Heading out on the road for a multiple-day excursion can mean beautiful skies on Day 1 followed by wind, rain, snow and god knows what else the rest of the trip. It is for this reason that every touring rider needs a versatile jacket and we’ve been sampling a notable textile model in the 2010 Firstgear Rainier Jacket.

The latest 2010 Rainier is an updated version of a previous jacket by the same name, so Firstgear has had time to work out the kinks. Air flow from vents at the Rainier’s chest and wrist cuffs channel out exhaust vents at the back shoulder area. While the ventilation is effective in moderate heat, the Rainier feels heavy for high-temp rides and better suited to temperate climes. Cold conditions are where the Firstgear jacket excels, with the high collar delivering a great seal and keeping that neck area nice and toasty. The comfortable zip-in liner further bolsters cold weather cred, as does the long tail section, which ensures total coverage even bent over in the most aggressive of riding positions. Zip up the front, snap down the storm flap and cinch down the adjustable waist and arm straps and riders have an impervious barrier between them and the cold wind.

Amazingly, we’ve avoided prolonged wet weather exposure in the Rainier, but Firstgear promises rain protection from the waterproof Hypertex shell. The Rainier also sports an intriguing rain hood, which goes under the helmet. After a couple practice tries, we finally got the helmet on without the hood sliding down over the eyes – though storing the hood back in place by stuffing it under the collar and velcroing it shut was awkward as well.

In the crash protection department, the Rainier delivers with Kevlar-reinforced Teramid panels placed in likely abrasion points. These in turn are protected by d30 shock-absorbing armor inserts, which can be moved by the rider to fine-tune fit. The d30 “Intelligent Shock Absorbtion” inserts are claimed to be made of patented material that on the molecular level stays soft and flexible at low speeds but “at high speeds however–like in an impact–the molecules lock together making the material an excellent shock absorber.” Forgive us for not intentionally crashing to test the claim, we thought better of it and prefer to take Firstgear at its word. Reflective panels front, side and rear increase rider visibility.

The Rainier isn’t perfect, as the adjustable placing of the armor pads tends to leave scratchy Velcro patches on the interior. The overall fit, however, is cush and the interior liner completely comfortable, easily doubling as a sharp-looking lightweight jacket all by its lonesome. This latter trait is particularly valuable, as touring riders can grow tired of lugging a heavy full jacket around during those pre- and post-ride moments of a trip.

The Rainier certainly doesn’t lack in pockets, that’s without question. There are the four front “cargo” pockets, and the side chest pockets, and side front pockets, and key pocket on the left sleeve. And then there are the interior pockets… With a place inside on the left for cell phone, along with a big pocket bin on the right side for larger items. We’re certain that after a year or two, at least one more pocket might be discovered on the Rainier, as it seemed we were constantly finding more waterproof crevasses in which to hide things.

On top of fit and cold weather protection, the highlight for the Rainier, at least in our eyes, is in the looks department. Having worn it for a couple of months, we’ve gotten more than one compliment. As in all things fashion related, we are quite suspicious of our own taste, but the Mrs. looked at me after riding home with the Rainier the first time and said, without discernable sarcasm, “Oooh, nice jacket.” Results may vary, depending on the user.

While it’s comfortable and looks great, the most damning feature of the Rainier is its premium MSRP – a whopping $500. That’s five C-Notes! On the plus side, purchase comes with a two-year limited warranty and crash protection policy, but the asking price is a very bitter pill and out of the price range of many – particularly those looking for their “first gear.”

Still, the Rainier delivers ample touring performance, provided you have the moohlah.

Firstgear Rainier Jacket
MSRP: $499.95