t ridden in a torrential downpour, but I got soaked riding through water crossings and came out of the suit dry, as did the items stored in the dry pockets.

The fit of a suit like this is very important. If you’re investing in gear of this tier, it should fit well and last for years. The Yukon pants have adjustable Velcro leg openings that go high up, making them easy to slip into with or without regular pants. They also fit over any size boot. The inseam is set comfortably for my very average height, but shorter riders may have a problem with the lack of a short option. Adjustability seems to have been a priority when the Yukon jacket was designed. The kidney belt holds it in place well, and serves as a gentle reminder to watch your posture and riding position (it also keeps my gut tucked in when the ladies are around). The adjustable straps on the forearms and biceps make sure pads stay in their effective positions. I think the key to making these big suits comfortable is to take time to adjust them properly and give them some seat time to wear in.

The difference in higher and lower priced gear is usually reflected in the build quality, which determines how long it’ll last. Everything feels solid on the Yukon suit, down to the urethane-coated waterproof YKK zippers. The trade-off with such a rugged suit is the weight. It’s not unmanageable, but you will definitely need a good hanger to put it on. It’s to be expected that a suit providing this much protection, with full back and chest protectors, will weigh a bit more, however. All of the critical impact areas are reinforced and seem like they could take a good bump. Brushing against trees and taking minor spills hasn’t caused any loose stitching or abrasions so far.

There’s no lack of pocket space on the Yukon suit. I’m constantly patting myself down to find things because there are so many places they could be. This abundance of pocket space is great for guys like me who keep a snack or three within reach. Thigh pockets, breast pockets, forearm pockets, inside pockets; there’s even a back pocket to store the included storm collar. The storm collar seems to be overkill for most days, but I’d imagine it’s a godsend in the right situation, and it’s easily tucked away. Though I don’t ride with headphones anymore, the openings provided for a wire are a nice touch.

For rugged terrain, long distance rides, and inclement weather, the Yukon suit protects your body like an exoskeleton. This isn’t a suit I would wear every day, or on short rides around town. However, for complete protection from weather and accidents, the Yukon suit allows you to push your limits and ride confidently. MSRP: Jacket $549.95-$564.95 | Pants $359.95-$374.95 Sizes: Small to 3XL ScorpionUSA.com

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Click to enlarge image Scorpion-EXO-Yukon-Suit-1.jpg

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