Alpinestars Zaca Waterproof Jacket

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 effective side waist adjustment straps.

Need help measuring? Get it here.

The Alpinestars Zaca Waterproof Jacket is a Tech-Air® ready 2L waterproof jacket with a sporty look.

The Zaca Waterproof jacket uses a 2L laminate waterproof liner. 2L basically stands for 2 layers : an outer layer that has a DWR treatment that causes water to bead up and roll off instead of soaking through,this is bonded to a mid-layer laminate waterproof membrane which keeps the water that does get through the outer shell out of the interior of the jacket and is it also breathable. Most of the Zaca uses this two layer system with an loose fit mesh interior lining as well. Stretch fit portions of the inner arms, arm pits, and shoulder blades have a 3L construction that adds a third layer bonded on the back of the membrane layer that is an interior lining layer of breathable material. This inner lining gives the jacket just enough space between your body and the laminate liner so your skin can breath and you don’t end up with that plastic bag feeling you might have if the membrane were touching your skin.

The Alpinestars Zaca Waterproof jacket also has direct ventilation at the chest thanks to two large zippered openings that can be pinned open with a snap in place strap. These allow air to flow directly to the body without the waterproof liner in between, meaning this jacket will work for most riders in 3-4 seasons depending on where you’re located and your tolerance for heat. The jacket has stretch materials in the shoulders, inner arms, and arm pits that not only makes it comfortable but also allows you to wear a Tech-Air® system underneath if you choose (see related products below). Alternatively you could upgrade to a Nucleon KR series back protector and the Nucleon KR-Ci chest protectors (also below). The Zaca comes with Alpinestars Nucleon Flex Plus CE level 1 armor in the elbows and shoulders. There is also a removable full sleeve thermal liner.

For storage, the Zaca has two external zippered hand warmer pockets, on internal hook and loop pocket on the right side of the belly, one zippered internal pocket on the left side of the belly, and one hook and loop pocket on the left side interior of the thermal liner. The hood has a drawcord adjuster and it can easily be removed via a few snaps at the collar. With the hood removed you can tuck the snap tabs in and snap the collar closed on the backside for a finished look as well. There are hook and loop adjusters at the cuffs and waist for fit adjustment.

The Alpinestars Zaca Waterproof jacket is a great waterproof textile sport style jacket for urban and commuter riders. The inclusion of large front vents will help this jacket work into the warmer months, but it is ideal in cold to mild, wet or dry weather riding. :: Mike, 12/14/2022