MIRA Activewear Review – Custom Adventure Gear that Delivers

What happens when off-the-shelf motorcycle gear doesn’t meet the demands of your adventure riding? For many riders, the answer lies in custom solutions. South African brand, MIRA Activewear, creates made-to-order riding apparel tailored to individual preferences and harsh conditions. 

When it comes to adventure and rally riding, I’ve learned that your gear needs to do much more than just look the part. It has to protect you, move with you, and hold up when conditions get tough—whether that’s heat, sand, or a sudden downpour miles from shelter.

Looking for a one-of-a-kind rally or ADV outfit? MIRA is worth checking out.

I’ve worn my fair share of off-the-shelf gear over the years. Some of it worked well, but there was always a compromise—fit, function, or comfort. So, I finally decided to try something different and go fully custom. I wanted a setup that matched how I ride, not just how I look. Pants, jersey, jacket—the whole package.

That search led me to MIRA Activewear, a South African brand that builds custom riding gear designed by and for riders who actually put it to the test. I had heard good things, and after working with them and wearing the gear in real conditions, I can say—they’ve earned the reputation.

• What Stood Out

Right away, what impressed me most about MIRA was how well thought-out their customization process is. You’re not just picking colors—you’re deciding on vents, pockets, collar styles, sleeve options, graphics… even zipper placement. The gear is built around your riding environment and personal preferences—not a one-size-fits-all formula.

In my case, riding in the UAE means brutal heat and endless sand, so I requested extra venting in the pants and jersey, and MIRA delivered. Even on 104°F (40°C+) days, the gear stays breathable without compromising protection. My jacket has removable sleeves for early-morning chill that quickly gives way to midday desert heat. That kind of modularity makes a real difference on long, multi-terrain rides.

They also offer full-fabric sublimation printing, meaning all your logos, colors, and designs are embedded into the fabric—no peeling stickers or cracking vinyl. MIRA gear was on full display with 12 riders fully outfitted at the 2025 Dakar Rally.

MIRA’s customer service and attention to detail exceeded expectations.

• Real-World Use: Fit, Function & Feedback

Since this is custom gear, getting the measurements right is key. One lesson I learned the first time around: account for your base layers—armored shorts, padded liners, and so on. My original pants technically “fit,” but were tighter than I like once I was fully geared up. And when you’re trying to swing a leg over a loaded ADV bike or shift your weight during a technical climb, even a little tightness matters.

I shared that feedback with the MIRA team, and they quickly suggested a more relaxed cut and adjusted the sizing on my next order. That kind of rider-first support makes a big difference.

One minor issue I encountered: the inner liner in the pant legs wasn’t stitched in place, so my foot would occasionally catch on it when removing the pants. I’ve seen similar designs in MX gear, but it’s something I flagged. Again, MIRA took the feedback and made the change in my second pair.

Putting MIRA gear to the test in the Dubai heat—custom ventilation made a huge difference.

• Fit Takes Time

One important consideration: custom gear takes time. MIRA products are made to order, with an average production time of about six weeks, plus shipping. If you’ve got a big ride or rally coming up, plan accordingly. For me, the personalized service and tailored fit were absolutely worth the wait—but if you’re on a tight timeline, this could be a drawback.

If you’re used to walking into a store and riding out the same day, the six-week turnaround can feel long. MIRA makes each piece to order, which is great for customization, but less ideal for last-minute needs.

Behind the scene at MIRA HQ with co-owner and designer Marique.

Because each piece is highly cust omizable, there’s not much pricing on their website. To give you a general idea, this is what it roughly cost in US dollars! 

• Rally Jacket: $612
• In-the-Boot Pants: $250
• Custom Jersey: $56

• Built to Handle Adventure and Off-Road Racing

MIRA uses 1200 Denier polyester as the base material, offering a solid balance between durability and weight. It feels rugged without being bulky, and the moisture-wicking liner helps you stay dry as temperatures climb. I’ve ridden in this gear through deep sand, fast gravel, rocky climbs, and full-day sweats—it holds up without complaint.

After more than a year of use, the seams, zippers, and colors have all held up exceptionally well. Even after a few slow-speed tip-overs, the 1200D fabric hasn’t shown a scratch.

Designing your ideal kit is part of the fun—custom options are nearly endless.

• A Note on Protection and Final Thoughts

While MIRA gear is tough and well-built, it’s not CE-rated like some premium European brands. You’ll need to bring your own armor or ask about their SAS-TEC insert options. For me, that was fine—but if you’re expecting a full plug-and-play armored system, just know that this gear is more modular by design.

If you’re the kind of rider who wants your gear to work as hard as you do—and you’re done compromising on fit or features—MIRA Activewear is absolutely worth checking out. It’s not mass-produced. It’s not off the shelf. It’s built for you. And that’s a game-changer.

For more info in MIRA Activewear in South Africa, visit: https://miraactivewear.co.za/

• Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Rider-first customer service that listens and adapts
• Fully customizable—from vents to visuals
• High-quality build that handles serious riding

Cons (and things to know):

• Expect 6+ weeks production time—worth it, but not instant
• Be precise with measurements and consider your ride layers
• Pant liner could benefit from being stitched down (which they’ll do if asked)