When it comes to adventure riding gear, there’s always a difference between what looks tough in the showroom and what actually holds up out in the real world. The DMD Tankwa Adventure Suit is one of those bits of kit that seems to have been designed with actual riders in mind, people who spend long days in the saddle, dealing with everything from freezing mornings to sweltering afternoons, mud, dust and rain.
Séan has had his for very many years now, and it’s been through plenty, including a crash. He used it on a trip through Lesotho in May right as we were shifting from autumn to winter. Those early starts out of Gauteng can be properly chilly, frost on the bikes, breath hanging in the air, the sort of cold that makes you second guess your life choices. With the Tankwa’s thermal under garment, and the usual winter woolies underneath, he was warm enough without feeling stuffed into a sleeping bag.
As the sun climbs and the day warms up, the ventilation system comes into its own. The large chest, back and arm vents actually work, they move a noticeable amount of air through the jacket, and you can feel the temperature regulation kick in almost immediately once you’re moving. It’s not a fussy setup; simple zips, easy to reach and adjust on the go.
As the sun climbed and the day warmed up, the ventilation system comes into its own. The large chest, back and arm vents actually work, they move a noticeable amount of air through the jacket, and you can feel the temperature regulation kick in almost immediately once you’re moving. It’s not a fussy setup; simple zips, easy to reach and adjust on the go.
When they left Afriski in the early morning, the frost had thickened over the entire bikes, and the bikes looked like they’d been dipped in icing sugar. Same routine, pull on and zip up the thermal liner over some thermal layers, and he had one less reason to whinge for the day. Later in the day, when they were working harder over technical terrain and the temperatures rose, he could peel off layers and stash them in the jacket’s generous storage pockets. Small detail, but practical, you don’t want to be strapping spare thermals to your luggage or stuffing them into a backpack.
This suit genuinely works across seasons. It’s not perfect in every condition, we doubt any suits are, but it strikes a good balance. The outer shell, made from heavy-duty 600D polyester, is tough and fairly breathable. The thermal liner does its job for cold mornings, and when the mercury climbs, the vents keep you from overheating.
In short, it’s a multi-season suit that transitions well between temperature extremes. In South African conditions, that’s a big deal. You can wear it almost all year round with a bit of smart layering. Like any vented adventure jacket, it’s not waterproof. When summer storms hit Gauteng, expect to get wet. We’ve been caught in a few proper cloudbursts, and the jacket soaks through quickly. But it also dries out quickly. The front roll-top pockets offer decent water resistance with wallets and phones staying dry even in heavy rain, which says something for the design. Perfect for everyday summer riding and unexpected showers. Comfort is one of the Tankwa’s stronger points. The cut and adjustability are good, the straps at the waist, arms, and legs allow you to fine-tune the fit whether you’re layered up or stripped down. The collar and cuffs are lined, so they don’t dig in or rub when you’re moving around.
Séan’s kit has taken its fair share of knocks and mud without complaint. After several seasons of use, the fabric hasn’t faded much, and the zips and seams are still holding strong. It’s easy to clean, too, a quick wash after a dusty ride and it looks the part again. For gear that’s seen regular offroad use, that’s impressive. On the safety front, the Tankwa Ventura 2 range is well equipped. You get CE certified armour at the shoulders, elbows, back, hips, and knees. It’s not bulky, and it stays in place, exactly what you want when riding rough terrain. The reinforced panels add extra abrasion resistance, and Séan did actually get to test that aspect first-hand, when in a sharp hairpin on a tarred pass in Lesotho the front washed out on some black ice and he went done and slid along the tar for a bit. Other than his ego and a cracked rib from an ill placed camera he walked away unscathed, the materials are solid and up to spec as far as he is concerned. The Tankwa Adventure Suit doesn’t try too hard to impress, and that’s what makes it good. It’s practical, functional, and consistent. It does exactly what DMD says it will, protects you, keeps you comfortable across a wide temperature range, and holds up well over time. For real-world riding in Southern African conditions, hot, cold, dry, or muddy, this setup makes a lot of sense.
The value for money factor is also worth noting. Considering the materials, protection and longevity, the pricing is fair. There’s nothing gimmicky here, it’s straightforward gear that works, and that’s ultimately what most riders need. It’s clearly been designed by people who understand how unpredictable our riding conditions can be, and it’s proven itself more than once.
