Alpinestars Andes v2 Drystar Jacket - 2017

These jackets are sold in US based “alpha” sizes, so selecting a size is basically pretty easy. The size Medium and XL jackets fit Huey and Dewey, our Fit Check mannequins very nicely! Also, we checked several sizes with a tape. We found the sizing to be comparable to standard men’s clothing sizes. So our primary advice would be to 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). You can use this size chart to check your own measurements against the size chart to make sure the size you select will work. Choose a size that is big enough for both your chest and belly.

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.

Need help measuring? Get it here.

Sizing information provided by Alpinestars

The new Andes v2 Drystar jacket is an updated version of the original Andes from 2013. The overall styling is updated, but very similar to the previous model, and has similar styling to other, recent model touring and/or adventure jackets. There is also a new “camo” version which is interesting. The big change in this jacket from previous designs is the improved venting system (see below). I also give this Andes v2 (and many other Alpinestars jackets) high marks for including options for upgraded back pads and also CE approved chest pads (no other makers do the chest pad thing!).

Like other Alpinestars jackets, the materials are high quality and unlike less expensive garments appear well tailored and “crisp”, and I think this is especially impressive for a jacket at the lower end of their price range. Climate control features are the thing to go into detail about with this new model. First off, this jacket will be ideal for those that ride in wet and/or mild to cold weather. The jacket is made waterproof by way of a “drystar” lining that is installed in the jacket between the outer shell and the inner lining. This type of waterproofing is very effective, and oftentimes I caution folks about an integrated rain liner like this because of limited venting capability, but this jacket has a new “direct ventilation system” which offers two LARGE vents in front and even includes a mechanism to help prop the vent wide open to catch the air. Please have a look at our close-up photos to see this feature (better seen than described). For cold weather, you can button up those vents and zip in the removable full sleeve liner. The liner along with the longer length of this jacket ought to keep you toasty even in cold weather. With the toasty liner and big venting capability, this jacket will cover most people year around. Those who ride in really hot weather will be the only exception.

Like any other longer touring style, this jacket also has a number of pockets…. I count four in front, three inside and one big one on the fanny. There are some larger reflective materials on the front and back for nighttime visibility. A couple little features you’ll grow to appreciate: the main zipper is two-way, meaning you can zip the jacket up from the bottom part way when sitting to prevent the lower part of the jacket from piling up in your lap; also there is a nifty little keeper built into the collar that keeps the velcro-close collar tab from flapping in the wind (and driving you crazy). We’ve got a slew of good pictures of all this stuff, so just take the “View Larger Images” link above to have a look at all those. This new v2 version Andes retains the nice features and improves the venting too. And all at a very economical price: Paul, 03-16-17