Protective Base Layers: Discover Which Armor Truly Protects
Robert Baldinger
Updated: August 14, 2025
left for contents
If you’re here, you’re probably looking for a protective base layer — armor you wear closest to your body so you can stay flexible with whatever you throw on top. I love that about these kinds of layers. On scorching days, sometimes this is all I’ll wear.
After years of riding in all sorts of conditions — from blazing Texas heat to chilly pre-seasons in Sweden — I’ve come to know these two pieces inside and out:
- Knox Urbane Pro — my trusty companion for about six years.
- Adventure Spec Supershirt 2.0 — the newer arrival with some surprising advantages.
|
| 
|
Light, breathable armor layer that stays snug and secure—keeps protectors in place while offering cool comfort in warmer weather. | Lightweight, breathable armored base layer that fits snug, supports layering, and keeps protection close to the skin. |
|
|
|
|
Light, breathable armor layer that stays snug and secure—keeps protectors in place while offering cool comfort in warmer weather.
- Well-positioned Level 2 armor stays put for excellent impact alignment
- High-ventilation mesh keeps airflow strong for ideal summer riding
- Slim stretch fit works under or over other gear for high versatility
- Large breathable back protector enhances both protection and cooling
- Shoulder armor may fold when hung which can make it awkward to put on
- Wrist or collar fabric may fray or rub causing minor comfort wear over time
Lightweight, breathable armored base layer that fits snug, supports layering, and keeps protection close to the skin.
- Extremely lightweight and unobtrusive for comfort
- Level 2 armor stays securely in place for real protection
- Highly breathable with effective heat and moisture wicking
- Form-fitting stretch material adapts to diverse body shapes
- Armor can feel bulky under tight outer layers
- Diagonal side zipper may wear over long-term use
Both aim to protect you, primarily from abrasion. That’s what separates them from motocross-style armor jackets, which focus on impact protection but won’t save you from a slide on asphalt. These base layers give you abrasion resistance first, plus armor pads for light impact protection. You’re still not walking away unscathed from a major collision, but for lighter hits and slides, they’re a solid safety net.
💡 Building your full ADV gear setup? A good base layer is just the start. Check out our motorcycle gear guide for smart layering strategies that save money and keep you protected in all conditions.
The interesting part? They deliver that protection in very different ways.
This article is based on this video:
First Impressions: Knox Urban Pro
Let’s start with the one I know best. I’ve been using the Knox Urban Pro for six years, and from day one, it felt like a proper armored jacket. It weighs in at 2.1 kg, which you notice when you pick it up.
It’s easy to put on: full-length central zipper, thumb loops, no fuss. The moment it’s zipped, you feel that protective hug — a bit restrictive in the arms, sure, but that’s part of the reassuring “I’m wearing armor” sensation. It’s substantial. You know it’s there.
Knox Urbane Pro Mk3 Armored Shirt
Check Price on Revzilla
Light, breathable armor layer that stays snug and secure—keeps protectors in place while offering cool comfort in warmer weather.
Pros:
- Well-positioned Level 2 armor stays put for excellent impact alignment
- High-ventilation mesh keeps airflow strong for ideal summer riding
- Slim stretch fit works under or over other gear for high versatility
- Large breathable back protector enhances both protection and cooling
Cons:
- Shoulder armor may fold when hung which can make it awkward to put on
- Wrist or collar fabric may fray or rub causing minor comfort wear over time
We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
First Impressions: Adventure Spec Supershirt 2.0
The Supershirt couldn’t feel more different. On the scale, it comes in at 1.6 kg — that’s half a kilo lighter, and that includes a chest plate, which my Knox setup doesn’t have.
Instead of a central zipper, it’s got a side zip. That design works better with the chest plate and changes how you get in and out of it. Like the Knox, it has thumb loops to prevent the shirt from sliding up in a crash.
Here’s the twist: despite feeling lighter and less like “armor,” the Supershirt actually offers more protection than the Knox.
Adventure Spec Supershirt 2.0
Check Price on Adventure Spec
Lightweight, breathable armored base layer that fits snug, supports layering, and keeps protection close to the skin.
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight and unobtrusive for comfort
- Level 2 armor stays securely in place for real protection
- Highly breathable with effective heat and moisture wicking
- Form-fitting stretch material adapts to diverse body shapes
Cons:
- Armor can feel bulky under tight outer layers
- Diagonal side zipper may wear over long-term use
Thumb Loops: Small Detail, Noticeable Difference
On the Knox, the thumb loops are minimal — almost like two little threads. On the Supershirt, the loops pull fabric further over the hand, creating a bit of bulk between the thumb and forefinger. That bulk can get in the way when putting gloves on, so I often skip them.
Still, the Supershirt’s snug fit means it’s unlikely to ride up, loops or no loops.
Fit and Sizing
For reference, I’m 87 kg and 180 cm tall. In the Knox Urban Pro, I wear a Large — fits tight, as it should.
With the Supershirt, I went for a Medium. The Large felt too loose, almost sweater-like. The Medium hugs my body, with just the right arm length and no bunching.
Takeaway: The Supershirt shapes itself around you, rather than forcing you into its shape like the Knox does. That’s great for comfort, but it also means sizing is critical. Go down one size from what you’d normally pick for armored gear.
