Alpinestars Andes Air Drystar Jacket

These jackets are sold in US based “alpha” sizes, so selecting a size is basically pretty easy. For most people, you would choose the size you normally wear in men’s clothing. Alpinestars publishes a super-complicated size chart which can be used to pick a size based upon your chest and waist. We’ve condensed their chart down to make it easy to read (see below). The waist is adjustable with Velcro tabs. Overall this should be a very easy style to fit.

The max waist of a jacket style like this is only a couple inches smaller than the max chest, so the style is very forgiving in case you have a bit of a belly, but don’t be concerned if your belly is smaller than the size listed below because this jacket has some very effective side waist adjustment straps.

About sizing when accessory armor is used: I’d recommend you add 1” to your chest and belly measurements if you plan on adding the chest pads and the KR-1i back pad, which will be most peoples upgrade choice. If you want to add the KR-2I back pad, add 2”. The Tech-Air airbag system can be used with this jacket and would be used in place of the back pad and chest protectors. If selecting the air bag system, add 2” to your chest and belly measurements before selecting your jacket size.

Need help measuring? Get it here.

The Andes Air Drystar® Jacket from Alpinestars is a touring jacket that is designed for dual-season, multi-weather use. Overall construction of the jacket is a combination of 2D mesh which is primarily located on the chest, inner arms and on the back, ripstop with additional reinforcements on the shoulders, elbows, and forearms, as well as a 100% waterproof and breathable, detachable Drystar® membrane that can be worn both under and over the jacket. This construction and mix of materials has earned this jacket a CE Level A abrasion resistance rating. Additional protection can be found against impact with the included Nucleon Flex Plus CE Level 1 rated armor at both the elbows and shoulders, and there is a back protector pocket that you can utilize with a back protector that would be purchased separately.

Looking at comfort and convenience, this jacket has what Alpinestars calls a road-oriented fit, meaning that its slightly shorter than many adventure or touring jackets, it has a contoured edge, pre-shaped arms, as well as plenty of ventilation and airflow for the warmer riding conditions. Overall, it is a very comfortable jacket, and in my opinion a really good looking one too (some excellent color options to boot). I feel that even though, in typical Alpinestars fashion, this jacket has many logos, they are done in a way that isn’t too over the top and in a way that actually compliment the look of the jacket. Back to convenience, you have to very large pockets in the front, one full body wide, large pocket in the back, as well as two chest pockets, storage is plentiful. The Andes Air Drystar® Jacket also features excellent adjustability with multiple ways to adjust your fit including adjustment tabs at the biceps, adjustment straps at the forearms, adjustment straps ad the belly, as well as adjustment straps at the cuff.

Overall the Andes Air Drystar® Jacket from Alpinestars is good value for the money coming in at $289.99 at the time of this review and would serve you well if you are looking for a versatile warm weather jacket that can quickly adapt if the weather changes. My two biggest complaints with this jacket are the following, first, the removable waterproof membrane isn’t designed to look good outside of the jacket, yes it is designed to be worn on the inside or the outside of the jacket, but to me it doesn’t look as good as say some of REV’IT!s liners that look good as standalone jackets. Personally to me it looks unfinished and therefore would stay on the inside. Second, CE rating, I am supper disappointed that this jacket isn’t AA rated and is only A rated, if it was, it would definitely be in my personal collection. :: Damir 7/26/24