Alpinestars Revenant Gore-Tex Jacket (SM Or MD Only)

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.

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 Revenant Gore-Tex jacket is a VERY technical and extremely heavy duty touring/adventure riding jacket with nearly every conceivable technical feature.

Compare this jacket to the Alpinestars Yaguara Drystar jacket. Both are a 3/4 length touring/adventure jacket with a host of armor choices and a very complete rainproofing and venting package. The main difference in this Revenant and the Yaguara is the construction of the shell. The Revenant is a bonded GoreTex chassis and the Yaguara is Drystar. Both are “bonded” construction jacket which means the waterproofing membrane is bonded to the back side of the textile shell material. Being bonded rather than having a separate waterproof liner behind the shell means that the water is blocked from passing through the outer shell and therefore the shell material does not become waterlogged in a rain. Also, with extensive zippered venting, the bonded waterproofing means that when the vents are open, the air coming through the vents goes right through to your body and is much more effective. So with the direct venting construction, this jacket will take you further into summer and still be reasonably comfortable. With all the zips closed and because the shell will be windproof as well as waterproof, this jacket will work well in cold temps too. You can layer underneath with your own thermal layers to get the insulation you need for conditions.

But if you lay the Yaguara and the Revenant on the table, side by side, you’ll immediately notice that the Revenant’s materials are MUCH heavier and sturdier. The Revenant’s shell compares to Klim’s premium jackets (similar Gore-Tex construction), but the overall package is a bit sportier in cut and more technical where the Klim is more of an off road-Adventure style jacket that is more “boxy” and has fewer detailed features.

The armor system on the Revenant is really the ultimate. Firstly, you get level 2 CE-certified Bio Air shoulders and elbow protectors. These protectors are the highest rated and most substantial of any armor we offer. This jacket also includes chest and back protection capability. There are two chest pad compartments in front and the traditional back pad compartment. The jacket comes standard with thin foam “place holder” armor pieces, but you can upgrade those with CE certified units (see the links below). In a jacket of this magnitude, I’d guess most would go with the level 2 back protector option, but the leve one unit is available as well. We’ve got good descriptions of both, so just click through the links to consider those options. The shoulder armor capability of this jacket is beefed up with external hard protectors on the outside of the shoulders. These protectors will add hard impact protection in that area. The elbows are reinforced with strips of Aramid strips (you can see those in the photos), which adds additional abrasion protection.

As if that weren’t enough, this jacket is compatible with Alpinestars Tech-Air® street air bag system which is an optional air bag vest that is worn under the jacket and replaces the the optional armor mentioned above.

In trying this jacket on, I honestly felt it is a bit overwhelming. It is HEAVY DUTY and stiff and with the stiff shell, the elbow armor wasn’t pliable enough to be comfortable. Let’s be clear, I’ve not ever, nor will I ever have riding experiences that would call for a jacket like this, but there are people out there that will, and for those, this may be just the thing, but if you aren’t doing rides demanding gear of this magnitude, you won’t find this jacket to comfortable or user friendly. :: Paul, 06-01-18