Fabric and Construction Differences
Knox Urban Pro
The Knox is built from a mix of fabrics and zones:
- Normal fabric on the front pockets.
- See-through mesh panels for airflow.
- Stretch panels in some areas for mobility, non-stretch in others for stability.
- A thicker multi-layer back with outer mesh, an inner layer, and the back protector sandwiched inside.
This variety gives it a structured, jacket-like feel. The Urban Pro MK3 is AA rated under CE standards.
Adventure Spec Supershirt 2.0
The Supershirt is completely different. The material feels almost organic, like leather, and it’s stretchy everywhere. The whole garment is the same fabric throughout — no mesh panels, no obvious zoning.
You can breathe through it, but it’s less ventilated than pure mesh. In exchange, you get AAA-rated abrasion protection across most of the garment (AA in the back section).
It’s the kind of fabric you find yourself absentmindedly touching — cool, smooth, almost reptilian.
Armor Pads
Both jackets use soft, flexible pads, but the Supershirt 2.0’s name comes from its upgraded armor. The pads are developed in the UK, with a design full of vent holes to improve breathability.
- Knox: Classic pads with a few holes for ventilation.
- Supershirt: Fully vented, mesh-like pads that noticeably improve airflow.
The chest plate in the Supershirt is vented, but like any big plastic piece on your chest, it still gets warm. The back protector is fully perforated, so it breathes well.
Minor Annoyance: Pad Pockets in the Supershirt
Because the Supershirt’s fabric is so stretchy, it’s easy to accidentally catch your hand or watch on the pad openings when putting it on. I’ve had to “crawl” my way into the sleeve to avoid ending up with my hand inside an armor pocket. Not a dealbreaker, but something you learn to work around.
Hot Weather Riding
I’ve ridden both in 40°C (100°F) heat, and honestly, there’s no dramatic difference in overall comfort.
- Knox without the chest plate lets more wind hit your chest directly.
- Supershirt spreads airflow more evenly but lacks that open-mesh blast of air in front.
The real heat problem comes from inside — your own body heat and sweat. The Supershirt’s vented pads help here, letting more of that heat escape compared to the Knox’s denser pads.
Sweat, Rain, and Drying Times
After a sweaty ride, both jackets are tricky to peel off — they stick to your skin.
Drying time is where the Supershirt edges ahead. Its single-layer synthetic fabric dries faster than the Knox’s heavier, multi-layer construction. That half-kilo weight difference isn’t just in armor; it’s in fabric density, too.
If you ride in hot, humid climates or do multi-day trips where gear needs to dry overnight, this matters.
Which One Should You Choose?
Supershirt 2.0
- Best for off-road and adventure riding where mobility matters.
- Lighter (even with chest plate).
- Easier to move in when standing on the pegs.
- Dries quicker after sweat or light rain.
Knox Urban Pro
- Best for urban and road-focused riding.
- Heavier, with a more substantial “jacket” feel.
- Shapes your body, feels protective in a traditional way.
If you want that armored-jacket confidence and structure, go Knox. If you want mobility, lightness, and modern armor tech, go Supershirt.
Bonus Test: Fabric Durability
At the end of the video, I tested the Supershirt’s fabric against a regular t-shirt.
The t-shirt tore instantly. The Supershirt? Just some surface marks — no real damage underneath.
Important: This doesn’t mean it’s knife-proof or that you should expect it to stop every hazard. It’s just a quick visual on how the material holds up against abrasion.
Final Thoughts
Both jackets have served me well, in very different ways.
- For multi-day adventure trips with a mix of dirt and asphalt, I grab the Supershirt 2.0. The light weight, vented armor, and quicker drying make life easier on the road.
Adventure Spec Supershirt 2.0
Check Price on Adventure Spec
Lightweight, breathable armored base layer that fits snug, supports layering, and keeps protection close to the skin.
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight and unobtrusive for comfort
- Level 2 armor stays securely in place for real protection
- Highly breathable with effective heat and moisture wicking
- Form-fitting stretch material adapts to diverse body shapes
Cons:
- Armor can feel bulky under tight outer layers
- Diagonal side zipper may wear over long-term use
- For shorter rides or when I want that armored-jacket feel, the Knox Urban Pro still delivers, with its structured fit and familiar heft.
Knox Urbane Pro Mk3 Armored Shirt
Check Price on Revzilla
Light, breathable armor layer that stays snug and secure—keeps protectors in place while offering cool comfort in warmer weather.
Pros:
- Well-positioned Level 2 armor stays put for excellent impact alignment
- High-ventilation mesh keeps airflow strong for ideal summer riding
- Slim stretch fit works under or over other gear for high versatility
- Large breathable back protector enhances both protection and cooling
Cons:
- Shoulder armor may fold when hung which can make it awkward to put on
- Wrist or collar fabric may fray or rub causing minor comfort wear over time
We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Either way, you’re getting proven abrasion resistance and comfort you can ride in all day. The choice comes down to whether you value that lighter, second-skin feel or the solid embrace of a traditional armored jacket.
Got the Knox or Supershirt dialed in? Here’s how to finish the rest of your ADV gear setup.
