Viaterra Kruger Air Long-Term Review: 3-Month Report

Gallery Introduction What’s Good?What Could Be Better?Conclusion Product Details

Introduction

The Viaterra Kruger Air is, hands down, the best set of riding gear I have used so far. A good balance of ventilation, protection, and utility sounds like a stretch in theory, as most touring gear lacks the airy feel of street riding gear. However, as I learnt over three months of usage, the Viaterra Kruger Air has been a revelation of sorts. Mind you, it does have its share of shortcomings, but the positives truly overpower the cons. Let me explain.

What’s Good?

The biggest highlight of the Kruger Air is that it fits me perfectly. I’ve had experience with some jackets in the past that were either too long with short sleeves or vice versa. That has not been the case with the Kruger, as it fits like it is tailor-made for me. The jacket and pants wrap around me snugly, and there is no weird pinching or stretchy feeling whatsoever. This is commendable for a touring jacket.

What further helps is the ample adjustment available on both the jacket and the pants, which not only improves the fit but also keeps the armour in place. For us journos, this is a very important aspect, as we need to look good in pictures and videos, and well-fitting riding gear plays a crucial role in that.

The Kruger Air is not just about form but also function—safety. Getting Level 2 Type B certified armour all around is truly commendable, especially at this price point. And since these armours come from the reputed Korean brand Powertector, there is an added sense of protection and peace of mind while touring or trail bashing. What’s further impressive is that the Kruger Air jacket comes with chest protectors as standard, which is not the case with some jackets that are more expensive than this.

Another area where the Kruger Air set scores highly is utility. It has a lot of smartly designed and well-placed pockets, which, as I learnt during my recent India Bike Week ride, come in really handy. The angled pockets on the pants, for instance, are not just great in theory but also work well in the real world, making it very easy to put in or take out items like your smartphone or documents. Similarly, the water-resistant pockets on the jacket can be used for storing your ID, protein bar, or any other belongings that need protection from external elements. Even the large back pocket adds to the convenience, allowing you to carry an extra layer for cold weather and access it easily whenever needed.

What Could Be Better?

Honestly, it is difficult to find a major flaw with the Viaterra Kruger Air, and I might just be nitpicking here. What I think could have been slightly better is the attention to detail, especially with the branding on the jacket. The ‘Kruger Air’ lettering at the back of the jacket is stitched in an unfinished manner and stands out as a contrast on an otherwise well-built piece of riding gear.

Moreover, since this is touring gear, Viaterra should provide either a complimentary thermal or a rain liner, as at least one of these comes bundled with more affordable jackets from most other brands.

Conclusion

To sum it all up, I would like to reiterate that the Viaterra Kruger Air is the best set of riding gear I’ve used so far. The level of protection, comfort, and fit you get at this price point is commendable. It is not just airy touring gear but also offers enough freedom of movement to be suitable for off-road riding. The plethora of well-designed pockets further elevates practicality and makes it an ideal touring companion. And courtesy of the breathable nature of the gear, you can even use it in the city, should the need arise, without drenching yourself in sweat. In fact, the Kruger Air is so versatile that it can be the only riding gear in your wardrobe—unless you go hardcore off-road and need purpose-built gear with stronger chest and back protection.